Road ~ Ride Holiday 2017
Diary – Part 7
Diary – Part 7
Thursday October 19
Travel to Olot
If you have to have a day when your travel plans go awry then having it happen when it rains most of the day and you didn't really have anything major planned to do is a good thing!
Today was our day of misadventure with travel arrangements - in the end we lost 4 hours of the day waiting for trains.
We were all up early, had breakfast, packed and had the apartment cleaned by 8.30am to walk to the station for our 9.27am departure.
We got to the station to find the train had been cancelled (still don't know why) and a bus would take us to Narbonne at 9.38am giving us just a 10 minute window to catch the connecting train to Girona. Whether through miscommunication and not being at the correct spot or the bus not actually running we don't know. It was raining heavily at this stage.
Back into the station and a longer conversation with the information girl and we were on a train to Narbonne at 11.27am, thankfully still able to use the same tickets but not sure about the tickets on the connecting train to Girona at 2.35pm.
We waited for the new train and it continued to rain. Didn't have our tickets checked on the short trip to Narbonne.
Confirmed at Narbonne that our tickets to Girona would be good. Another wait for the connecting train, thankfully they had a good coffee place at the station. Banana baguettes and coffee make an interesting lunch.
Train to Girona was a little crowded and again no ticket check.
John had been in contact with Bike Catalonia and they knew not to collect us until 4.00pm.
Ivan collected us with the bikes on a trailer in a great van. Drove us to Olot through some beautiful countryside on very impressive roads.
The whole area looks green - it is still raining!
Our accommodation, Can Blanc is very good and our 3 course meal at La Deu was 'over indulgent', we are eating far too much food!
Breakfast at 8.00am, ride (a circular route, approximately 40kms) at 9.00am and hopefully back in time to walk to Montsacopa, the open volcanic crater and view the volcano museum.
Friday October 20
Via Verde to the Sea - Day 1
7.00am alarm for 8.00am breakfast, ready to leave by 9.00am.
The first two we managed, the third didn't happen until after 10.30am. Ivan turned up with the GPS for John fixed and transferred the files for the trails onto John's Garmin as well. We also took some time to attach things on the various bikes and inflate the tyres properly.
Ivan also left Geri a book with instructions to the trail for today. The instruction book and the GPS trail on the Garmin for John didn't match so we had some quite interesting interactions between the two for most of the day, which cost us a bit of time to do other things later in the afternoon.
The first part of the trail we managed without a problem, just a very steep and continual climb, we had a few of these during the day. Our total climb for the day, over the 30 kms we did, was 737 metres.
It was at the top of this climb that the GPS and the book really differed. In the end we followed the GPS and soon discovered it was taking us away from the Beech Forest, 'Fageda de'n Jorda', one of the main attractions around Olot. We came to a parking area that had another road leading off this. Ken followed it in and found it was the road with the deep furrow in the middle that Geri had described earlier. We took this and found ourselves in the middle of the forest. The morning light coming through the tree branches and leaves was magical. The dappled light was something special to behold.
From here we continued through the Beech Forest then out onto the proper trial heading towards 'Volca de Santa Margardia'. This is an extinct volcano. It was a stiff climb up to the rim of the crater then a reasonable climb down with fairly easy steps. The area at the bottom of the crater is clear with a small church built at the bottom - intriguing as to why it was built there. We had lunch at the bottom of the crater.
After leaving here we made our way to Santa Pau and the old city. There are only two entrances to this area and a decent walk to get in. We stopped and I had an ice cream and drink here.
From here the instructions and the track became a little complicated and as it was after 4.30pm we decided to miss the second volcano and head back to Can Blanc. We passed some interesting volcanic rock formations an area on the side of 'Volca de Croscat' where a landslide had occurred and some great terraced garden areas. The return to Can Blanc was great, downhill glides, no peddling but a need to pay attention as we had bikes with reversed brakes again. They are not as good our hybrid bikes at home and take a lot more work to ride the normal distances we do. Again we had a 3 course meal but as we have paid for it we all had all three courses! Early to bed for everyone.
