The Grape Harvest

 This year we were taken by surprise when our grapes were ripe. We had just moved into our place and didn't realize the grapes needed to be harvested. They had been well protected with paper bags and we cut down several bunches. We didn't have much time to prepare and we flirted with making jam and ended up trying to sun dry some for raisins while also just eating as many grapes as possible. The sun dried raisins were a failure as they were populated by wasps. However, we did enjoy a week of eating as many grapes as we wanted, they were really sweet and tasty! 

 

Parc Natural del Prat de Cabanes - Torreblanca

 

We saw some Greater Crested Grebes 

Nestled along the coastline between the tourism development of Oropesa and Alcossebre is the Parc Natural del Prat de Cabanes, a unique wetlands with a few trails and bird hides. We typically ride our bicycles down there but this weekend we wanted to explore the area a bit more thoroughly so we went with the car. We poked around every hide and viewing platform enjoying the views of several different birds with the highlights being some young flamingoes and some Little Grebes that were displaying. The area is very peaceful though this time of year it's also full of mosquitos so make sure you don't forget your repellent! 

Looking south towards Oropesa

North towards Torresnostra

 

Biking at the beach in Alcossebre

 

I have written about the bike riding along the coast before but this trip I've been enjoying it so much this trip that I have to give it another shout out. The combination of endless routes both along the coast and through the small farms in the interior, as well as the beautiful sea breeze that's always available makes the bike rides one of my favorite things to do in the area. We can go north to El Faro through the town, get some elevation and hill work cutting back through the town, or go for a longer 25-30km ride to Torrenostra and Cabanes. Heck, you can even do a 1km slow ride to the bar at the beach and enjoy the sea breeze from there :-)