Travels to the Edge

Time keeps on slipping . . . into the future; so there was little opportunity for ‘Dali’- ing around on the walk from Roses to Cadaques the other day. It felt good to be up and about once more taking the route through Cap de Creus Nature Park. The climb was rocky and steep in places, and the views made it worthwhile. The high point was a cattle station near the summit. The animals seemed content. Although having to switch between nature park and farm land was a shock - at times! Eventually it was time to descend. I think the military signals complex near the summit spun my GPS around, and confused poor Google maps - and me! This meant more roadside walking than I had planned. After a couple of hours of shuffling to the side to avoid traffic from both directions, Cadaques came into view. Just in time- as I was feeling very like this. . . Before too long (actually it felt like forever), Sancho and I made it to a harbourside bar. Then one more climb to the ‘van park’ above Cadaques where ...

After Madrid, Costa Brava was the way to go - an alternate Camino commencing with Corpus Christi festival time in the seaside town of Roses. The pavements featured decorative art; While the esplanade was the beachside party venue- for three days - music, food and bar stalls. Something for everyone! Local restaurants did a booming trade, while families, friends, couples and children danced. There were different bands every night- playing music for every generation. Fabulous sound and stage work.  One of the bands even posted their set list as a menu. Something for everyone to enjoy. The Costa Brava has a stunning coastline - a fishing heritage  Beautiful open beaches.   and a coastline where you can walk for hours. Along cliffs with vistas that go on forever.  And every now and then interrupted by secluded beaches  Back in town next to my accommodation, the neighbours were setting up for a barrio party to celebrate Corpus Christi.  Visitors like me to come a...

 My stopover in Madrid was a chance to catch up with old friends. Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. It was a welcome interlude from the pilgrim world. On my way out of Leon the other morning, the street to the station was deserted except for me and Antoni Gaudi. He invited me to a game of chess. He won - and wished me a buen camino! The trains in Spain go as fast as planes; and before too long I was relaxing in the Plaza Major in Madrid. Madrid was bustling with workers, holiday makers and fans of Pope Leo XIV who is expected tomorrow. After a breakfast of unfrozen orange juice I walked the sunny hills of Madrid . . . (without glimpsing Peter Sarsted - where did he go to, my lovely 🎵) Security - old and new was gearing up for the papal visit  Locals and visitors alike queued to make a wish I put in my request for a free ‘access all areas’ pass to next month’s Madrid music festival. If that doesn’t work, I can buy cheese from Mercado San Miguel  Or put in a special request fo...