Saying goodbye to the mountains

Today didn’t start well. I got a call from home at 4:20– little miscalculation there. Then as I was clumsily trying to turn off the phone I inadvertently called Alun and woke him up. Then I spilled a cup of coffee made with my electric coil.
Luckily things got better quickly.

We left early to avoid the predicted rain. Not a drop fell. The first 15 km or so of this stage were magical. Up through beech forest, enshrouded in fog, till finally we arrived at the tunnel. Just as we arrived, the sun burned through and we could see we were surrounded by jagged peaks. Through the tunnel, into another Basque province (Álava), and then kms more of forest.

We got to the usual end stage of Salvatierra at around one and just weren’t ready to stop. So our only choice was another 14 to Alegría (Happiness). We made it, dragging at the end but very happy to have only a 16 km stage tomorrow. There is a wonderful albergue here and we each have our own room!

Knee is doing much better!Read more