Wednesday, May 17th 2023.
Arroyo Coche to Antequera.
After saying Adios to Lorena and seeing one of the children’s bicycles parked by ours, we began our day with a nice 3 Km downhill glide from our Air BnB at Arroyo Coche only to be met with an uphill into Villanueva de la Concepción. The walking/pushing gear was initiated which took us up to a beautiful lookout back down the valley from whence we came.
In the distance high above the valley floor we can see a faint outline of the road on the mountain. We’re gaining altitude each day according to my Garmin watch and burning quads. Leg wise however, today is a breeze compared to yesterday and the buns are not quite steel yet, but a mild form of malleable copper.
The entire town is built on the mountainside and the road to El Torcal looms ahead. It’s difficult to see where the road goes as it gets near the top and I foolishly said “the civil engineers wouldn’t put it through the highest part of the mountain near the radio towers if they didn’t have to”. I was wrong yet again, and the civil engineers are clearly uncivilized.
A strange sign at the edge of town indicating a helicopter swooping down on a cyclist being microwaved while a drone takes photos precluded the coming ascent. My DuoLingo determined that “no good will come this” and we laboriously pushed and peddled our bikes up the mountain while a group of motor homes and cafe motorcyclists effortlessly streamed by on the winding road upwards.
Villanueva de la Concepción, now behind us, looked tiny as we passed a few horses in the mountains along with several cars and a water truck at the summit of El Torcal, all of them taking a break and enjoying the scenery. How do I break into the water truck to get a drink?
We had a short break and snack and we’re about to enjoy the 10 Km downhill coast towards Antequera. Even a bee thought it would take a ride with me on the front pannier to pick up a little distance the “beesy” way today.
On the way down from the summit we could see a far off mountain that looked like a face staring up to the skies.
Legend has it that a Christian boy and Muslim girl were not allowed to marry according to the boys noble father and therefore, held hands and jumped to their death from atop the mountain to seal their love for one another.
Several abandoned farms were still being grazed by sheep as we neared the castle wall in the distance and we were about to come upon an incredible landscape steeped with Roman, Moorish and Christian history frozen in time by stunning architecture.
Arriving in Antequera we were treated to a myriad of narrow winding streets as we Googled ourselves towards our hotel to lock up our bikes and cache our bags for the night.
We asked a couple of locals for some directions then headed up to see the walled fortress, castle and church.
More castle and Antequera pictures to follow tonight. It’s time to get back in the saddle and head north 53 Km to Lucena. Adios
Approaching the castle high upon the mountain in the historic district we can see several stairs leading to the front gate. The fortress is a double walled structure that was improved upon by every concurring victor. That’s how society rolls folks. You can leave peacefully for the next two months or we’ll starve you out, throw you in the dungeon until you change your mind, or cut off your head. So many options!
At first I thought this was a well, but it’s actually a six meter deep dungeon. Are we having fun yet? Have you finally changed your mind and want to join our team?
In the bell tower I was so tempted to clang the patanger wanger but realized I couldn’t afford to buy a round for all the Antequerians with the current Euro to Canadian exchange rate.
The primitive church of San Pedro was first started in 1522. Nothing is known about its initial designer. However, in the years 1627 and 1636 the construction was directed by the architect of the Cathedral of Malaga, Pedro Díaz Palacios.
Intricate wooden beamed ceiling
Strolling back to our Hotel Numero Uno for a Hamburguesa Numero Uno con fritas Y ensalada con cerveza we came upon this interesting sign on the side of a building. It seems the Yukon Klondike has had an effect on someone in Antequera, or at least that’s the story I’m telling myself today.
Nos vemos manana Amigos.
Fabulous photos. Such a pleasure to follow along with you on your adventure.❤️
Hello Dano and Frano! Happy June! Oh my goodness what a treasure to read your daily adventures. I have not been disappointed whatsoever with your fantastic photos, descriptive dual-lingo, and the unbelievable gift you have with the amazing sense of humor you orchestrate and arrange in every sentence; like a true musician indeed. My goodness Dan where do you draw upon such talent man?!?!? I love reading all about your adventures as it is so entertaining! Safe travels you two!