Cala Pedrosa on the Costa Brava in Catalonia, Spain, 7 September 2022.

In September 2022 I was lucky to return to Catalonia and to the Costa Brava. I stayed two nights in Calella de Palafrugell where I listened to the relaxing roar of the Mediterranean Sea and saw the sun rising over it from the balcony of my accommodation, sipped local wine as I dined on delectable mussels and perfectly-grilled fresh fish with a view of the beautiful, bright lights of the town shining on the sea below, swam in the waves of Port Bo in front of old archways (‘voltes’) where fishing boats used to be kept, then spent a day enjoying the delights of the coastal path beyond Calella de Palafrugell on a walk towards Tamariu.

After watching the sea swirling around the rocks at les Lloses del Canadell, seeing the bay of Llafranc appear through a frame of cacti and pine trees at the Punta d’en Blanc, and relishing panoramic views of the coastline of Catalonia and les Gavarres mountains from the San Sebastià lighthouse, I took a steep path down through peaceful woods, past meadows and alongside a riverbed to Cala Pedrosa. Cala Pedrosa means ‘stony cove’ in Catalan and it really was a novelty to find myself on this beach, with sheer cliffs either side, which can only be accessed on foot or by boat! This cove was charming, but I do always find it slightly disappointing to be on a beach that is composed of pebbles rather than sand. However, this also made me think that, although something may not be what we would expect, that doesn’t necessarily preclude us from appreciating its own particular beauty.

The large rocks scattered at the edges of Cala Pedrosa led me to reflect on how many of us often have a great, big metaphorical boulder in our lives which blocks our path and which we get used to stepping around. A concept I find fascinating in psychology is that we can become so used to the presence of such a boulder in our lives that, even when there is a clear opportunity for it to be removed, we don’t always seize that simply because it has become a familiar part of the landscape in which we operate even if, logically, it would be better for our well-being to learn to adjust to life without that boulder!

Thankfully there were no boulders in Cala Pedrosa, just pretty pebbles which I stepped on as I walked to the shoreline where waves were splashing lyrically. I was hiking alone again, which I know is risky, but grateful for the solitude as I absorbed the appeal of this rocky, secluded cove. The thing which brings me most happiness in my life is communication with fellow human beings, but that is also the thing which brings me the most pain. Although there was a threat of falling over as I hiked, at least there was no danger of falling out with anyone! There are moments when solitude can feel liberating.

I do hope readers of this ‘Rocky Wanderings’ blog realise that I don’t go walking to be virtuous — I go because being out in the fresh air, soaking up the sights and sounds of nature (including an occasional rainstorm!), and the calming effect of the exercise, usually makes me feel joyful. The fact that this activity is reportedly good for health is just a bonus! I have never liked the idea of exercising just for the sake of keeping fit, and have no wish to take out a gym membership even if using one would probably increase my chances of being dateable by 85%!

The previous day (my first full day in Catalonia) I had strolled past a number of enticing coves on my way from Calella de Palafrugell to the majestic botanical gardens at Cap Roig, where I had wonderful views of the Illes de Cap de Planes and of the spectacular coastline either side of Calella de Palafrugell. After that walk I indulged in a large glass of refreshing sangria with ‘pa amb tomàquet’ (tomato bread) — a popular snack in Catalonia which consists of bread slices rubbed with tomato, olive oil and garlic. It always delights me when something really simple is so delicious! ‘Rocky Wanderings’ certainly isn’t a lifestyle blog about how giving up gluten could change your life!

I felt privileged to be back in Catalonia for the second time in four months, and thought how some people would consider it unadventurous to return to the same part of the world within such a brief period. As I contemplated the desirability of adventure I recalled an acquaintance that I had in Paris, who had travelled around the world and told me he’d done a bungee jump because he didn’t ‘want to have any regrets’ at the end of his life. — He seemed to perceive completion of a bungee jump as proof that he had lived life to the full but, as he recounted this daring achievement, he appeared oblivious to the invigorating allure of the rue Montmartre where we were sitting, drinking an apéritif, amid the animated ambience of a warm, Parisian summer evening. In my opinion, there’s no point travelling to the other side of the world for a renowned adrenalin rush if you can’t appreciate your immediate surroundings! ‘AWE365’, a website which helps to ‘plan adventure travel and outdoor activities worldwide’ (and which undoubtedly gets more visitors than this ‘Rocky Wanderings’ site ever does!) describes the five reasons to do a bungee jump as ‘conquer your fears’, ‘feel truly alive’, ‘have an adventure’, ‘be proud of your achievement’ and ‘make memories’, which are five things that I generally experience whenever I drink champagne in good company!

Whatever, perhaps I should have chosen ‘Contentment’ rather than ‘Contemplations’ as the first word of this blog post title because, thanks to the splendour of the scenery, the soothing sound of the sea, pleasurable indulgences, and the enjoyment of discovering a new stretch of the Costa Brava coast, I felt unusually blissful whilst I was in captivating Catalonia.