Day 156
Will it snow?
We woke to an even grimmer weather forecast, rain then, snow, snow, then more snow. -4 degrees at points. We decided to treat ourselves to breakfast and discuss our options. We could stay put, sit out the bad weather, and explore more of Cuenca. There is a wealth of churches, castles, bridges etc. just waiting for us to visit. We could hire a car and drive past the bad weather. Or we could stick to our original plan, cycle on into a very high remote part of Spain, bunker down in a hotel if needed and gamble that we would have time to safely cycle to Santander and our ferry.
We seriously considered all options but in the end there was no real choice, we would carry on. We were rewarded by a stunning start, nearly five miles through the gorge surround by cliffs and rocks of all shapes and sizes. It was easy going as we were cycling by the river, and fortunately on a wide cycleway as we mostly rode looking up and all around us and not where we were going! Another trip highlight.
Finally we started to climb away from the shelter of the gorge and the forecasted heavy rain arrived. It felt bitterly cold and though well wrapped up both of us need better gloves. The road was quiet and the views stunning so neither of us regretted our decision to carry on. Then unbelievably the rain stopped, the sun came out and our hands warmed up, result! The miles were soon ticked off, we arrived at a small town called ‘La Frontera’. Outside it, perched on a hill, was an eye-catching tall stone monument, with religious artefacts inside. It dominated the skyline so, even though the bad weather appeared to be coming, Tom rode up to it. The drone was launched. I jumped up and down, clapping my hands, trying to stay warm and happy. We only had three miles to go. I wanted a coffee. Could we get going soon please! It made me think of a question on a long distance cyclists Facebook group. “What do you look for in a touring partner?” You gotta love him!
Finally we were on our way. Our accommodation for the next two nights is a hostel in Cañamares. We have a kitchen, (no kettle though), a lounge and it’s all just for us as nobody else is here! The owner declared in Spanish the forecast snow will not arrive (we think). So warm and comfortable we are settling in for a bit of a blog-fest and rest!
