Saturday October 6 Alcaniz

Today’s four-hour drive took us through some of the most interesting and varied scenery we have experienced in Spain. Leaving Utiel this morning after one of the coolest nights we have had all trip we were on the wine route and everywhere the grapes were being harvested. Some of the vines are more like low bushes and not trained on wires but they are absolutely laden, and these are hand gathered, while the rest are machine harvested and there are tractors and trailers everywhere taken their loads to the wineries.

We climbed up into the mountains heading for Teruel and the hills reminded us of the Badlands in Dakota with their rich colours and eroded shapes. We entered a river valley, the road was windy and quite narrow and passed through many small and very old villages before opening up again. We started seeing the remnants of old mines and after a bit of research we realised we were in the Aragon mining area, where some mining still takes place.  Coal was of major importance but the last coal mine is soon to be closed down.

Coming into Alcaniz we were once again in an olive growing area interspersed with large areas of almond trees, many of which we saw all through today’s drive. Staying tonight in a very new motorhome parking area with all facilities, just a short walk over the river and into town. Took ourselves off for a walk later this afternoon, it was quite a steep climb up through some very old streets to the heart of the old town with the old cathedral and some buildings dating from the 14^th and 16^th centuries. A little saddened to see the archway entrances to these buildings have been surrounded by lightbulbs! Probably look interesting at night, but it does take away from their history. I am sure spotlights would have done a better job. Enjoyed poking around the very old windy streets with washing hanging out of windows. It is the way they live.

Will be catching up with Conny and Hitten tomorrow on the coast, blogging might not be so regular!

Harvest time

Reminder of the old railway!

Autumn colours in the mountains

A wedding in town!

Hanging out!

Shame about all the light bulbs.