Benidorm is Nice (in Spain)

Ha ha – play on words and names. What a wag. Frosty in Leeds this morning and my old dear scraped the ice of the car. What a babe. Flight on time, passing over Manchester, IoW, Portsmouth, Deauville, Alencon, Le Mans, Tours and then it clouded over. The Pyrenees soon saw off the vapours.

  
It’s a great feeling coming back to Spain to start another walk. We landed early, everything was quick and I got a cheap transfer to Benidorm. Six euros ain’t bad. The weather is beautiful and the town is reasonably quiet – I’m staying near the western beach. It’s the quieter of the two. Time was when I’d want the other one.

The local digital thermometer shows 24c. Kismet Hardy. It’s been a bit wet in the hills. Like a lot of rain. I got an email yesterday saying that the pilgrimage route I originally intended to take was detoured as a result of erosion from heavy rain. My route through the mountains, limestone mountains, will be ok. As long as it isn’t too hot… or too cold… or too wet… or too overgrown! 
God bless Spain. 

The hotel is actually very posh. Full of Frenchies and Spaniards. Shorts banned for dinner. I’m wearing shorts. The restaurant manager says it’s ok. The place is heaving. Immaculately dressed Froggies and smart but casual Spanish. I feel at home in my short shorts and Sheff U shirt. 

I need pepper spray to ward off wild dogs, wild humans and wolves – which are reinhabiting a lot of Mainland Europe and are now in packs only 80 Kms from Madrid. But they don’t sell it in Benidorm. Probably some local bye-law crap. It’s not illegal in Spain. Anyway I’ve got a machete so that would sort out a few dogs, wolves and noisy children! Ok. Sorry for the children comment. I’ve been all over Beni looking for spray but let’s move on. 

I’m heading for Alcoy over the next two days. Relleu tomorrow and Alcoy on Saturday. The next two photos are the footpath I’m taking when I get to Alcoy. The track is in red for those who are watching in black and white. The first one shows a tiny bit of route in the top right hand corner, heading north from Alcoy (Alcoi in Valencian). 

Should be good. We’ll see. I don’t particularly like wild camping but needs must. I prefer campsites with showers and shops. Anyway one day at a time sweet Jesus, that’s all I’m asking of you. 

How about this for tapas! In Benidorm.

And a local ham shop.

And the end of Christmas parade.

Benidorm. Brilliant!