Aliseda to Cáceres

April 8, 2024

We didn't have many kilometers and were expecting a short and easy ride. That was without taking the weather into account. Rain was predicted and we hoped we might by chance be able to catch a dry window. As the weather forecast kept changing, it was hard to say when that was going to be. We set out under grey clouds, that was good enough. The road was straight and not too interesting but Susan had suggested a short detour to the Natural Monument Los Barruecos in Malpartida before we reached our destination. The pictures from the internet looked enticing and I was sure it was going to be worth it - if it wasn't raining.

The garbage bins don't get the point across. I wanted to show the blossoming orange tree which was overwhelmingly fragant.

Today's long, straight road, and the sun peeked out for a brief second or two

There wasn't too much to take pictures of, but fields of wild flowers aren't to be taken for granted.

About the only "thing" on our route, not really picture worthy

About midway it started to sprinkle, and then it more than sprinkled. I got out my rain jacket and put away my camera. When we reached Malpartida we ducked into the first cafe/bar we found. It was warm, dry and a table was free. Saved for the time being. Coffee, hot chocolate, tostadas with cheese hit the spot while outside it began to pour.

The rain let up and we got going. Maybe we could get to our hotel without getting soaked? Janos more or less made a dash for the hotel while Susan and I risked the few extra kilometers to get a look at Los Barruecos. It was worth it although we didn't really get to see the more impressive parts of the park. We didn't want to take the time to explore the sandy paths that led to the lakes and fantastic stone formations that I had seen pictures of. But we were happy for a few peaceful kilometers on the small roads.

Getting up close to these awesome stones

A couple of hours on foot on sandy paths would have been the best way to explore.

Our route back took us through a bit of commercial zone, something we have hardly seen at all on all the days of our trip.

Storks taking advantage of some industrial structure for their nests, and I think they are always welcomed.

We had to cycle through a bit of a sprawl approaching Cáceres. Oh look, we are cycling right past a Decathlon branch. I have been sorely missing the wind jacket that I forgot to pack. The wind has been going through all my layers and my rain jacket is just too hot . We popped in and within a few minutes I found what I was looking for - a high viz, light weight, inexpensive wind breaker. That was fun!

When we got to Cáceres Susan and I both followed our own routes, easier than trying to keep an eye on each other when winding through city streets with traffic. Although I got to the destination, I still didn't see the hotel. Good to hear Susan call out, hey we're over here.

The sun came out in the evenig for a stroll and pictures in Cáceres' old town, a random bunch of shots with my phone.