First day of cheating.

What was supposed to make life easier & to a certain extent safer initially didn't seem to be all it was cracked up to be. Various minor ailments suggested that 80 miles wasn't the smartest of options but getting to Murcia airport & then negotiating the bizarre intricacies of the rental agreement pushed the stress levels way beyond what an imminent mountain could. It's the first time I've had to deal with a downgrade & having to pay for a tank of petrol without being due warned. Back to the hotel & the receptionist thought I was clincally insane to have done what I'd already done. Because of the 4 wheels & motor there was a little more freedom. Decided to head towards Elche - a world herritage site - a historic palm grove (but that doesn't really do the size justice) In an outlying town there was the obligatory Christ statue on a mountain - they love him in the latin parts. Afraid it was quite Rio though. Made it to Elche & proceeded to go round in circles trying to find somewhere to park. That sorted headed to the visitor centre - ambled around the main palm area - lots of shade = good. Then went with the recommendation - climb the cathedral tower. 170 steps in 40° heat - going to be sweaty. Views were good & showed the scale of the palms. Had some ice cream on the way back to the car. Heading off to the hotel, passed a number of castles - clearly a sought after neck of the woods at one point. Stopped at Saxo Castle - closed but could walk up the hill to it. Made it to the hotel by 6 - refreshed & relatively sweat free. I was told about the fiesta that was happening tonight. The towns great & good were running a racing around Moixant - in this heat. Surely they need to rethink the date of their fiesta - August is always stupid hot. Wasn't tempted in the slightest but made entertaining viewing for a while. Headed back to watch the match.Les mer