Chiz Dakins travels in Antarctica. First report back from Chile

Chiz Dakin, award winning photography, who is running outdoor photography courses here in Spain's Sierra Nevada, is on the first leg of a journey to Antartica. A journey that many of us wish we were going on too! During the course of the next few months she will send regular reports back on her progress. In this first of a series of special report she arrives in Chile and begins her travel adventure.

Lenticular Clouds. Beauty and the Beast for mountain lovers

There is no doubt that the formation of spectacular lenticular clouds is a magnificent sight for mountaineers. However their development sends out warning signs for those enjoying the mountain environment. In Spain's Sierra Nevada they are commonplace, more especially in the winter when they can develop with startling rapidity.

Spanish Highs Leonberger dog, Bruno, appears on BBC2

Our Leonberger, Bruno, got his moment of fame this morning, 14th November, appearing in the BBC2 childrens programme "Gimme A Break". Short and sweet! Unfortunately the kids chose a different holiday and so did not become guests of Spanish Highs Mountain Guides in the Sierra Nevada.

Mountaineering equipment and ski touring rental this winter in the Sierra Nevada

If you are looking to hire mountaineering or rock climbing equipment or go ski touring or snowshoeing this coming winter in the Sierra Nevada, then try the well established rental facility run by Spanish Highs Mountain Guides. They have a fully stocked rental facility in Lanjaron in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. So, don't be weight penalised by the airlines! Winter or summer they have the following available at reasonable hire rates (n.b their own guided activities include include the rental of equipment.)

Cold temperatures mean snow making underway in Sierra Nevada

The sudden drop in temperatures have allowed the ski centre at Pradollano to start making snow. This mornings photo shows the snow machines in full swing. The cold temperatures are likely to remain with us for some time together with high winds. There is maybe a chance of real snow next Monday 9th November.