Saturday October 21
Via Verde to the Sea - Day 2
Slept a little later today as we couldn't leave until John's replacement bike (the brakes on the original didn't work) had arrived. It was expected at 10.00am.
This gave us time to enjoy the breakfast which we originally thought was just toast and drinks. It turned out to be much more and was quite filling for the full day of riding that was ahead of us.
Unfortunately John's replacement bike didn't arrive until after 11.00am so the whole morning was wasted. It also took us a while to find the Via Verde to the Sea, 'Greenway' trail and it does have green signs.
Once found and we knew which direction we would be heading to Can Vila, our next accommodation spot, we looked at what we could do to look around Olot.
We selected 'Volcans de la Garrinda I Montsacopa'. This has a great lookout over the town of Olot. It also has an interesting church on the edge of the crater as well. It was a much easier walk than yesterday. The crater wasn't as spectacular as yesterday but the view over Olot was impressive.
Once down from the volcano the others had lunch whilst Ken and Paula walked around the town, finding 'Museu del Sants', a museum that displays how Spanish cultural and religious objects are made. Much to Paula's disappointment we didn't have time to explore.
We didn't leave Olot until after 2.00pm but thankfully the Greenway was well signposted and easy to follow. The track was even, wide and smooth, a great rail trail. The first 5 kms were a gradual climb out of Olot but become a slightly harder grind as we approached the highest point just here Sant Felix de Pallerols at 830 metres above sea level.
By this stage we had only come a quarter of the distance, 41 kms to Can Vila.
Thankfully after this it was a great downhill run with only one other climb just outside of Amer then a final uphill push to the accommodation. It allowed us to make up some valuable time. We had a stop for a quick bite and drinks at Les Planes d'Hostoles then continued the ride into Angles without another stop. It was only a kilometre from here to Can Vila.
The Via Verde to the Sea rail trail was excellent. The track was great, the views across the valleys and into the small villages, especially Amer, were striking and the avenues through hand cut rock cuttings, forest areas, small rail tunnels and under narrow bridges was spectacular.
To top it off Can Vila, our accommodation, is something truly different and our hosts, Corldo and Gloria are charming with the meal we had for dinner rated the best we had had for the entire trip. We have two nights here and we are already wondering what Corldo could do to out do tonight’s meal!
When we arrived everyone had a shower, did their washing before Gloria started to spoil us; tea and biscuits, beer and nuts and coffee and biscuits.
Dinner was at 8.00pm early just for us, normally the Spanish don't start to eat dinner until 9.00pm!
Sunday October 22
Via Verde to the Sea - Day 3
Thanks to Gloria today we had a choice of the rides we could do. We had shown her last night the book we had from Bike Catalonia which showed the ride suggested for today as just a picture of a lake! She laughed and offered to find and suggest other rides we might like.
After breakfast, which was almost as good as last night's dinner, everything you could have wished for including fresh fruit! Can Vila was out doing anything you could have expected from any accommodation.
We selected a ride along the river back to Amer and decided that we would head out at 1.30pm. John and Geri stayed at Can Vila, relaxing and reading in the morning sun while Paul & Beth and Paula & Ken headed into Angles for the Sunday Markets and a look at the town. Paula & Ken were hopeful of catching a Sunday Mass as well. Unfortunately they had no luck. When Paula & Ken returned they had a few games of Table Tennis, which Paula won.
Back at Can Vila everyone was ready and we set off for Amer. The track gave us a deviation which we took us to Pont Vell de Sant Julia de Llor, a brick bridge built to go nowhere, and the old village of Sant Julia de Llor. We also came across a young eucalyptus forest, which aroused a little nostalgia and home sickness.
The track was easy to ride and we made Amer around 2.30pm, found the old town square and had a coffee. It is also very evident in Amer the strength of the 'Si' vote for the independence of Catalonia.
We then cycled through town slowly taking in the ambience of the town the President of Spain comes from.
