Wednesday October 3, Ubeda

October 03, 2018

Wednesday October 3, Ubeda

A patchwork view this morning.

We have had a full on and rather varied day. The air cooled nicely overnight and it was such a beautiful morning. The view of the hills from our site was like patchwork with the newly planted rows of olive trees and the soil ranging from cream to deep rust. Time to get the bikes out and head off on the Olive Oil route towards Lucena, just so good to be back out riding again and the air was cool. We rode over bridges and through tunnels, and all the time surrounded by olive trees. Even came across some sheep wandering along the trail. And best of all were the fig trees growing wild, a purple variety which was smaller than the green ones, but they were all so sweet. Rather nice to be able to stop and eat figs. We called into the café at the railway station in Cobra for a coffee and continued on for a way before heading back to the van. Clocked up 30kms and felt great when we had finished, even though it was all uphill going home….a joy with electric assist!!

Loaded the bikes back in the van, and decided to go out for lunch at the Cantina Restaurant which is in the old train station next to where we are camped. Noticed the number of cars and large trucks that were parked there yesterday which is a good sign. And it was great, I had baccalau “cod” with ratatouille and Ian opted for the suckling pig. No need to cook dinner tonight.

It was mid afternoon and we decided to continue on north east to the town of Ubeda, which had an Aire with very good reviews and an interesting old town. It was an hour and half drive and the olive “forests” continued as far as the eye could see, interspersed with towns that all seem to be built on high points with a back drop of the mountains to the East. We notice that there are no houses in amongst the olives, only a few ruins and wonder if the blocks are owned individually or by large corporations, there seems to be no fences.

Parked up and put our feet up for awhile until it cooled down then walked into town. Everyone is out walking at this time of the night, the shops are open and there is a real relaxed atmosphere. We passed the bull ring on our way in and further on saw signs of a bull fight tomorrow evening….hmmmm, should we go to it!!! The jury is still out, but to see a bull fight in a small town in Spain would certainly be an experience, although not sure if I want to see it!!! It was getting dark by the time we got back to the van, the 12 sites are all full now and overflow are in the nearby carpark. A popular place.