Bike Issues Strike Again
Merida was lovely and we were able to dodge the rain that is falling here in Spain most of the time. Our regret to have left Portugal and it’s still abundant sunshine has subsided, and set off further north to Plasencia where we had booked Karen’s bike in for yet another repair. This time the speed sensor had broken. Have to say Specialized bikes have not proved the most reliable over the years Karen’s has now had two controllers at €250 each replaced now the speed sensor and also the battery failed two months after we bought it. (In fairness that was replaced under warranty) For simplicity we decided to park in a large carpark near the bike shop. It was empty, quiet, beside a park and free so an easy choice. We parked up and brought the bike in to the shop GR-100 who also pointed out that Karen’s chain also needed replacing. But they were very helpful and had also got us the speed sensor. We could pick it up the next day this would save us time and we could head off in the morning to search for better weather. We would really recommend them good value and expert service.
Parking Nightmare!!
We had a great night’s sleep, and it was very quiet, but around 6.30 we stated to hear a lot of cars arriving. Ah it was market day in the town and within minutes we were hemmed it and all we really could do was visit the market, collect the bike, and do our laundry.
The town itself is wonderful and we really enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere, oddly enough the last time we were there it was market day. Plus, we were also getting a bike fixed! How time passes and nothing changes. We ended up spending a fortune on fresh fruit and vegetables while we think the locals laughed at us as we would ask for two items and end up with a minimum of a kilo.
While we sat in the Plaza Mayor, being trapped in the carpark made us stay and have coffee and watch the world go by. I was able to enjoy one of my favourite Spanish dishes ‘Migas’ which is a speciality of the province. We mellowed and decided that even if the weather was changeable, we should revisit some of the lovely places nearby.
The Monfragüe National Park with it abundance birds and wildlife walks and altogether breath-taking beauty would be worth a revisit. Plus, it would be a great place to test out Karen’s bike. Then when the market was over, the carpark emptied and we headed off to the campsite near the park a bargain at €19 per night inc. electricity. The weather is a concern, but again we got lucky, and were able to have 2 days in the park enjoy lovely walks and get very close to the wildlife. If you are ever in this region of Spain and like birds and wildlife this is a must visit place.
Another place we loved on our big tour of Spain in 2016 was the Sierra de Francia and the picturesque town of La Alberca. Again, we set off into the mountains and to be fair we had forgotten just how narrow and winding the roads were. As we got closer suddenly, we found that our route was blocked and had to take an even narrower more precipitous route to get there plus it added and extra hour to the journey. Beginning to think we were jinxed we were having our doubts about continuing. But ‘Buster’s’ automatic gearbox was enjoying the ride and so we ploughed on.
It turns out that our memory had not deceived us and we were overjoyed to arrive back in La Alberca It is beyond pretty and nestles into the landscape as if it has always been there. We are believe it or not conscious that there is no ‘Money Tree’ so we do eat in more than it seems reading our weekly blogs. So on a three night stay we had lunch out once, for €22 a head we had starter, main and desert plus a bottle of wine and water all inclusive. The food was hearty and very good.
Also the walks around the town are many and varied, all very well signposted we were able to take a fantastic 10km amble through beautiful scenery and arrived back to the town to watch all the locals in their Sunday best having drinks and snacks after mass. Tapas are now rarely free anymore, maybe the cost-of-living crisis has put paid to that. But they are still around for a couple of Euros you can still taste the flavours of an area. This town is no different and boy does it have flavours, to be fair if you are vegetarian or vegan you will struggle. We are not and this is Jamon territory and were in our element.
Before we head off tomorrow, we will be taking some of those fine flavours with us as we head east towards Madrid.
John Salkeld says
“Karen” “speed sensor” not two things you expect to hear in the same sentence! X