Our route home was along the Greenway, just to give us a circular journey, rather than an out and back. It also gave us the chance to see a little more of the area and villages we had passed through quickly yesterday. We visited La Cellera de Ter and John & Geri also visited Angles.
Back at Can Vila Paula played Paul in Table Tennis and again she won. Everyone had a relaxing evening waiting for our 8.00pm dinner which again was delicious.
Tomorrow we move on to Girona, hopefully leaving by 10.00am. A shorter riding day, 25kms to give us time to explore a Girona in the afternoon. Although it will be sad to leave Can Vila and being spoiled by Cordell and Gloria it will be interesting to see what Girona has to offer.
Monday October 23
Via Verde to the Sea - Day 4
Up for breakfast at 9.00am. Today was the 20 kms into Girona then a look around the old city. Breakfast was great again with Gloria giving us a few suggestions as things to do on our last day in Sant Feliu de Guixlos. The walk she suggested along the coastline sounds great.
After breakfast we packed and had the bags down ready to go. We said our good byes to Gloria and Cordell (who was having his birthday today - we sang Happy Birthday) and started for Girona by 10.15am.
We rode steady for most of the morning as there was more to see in Girona than on the trail. We made our accommodation, Hotel Ultonia, just after 12 noon. We registered and found our rooms were ready but the luggage hadn't arrived. We took the bikes down to the car park level -3 to the bicycle lockup, very modern, hung and locked the bikes together then went up to the rooms. We dumped the bike gear and went for a walk to find coffee and a bite to eat. Paula wasn't hungry so she stayed and found out a little more about dinner arrangements and collected a map showing most of the sights of Old Town. She did a quick tour before going back and collecting Ken.
Once organised they toured the old town together, walking the old town wall, visiting the cathedral, the Bascilica Sant Feliu, the various bridges crossing a branch of the River Onyar which separates the old town from the newer section.
They had an ice cream as well.
Around 5.30pm Ken went back to collect the luggage and to have a shower whilst Paula continued to wander around taking photos and enjoying being a tourist.
Dinner was organised for 8.00 - 8.30pm, at a restaurant near the hotel. We had Tapas for starters, which we should have stopped at! The main course and dessert where way too much! Having dinner so late as is the Spanish custom has us walking the streets afterwards to help digest the food and then not being able to go to sleep until well after midnight. Thankfully we haven't needed to be up early.
Tomorrow we do the last leg of the Via Verde to the Sea route, the destination being Sant Feliu de Guíxols approximately 40kms.
We plan on leaving at 9.30am.
Tuesday October 24
Via Verde to the Sea - Day 5
All went well with leaving the accommodation - no bag problems and getting the bikes out of storage was accomplished with no issues. It was interesting watching another cycle group who had bikes in storage as well use some of the gear available in the lock up. Everyone should have a bike shed so well equipped!
Once outside the fun started, John and Geri couldn't sync Garmins. John had to reset Geri's in the end to get it to work. It took us at least 30minutes to get to the outskirts of Girona. The bike trail is a delight to use. The section between Girona and Quart is obviously a popular track as it had lights along most of the route.
We cycled pretty consistently through most of the small villages stopping at Llambillies for a toilet break, Cassa de la Selva for bananas then Llagostera for a look at the cathedral and to have lunch. We also had a chat to an English couple who had just settled in Sant Feliu de Guíxols from England and were out for a ride, they passed us on their way home just as we were entering Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
The last 17kms into our accommodation was almost all downhill passing some of the old railway stations, which had been put to good use as part of enhancing the rail trail.
Our accommodation, Hotel Barcarola, is right opposite the beach in Sant Pol, which is just 1.5 kms from Sant Feliu de Guíxols - although it is still a half hour walk.
The area and the ambience is wonderful - listening to the waves crashing on the beach on the Costa Brava coast on the Mediterranean Sea in Spain, from our second floor balcony, which has a sea view, is something special.
After settling in, most everyone did washing and had showers, we did our own thing until dinner at 7.30am.
Paula and Ken found the quickest way into Sant Feliu de Guíxols and visited the Abbey, Monestir de Sant Feliu Guíxols, a 10 century Benedictine monastery.
