My time yesterday wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be and if I subtract the extra that I spent going up an erroneous mountain, I am roughly in line with the trail Nazis. Today however, was the acid test. At best an eight hour trek, with the last two thirds high climbs and steep descents. But to my surprise I was well up with the Hermans and made Cadaqués in good time for a late lunch of gorgeous prawns in garlic (fifteen for 10é, unlike at home where it is five for £10) and quail thighs in honey – delicious.
Leaving Llançà and a great shot of the recycling centre. It has been raining and is overcast – no probs.On the far left is El Port de la Selva where I might risk a stop for café. First though I have five miles in and out and around all these little bays.The catchy entitled, Platja del Cau del Llop, and no wind though there was a weather warning.Seemingly endless bays. Looking back that’s Llançà far right.And the funky little lighthouse.El Port de la Selva and the start of the hills into the Cap de Creus. And the sun burning through the clouds.One more bay to go.What’s with preserving all the canons at ports the world over. Could they not melt them down and make some ear staining earrings.The big lad still alive and well and hiding out in North Eastern Spain. Can’t stay away from the family business though.Mr Quer is a bit of sailor it seems. Weird looking hulls but building boats a mile from the sea must be working for him.Half way up the first one and El Port de la Selva below. I understand the collection of rocks from the land and the building of walls but putting them into a pie shape seems a lot of hard work for nothing. Can’t approach it, it bears the cross of denial.A lovely track climbing towards the summit. I was wrong , the one with the thing on top is a military base so no go. I’m doing the one on the left, sixty meters lower. And yes, I have checked, I am going the right way.God is trying to smite me with one of his lightning bolts ‘cos I revealed that his kid is hiding out here.The track behind wending its way over the top of the ridge.The dining chair and table are still just sitting there. I finally met someone on the trail – good person. I could see him coming from a hundred metres away or so and I could hear this strange Beep-Boo noise which turned out to be him. Every two seconds Beep-boo, though he stopped to Hola me before starting again. Imagine walking with him for eight hours. Beep-boo.The last climb towards the summit.Over the top and Cadaqués down there.Twenty minutes later and I can see the descent. My poor knees and trembling leggies.I can’t get over these terraces. God knows how old they are but many are abandoned like these. The effort to make them just astounds me.A mountain oak tree just doing it proud in the middle of the rock path.Lovely wall work and there’s even a spare behind it. Get one of these for the Garden Cora.All the guava plants have got the white-spotted ick. I wonder if Alex was here with her tonsils spreading the mange. Its quite sad everywhere they be dying.Down on the beach at Cadaqués. Apparently old Salvidore really loved it here.The hotel reception. The owner is fanatic about Dali. He’s everywhere, even bedside coasters and stickers on the loo roll. Brill.
Pleased with my trek today, bodes well for the other long sections. Now not at all worried about finishing in daylight. Longest day tomorrow. In the hills and mountains for first two thirds with half as much again in the way of climbs. Bring it on.
