Another morning that started with a chill in the air, but today it did not warm up to the degree that we thought it would.
I was awoken early with a cacophony of sound from the street below. It was only 4.30am but it sounded as though road works had started. This was not the case, however the range of delivery vehicles and street sweepers ensured that I did not return to sleep!
After an early breakfast, we headed out for a day of 22 kms walking and the possibility of a couple of detours if we chose.
As we left, we crossed the Rio Lérez using the bridge that gives the city its name - pontis (bridge) and vetera (old) - and started to climb into a wooded area. We passed a number of house gardens as well left, most of which had fruit and vegetables growing, however not as prolifically or as well tended as the house gardens we had seen on our walk to Arcade.
We seemed to eat up the kilometres as we walked through woodland areas where local council workers were cutting the verges and generally tidying up the path. there was water running over the track in parts and some puddles on the road - indicative that there had been recent rains, however it remained dry but overcast for us. At one stage, we crossed the railway tracks - suitably signed even though we were on a walking track. We were soon at San Amaro where we made our first (and only) coffee stop. The cafe had wifi and Robbie was able to call Lesley to whom we all said 'hello'!
From here we continued along country paths - lined with grape vines - and admired the flowers growing in some of the well-tended yards. Most homes seem to have a grape vine and we also passed a lot of corn fields - though some of the corn had been left to the elements.
We arrived at the Parque Natural de Ria Barosa and while deciding whether to take the suggested detour to the cascades and waterwheels, we met a couple from Sydney who were also considering their options. They decided to keep going as her feet were a little the worse for wear and we decided to go in. Unfortunately the centre was closed so we could not access the waterwheels or the toilets - a bit difficult for Sue who had an upset tummy. We had our lunch and continued on.
Caldas del Rais is described as a "thermal village of ancient tradition". As far back as the beginning of the eleventh century, kings and queens of Spain have visited the area to enjoy the hot springs. In 1928, the thermal waters were declared a public utility. We took advantage of the hot pool at our hotel to relax after the long walk.
I was awoken early with a cacophony of sound from the street below. It was only 4.30am but it sounded as though road works had started. This was not the case, however the range of delivery vehicles and street sweepers ensured that I did not return to sleep!
After an early breakfast, we headed out for a day of 22 kms walking and the possibility of a couple of detours if we chose.
As we left, we crossed the Rio Lérez using the bridge that gives the city its name - pontis (bridge) and vetera (old) - and started to climb into a wooded area. We passed a number of house gardens as well left, most of which had fruit and vegetables growing, however not as prolifically or as well tended as the house gardens we had seen on our walk to Arcade.
We seemed to eat up the kilometres as we walked through woodland areas where local council workers were cutting the verges and generally tidying up the path. there was water running over the track in parts and some puddles on the road - indicative that there had been recent rains, however it remained dry but overcast for us. At one stage, we crossed the railway tracks - suitably signed even though we were on a walking track. We were soon at San Amaro where we made our first (and only) coffee stop. The cafe had wifi and Robbie was able to call Lesley to whom we all said 'hello'!
We were soon at San Amaro where we made our first (and only) coffee stop. The cafe had wifi and Robbie was able to call Lesley to whom we all said 'hello'!
We arrived at the Parque Natural de Ria Barosa and while deciding whether to take the suggested detour to the cascades and waterwheels, we met a couple from Sydney who were also considering their options. They decided to keep going as her feet were a little the worse for wear and we decided to go in. Unfortunately the centre was closed so we could not access the waterwheels or the toilets - a bit difficult for Sue who had an upset tummy. We had our lunch and continued on.
Back on the track we headed into Caldas Del Rais and the sun made an effort to come out. Fortunately, though the track was mostly along the main road into the village, there were numerous tracks just off the road through vineyards and cornfields. We entered through a side road and quickly found our hotel on the way marked route.
A wander around the little village - first finding the thermal foot bath - allowed us to again enjoy the atmosphere in the squares after work - people enjoying after work drinks, families playing and older people - impeccably dressed as we have come to expect - promenading and gathering to 'chew the fat'.
We appreciated the earlier time of 8.00pm for dinner and headed off for an early night. Unfortunately it was not to be uninterrupted sleep as the local clock chimed each hour (twice, in case we missed it the first time) and each half hour!
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