Sunday 21st La Jonquera to L'Espolla 21 kms

I had always thought that La Jonquera was horrible when I sped past on the motorway en route to France. Turns out there is another Jonquera; the original town and the hills behind it near the border that make for a really good walk. The weather helped, sunshine. We had a 4 km climb which lifted us 600km. Nice views over to Le Perthus and Ceret, also Catalan villages but on the french side of the border. On the way up we passed the 13th century church of Santa Llùcia. As we approached the top we were hit by the Tramuntana, the cold wind from the high Pyrenees. I dig out my snow jacket from the bottom of the pack. Despite the sun the wind was icy. We get to the top of the first climb of the day and are given a fantastic view of the plain of Empordà and the Bay of Roses. We work our way around the high hills to Requesens and stop for a coffee and a view of the 10th century castle. We have a long way to go yet today. Its a good day for views, both where we are going and where have been. Tonight we stay at a 13th century mini castle in L'Espolla. It has been in the possesion of the current owners family since the 16th century. I guess the mortgage is all paid off by now. We have a great dinner in the local community centre while there is an oldies dance going on with live music and Formula One racing on the TV. We drink the local wine and enjoy the ambience. We have only 2 days more of this walk and while the body is screaming out for a break, the mind has already entered into celebration mode. Tomorrow we walk to Llança, and on Tuesday we climb to St. Pere de Rodas then on to Cap de Creus via Port de la Selva.