Dinner was a simple affair tonight compared to last night but John commented that he had only 'one pea' on his plate whilst Beth appeared to have a whole bush.
Walking plans were made for tomorrow with everyone interested in going north east for the morning then into Sant Feliu de Guíxols, the opposite direction, in the afternoon. The midday session, during the heat of the day, might be best spent on the beach!
Wednesday October 25
Sant Pol - Sant Feliu de Guíxols
What a beautiful sunrise to wake up to - just magic!
Today we walked then walked some more, first on the 'Cami de Ronda' towards Port D'Aro through S'Agaro. The walk along the coastline, passing by and under the many unbelievable houses on the cliff face was very rewarding. The Costa Brava, 'rugged/wild coast' in translation, was majestic. The coastline itself is rugged with many inlets and protruding headlands but on our walk the sea was calm and the atmosphere peaceful.
The beach sand is course small pebbles in most places, sharp on bare feet and an off white colour, but still a good swimming and sunbathing beach. A few topless bathers on the beaches, it was a pleasant 23 degrees.
Geri and Paul had an afternoon swim and said it was ok once you got over the initial coldness. 'bracing' was the word used.
We had lunch in the town area behind the hotel before setting off on the afternoon walk. Paul and Beth sat this one out. John was keen to follow the Greenway into its final destination in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. This we did and took a photo of the 0kms to go sign.
From here John and Ken went into the marina and had a coffee while Geri and Paula took the southern section of the 'Cami de Ronda' from Sant Feliu de Guíxols to Sant Pol. This was a much more rugged and more difficult walk than the morning one with very few buildings 'perched' on the coastline.
John and Ken beat them back by following the main road to Sant Pol. They did walk part of the 'Cami de Ronda' just before Sant Pol but didn’t see Geri or Paula.
Dinner was a different menu than last night and seemed to have more choices that pleased the individual palate's better.
John confirmed our travel time to Barcelona as 11.30am, so a later breakfast after a sleep in was arranged. Tomorrow begins the last section of our trip before heading home.
Travel to Olot
If you have to have a day when your travel plans go awry then having it happen when it rains most of the day and you didn't really have anything major planned to do is a good thing!
Today was our day of misadventure with travel arrangements - in the end we lost 4 hours of the day waiting for trains.
We were all up early, had breakfast, packed and had the apartment cleaned by 8.30am to walk to the station for our 9.27am departure.
We got to the station to find the train had been cancelled (still don't know why) and a bus would take us to Narbonne at 9.38am giving us just a 10 minute window to catch the connecting train to Girona. Whether through miscommunication and not being at the correct spot or the bus not actually running we don't know. It was raining heavily at this stage.
Back into the station and a longer conversation with the information girl and we were on a train to Narbonne at 11.27am, thankfully still able to use the same tickets but not sure about the tickets on the connecting train to Girona at 2.35pm.
We waited for the new train and it continued to rain. Didn't have our tickets checked on the short trip to Narbonne.
Confirmed at Narbonne that our tickets to Girona would be good. Another wait for the connecting train, thankfully they had a good coffee place at the station. Banana baguettes and coffee make an interesting lunch.
Train to Girona was a little crowded and again no ticket check.
John had been in contact with Bike Catalonia and they knew not to collect us until 4.00pm.
Ivan collected us with the bikes on a trailer in a great van. Drove us to Olot through some beautiful countryside on very impressive roads.
The whole area looks green - it is still raining!
Our accommodation, Can Blanc is very good and our 3 course meal at La Deu was 'over indulgent', we are eating far too much food!
Breakfast at 8.00am, ride (a circular route, approximately 40kms) at 9.00am and hopefully back in time to walk to Montsacopa, the open volcanic crater and view the volcano museum.
Friday October 20
Via Verde to the Sea - Day 1
7.00am alarm for 8.00am breakfast, ready to leave by 9.00am.
The first two we managed, the third didn't happen until after 10.30am. Ivan turned up with the GPS for John fixed and transferred the files for the trails onto John's Garmin as well. We also took some time to attach things on the various bikes and inflate the tyres properly.
