A slightly gloomy morning as we embark on our road trip today.  A good day not to be on a bike! Although our full-sized serial killer van isn’t quite the luxurious touring vehicle that many people here are driving, we make the best of things on the switchbacks going up the Mallorcan hills. That van can corner like it’s on rails. LOL.

It’s quite amazing to watch the cyclists tackle these steep hills. They are maniacs! So strong, so determined, so super fit! To put it into perspective, they are climbing 801 meters in 8.5 km. That’s a grade between 5% – 9% sustained for 8.5km. Blech.

A surprisingly good lunch at the gas station at the top; a full lunch menu including pizzas, burgers, fries, and even paellas! This is where the cyclists climbing the mountain from either side stop to reward themselves with an ice cream and a sit down. Luckily, being so high up, it is quite cool and windy, so they are also able to cool down. Believe me, they are sweaty when they arrive!!

We were neither sweaty, nor tired, but we still rewarded ourselves with a pizza and a burger. Yummy.

Further down the road we make a couple of stops overlooking a beautiful canyon and then a reservoir – which even came with its own goats.

We knew this drive would be scenic, but we weren’t quite expecting it to be like this. We really enjoyed the twisty turny roads, the tree-filled landscape, the harrowing cliffs, and then, on the other side, some waterfront with clear blue water.

Our goal for the day is stopping in the picturesque towns of Deia and Valldemossa. Two seaside towns known for their old towns and walkability. However, everybody and their dog had the same idea.  We drove through these towns three times, navigating through hundreds of other cars, pedestrians and bikes all vying for position. With no parking anywhere – honestly, we looked! – we figure we’ll try again another day and perhaps pack the bikes in the back of the van and just cycle into town from a nearby parking lot. Provided it isn’t too hilly. We’re not maniacs, after all.

With our touring today being a bust, it’s decided to find the nearest bodega to drown our sorrows. Always a great second choice. Really, it’s always a great first choice, but here we are. On our way, we happen to pass by a glass blowing factory – we absolutely need to check this out.  4 artisans blowing glass, working together to make oil jugs, handles and all. Too neat. The best part? Or maybe, the most surprising part…we walked out of there without buying anything! We were sorely tempted by a really cool Halloween ghost, but we wisely walked away.

Remember the bodegas? The first one was closed.  And the second – closed for harvest. Sigh.

Fine then, Plan F? G? X? Let’s go for tapas! Into Palma we go to find the best tapas they have…within reason.  We need to find a place that is 1) rated at a 4.8 or better, 2) not too far into Old Town Palma  – remember, we’re driving a big killer van and, 3) open – it is only 6:00pm and way too early for dinner in Spain.

Gust Gourmet Bar it is, advertised to be the perfect streetside tapa bar.  Lucky for us, there were also a ton of parkades within walking distance. Win win! It won’t be long now before we are seated on an outdoor patio being served small samplings of goodness, and washing them down with a healthy dose of sangria.  Perfection. We manage to kill 2 hours sitting there while watching each of the tables around us turn at least twice. Busy place! People watching, tapa loving, sangria slurping. Our day’s success level definitely turned improved.

Before heading back to our hotel, it’s a quick(ish) stop at one of the Aldis.  A grocery chain so we can pickup some supplies, notably cheap wine. How can you not try a bottle of wine that is 0.99 Euros??