Nude beaches!

Got the scoop from Oscar about the route north along the coast to Sa Riera and the beaches in that area. This route would allow us to avoid the large hill back up to Begur. We headed out under a nice sunny sky. The route climbed a little but not bad, the road followed the contour for awhile and we had great views down to the sea. We entered into a series of high-end suburbs of Begur with beautiful houses and grounds overlooking the sea. Sa Riera had a sweet little beach, pretty sandy, some nice looking restaurants along the beach but too early for lunch. So we continued on then finally came to the southern end of a huge beach. This beach, Platja de Pals, went for about 5-6 miles north to L'Estartit.

The southern end of the beach, it curved all the way north to the rocks you can see in the distance.



We dropped down to the beach and it was overbuilt and kind of tacky to start, but we found a dirt path, headed north and it became deserted with nice sand dunes. There were a series of access points with bike racks, and on this deserted stretch it was clear these were nude beaches!! Love it.

So we picked a nice spot and hit the beach. Seemed to be mostly guys here, I stripped right down, April had a bit more modesty. The water was nice so I went swimming. Nothing like swimming naked then laying in the hot sand. Its clear this is how we're meant to be. The sand, the wind, the sun, the sea and me. We all fused into one higher plane. It was like the movie Avatar, everything was interconnected! I told April I need a beach house where I can walk outside naked and swim in the ocean. I got the look.

Soon to be naked. and btw I haven't gotten as fat as it looks in this pic. My shirt just got bunched out, kind of. I think.




We finally hit the road in search of lunch. We rode another few kilometers down the beach and came to a deserted condo development, and found a restaurant. Only a few people eating at it, but it turned out to be very good. April had her best omelet espanol, and I had a 1/2 chicken and frites.

Our map was kind of sketchy for the area after lunch. It was a big flat expanse of rice fields. And they were all separated by low dykes, sometimes there were dirt roads on the sides. We could have headed out to the paved road but that would have been too sensible so in to the rice fields we went. Started out ok, our map seemed to be matching the roads we were on. It looked like there was a river that would prevent us from continuing north. But April was certain we would find a way across. Nothing makes the Tiger happier than placing her foot on a patch of earth where she's never been before.

Heading into the rice fields.



So down we go looking for the "probable" bridge across the river. We follow a sandy path that is going parallel to the river out to the sea. At times we have to get off our bikes and push them because the path is like beach sand. Surprise, surprise we get to spot where the river meets the sea, and like the map shows, there is no way across. Back we push through the sandy stretches. Then we get on some dirt roads but have no idea where we are in the large scheme of things. We head west in the direction of the paved road. The dirt roads are rough and rocky. We finally come upon a brand new paved road that heads south. Doesn't seem to be on our map. We can't resist so we start down it, but soon realize we're heading south to where we started, so we turn around and get back in the rice maze.

On we go, at every corner we have a choice, left, right, straight. The riding sucks as it's washboard. I'm close to revolting at this point. It seems the mindful riding has turned into "The Stupids get Lost in the Rice Fields".
Finally we're headed on a dirt road that seems more traveled and we can begin to see cars on the paved road. Yes! There's a little path that gets us up to the paved road. And there's a bike sign there, so we now know where we are. We cross the highway and get on a wonderful paved road. The wind is at our backs, we're going 20-25 kph, I look over and April has a big smile on her face, seriously, she's loving it.

But never fear, in about 5k the road turns to dirt. Freakin' washboard again. Did I mentioned that April claims she wants to try a mountain bike tour next.

Anyway we make our way about 15k on dirt to our town and hotel. We're staying at a **** hotel called Moli de Mig. Its run by the women who setup all the signed bike routes in this area. It's sort of a bike hotel, they have bikes for rent, they have maps, then have a bike repair area. It's situated in the country on about 10 acres. Along with the Carrilet and Majorca, it's one of the reasons we came here. The hotel is sweet. We got upgraded to a better room cause no one else is here. We shower then sit under the shade trees for a beer and salty chips cooked in olive oil. How sweet it is!



Then we nap from about 6-7:00, terrible schedule really. Dinner in the restaurant here is quite nice. I had a salmon, avocado app, then a stuffed lamb shoulder. April had a grilled veggie tart, followed by steak frites. And she managed an apple tart for dessert. We're confident we'll stop eating so much when we get back to Seattle. At least that's the plan.

Did I mention there were robes in the room? look at that smile!



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