A Day Trip...to Cala Tuent Filming with my new GoPro!!

July 12, 2020

I purchased a new toy....a GoPro video camera which you can mount on various things (ie; helmet, skiis, bicycle, wrist, etc) to film while on the move.  Merry Christmas to me!!!  With the way I've been blogging, you've only been able to view still photos along with (shaky) videos I might take when I make a stop....but what about along the way?  I can also attach it to my electric kickstart scooter (another toy I bought) or go under water with it when snorkeling.  Lots of opportunities!!!

So, for my first attempt of videoing (while moving), I mounted the camera to the top of my motorcycle helmet and headed for the mountains.  My mission was to take you on the ride with me through the mountains and down, down, down to two beautiful coves.  95 miles and 6 hours later, I was back at home anxious to view the footage and start editing.   EEEESH....the editing part took me HOURS to add features, trim, fade, add credits, insert still photos, comments, etc etc.  I finally got it down to a little over 30 minutes.  That's RIGHT....a HALF HOUR FILM!!!   So, grab your fave beverage, snuggle up, and get comfortable for the viewing of what is Shirley going to be an Oscar nominated film for Best Cinnamon Tography.

Enjoy the ride!!!

But, before we go, here's some tidbits about the first two destinations:

Cala Tuent

There's not as many people that come to this location primarily because tourist busses don't come here like they do for neighboring Sa Calobra.  The beach has little sand, but the rocks are smooth and small.  You can get here by car, moto, bicycle, hike, or boat tours from the Port of Soller.  There's only one little shack that serves snacks but there's a fabulous restaurant back up the hill a smidge.  There's pay parking available, though somewhat limited.


Sa Calobra

Sa Calobra is extremely popular due to its stunning setting, two beaches, high peaks, the foot path between the two beaches through a tunnel, the drive there, the tiny charming cluster of cafes and a few shops, plus busses bring tourists.  You can also get here via boats from Soller.  The route to/from Sa Calobra, as is all of the Tramuntana Mountains, is a favorite for serious bicyclists into training.  Here, you'll always find a few million+ dollar yachts anchored in the coves.  There's more pay parking space here than Cala Tuent.

Referring to the map below, this is the route I took:

• Palma up into the Tramuntana Mountains to the town of Soller
• Then, further up past Fornalutx, higher and higher
• Past the 3 man-made lakes (formed by a dam) that provide water to Palma, and onward to the summit
• Then down, down, down via a swervy, curvy, hairpin, switchback road to sea level to the two coves, Cala Tuent and Sa Calobra.
• Then back up, up, up to the summit again and down a different route to the towns of Caimari and Selva and over to the larger town of Inca in the flats
• Than hopped on the freeway back to Palma

As you'll see, the GoPro camera does a great job of keeping things smooth.  The only slight negatives are:

• I can't zoom in/out while driving
• It's pretty-much a straight-ahead view because I need to watch the road.  If I try to turn my head to show you something off to the side I might go careening off into a ditch!!!

Have you got your drinks and popcorn ready?  Ok...CLICK the video image!!  Be sure to watch in 'full screen'...not some teeny tiny screen on a cell phone!  (puhleeze!!!)

Or, if that doesn't work, click on this link:  https://youtu.be/LfMdA947wcw

On the way back to Palma, I decided to take a (the only other) alternate route.  At the point you see the overhead water viaduct, I chose the opposite direction than where I came from.  It was to take me to a good-sized town called 'Inca' located in the flats where I would hop on the freeway and zip on home.  It turned out to be another stunning route that also took me through two charming towns along the way. 

Let me give you a few details about them:

Caimari

• Located at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains.
• Less than a thousand population.
• Caimari is famous for the olive oil produced there.
• The 2nd photo is of a church, built in 1732, but now an cultural activity center.
• The primary church in town is Eglesia de Immaculada Concepcio often referred to as the 'new church' because the other still exists.  Built in the late 1800's it's located on the central square like most are.
• Tootling around the narrow streets of this metropolis, I noticed there was nary a sidewalk to be found.

Selva

• Its population about 4,000.
• Just a few minutes away from the shopping of Inca, but a world away in tranquility.  Both Caimari and Selva are perfect bases for those who want to hike, camp, bicycle, and rock climb in the Tramuntana mountains.
• The village is built on a mound with the church in the center at the top of the hill (hmmm...seems to be a common theme here in Mallorca!).
• The church of Sant Llorenç was completed in the 1500's but in1855 a fire destroyed large parts, so it was rebuilt.

Here's a short 4-minute video (versus 1/2 hour!!!) of that part of my trip.  Click on the image below, or if that doesn't work, use this link:  https://youtu.be/GNyNfGrJ00c

Hmmm...what will be my next adventure?

Filming all the fishies in the Med Sea while snorkeling?

Bopping along the waterfront of Palma on my electric kickstart scooter...taking in all the yachts and sailboats, joggers, runners, dog-walkers, etc?

Giving you a personal tour of various neighborhoods and architecture?

All good ideas...

I just need to choose....

Stay Tuned!!

Dano

By the way, if you're interested in viewing any of my past entries about travelling around Europe and where I live in Mallorca, simply scroll down past my signature to the end.  There, you'll see 'Blog History'.  You can click on any Month/Year to see the titles I published at that time.  Simply click on the title you're interested in and it will take you to that page.