{"id":5115,"date":"2012-06-26T21:33:54","date_gmt":"2012-06-27T01:33:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tourdebocrie.com\/?p=5115"},"modified":"2015-07-02T15:11:19","modified_gmt":"2015-07-02T19:11:19","slug":"day-31-tuesday-june-26-lampollo-to-tarragona-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourdebocrie.com\/?p=5115","title":{"rendered":"Day 31, Tuesday, June 26 – l’Ampollo to Tarragona, Spain"},"content":{"rendered":"

Think we now have the hang of the Spanish lifestyle; sleep in, have a big breakfast and get on your bicycle around nine in the morning. \u00a0Not really recommended in the heat, but it sounded good at the time.<\/p>\n

When we left the sun was way above the horizon,\u00a0\"\"<\/a>shining bright and pushing the temperature to 80 degrees.<\/p>\n

The course today, began right away on the state highway\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

where you learn to look at the small things to enjoy the ride. \u00a0The tall stand of cedar trees with their cool shade and smell of Christmas. \u00a0The mountains in the distance<\/em> with perfectly still wind generators. \u00a0The break in traffic of the big rigs and cars that allow you to hear the birds singing. \u00a0This lasted for about an hour until the reality of the climbs \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

and the heat of the day kicked in. \u00a0It was still a pretty ride \"\"<\/a>despite the busy road and the looming mountain. \u00a0We had been told, the true <\/em>coast between l’Ampollo and Tarragona is spectacular with tiny coves and private beaches, but a challenge even by car. \u00a0Perfect if you want to “hike” in, obviously, not for us…..this time.\"\"<\/a>We went through several valleys that are apparently are very windy, not today,\"\"<\/a>but with no sea breeze, even if it is in your face, it was HOT and we were dripping. \u00a0Got our second reference to Florida today as we passed through “Miami Beach”.\"\"<\/a>Shortly before noon, I stopped for a picture\"\"<\/a>and Jerry to refer to the map. \u00a0This local gentleman\"\"<\/a>could not resist the opportunity to offer advise, “get off this road, head to the beach, the ride is much nicer.” \u00a0It was actually great advice. \u00a0Naturally, the beach was beautiful\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>\"\"<\/a>the harbor filled with expensive sailboats\"\"<\/a>and the streets \"\"<\/a>and boardwalk, \"\"<\/a>very interesting, incredible sculpture.\"\"<\/a>What our new friend did not tell us was that a climb (or three)\"\"<\/a> was necessary in order to connect to the next town. \u00a0But the view of the crystal clear water\"\"<\/a>and packed beach \"\"<\/a>was worth the straight up hills. \u00a0Our ride into our destination city was exactly opposite, through miles of industry.\"\"<\/a>The city of Tarragona is thick in Roman history, \"\"<\/a>but we went to the outskirts, so missed most of the picture taking with some exceptions.\"\"<\/a>We chilled for a couple of hours once we checked in, waiting for the heat to subside. \u00a0Around six, we wandered down to the beach, \"\"<\/a>to find it packed…..still! \u00a0We were staying in a predominately residential neighborhood, so naturally found a little local restaurant. \u00a0Both the food and the waiter\"\"<\/a>were outstanding, it was a deliciously fun evening.\"\"\n\t\t