Day 13 - Zambrano to Márcala

Another tough day of climbing. We started on a highway for the first climb and descent of the day but the views were amazing. Then we moved to gravel through stunning Honduras countryside. Colourful houses with washing hanging on fences, big coffee and banana plantations everywhere. We came to a large river which was too deep for the TDA lunch van to cross so it turned back to take another route. We assembled ready to do the crossing with our bikes - it was to be hip height water. Luckily a local came over and advised that if we walked quite a bit up stream it was only knee deep- so that’s what we did. A bit rocky underfoot but not too much of a current so it was fine. Then back on the dusty track through rural Honduras. We were covered in a disgusting mix of sweat, sun screen, bug spray, and dust by lunch.
As we climbed after lunch we passed one of the impromptu rubbish tips towards the top - there was a fire burning and a lady sweeping through rubbish into a more organised heap. There were 4 young children playing in a cardboard box amongst the rubbish - very sad.
At dinner we heard we were now down another rider - Sarah had decided to go home for a number of personal reasons. So that’s 3 of the original 8 ladies that have now left the tour. But at least Kate is allowed back tomorrow after completing her COVID isolation.Read more