Day thirty three

The church in Alcala

When I come down for breakfast the dear old lady is asleep in a chair with the TV running. There are no other guests, which is surprising as it's a huge 2-star hotel with neon signs that can be seen half a mile away. Also when I ventured out last night for a bottle of water I noticed many windows were lit up. I leave the Hotel la Bolera in Vinaros at 9:00 after a cafe con leche and croissant breakfast (3 euros).

Despite my initial impression of a vibrant town, it was totally dead when I went out last night after 22:00. I could not even get a bottle of water. Everything was shut but for a few bars, which also appear half closed. I thought the Spanish didn't eat until after 20:00. Now I am totally confused.

This morning I continue on my way south. I close down my navigation apps and remain on the N340. This saves me a whole lot of hassle and spares my batteries. The weather is glorious at first with clear blue skies and a light cool breeze. However towards midday a headwind makes going difficult and I struggle to do more than 8kmh.

Lunch break in Alcala

I stop in Alcala for a Gazpacho lunch as the church looks intriguing from afar on the N340 and I am not disappointed. (see photos).

I pick out a campsite on the coast with 25km to go after lunch. It is perfect timing as the 1000km marker is due on the N340 and that makes for a perfect photo op., for the bike. That means 1000km to Cadiz where I believe the N340 ends. Now I could follow this road to my destination all along the coast and it would be roughly 800km to go (minus Cadiz-Fuengirola 200km). However crossing from Alicante to Granada would or should be shorter but with some tough climbs. Which to take? It is not an easy decision but I have driven the coastal road in a hired VW Polo many years ago and I remember it taking forever. I have also driven the other route in summer and there was snow! I will decide when I reach Valencia.

I find a campsite before the 1000km marker so that photo op., will have to wait till tomorrow. The campsite is cheaper than the last (pensioner discount) and my Dutch neighbours, within minutes of my arrival, offer me a big hammer for my tent pegs and a beer without even being asked. The people on these campsites are always very helpful, I just long for some grass. Passing so many olive groves today I was tempted to wild camp as they are really perfect places for it, directly on the road and easy to remain hidden in lovely grass meadows.

I manage 58km today, which I think was good going considering the wind and together with yesterday's 91km and 10km the day before visiting Cambrils on my rest day, my average must be back to 60km a day at least, but I have yet to check that. Anyway I finished riding at 16:00 today, my tent is up and today's blog is complete, it's now 18:00, time to explore the neighbourhood.