8/4 DAY 5: FINALLY IN THE SWING OF THINGS

I'm taking the day off. I'm riding over to the cave and that's it. I'll stay here again tonight. Tomorrow will be a short trip to Alghero where I again plan to spend two nights. I'm sore and tired, but I slept well last night. I'm running out of Euros and need to conserve cash until I can get to an ATM.

I picked the hottest time of the day to ride to the cave, Grotta di Nettuno, for the contrast in temperature. It was indeed cool down there in that beautiful enchanting place. At the end of Capo Caccia there are some 600 stairs down along a cliff to the sea cave entrance. The ride there and back was great, with no load and a freshly greased chain. I raced like a madman. It's so incredibly beautiful here. The unspoiled coast continues around every cape and cove.

I spent the rest of the afternoon in my hammock with provisions of beer, pecorino, and pane carasau. I ate, read, wrote in my journal, and relaxed. Two hours before sunset I headed down to the beach for a swim. The water was so cool and refreshing. I climbed up on my rock and watched the sun descend over the horizon. Afterwards, I proceeded up the hill and sat there for another two hours on the edge of a cliff. This is when I most enjoy the sea. The colors on the horizon were spectacular and I had the place completely to myself.