Hoces of the River Duraton
February 21, 2012
Photographer: F.J. Pobes; Fernando's Web site
Summary Author: F.J. Pobes; Jim Foster
The photo montage above shows the Hoces of the River Duraton in north central Spain, in the province of Segovia. This scenic natural park consists of impressive 15 mi (25 km) long gorges ("hoces") created by the Duraton River as it loops its way to the Douro River, to eventually empty into the Atlantic Ocean. The wide meanders of the Duraton have, over the eons, eroded into limestone rock – the resulting cliffs tower 330 ft (100 m) above the river. Natural caves formed in these cliffs house ceramics and paintings that date to the Bronze age. The canyon walls are also prime nesting sites of one of the largest colonies of griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) in Europe. Junipers line the slopes leading down to the river. Photo taken on January 29, 2012.
Photo details: Canon 350d camera; sigma 28-70; 70-300 APO; 3-photo panorama.