Ivan also left Geri a book with instructions to the trail for today. The instruction book and the GPS trail on the Garmin for John didn't match so we had some quite interesting interactions between the two for most of the day, which cost us a bit of time to do other things later in the afternoon.
The first part of the trail we managed without a problem, just a very steep and continual climb, we had a few of these during the day. Our total climb for the day, over the 30 kms we did, was 737 metres.
It was at the top of this climb that the GPS and the book really differed. In the end we followed the GPS and soon discovered it was taking us away from the Beech Forest, 'Fageda de'n Jorda', one of the main attractions around Olot. We came to a parking area that had another road leading off this. Ken followed it in and found it was the road with the deep furrow in the middle that Geri had described earlier. We took this and found ourselves in the middle of the forest. The morning light coming through the tree branches and leaves was magical. The dappled light was something special to behold.
From here we continued through the Beech Forest then out onto the proper trial heading towards 'Volca de Santa Margardia'. This is an extinct volcano. It was a stiff climb up to the rim of the crater then a reasonable climb down with fairly easy steps. The area at the bottom of the crater is clear with a small church built at the bottom - intriguing as to why it was built there. We had lunch at the bottom of the crater.
After leaving here we made our way to Santa Pau and the old city. There are only two entrances to this area and a decent walk to get in. We stopped and I had an ice cream and drink here.
From here the instructions and the track became a little complicated and as it was after 4.30pm we decided to miss the second volcano and head back to Can Blanc. We passed some interesting volcanic rock formations an area on the side of 'Volca de Croscat' where a landslide had occurred and some great terraced garden areas. The return to Can Blanc was great, downhill glides, no peddling but a need to pay attention as we had bikes with reversed brakes again. They are not as good our hybrid bikes at home and take a lot more work to ride the normal distances we do. Again we had a 3 course meal but as we have paid for it we all had all three courses! Early to bed for everyone.
Saturday October 21
Via Verde to the Sea - Day 2
Slept a little later today as we couldn't leave until John's replacement bike (the brakes on the original didn't work) had arrived. It was expected at 10.00am.
This gave us time to enjoy the breakfast which we originally thought was just toast and drinks. It turned out to be much more and was quite filling for the full day of riding that was ahead of us.
Unfortunately John's replacement bike didn't arrive until after 11.00am so the whole morning was wasted. It also took us a while to find the Via Verde to the Sea, 'Greenway' trail and it does have green signs.
Once found and we knew which direction we would be heading to Can Vila, our next accommodation spot, we looked at what we could do to look around Olot.
We selected 'Volcans de la Garrinda I Montsacopa'. This has a great lookout over the town of Olot. It also has an interesting church on the edge of the crater as well. It was a much easier walk than yesterday. The crater wasn't as spectacular as yesterday but the view over Olot was impressive.
Once down from the volcano the others had lunch whilst Ken and Paula walked around the town, finding 'Museu del Sants', a museum that displays how Spanish cultural and religious objects are made. Much to Paula's disappointment we didn't have time to explore.
We didn't leave Olot until after 2.00pm but thankfully the Greenway was well signposted and easy to follow. The track was even, wide and smooth, a great rail trail. The first 5 kms were a gradual climb out of Olot but become a slightly harder grind as we approached the highest point just here Sant Felix de Pallerols at 830 metres above sea level.
By this stage we had only come a quarter of the distance, 41 kms to Can Vila.
Thankfully after this it was a great downhill run with only one other climb just outside of Amer then a final uphill push to the accommodation. It allowed us to make up some valuable time. We had a stop for a quick bite and drinks at Les Planes d'Hostoles then continued the ride into Angles without another stop. It was only a kilometre from here to Can Vila.
The Via Verde to the Sea rail trail was excellent. The track was great, the views across the valleys and into the small villages, especially Amer, were striking and the avenues through hand cut rock cuttings, forest areas, small rail tunnels and under narrow bridges was spectacular.
