Aulla 20 miles

The big question for today was whether to stick with the official route for 20 miles wandering about the countryside or stay on the road which would reduce the distance to just 15 miles and would be a lot flatter and a much better surface and surely the road would be quiet as it was a Sunday after all. Bit of a no-brainer except the road was busy and on the first section that I saw there was a cliff running along right beside the road. So no way to get off the road if a driver didn’t move out. And the road looked that nasty width where 2 vehicles can pass easily and at speed but there really isn’t room for a pedestrian and 2 vehicles. Cyclists will be familiar with the problem.

So 20 fairly hilly miles it had to be.

And a lot more pleasant it was I’m sure. Plenty of time in trees so lots of shade. Not too stony on the descents. Even had a well placed bar for juice and crisps at lunchtime.

Arrived by 4pm and settled in to the dreaded dorm. 5 of us tonight. At least I have a bottom bunk and there isn’t anyone above me.

Headed off for a Chinese for dinner. I know I shouldn’t. Getting an Italian version of Chinese is high risk. Made even higher because I couldn’t make sense of the menu. Thought I ordered ok. Starter, chicken with cashew and rice with seafood. Except they treat the rice as a first plate and expect you to finish it before you get your chicken. Apart from that the food was ok. And it was cheap.

Got back to the hostel at 8.30pm to find the rest were already in bed with the lights off. I hate to think what time they will be up in the morning. Don’t think any of them are posting much of a penguin report.Read more