Our second attempt at escaping Tortosa began with a 07:30 breakfast which gave us plenty of time for Christine to prepare her interrail pass and me to buy a 25.50 euro ticket to Girona, leaving us each with two travel days, intended for use after Paris.
It started to rain as we sat waiting for the 09:11 to depart, and we were concerned when it didn’t leave on time, setting off from the terminus seven minutes late. We were half an hour late at Barcelona Passeig De Gràcia where we changed for Girona. We found the bike symbol and loaded the bikes but there was nowhere to stow them. Three more bikes entered at subsequent stops, chaotic and no chance of a seat on this very busy train, bikes blocking the doors on both sides.
I’ve not been impressed by RENFE, no wifi at stations or on the trains and then when we had an internet connection at the hotel there was no information about yesterday’s disruption. No ticket check on train or the end points and no staff to help at the stations. The monitors on the train showed adverts most of the time.
We made our way to the apartment, spacious with washing machine, dining terrace and swimming pool which Christine made use of. We walked towards the centre, buying ingredients for dinner on the way, but the historic centre was a little too far to walk so we returned to cook.
Then we received a government warning of severe weather for tomorrow so after the Tortosa experience we’re anxious about the train to Cerbere tomorrow to connect with the sleeper. We’d hoped to have a morning looking round Girona and a late train but it may turn out to be less relaxing.