San Javier on La Manga

Mileage: 163523

In the morning, the skies cleared up and the sun was shining. We decided to continue on without exploring this area, as Ines had found a promising parking spot in San Javier for that evening, located between a large lake and the sea on the isthmus of La Manga.

The drive on the highway was swift, but then we encountered a stretch that lasted a frustrating half hour at speeds of 30 or even 20 km/h, running through the residential area and constantly interrupted by traffic lights. However, we were rewarded at the end with a place very close to the sea.

We stood in direct proximity to Mill Number 168. The salt mills, which were obviously numerous in this area, were once used to pump seawater into the salt pans of the region or to grind the salt slabs obtained during the harvest into fine salt. They were somewhat smaller and narrower in construction compared to those used for grinding grain, but the design was the same as what was customary here.

When we set off in the evening for a walk to find dinner, we were almost swarmed by mosquitoes. We quickly turned around and generously sprayed ourselves with mosquito spray, a product we hadn't used in weeks or months.

The restaurant we found after a short search offered not only pizza, burgers, and pasta but also local cuisine. We ordered paella with meat instead of seafood and were very happy with our choice. The classic dish was served in a large cast-iron pan for the entire table, and everyone helped themselves to their portion from it. It was a challenge not to burn oneself on the scalding hot pan.

After the exceptionally good and hearty meal, we walked back to Gary, and Sebb tried to find out what the gigantic cloverleaf - Trebol - in the town was all about, but he was unsuccessful.