Day 14

Monday, May 29th 2023.

Ardales to Alora

Today began with…another uphill! This one was over after three kilometres or so after dropping down into the valley highway junction upon leaving the town of Ardales. We did a little map verification at the crossroads and reconfirmed our route that would take us towards Ardales Lake. This was the only lake of water we’ve seen in days and it was barely visible from our casa last night. It’s barely visible towards the far east side of town and we were planning on biking towards it in the morning and following through Ardales park just to the south.

Crossing over the flower filled bridge leaving town, we were on our way.

The winding road was a pleasure to bike on and we quickly made it to our first stop at the lake.

Gliding’s effortlessly through the downhill portions of the Ardales park was incredible, with its green Pine trees draping over the road and cascading through sandstone canyons. This area is a continuation of the El Torcel mountains near Antiquera. Camping and foot tragic is not permitted in the preserve and there are only a few small areas where people can stop to take a look.

Around a sharp bend nearing the bottom of the winding road appeared this church with several cave dwelling high upon the cliffs.

We could see the canyon walls through the trees on the opposite side of the ravine becoming incredibly bold and ominous as the pine trees shadowed the road and the flora and fauna became much more pronounced. The roadsides dropped with greenery and running water on the surfaces of the rock and it felt like we were biking through familiar territory of West Coast Canada again. Except, it’s currently +28 out and the breezes through the trees are warm and fresh with the scent of Pine trees and a chorus of unique bird song. There were two tiny deer high above on a cliff that we spooked driving past them in silence on our bikes. This nature preserve is one of the last strongholds for the Andalusian community as they fight to preserve what once was an area teaming with wildlife.

Not one of my pictures because my palms are sweating just typing the text for this picture. Once the “bridge” fell off the side of the cliff, rock climbers took this as a bit of a challenge to still pass through.

The bridge was originally built to service the power generation of this area and the stats brag the fact that nobody was killed in its construction. For more information check out the link below.

https://www.andalucia.com/province/malaga/el-chorro/caminito-del-rey-history.htm

Back on the road again after a brief water break and cruising towards the town of Alora about 15 Km from this point.

About 5 K back between the mountain gorges lies the Caminito del Rey. Adios crazy rock climber!

The marker at the 10 K summit indicates that it’s all downhill from here…until it’s uphill for the final destination.

The Googly map app often takes us through Lemmon orchards and alongside level railway tracks and water fountains to replenish our drinking supply from.

We have yet to see or hear a train on these regional tracks other than having one high speed train pass by us at 300 Km per hour while we were entering a highway overpass. I’m pretty sure it was either a rocket 🚀 or a bullet train 🚊

We finally reach Alora on a very steep uphill and stopped for a drink and afternoon snack before heading another 4 Km up a mountain to our Air BnB on a farm past Alora proper. We missed our chance to get groceries since it’s now mid afternoon and the stores are closed until 4:00 so we push through thinking that the two apples, one bun, and a peach will be enough for the night since we just finished lunch and are stuffed for the time being.

Our last place to get supplies for the evening. It’s right at the top of the historic district on Alora with a great view.

We found this water feature on the outskirts of Alora as we headed out of town. It pays tribute to the Flamenco Guitar player and adorned with a musical motif around the fountain.

From on top of the farm road that’s now turned to gravel, we could see nearly all the way down the valley to both the north and south.

Too steep to ride down the driveway.

We arrive at our casa 4 k up the mountain and down a super steep driveway and get squared away for the night after enjoying a wobbly pop in the sun beside the pool listening to the birds and inhaling the scent of flowers, olive trees, and then start thinking about heading back to town a couple of hours later because we we’re both pretty famished again.
Apprehensively, we go for it! Push the bikes up the driveway then another 4 k down the mountain to the valley and a across a highway to the closest restaurant and have a basic meal and then shuffle our way back up the mountain once again back to the casa for the night.

That made for a long day today and the lesson learned…get grub when the gettin’s good, especially if you’re a little ways out of town. It was worth every revolution on the old pedals to stay at this incredible place with wonderful hosts.

Tomorrow is our final day in the saddle and it looks like it’ll be a fast 45 KMs back into Malaga.