Laguna Penarroya
Picture perfect Laguna San Pedro
In wetter times these grasses were submerged and covered in calcium carbonate
the shoreline is white, thanks to the calcium carbonate
the water in Laguna Redondilla is pretty low
the dam drains into the fully overgrown Guardiana River
there is even a small chapel
inside the castle
the Penarroya Dam
with higher waterlevels, water will seep through this wall between Laguna Redondilla and Laguna Lengua
Located 15 km west of the sleepy town of Ossa de Montiel are a string of lakes that form a welcome contrast with the
windy and dry plains of
La Mancha.
The
Lagunas de Ruidera are 15 small interconnected lakes. The water flows north to the
Penarroya Dam, where it continues as the Guardiana River. Here you also find the Penarroya Castle.
A total drop over
the lakes of about 150 meters is enough to create a special murmering sound (ruido), giving the town of Ruidera its name.
The
area features prominently in the early 17th century
Don Quixote story.
Apart from the nice views, waterfowl and fish are main
attractions for the mostly Spanish visitors that holiday here in summertime.
Best time to visit is spring when there is
an explosion of colorful flowers lining up along the lakes and the quiet local roads.
We just did that in May 2016.
the local N430 road to Ossa de Montiel
a local eatery refers to the Cervantes story
the emerald waters of Laguna San Pedro
Penarroya Castle is partly restored