A GUIDE TO THE POSSIBLE DANGERS
This advice is taken from the booklet written by Miguel A. Vidal and José L. Rodriguez with particular emphasis on the Sierra de Gredos although it is sound advice for all mountains.
In November of 1990, Jeremy Parkinson lost his life in Gredos, aged 24. This guide is dedicated to his memory and to all visitors to Gredos that they may enjoy its beauty in safety.
“Don’t look for me here, I am with the eagles.”
Correct Equipment
Proper clothing should always be worn – lightweight, strong, comfortable and brightly coloured in case of accidents. Walking boots should always be worn, even for short and apparently easy walks. Always carry protective clothing and a change of clothes in case of sudden weather changes in the mountains. Sunglasses and high factor sun protection as the ultraviolet rays are stronger at altitude. Gloves when it is cold. Take a torch and carry everything in a rucksack as this leaves your hands free.
Food and Drink
Mountaineering is one of the sports that needs the most energy so carry sufficient food of the correct kind – carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Sandwiches, nuts, muesli bars, dried fruits are good examples. One kilogram of food per person per day is needed. Do not leave rubbish – take it home with you. A long walk with a heavy rucksack requires 3 – 4 litres of liquid to avoid dehydration. If only drinking water it is a good idea to add salts and electrolites to the mountain water as it is so pure. It is not advisable to drink from the streams and rivers in case of contamination from animals and humans. Look for fountains, these are drinkable unless marked “no potable”. It is also preferable not to drink water that is very cold.
Camping
Free camping is not permitted within the Regional Park but camping is allowed near the refuges of Elola and Reguerro Llano. There are no good camping areas near Los Galayos; there is a campsite near the Plataforma del Nogal del Barranco. Do not camp near a river or a lake, choose a flat, raised site and there is no need to dig a trench around the tent. Make sure your equipment is adequate and properly erected (igloo tents are the most suitable as they are lightweight, wind-resistant and safer during electric storms as they have no upright poles). Camp fires are not permitted within the Regional Park, elsewhere take care with fire and cigarettes. Do not leave food and rubbish inside or outside the tent as this may attract animals.
Fast-moving streams and flash floods
Gredos is a massif of hard compact granite which doesn’t retain water so all rain that falls runs down the surface towards the gorges and valleys lower down. This makes the rock very smooth and slippery so great care should be taken when crossing rivers or playing in them. There are 2 particularly dangerous areas in the Sierra de Gredos, mainly because of the large numbers of people who visit them the number of accidents recorded is high – Chorreras de la Lancha on the South face near Guisando and Charco Esmeralda in the North, Circo de Gredos above Laguna Grande. Flash floods may occur, most commonly in the Autumn when, within a few minutes, a huge amount of rain or hail can fall creating numerous rivers and streams, raising the levels of the lakes and increasing the flow of streams – make sure you are positioned in a safe and elevated spot, out of the path of small streams; do not attempt to cross the torrents. Wait for the rain to stop and the streams and rivers will calm down.
Electric Storms
“Summer” storms pass quite quickly in Gredos, storms which accompany a front or are part of general bad weathere can last for 2 or 3 days. They can build up quickly, behind a mountain and give a person little time to seek shelter. Some signs to look out for when a storm is brewing are increased presence of biting insects; build up of high, dark, swollen cloud; distant sound of thunder, wind, etc. If a storm takes you by surprise you must know how to avoid being struck by lightning – make sure you are lower than the highest point in your surroundings so keep away from peaks, crests and any exposed, elevated area; keep away from trees, derelict buildings or isolated posts; avoid torrents, lakes, currents of air and vertical rock faces. The safest position is squatting on something which is dry and insulating (eg. rucksack), with legs closed and feet together. Protect yourself from cold with something waterproof to lessen discomfort of the wait. You will know there is danger of lightning strik when metal objects start to hum, your hair stands on end and your face and hands start to tingle. If a companion is struck by lightning you must immediately start cardiac massage and mouth to mouth resuscitation and treat any burns.
Cattle and Horses
These are permitted to graze freely in the mountains and are usually found near rivers. Generally they cause no problems to walkers in Gredos. Occasionally, with young or when the bulls are fighting over females, they may appear more hostile – in these instances it is recommended to walk around them, ignoring them, or to raise a stick to them.
Dangerous wild animals
The most abundant wild animal in Gredos is the Ibex, Spanish mountain goat. Normally, they are fearful of man and will flee. Some are now quite tame and will wish to share your picnic – please do not feed the Ibex, they are wild and need to find their own food.
Snake, vibora hocicuda – likes sunny rocky areas. Check stone walls before sitting and be careful in Broom in July and August where the snake shelters from midday sun and heat. With proper clothing and boots there is no danger. Snake bite is only dangerous to children and the elderly. If bitten make a tourniquet above the bite and seek the attention of a doctor.
Scorpions – most abundant in the lowlands of the South side of Gredos. Check footwear and clothing when camping. Sting not dangerous but should seek doctor.
Toads and Salamanders – secrete toxic substances through their skin to defend themselves – avoid this by not handling them.