Alberto delivers his promise. The routes are excellent, avoiding large roads and introducing us to an old rail tunnel (just under 5kms), now converted for cyclists and walkers, that takes out a huge climb. Nellie and Flea have a closer look at the sea when we walk along the edge of the beach and have lunch in a beach bar. Meanwhile, Alberto, whose day job is an international salesman for a line of women's clothing (that I should know, but don't), has become our PR man, announcing our arrival and explaining our presence to anyone who asks or is unwise enough to look in our direction. In the evening, when we arrive in Costa, he negotiates a place for us to stay in the hostel and a woman, who has been quietly watching the whole process, finally steps forward and offers a place for Nellie.
Paula lives at the bottom of the hill, reached like everywhere else by a flight of mule steps. When she asks if Nellie can cope I simply nod and hope for the best. This time I don't count, but it must have been at least half a kilometre in distance. Nellie is finally installed on one terrace of an olive grove and we are invited for breakfast the next day.
Next excitement – Evelyn's arrival. She has driven all the way from Arles to spend the next two day's walking with us and has all too obviously been infected by our madness. I am climbing back up the flight of stairs when I see her standing at the top with Paul and can't express the pleasure of seeing such a familiar face. A sense of Arles, which makes me realise that in spite of the excitement of being in a different place every day, I miss home and our friends.
Accommodation - rating: excellent Ostello Framaura, Loc. Costa,15 FRAMAURA 19014 +39 0187 810529 - +39 3336912079
You missed out the 31st!
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