Hi all,

The first big news is Michael Woods won Stage 16 of the Vuelta in a grueling climb into the fog in a summit finish! We were able to watch it live on TV.

Mom - Michael Woods is from Ottawa and the Vuelta is the Spanish equivalent of the Tour de France .. and it is a major achievement to win one stage of this Spanish tour!

Today was a day off and gave us a chance to walk along the old town wall, take in some views of the city, visit the Cathedral (dark and hard to see paintings), the Basilica of Feliu (very nice), visit a fish market .. and partake in a siesta .. very refreshing!

Today we learned about the 'Miracle of the flies'. This is when the French invaded Girona and broke open the tomb of St. Narcissus (in the Basilica) and released a horde of stinging flies that chased the French out of the city. There was a great painting depicting this 'biblical' event in the Basilica!

No flies today .. although it is still pretty hot here but we are becoming 'locals' quickly and adjusting OK!

After a rest day comes a 'big ride' day .. not sure what we'll do! Stay tuned!

Cheers

Harold and Marion