Day 89. Wednesday 4 June.

While T joined a zoom meeting from back home, D took the car to the local car wash and put too much in for the wash, but offered the credit to a very thankful couple: paying it forward, or perhaps just a thanks for help received. As a result, no coins for vacuuming, but a very obliging lady in the next booth was happy to exchange coins for a note. We want to make the drop-off in Barcelona as smooth as possible, and perhaps mitigate some of the scratches.

T had Googled a fabric shop in Deltebre (just in case there was some ‘lemon’)  so that was our first stop today. Doris took us right there, but we had some doubt that it was the right place. T got out, checked, and reported that it was the place – but closed. Here we go again! But a call from above said the shop was open, the owner opened the door and T entered, to have a nice chat with him. He explained the sign on the front door, directing any customers to ring the bell. 

Indeed the shop did have some ‘lemon’ and some pink and blue…all colours that T was chasing in order to get moving with a quilt piece. The shop owner was very familiar with patchwork but insisted he did not do ‘fabric’. T realised the dilemma…the Spanish word fabrica has a meaning linked to manufacturing/a factory (having seen it all over Spain) and the shop owner was insistent that the shop was not a fabrica. No problem, T started to examine the bolts of patchwork cottons and demonstrated that she stitches with these. All good…he then pointed out a box of pre-cut pieces (similar to fat quarters) and we were in sync. Patchwork used to be popular but over the past 4 years has dropped off…those who used to be clients have passed away or become too old and don’t stitch anymore. He talked about craft groups who used to get together on Sundays and do their handiwork (stitching, crochet and talking…) and the groups joined with same in neighbouring towns …craft communities. But now! The younger ones just go to Amazon and buy ready-made. T empathized/sympathized and selected 6 little packs of cut pieces. It seemed to be a very struggling business. T sensed a nice little stitching moment on the horizon.

D meanwhile plugged in the next destination for a swim. Well, he plugged in L’Ampolla, but that was not right – we were going to Riumar! In putting the destination into the mobile, D somehow seemed to have done something that meant the screen couldn’t be seen: just a bit of dark shadow. On, off, on didn’t help, nor did swearing. Not sure what was happening, and wanting to find a solution before heading off tomorrow, as we need the phone for navigation, we set out for home, by instinct rather than any help from Doris. Fortunately we did eventually get to somewhere we recognised: about 400 metres from home.

Plugged the phone into a charger and darkened the screen surrounds as much as possible. D could now dimly see Settings and possibly work out the problem. It seems that D unintentionally and unknowingly somehow turned down the brilliance, to such an extent that nothing could be seen! Good design feature, Apple! All fixed, so back in the car to head to Riumar.

Not the best beach we’ve visited but the water was refreshing – and virtually no one else there. In fact, for what seems to be very much a tourist/holiday spot it was very quiet. And there was a very generous shower.

Back at home for repacking, some simple detailing of the car before hand back on Friday, a quiet read …… and some stitching.

There is definitely a feel that we’re coming to the end of this trip. D was particularly pleased with himself on checking our costs: accommodation, after 95 days, has come in $100.86 under budget, including prepaid for the rest of the trip!

Tapas at 1700.

Dinner. Baked salmon with mash (a bit light on as we were down to the last small potato) and a strange tomato/onion/garlic/artichoke side (but the fridge is cleared) for last move tomorrow. And a ‘stolen’ lemon, pinched from over a fence in the town. Folk have been transported for less.