Day 13
Thursday 25.06.09 La Fresneda Rest Day
Forgot to mention that Joost has loaned me a plastic table and chair. He says he does this for all bikers. How easy is that! I wish all sites had this idea, that’s what I call Biker Friendly!
Woke up to blue skies, it’s going to be hot today. Joost says that June is often the hottest time of the year in this part of Spain (contrary to our belief that it is July and August), so I should be careful when out walking today. I plan to take a circular walk of about 3 hours, taking in the village of La Fresnada on the way.
I set off with a stiff climb to a ridge behind the campsite and then a long but easy walk into the village. As I walk up into the centre I find a couple of grocery shops. I buy peaches, tomatoes, water and biscuits for about £2.00, very cheap! I find a local cafe/bar and try out my very limited Spanish. “No problem”, says the owner in perfect English, “I’ll bring your sandwich and drink out to you”. I’m greeted by all the passing locals, probably because they don’t see many foreigners here.
I take the slightly longer route along the road to get back to the site, I don’t fancy getting lost in this heat – it’s well over 30 degrees now. Back at the tent I do what the locals do and Siesta for 3 hours in the shade. Later I get chatting to a German guy with a campervan, called Helmut (not the van, the guy). He had lived in America when he was young so spoke fluent English. Suddenly the clouds roll in and we get a heavy downpour. I think it was just the sky leaking in all this heat.
I spent the evening at the bar with the food from last night. Helmut joined me and we split a bottle of wine over supper, telling our stories and generally passing a pleasant evening, ending with us watching the distant lightning storm. I told Joost I had really enjoyed being here but would be moving on tomorrow. He asked why, if I was enjoying it so much? Because it’s what I do.
Tomorrow the Pyrenees.