By bicycle from Binissalem to Castle d‘ Alaro

Today, hiking is definitely off the table. That's the plan.

I'm sleeping in until 9:00 AM. I start with a delicious coffee and a big breakfast. I have to admit, the bread tastes much better in Germany.

Everything else, including sausages, cheese, olives of course, cake, yes, I'm trying it all... tasty.

Tina with her 5-year-old son from Lüneburg hiked to Castle d‘ Alaro yesterday... and actually found gold coins.😉

A worthwhile destination, I think, just waiting to be discovered, but by bike.

I rent a wonderful bike. No bell, totally rusted, but with a basket. Yes, and a little helmet... dangling from the handlebars.😅

Lorena, great name, wishes me good luck 🍀

It’s 12:00 PM, the sun ☀️ is shining.

My app designed for bicycles guides me from my accommodation Agroturismo Es Quatre Cantons to Binissalem. There, I park my bike in the car park, as it goes quite steep uphill. Strange, the app is specially made for bicycles.🤔

Only now do I realize that I'm actually hiking even though I didn’t plan to.

The path is getting narrower, rockier, steeper. It can't get any steeper.

And I'm carrying everything again, typical.

I hike over the pass, as any good drug dealer would. Once I reach the top, I almost think I'm at the destination.

A quick look at my app... doesn’t look like it.😅

Suddenly, I find myself in front of a gate. Strange, my app doesn't mention anything about this.

The gate won't open. Mmmmh... turning back is not an option, climbing over... too high. I decide to do it old school and call out.

“Ola” means “Hello,” but whatever. Someone actually shows up. Grandma would say he is as black as night. 😂

This isn’t meant to be racist, I’m just picturing my mother.

The man looks me up and down. I quickly close my jacket. Even though I’m no longer a sprightly 20-year-old, I still feel a bit uneasy. Pepper spray, of course, is at home, Lotti. 😬

I explain the situation to him, but it’s no use, as he doesn't speak English and I don't speak Spanish. Anyway, I want to cross this courtyard to stay on my route.🙏🏼

Unfortunately, I make an unpleasant discovery in the courtyard.

Goats, pigs are crammed into the smallest space. As if that wasn't bad enough, I hear the cries of a little goat. As I get closer, I quickly realize it must be thirsty or needs its mother.😢

Such a heartbreaking cry. Unbelievable. Oh, what should I do? I tell the black man, as he genuinely is, that the little one needs help. He smiles, but it seems to be of no concern to him.

Ultimately, I value my life more at the moment. I focus on getting across the courtyard. I briefly picture myself going to the police….

I'm already sad by the end of the day.

Back to the hike.

It’s still about 2 hours and 5 minutes to the castle. Really.

It goes upward like a serpent. Phew, I can’t take it anymore, and without hiking shoes, it’s twice as exhausting.

But the view... simply phenomenal.

Unfortunately... and I’m being honest I don’t reach the castle. Just the restaurant.😗

I have to consider the return route as well.

Returning is, of course, quicker than allowed. At a 50 percent incline, my feet are faster than the rest. 🤣

The muscle soreness has already made itself felt during the descent. Oh my God.

I make a plan. I'll only walk to Alaro and take any transport back to Binissalem. If necessary, I’ll hitchhike. I still have to collect my bike.

Done and done. I take the bus to the train station and then continue to Binissalem. The good thing about traveling by train is that you can only enter the station with a valid ticket.

One stop later and I’m there.

Back with the clattering bike in 30 minutes. Made it.

Now I’m looking forward to a glass of good regional red wine and olives outside before I have dinner.

A tiring day, on which I DID NOT want to hike, is coming to an end.

Tomorrow, the weather is expected to turn bad.

One more reason not to have to get out of bed. I’m already excited. 😀😉🙏🏼