Middle-aged flash packers

And indeed that was a very disturbed night. The kitchen is a long way from the bedroom and I was wide awake by the time I assuaged my thirst with a bottle of water. S was in full snore mode when I got back so it was kindle time for me at 3am. 

Still, tiredness is for the weak as someone once said (presumably  someone insufferable who always sleeps like a log) so as I had a “lazy day” yesterday (we walked 8.2 miles!) S wanted to do the full long beach walk today which is about 10 miles. Only 2 more miles than yesterday- I’m confused.

Although we’re calling this walk the Long Beach walk it’s actually a circular walk to Monsul Beach, taking in a windmill, Los Genoveses beach and Barronal beach. 

The weather was amazing. Clear blue skies, warm sunshine and a gentle breeze – perfect walking conditions although should you ever be in the area and want to attempt this walk, bring lots of sunscreen and water as there are no amenities. We love this about the Cabo de Gata but if you fancy an ice-cream half way round you won’t be in luck.

There are places to park on the road by the beaches but it’s a helluva walk from the road. I was very impressed with the amount of stuff people were prepared to carry while they stumbled about up rough hill tracks and down even tougher ones. Cool boxes, parasols, things to lie on: I have to say though we didn’t see any of our ,ahem, larger brethren. You definitely have to be a bit of a mountain goat here.

Wild beaches attract those seeking solitude and as it was in the less commercial areas in Spain’s Costa de la Luz, so it is here – many people who don’t like wearing clothes of any sort. To be honest, they spoilt my photo taking as I don’t want someone’s Crown Jewels in my pictures and it’s also a bit awkward even just taking a photo as they probably think I’m trying to take a shot of them in all their glory. Which I most certainly am not. 

One other tip for you is that although it’s perfectly possible to do this walk in training shoes, something between a trainer and a walking boot would be ideal – a brainer or a toot if you will. Good grips are useful as the paths are very gravelly and easy to slip on. I also found walking poles useful.

We didn’t swim as the sea hasn’t warmed up yet and  is still an exceedingly chilly 14 degrees. Some people did though, including the crown jewel brigade whose collections definitely got less – not that I was looking.

On the way back we managed to chop off a little of the walk as rather than spending ages hunting for an ill-defined path up a steep hill, we walked along a much easier path by the side of the road. The road was very quiet so no problems re cars covering us in dust.

We celebrated our return to San Pedro with a pink lemonade magnum which is now our new favourite flavour. Charlie is cross with us because S told him about this marvellous new ice-cream we’ve found and apparently C has offered us one every time we’ve visited him and we’ve refused it. 

Silly Steve. 

windmill en route