Our first stop driving from Madrid was in the small town of Alarcón, not far from Albacete. The approach to this place is across a plain of farm fields. Then you come to a watch tower with a large dirt lot. Looking over the valley you see another watch tower and the gated road leading into town. The fortifications are brilliant, all you would expect from a competent castle builder. The town itself perches atop this hill above hairpin turn in the river below.

We arrived on a Sunday and town was very quiet. There is an interesting church with some murals, sadly closed. No matter, we walked about admiring the many handsome homes that have been completely remodeled and enjoyed a great lunch at the local meson of record.

I don't know for certain, but these homes seem to be summer places and I would guess that in the season the little town bustles with people. For our visit, however, it was almost as if we had the whole place to ourself.

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