4th November Caught by the Rain

As part of my morning routine, as well as checking BBC news and emails, I always have a look at what the Met Office has to say about our local weather. This morning we were due an over cast start before sunshine later. Suitable for a bike ride into Empuriabrava for the market, as I'm on the look out for a light weight scarf to go with the jumper I'm knitting.

Once we'd finished breakfast and sorted out an extra rucksack to take with us (you never know what bargains are to be found) we cycled off.

Our journey was fairly uneventful other than pedestrians who behave like headless chickens when you ring a bike bell - especially necessary if you're approaching from their behind. This morning as we cycled across the nature reserve there were 4 walkers spread right across the path. Ian gave a ring, they all looked around. The couple on the right stayed to the right whereas the couple on the left sort of froze. Then the man first went to the left with the other person and then changed his mind and went right! By this time Ian was nearly there and had to anticipate if the other one on the left was going to make a dash across as well. Thankfully not!

Then on the cycle path down to the sea front an elderly gentleman had his border collie on a lead as he took the rubbish to the bin (in Spain no-one has their own bins as big collection bins for all varieties of rubbish are placed down the roads at regular intervals). Ian had already passed well in front as I'd had to stop to sort out my bag. I gave my bell a ring as the man was at the bin whereas his dog was on the lead across the path. No response. So I tinged again. Still no response! Now I'm just about stopped as he eventually reels his dog in with me thinking is he deaf? I get alongside and I noticed he had hearing aids so he was! Maybe I should get one of those cow bells to clang 🤔. 

Anyway about half an hour after leaving we were padlocking the bikes up and it then started to rain! No worries we thought it'll soon pass over as it wasn't forecast - but I think the stall holders knew something else. They all started to pack up so by the time I got to where the scarf stall is normally located it had wasn't there 😬. Never mind we still have about 3 more market opportunities before we leave.

With it still drizzling we opted to stop in a beach side cafe for a coffee until it stopped. We were glad we did as we liked this cafe called 'Enjoy It' - we did!

For 3.60€ we had our cafe con leche, small chocolate chip cookies, olives, mixed nuts and jelly babies. We'll definitely be coming back here!

With all the extra nibbles we managed to eek them out until it stopped raining and still had jelly babies left over for later. By the time we got back to our bikes the saddles were dry and the wind direction was in our favour. A wind assisted ride back was very nice.

This afternoon there was a Witch and Chestnut festival starting at 2pm in Palau-saverdera which we drove up to. When we arrived there were a few craft and refreshments stalls that were having to be held onto as the wind had picked up. It got quite gusty and the refreshment tent took off! By this time we decided to head back to Roses as nothing much was happening on the chestnuts and witch front.

In Roses there was supposed to be a painting competition for sunsets but the wind was really blowing. No chance for anyone trying to paint to even think about keeping their paper still. We had a blustery walk (Ian had to keep a secure hold on his hat) and returned to the apartment to watch the sunset in the shelter.

Tomorrow it's a toss up as to whether we go to the once a month bric a brac fair in Castello d'Empuries or the weekly Roses market followed by a visit to the Castell de la Trinidad which only opens at weekends. Let's see what happens 😄.