In the low 70’s with no wind this morning as we biked out of Peñíscola, through the sleeping town of Benicarlo and out into the small farm fields that bordered the sea. We imagine this is what most of the coast looked like before tourism took over the small country roads

and fields of artichokes. It wasn’t long before this too would end for us and we were back out on the busy national road. We watched as the Serra de Montsia Mountains crept closer and closer There was one small pass at the foothills of these mountains and that was at the edge of the sea.  We made almost a half circle around the mountain and then took the chance to get off the busy road.  So after 20 miles we took a long drop down into the small town of Sant Carles de la Rapitá  and straight to the beach. A little further and we reached their very large harbor and then on to the delta, leaving the town and mountains behind. Though this route was longer, it was flat and quiet, almost peaceful.  It also helped, that our turn from the mountains put the wind at our back.  We rode through miles and miles of rice fields,seeing our first aqueduct since last year’s ride.Enjoyed a wonderful lunch under the shade of a tree and the sound of the water rushing by.  As soon as the delta ended, the white beaches took over,

even rode a “real” boardwalk. Decided to stop in this small town with a beautiful view of the harbor.After all those rice fields and having just left the capital of Paella, it seemed only natural what we would have for dinner.It was an incredibly huge and deep dish piled with seafood, most delicious!  We watched some kind of young bull/boy ceremony from across the water, which is as close as I could bring myself to the torment.  But from this distance it was entertaining.  A stroll back to the hotel and then to bed.