This morning we were up early and down for breakfast by 8:30.
Nothing cooked today as we were still a little full from last night’s paella.
We then set off to walk to Cuevo del Gato, which in previous years has been a familiar walk.
However, when we had crossed over the railway line, the road disappeared as the concrete bridge over the river had been washed away in the winter storms.
So we had to divert along a narrow path that has been cut through the bamboos on the near side of the river until we reached the stepping stones, which were the only way to cross. Fortunately the river level was low and the stones were dry, but it was quite an adventure getting across.
The rest of the walk was quite familiar and we passed under the road-bridge and past the guest house, noting by the debris how high the river level had been during the storm and where the railway embankment had been repaired.
When we reached the wonderful new wooden bridge that had been built across the river and which had featured in this years calendar, we were in for a surprise … that had been washed away too!
So it was across yet more stepping stones and under the rebuilt railway line until we reached a young lady at a desk asking if we were swimming (in the icy cool pool) or picnicking?
As it was neither, just sightseeing, the visit was free of charge, but we do recall having to pay to cross the bridge last year. The lady informed us the a stronger bridge would be built “by the military”, but we have no idea how long ahead that will be.
The swifts were flying in and out of the cave mouth and there were a number of people who had decided to spend their Sunday by the poolside.
We retraced our steps across the stones, back along the path and reached the hotel in time to get changed for our first swim of the day. This was followed by the obligatory sangria in the pergola, more swims and then sorbet and ice cream later.
More sunbathing and then back to our room to change for dinner.