DAY 4 - BOLONIA to BARBATE - Friday 26 April 2024

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We left early today,  following the GR145 past the Baelo Claudia site and up into the hills. The climb was steep at times but we were rewarded with stunning views back and a glimpse of the famous Bolonia sand dune.

Just before the top of the hill we turned down a dirt track.  There were warnings about free roaming cattle and indeed they didn't look as placid as Australian cows,  with their curving horns.

Avoiding the cows, we came out at the Camarinal lighthouse, used for centuries to warn the locals about raiders. We followed the coastline past expensive looking houses until the GR led us down to the beach, to view one of the many bunkers remaining.  It was hard walking on the sand with our backpacks and we were glad to join the path again.  

At Zahara de los Atunes we tried the breakfast we'd been looking forward to: coffee with toast and fresh tomato puree. Delicious! 

The GR ended here,  but after a very short stint on the road we found a bike path. This made for very easy walking and the few cyclists we passed and some horse riders gave us friendly waves.  The path was lined with wildflowers, we had raptors circling the peaks to the right and views to Cape Trafalgar to the left.

On our way into Barbate we traversed a swampy area with lots of birdlife. We thought we'd be too late for lunch - it was after 3 pm - but happily we found a restaurant near the beach where we tried some more Spanish specialities.
Leaving Bolonia
Signs warning of the many possible hazards which Australian long-distance walkers may have to confront on their way
A scenic, undulating road walk to start today's stage
Before long we had left Bolonia way behind (and below) us
Over the hill, the path descended back towards the coast
Cow photo
Camarinal lighthouse 
Playa los Alemanes
Rock pools at the Playa los Alemanes
Sand walking past a military bunker,  approaching Zahara de los Atunes 
Approaching Zahara de los Atunes 
The wildflowers were again amazing, here on both sides of the cycle path
Friendly interactions on the way - thumbs up from cyclists, waves from horse riders
Some of the flowers we saw today
Some of the birds we saw today
Approaching Barbate
Barbate
Street scene, Barbate
Rooftops of Barbate
Some highlights from lunch - a refreshing beer,  a warm octopus and prawn salad, and an enticing dessert
Day 4 - Map

Day:                                4
Distance:                       24.4 km
Walking time:               5 hrs 19 mins
Elevation gain:             476 metres
Cumulative distance:  47.93 km

Comments

  1. Murray and Sandra27 April 2024 at 00:24

    Amazing wildflowers again. My guesses at the birds are: Stonechat, Lesser Black-backed Gull (young one), Flamingo (can't tell which species), Western Cattle Egret, Iberian Grey Shrike(?), Black-winged Stilt

    ReplyDelete
  2. Victoria N27 April 2024 at 12:11

    Sometimes you get fresh ripe tomatoes and you smear/rub them on your toast. Breakfast is always a challenge. Don’t be tempted by the tea. I hope you stocked up on tea bags in the UK.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aussie Slow Travellers27 April 2024 at 20:05

      That sounds good too! We've had coffee out but we did buy some teabags here. Seem a bit weaker than we're used to?

      Delete
  3. The Howies5 May 2024 at 12:11

    As always, loving the photos and stories behind them. Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aussie Slow Travellers6 May 2024 at 06:32

      Glad you're enjoying them!

      Delete

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