Tuesday, April 8^th, 2003  La Zubia – Orgiva  60 km.

I still have a week of vacation left so could either re-book my flight or treat myself to “dessert” by making an Alpujarra round- tour. The decision was make quickly. The Alpujarras are really a delicatessen for the  cyclist, both literally and figuratively speaking. The Alpujarra-Alta was the last enclave of the Mauren who were driven out of Granada in 1492. They lie south of the Sierra Nevada. I took off under sunshine and arrived under completely overcast sky. The first 10 km. cross country, then N 323. Because there is a new freeway running parallel, I had the road practically to myself. 7 km. before Lanjaron one leaves N 323 and goes onto A348. It becomes rockier, - Almond trees, pomegranate, orange and lemon trees in abundance. Every Spaniard is familiar with Lanjaron – but only a few know where it is actually located. Lanjaron supplies Spain with mineral water which is filled up from the springs here in the Sierra Nevada. In Switzerland it would be Henniez, in Belgium and Holland – spawater. 7km. further lies Orgiva where the Alpujarra – Alta round-tour begins. The sign indicates 95 km. Three Italiens with loaded bicycles were standing at the reception of the camping ground in Orgiva. I asked  them why they didn’t put up their tent and they replied “not today because it might rain, we have a little house with 4 beds so if you want you can join us”. I gladly accepted their offer. We rode into the little town for dinner and to enjoy the rest of the day.

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