We managed to order our breakfast ok from the bar our Spanish is improving.My bike was extracted from the office with difficulty , it was a tight fit through the doorway but Tim’s bike had had to stay in the foyer far too big but noone was using the hotel front door so that was ok.Full rain gear was donned although I hadn’t packed my rain booties as I was expecting to be roasting in the low 30s.We set off in the pouring rain.The route I’d looked at was quite straight forwards just small villages and more hills at the beginning so easier at the end of the day and battery’s would be fine and we could arrive before the next bout of wild weather.

The rain was heavy but at least no wind.Scenery was pleasant sodden fields, swollen streams and the birds were chirping away enjoying the rain.We were excited to see the river Tinto, Rio Tinto mined these volcanic/sedimentary rocks which has the biggest concentration of sulphides in the world, iron sulphide giving the river its red tinge and Rio Tinto its name when it became a company in 1873.Past the Rio Tinto we cycled into Niebla with an incredible castle, parts in ruins and covered in moss and ivy and with its own stork and nest atop the ruins.The rain increased so we promised ourselves a coffee stop in San Juan del Puerto another pretty little town.We arrived as the down pour was at its worst.Some elderly gentlemen sitting outside kindly moved some tables and chairs so we could get our bikes undercover.

We were dripping and my feet were swimming in my shoes.Luckily I had packed new winter gloves so my hands were still warm.My elderly coat had leaked a bit at the sleeves but although damp we weren’t too bad.Tim ordered hot drinks and I went to the toilet and emptied my shoes out and wrung my socks out.Over our drinks Tim decided we would change our route as he wanted to see Huelva I however was looking forwards to the simple quick route I’d chosen.

Still dripping we peddled off towards Huelva but this was when the wind picked up.It looked like we were cycling across vast marshlands which the wind tore across.Buffered we entered Huelva, tall characterless appartment blocks greeted us and traffic lights every 500metres and hills.I sensed this was not going to be a good experience in terms of maintaining our batterys capability for the rest of the day.One way streets then added to the navigational fun.At last we made it to the small old part of town, the bull ring was impressive if a bit run down.Then Tim realised we couldn’t use the main road bridge to cross over the river, no bicycles allowed!

We followed another sign unsure of whether it was a ferry or another bridge.It was a smaller bridge with a cycle lane protected from cars by a concrete barrier, but no protection from the wind.I couldn’t make any progress in eco so had to up to normal or not move.We had to follow a cycle route off the bridge as we were surrounded by busy roads.This route led us to the rehabilitation sites of the famous Tharsis mines which have been mined for over 3000 years, but in more recent times was the most profitable copper mine in the world. It was abandoned in 1996 and since then extensive rehabilitation has been undertaken to repair the vegetation and poisoned landscape.

Tim was looking forwards to seeing world famous golfing courses as we left Huelva including Bel Vista but all the courses were well and truly hidden from the sight of us plebs, huge flag filled entrances to their grounds with big white arches.Somehow there were no opportunities en route for lunch so it was nuts and fruit.

The wind increased and the grey clouds returned, we were now dry but not for long.Attractive pine forests were either side of the road probably the stone pine.At last we saw the sign Cartaya 7km,

nearly there but Tim’s battery was running low and mine had gone down quickly .I thought this is easy I must be getting used to the wind.I had clicked onto sport mode accidently with my big bulky winter gloves.

A quick trip to the Carrefour Supermarket to have a decent dinner as we had booked a room with cooking facilities.I piled my heavy laden backpack onto my backpack and cycled around trying to find our appartment, not easy a tiny sign on the door.Luckily there was a hallway to fit our bikes in, just big enough.It was a shock to discover we were sharing cooking facilities with 5 others and a tiny space in the fridge. Our own bedroom and ensuite but in Merida we had a fantastic appartment for the same price! Everyone is very friendly and accommodation was very limited in Cartaya, the bed is good and it’s all non-smoking and it’s only one night! We can also make a sandwich for tomorrow and have a good breakfast in case everything is closed, Portugal might be ok but definitely not Spain .Bike battery’s are on charge Tim arrived with 15% left, 6kms in the tank lcutting it fine!

It’s Good Friday tomorrow and we need to catch a ferry to get to Portugal I’ve managed to discover the ferrys are operating tomorrow but not sure what sort of service…manyana