Through a sea of clouds

Today it rained from morning until evening. We had prepared for that. So we first thoroughly slept in, and those who know us know what that means: We got up when others were settling in for a midday nap.

At some point in the early afternoon, we set off towards Morella. My heart ached just a little because these nearly 50 kilometers were supposed to be some of the most beautiful of our entire tour. But soon the mood improved. Perhaps because we had few expectations, the scenery through which the narrow and winding A-1414 steadily led us uphill surprised us.

In Matarraña, the landscape is Mediterranean and hilly: olive and almond groves, small fields alternate with forested highlands. In the background, the mountains of the Puertos de Beceite accompany us. We drive towards Monroyo, and the agricultural areas are getting smaller while the forests grow larger. The area appears increasingly lonely and mountainous in the high fog. We drive through a sea of clouds that keeps breaking open, revealing views that leave us in awe.

From Monroyo, we enter the mountain region of Els Ports. The landscape becomes rougher and more expansive. Forested slopes alternate with open plateaus, limestone cliffs, and deeply etched valleys, creating a peculiar atmosphere. A little eerie, thrilling, exciting …

We are now over 1,000 meters high, turning a tight corner, and suddenly Morella appears on its massive rock before us. It is meant to be the most beautiful moment of arrival of our entire trip, and indeed luck is on our side, as we have a clear view of this magnificent panorama. And Fortune remains faithful to us: We quickly find a nice parking spot with a grand view.

While the rain continues to patter on our roof, we snuggle in and look forward to tomorrow when we can explore the fortress and this legendary medieval town with all its treasures.