Fog, fierce winds & firey heat

The profile suggested a fairly easy day (& rather long) The surprising presence of fog suggested the fierce temperatures mights also be tempered. How wrong I could be. To a point the temperature was bearable for a little longer - clocked 30 miles reasonably quickly. That's where the wheels fell off - not literally, but not far off. The inevitable dirt track wasn't wholly surprising, what was was the gate at the end ... that was locked and then the depressing sinking feeling of a tyre deflating. Opted to do repairs at the gate on the off chance someone would appear & let me out - they didn't. The first of many detours. The vast majority of the day consisted of endless miles of cycling roads surrounded by greenhouses - the very definition of intensive farming & very tedious cycling. To top it off a vicious wind had blown up & it was a direct headwind. It looked like it would be pretty much all the way as well. The only respite tended to be in urban areas - which also offered a vague degree of interest. Almeria, the main city offered a park dedicated to victims of terrorism & a renovated train line used for quarrying. From there it was across the Cabo de Gato National Park, though that seems a little generous, more a seemingly endless barren scrub land. But hey whatever floats your boat. A couple of breaks purely out of need - no shade. Managed to get 1 mile of tailwind with about 8 miles to go. As it transpired it was 6 - satnav miscounted again. Checked in - in Spanish - very friendly host. Aircon & swim cooling off combo. Las Salinas is not the biggest but a little explore & a huge fish supper.Read more