Relleu to Torremanzanas

Last night before I went to bed, I sat on the balcony of my pretty room, looking over the pretty square and the pretty church. The church bells struck nine as I went to bed. Little did I know that they would strike every hour on the hour all night. Funny thing was I slept fine, waking up every hour for a few minutes and then going right back to sleep.

One of the perks of staying in a beautiful rustic Casa Rural is that you’re likely to get a good breakfast. This one was terrific. Good bread, good manchego, jamón serrano, avocados, tomatoes all went into a delicious toasted sandwich. More melon than I could eat and delicious Greek yoghurt. And did I mention the good coffee?! The owners, a retired Swedish couple, are wonderful.

Our walk was short (19 Km) but had about 750 m of ascent. The first part, up to the pass, was through terraced olive and almond groves, with the occasional vines thrown in. Puig Campana was always in our sights till we went over the pass. Then we spent most of the rest of the walk in pine forests with its heavenly pine needle surface.

Although the Municipal refuge for Pilgrims has just re-opened, I had already made a reservation in a hotel here in town. The owner, who is off on a motorcycle trip with her husband, asked her sister to come open up the complex for us. It’s a very nice place, lots of gardens, some bungalows, a good playground, etc. so very nice of these places to open just for those who are walking.

We’ve had a good, filling meal in a very friendly place, and they have told us to just stay put till the thunder and lightening have passed. Spain is so very much in drought that we have to hope for rain, but we would appreciate it if it would start after we walk!

Tomorrow will be a much longer day, but right now all is well with the world.Read more