To top it off Can Vila, our accommodation, is something truly different and our hosts, Corldo and Gloria are charming with the meal we had for dinner rated the best we had had for the entire trip. We have two nights here and we are already wondering what Corldo could do to out do tonight’s meal!
When we arrived everyone had a shower, did their washing before Gloria started to spoil us; tea and biscuits, beer and nuts and coffee and biscuits.
Dinner was at 8.00pm early just for us, normally the Spanish don't start to eat dinner until 9.00pm!
Sunday October 22
Via Verde to the Sea - Day 3
Thanks to Gloria today we had a choice of the rides we could do. We had shown her last night the book we had from Bike Catalonia which showed the ride suggested for today as just a picture of a lake! She laughed and offered to find and suggest other rides we might like.
After breakfast, which was almost as good as last night's dinner, everything you could have wished for including fresh fruit! Can Vila was out doing anything you could have expected from any accommodation.
We selected a ride along the river back to Amer and decided that we would head out at 1.30pm. John and Geri stayed at Can Vila, relaxing and reading in the morning sun while Paul & Beth and Paula & Ken headed into Angles for the Sunday Markets and a look at the town. Paula & Ken were hopeful of catching a Sunday Mass as well. Unfortunately they had no luck. When Paula & Ken returned they had a few games of Table Tennis, which Paula won.
Back at Can Vila everyone was ready and we set off for Amer. The track gave us a deviation which we took us to Pont Vell de Sant Julia de Llor, a brick bridge built to go nowhere, and the old village of Sant Julia de Llor. We also came across a young eucalyptus forest, which aroused a little nostalgia and home sickness.
The track was easy to ride and we made Amer around 2.30pm, found the old town square and had a coffee. It is also very evident in Amer the strength of the 'Si' vote for the independence of Catalonia.
We then cycled through town slowly taking in the ambience of the town the President of Spain comes from.
Our route home was along the Greenway, just to give us a circular journey, rather than an out and back. It also gave us the chance to see a little more of the area and villages we had passed through quickly yesterday. We visited La Cellera de Ter and John & Geri also visited Angles.
Back at Can Vila Paula played Paul in Table Tennis and again she won. Everyone had a relaxing evening waiting for our 8.00pm dinner which again was delicious.
Tomorrow we move on to Girona, hopefully leaving by 10.00am. A shorter riding day, 25kms to give us time to explore a Girona in the afternoon. Although it will be sad to leave Can Vila and being spoiled by Cordell and Gloria it will be interesting to see what Girona has to offer.
Monday October 23
Via Verde to the Sea - Day 4
Up for breakfast at 9.00am. Today was the 20 kms into Girona then a look around the old city. Breakfast was great again with Gloria giving us a few suggestions as things to do on our last day in Sant Feliu de Guixlos. The walk she suggested along the coastline sounds great.
After breakfast we packed and had the bags down ready to go. We said our good byes to Gloria and Cordell (who was having his birthday today - we sang Happy Birthday) and started for Girona by 10.15am.
We rode steady for most of the morning as there was more to see in Girona than on the trail. We made our accommodation, Hotel Ultonia, just after 12 noon. We registered and found our rooms were ready but the luggage hadn't arrived. We took the bikes down to the car park level -3 to the bicycle lockup, very modern, hung and locked the bikes together then went up to the rooms. We dumped the bike gear and went for a walk to find coffee and a bite to eat. Paula wasn't hungry so she stayed and found out a little more about dinner arrangements and collected a map showing most of the sights of Old Town. She did a quick tour before going back and collecting Ken.
Once organised they toured the old town together, walking the old town wall, visiting the cathedral, the Bascilica Sant Feliu, the various bridges crossing a branch of the River Onyar which separates the old town from the newer section.
They had an ice cream as well.
Around 5.30pm Ken went back to collect the luggage and to have a shower whilst Paula continued to wander around taking photos and enjoying being a tourist.
