It is currently 11 pm in Calella de Palafrugell, 24 degrees, and 82% humidity. I have lost half my body weight in sweat. There is barely any reprieve in the evenings. Thank goodness for air conditioning! I felt like I did a good job of staying hydrated today during the ride, yet I think I urinated maybe once and it was the consistency of orange juice. Too much? maybe. probably.
Today was somewhat more manageable temperature-wise, but the climbs were constant through the winding seaside cliffs. It was absolutely gorgeous, but tough. There were a few points where I tried to gear down and there was nothing left and I thought “this is it, I will eventually just stop pedalling, fall directly on my side and maybe over the cliff.” Anyway, it was thrilling! I noticed a number of other cyclists out today for a Saturday ride despite the heat. I got lots of waves, one thumbs up and an old dude yelled something about how hot it was. Yay, bike friends!
I stopped for a cafe con leche in Tossa de Mar and spotted my first potential DOTD. I was pretty desperate for a coffee / sit down break before I headed into the mountain climbs but I miscalculated how far it would be to the next town and ended up having to do some serious riding before coffee.
I stopped lots to take pictures as it was a rather nice view. Once I got to Sant Feliu de Guíxols I switched onto the Eurovelo 8 route. It was not bad but I am more used to riding fast on the roads and sometimes found the detours to get to some beach-side path or out of the way road to be rather circuitous and slow. That being said, there were some areas I would have never found myself which were wonderful. In the end it ended up being a mix of Eurovelo route and aiming and shooting.
Arrival to Calella de Palafrugell was obviously fantastic. I had a post ride beer at my hotel and then took a shower for about 45 minutes – trust me, it was necessary.
I took a walk from my hotel toward Oscar’s family’s place to see if I could sneak into their pool (kidding, kidding). But the last time I was here two years ago (and the only reason I know about this hidden seaside gem of a town is because) I was staying with Oscar at his place along with other friends. It is nice to be back but bitter sweet because I do miss everyone I was here with last time.
When I strolled along the beach, which was absolutely packed (Saturday afternoon, no wonder), I ran into a live music performance of what I can only guess was traditional Catalan. There were people dancing in a circle and holding hands. The steps they were doing appeared quite simple but when I tried to watch and then replay in my head how to do it I was lost. To be fair, I have no internal rhythm. Those who have witnessed me dance surely can confirm this.
I enjoyed a drink here and a bite there and have worked on my plans for tomorrow. For a few reasons I have decided to spend a couple of nights here rather than rush off tomorrow morning. Rest days! Mostly, it is just damn hot and I don’t really want to melt on the road. I will probably do some day rides from here.
DOTD
Making up for yesterday’s lack of dogs, today was much more lucrative. I had several in the running and it was a hard choice but I am going with this glorious chocolate boy who I got to pet!
An Idiot Broad Abroad 