Cabo de Gata Day 2: Desert by the Sea

The campground was full of cars and screaming kids, and its best feature were the unexpectedly hot showers -- a luxury I have come to appreciate in my travels. I packed up my tent and continued the walk up the coast, with the sun shining for the second day in a row. This day I walked off the trail more than on it, sometimes preferring to make my way along the rocky shoreline, and other times climbing up the hills to enjoy the coastal panoramas. As soon as I ventured inland, I knew I was in a real desert, with nothing but parched soil and short hardy plants underfoot.

In the desert, the color green stands out spectacularly whenever it occurs, particularly in the form of oases. I encountered several patches of palm trees along my path, and lingered in their shadow to escape the midday sun. I found another isolated beach and sunbathed once again after a swim in the chilly waters. Leisurely, I made my way to the next campsite, and pitched my tent by daylight this time.

In the evening, I ventured to a nearby village and waited for the restaurants to open for dinner. I ordered a glass of wine at the bar in the meantime, but the waiter kept refilling it and bringing free appetizers until I wasn´t sure I wanted any dinner at all. Thankful that I didn´t have to drive home, I made my way back to the tent by starlight, since my flashlight decided to give out. It was Halloween, but I didn´t even have a Jack-O-Lantern!