Dinner was organised for 8.00 - 8.30pm, at a restaurant near the hotel. We had Tapas for starters, which we should have stopped at! The main course and dessert where way too much! Having dinner so late as is the Spanish custom has us walking the streets afterwards to help digest the food and then not being able to go to sleep until well after midnight. Thankfully we haven't needed to be up early.
Tomorrow we do the last leg of the Via Verde to the Sea route, the destination being Sant Feliu de Guíxols approximately 40kms.
We plan on leaving at 9.30am.
Tuesday October 24
Via Verde to the Sea - Day 5
All went well with leaving the accommodation - no bag problems and getting the bikes out of storage was accomplished with no issues. It was interesting watching another cycle group who had bikes in storage as well use some of the gear available in the lock up. Everyone should have a bike shed so well equipped!
Once outside the fun started, John and Geri couldn't sync Garmins. John had to reset Geri's in the end to get it to work. It took us at least 30minutes to get to the outskirts of Girona. The bike trail is a delight to use. The section between Girona and Quart is obviously a popular track as it had lights along most of the route.
We cycled pretty consistently through most of the small villages stopping at Llambillies for a toilet break, Cassa de la Selva for bananas then Llagostera for a look at the cathedral and to have lunch. We also had a chat to an English couple who had just settled in Sant Feliu de Guíxols from England and were out for a ride, they passed us on their way home just as we were entering Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
The last 17kms into our accommodation was almost all downhill passing some of the old railway stations, which had been put to good use as part of enhancing the rail trail.
Our accommodation, Hotel Barcarola, is right opposite the beach in Sant Pol, which is just 1.5 kms from Sant Feliu de Guíxols - although it is still a half hour walk.
The area and the ambience is wonderful - listening to the waves crashing on the beach on the Costa Brava coast on the Mediterranean Sea in Spain, from our second floor balcony, which has a sea view, is something special.
After settling in, most everyone did washing and had showers, we did our own thing until dinner at 7.30am.
Paula and Ken found the quickest way into Sant Feliu de Guíxols and visited the Abbey, Monestir de Sant Feliu Guíxols, a 10 century Benedictine monastery.
Dinner was a simple affair tonight compared to last night but John commented that he had only 'one pea' on his plate whilst Beth appeared to have a whole bush.
Walking plans were made for tomorrow with everyone interested in going north east for the morning then into Sant Feliu de Guíxols, the opposite direction, in the afternoon. The midday session, during the heat of the day, might be best spent on the beach!
Wednesday October 25
Sant Pol - Sant Feliu de Guíxols
What a beautiful sunrise to wake up to - just magic!
Today we walked then walked some more, first on the 'Cami de Ronda' towards Port D'Aro through S'Agaro. The walk along the coastline, passing by and under the many unbelievable houses on the cliff face was very rewarding. The Costa Brava, 'rugged/wild coast' in translation, was majestic. The coastline itself is rugged with many inlets and protruding headlands but on our walk the sea was calm and the atmosphere peaceful.
The beach sand is course small pebbles in most places, sharp on bare feet and an off white colour, but still a good swimming and sunbathing beach. A few topless bathers on the beaches, it was a pleasant 23 degrees.
Geri and Paul had an afternoon swim and said it was ok once you got over the initial coldness. 'bracing' was the word used.
We had lunch in the town area behind the hotel before setting off on the afternoon walk. Paul and Beth sat this one out. John was keen to follow the Greenway into its final destination in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. This we did and took a photo of the 0kms to go sign.
From here John and Ken went into the marina and had a coffee while Geri and Paula took the southern section of the 'Cami de Ronda' from Sant Feliu de Guíxols to Sant Pol. This was a much more rugged and more difficult walk than the morning one with very few buildings 'perched' on the coastline.
John and Ken beat them back by following the main road to Sant Pol. They did walk part of the 'Cami de Ronda' just before Sant Pol but didn’t see Geri or Paula.
Dinner was a different menu than last night and seemed to have more choices that pleased the individual palate's better.
John confirmed our travel time to Barcelona as 11.30am, so a later breakfast after a sleep in was arranged. Tomorrow begins the last section of our trip before heading home.