Time to use those kayak arm muscles to move rocks.First of 3 loads of local rock we had delivered. We had some of the boulders moved as well per the architect’s directions.
Templates made of cardboard first to get the dimensions worked out.
Shapes were then cut out of particle board to make concrete form.
Looking good…This just might work!
Wrapped in plastic, concrete was hand mixed and pushed into crevices.
The unveiling a week later shows the close match of concrete colors/textures with the rocks.
Lakeside view showing how bridges starts thicker, goes thinner as it springs out of the rock.
Seven tons of pea gravel are delivered to create the pond.View from living room after we have added a few plants.
The bridge ends at an island which we hope to feature a character pine.
A rake creates the wave patterns that enhance all the island places.
We drove to Girona to switch our gray VW Polo for a different VW Polo – a zippy little manual. Time to motor back to the Via Augusta.
So we drove a bit further SW to Caldes de Malavella which is know for thermal hot springs due to volcanic history.
There are many Modernist buildings when this town was rejuvenated in the 1900’s as a Spa Retreat, which it still is today.
It has been a Spa retreat for quite a few centuries, used in 1st to 4th century by the Romans.
We visited the museum as well as this outdoor archeology site of the preserved Roman Baths.
Can’t you just envision a few toga’s lounging around? How lucky for them this was on the Via Augusta!
There were small rooms along the sides surrounding the main pool…cabanas?
It was interesting to see the excavated Drainage System.
We headed out of town to the area of Romanya de la Selva. We hiked a short ways to this Menhir de la Murta, a neolithic manmade stone that aligns with the four cardinal directions.
A little further down the trail was Cova d’en Daina – a very well preserved megalith dating from around 2200 BC.
This fascinating structure of rocks is actually a large burial tomb. It is a dolmen but more complete with a full circle of menhirs surrounding it.
Fascinating to wonder how this was constructed.
The main chamber is 25 feet long by 5.5 feet across. The circle of menhirs is 36 feet in diameter.
The entry to the dolmen chamber is said to align southeast, which permits sunlight to enter at summer and winter solstice.
All the stones are granite.
Really wonderful to be able to walk around.
Excavations found numerous human bones and teeth, arrowhead flints, knife and pottery fragments as well as some necklace beads.
We retraced our steps through the cork forest – this area is sustainably harvested.
And wine corks are crafted! But unfortunately we are going to have to enjoy our wine back in the USA. Like the tramontane winds, the declaration of the WHO pandemic beckons us home.
With this panoramic view of the harbor of L’Escala.
Wendy and Stan, friends we met here 13 years ago! We had a champagne lunch at their home. Wonderful to reconnect with them!
We had Wendy and Stan over for an incredible full moon rise with tapas dinner in the living room. Tortilla, ham croquettas, cheese & crackers and Tempranillo wine!
We remembered being here over Christmas celebrations in 2006/07 and seeing the band perform in this square. Somehow they have been turned into bronze…
The Pyrenees look gorgeous with that white cap of snow!
L’Escala is a fishing village – anchovies are their specialty. It has around 10,000 population but grows to 50,000 during the summer holiday season – a lot of beauty here to appreciate.
The Barcelona Summer Olympic sailing competition was held here in 1992.
The torch for 1992 Olympics came ashore the same place the Greeks established Empuries, just North of L’Escala proper.
We had explored these Greek and Roman ruins in 2007 but unfortunately we did not get to explore this time.
The Bay of Roses (Roman Rhodes) where the first Greek and first Roman port in Iberia was established.
Heading to the South of L’Escala the coast becomes more cliff like and rocky.
The water is so incredibly clear. Stunningly beautiful. This area is also know for its scuba diving.
The Torre de Montgo was a 3-mile walk from the apartment. It has been beautifully restored.
The view from the tower is spectacular. An excellent hike through the Natural Park! Finished in time to meet up with our friends for Menu del Dia! Mmmm good and we have an appetite!
Day hike along rocky shore further North on a wave crashing sort of day.
We wondered if this is new cave was made by January’s storm Gloria.
At the North end of the Natural Park is Torre Badum and cliffs!.
Way in the distance is Alcossebre – this tower signaled to Torre Ebri many years ago. (We hiked there earlier this month)
Like 12.6 kilometers away to be more precise!
View in the other direction of the wonderful cliffs and Peniscola.
Peniscola – remember we stormed those gates earlier this month to see Papa Luna. Just ask El Cid. Link to our first blog posting.
Benicarlo Museum was showcasing these mock-ups for Fallas Festival starting next week.
Oh Baby – You are looking good!
The museum gave us a guided tour of these nearby Iberico Ruins El Puig de la Nau (pronounced more or less like: L Push Day La Now) Puig is a small hill.
A Really large town site from the 7th-4th Century BC. A massive Greek wine cup and a pottery making area as well as weaving area were discovered here.
Back to modern life and our last Wine O’Clock at Sea Experience.
We will remember all the beautiful sunrises at this peaceful Alcossebre location on Costa Azahar.
Mid- September, we headed to Rio Grande National Forest, an area of Colorado south of Creede we had not explored.
Huge piles of beetle kill limber pines that had been cut for fire mitigation.
Stage One Fire Restrictions: No burning!
Sun has not yet reached the valley as we head into La Garita Wilderness.
It is starting to feel like fall in this gorgeous section of the trail.
Wheeler Geologic Area used to be a National Monument.
Remote and Unique, it was a fun area to explore.
