We took the day off from riding, and planned a hiking day. We got this idea from an old Brit we met at a B+B in England during our coast to coast hike. He and his wife had bike toured in France about 50 years ago and told us they always rode one day, then took a rest day to enjoy town they were in on the second day. As you might imagine, April loved this idea.
Pretty good breakfast at the Brit-run B+B, but not as good as the full English breakfast you get in England. Then we started hiking north along the coast; big test for my new super light hiking shoes. Before we left I was obsessing about the weight we had to carry, so I wanted the lightest pair of shoes I could find that would still suffice for day hiking. I found some 4.3 oz trail runners from new balance, bought them, tried them out in the Olympics and they were great until we hit some light snow. Then my feet got soaked. Turns out there were gaps between the bottom treads, that let water into the insole. Breathability I guess. Anyway this was a non-starter. So then I began looking for a second pair much to the consternation, or perhaps the better word is aggravation, of my loving wife. Bought the second pair, they're about 7 oz. Better sole. Like Katie O'Connor said: rich people's problems.
Anyway away we go, up the headlands to a light house. Awesome views. Then a steep descent to a tiny cove, up the cliff again, there were 20 switchbacks on this section, then a gradual descent into Tamariu. Gorgeous coastline. Sure enough, a two hour hike one way. The new shoes kicked ass. They're so light it's like having moccasins on. And you have to hike slightly differently, you can't bang your heel down. In fact you can feel even a leaf underfoot. This is the whole barefoot running thing. I like it, I'm like twinkle-toes prancing around on the trail. Think of a nimble deer, or a cat; you get the picture. Haha.
We have a nice lunch in Tamariu, and then head back. It always seems shorter going back. We passed lots of hikers. Made it back In two hours again. Feet were fine. April is using one pair of shoes for both riding and day hiking so she has a sturdier hiking shoe. She's not clipped in on her bike, she uses the old foot cage system. I was debating it but couldn't pass up getting more gear.
Chilled in our room for awhile, then walked down to town for dinner. To our surprise, almost everything was closed up. It still is very early in the season, so many places close Sunday night, especially if the weather isn't great. This area is where the barcelonians come for the weekend in nice early season weather. But we found a beach front restaurant, it was much more expensive than our tapas from last night. But we had a great chocolate fondant for dessert.
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