Blog 1.22: Days 22 to 25

13th, 14th, 15th, 16th October

We did a second night at Xeraco, as anticipated, partly due to my developing chest infection. We did drag ourselves down the road to the local Spar to stock up with a few essentials, but other than that it was just a case of lazing around the van and hoping for a quick recovery.

But, it was not to be, and four days later the infection seems to have dug in for the long term. It's not too bad if I keep moving, and mostly upright, but trying to sleep at night is another challenge entirely.

Last night, as per the several before it, I awoke in the early hours, sweaty, shaky, and coughing fit to bust.

Poor old M is having to put up with all this too, which only makes me feel worse.

The only upside is, after leaving Xeraco, we made the relatively short hop down the coast to the villa belonging to Josh and his sister Jane at Javea - or Xabia - and are now able to stretch out a bit.

And by that, I mean we can swim every day in the beautiful pool (twice a day so far in fact). The chestiness is making me blow a bit more than I would normally, but I'm managing 25 or thirty lengths, and they do say that cold water immersion is good therapy. Hmmm.

Yesterday, Saturday, we did manage a ride down to Javea's Arenal on the bikes for a sin alcohol at a lovely bar overlooking the beach,

followed by a not-so-lovely bout of shopping at Mercadona.

Two rucksacks of supplies and a cycle back uphill (ok, electrically assisted, thank heavens) just about finished me off, but I was still determined to do my second pool stint of the day. It doesn't sound like much, I know, but it was quite satisfying under the circumstances.

And so, it's Sunday morning. Swim done. Breakfast done, and I'm debating whether or not to ride into town again.

Maybe tomorrow... Grisham calls right now.

Mileage so far: 1630