The drive from Avignon to Benitachell was eight and half hours long. Yikes.
The drive itself was pretty, especially just south of Barcelona as vineyards and olive tree orchards alternated over the hillsides. Then as we drove further south, we started seeing orange trees thrown in the mix, until it was just orange groves. We got into the villa just in time for dinner, which gave us a couple of hours to wind down, unpack, and get ready for bed.
The villa sits on a hillside overlooking a protected natural area (another hillside) and out to the Mediterranean Sea. The photo below is from the upper terrace looking out to the Mediterranean.
This is supposed to be a relaxing vacation, so Catherine found us a beautiful villa (great work Catherine!!!!) that had an option for a heated pool. Phenomenal. The photo below is of Catherine, Ian, and Leah enjoying 90+ water in 60-ish and windy weather. The pool is below the upper terrace, and also sports a wonderful view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Tuesday morning, Ian and I woke up early to go climb that hillside across the draw/valley. We got there just as the sun was coming up over the horizon. It involved a bit of a climb over some rough vegetation, nothing difficult just tedious. This photo below is a stitch of four or five photos with some extra work done in Photoshop (again) and Lightroom.
I had brought my tripod along (essential for those panoramic stitches) and grabbed a photo of Ian and me using the camera timer. We had a great time together and he and I will go out most mornings in the area in search of more photo fun. It was windy and chilly in the morning (40's), so that is why we are wearing jackets.
We spent Tuesday around the area - drove to an area called Jalon (Xalo) and took in the local market there as well as sample some wines and sherries at a local bodegas (winery). This was followed by swimming in the pool in the afternoon. All in all a very relaxing and low key day. Just what the doctor ordered.
I hope all is well out there. Cheers!
Marc
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