Some days feel like an uphill challenge, and that describes today. Our hopes for an early start were dashed as the other guests in the Albergue were sleeping so we had to be considerate of them. We left around 8am on an almost 20 km walk on a reasonably consistent gradient, but all up, taking us about 300 metres higher throughout the course of the day. Initially our track took us to a roundabout with three roads and an industrial estate. Our route was the least obvious going through security gates to a trucking company and beyond to a path through orchards. At this point along came a Dutch couple who we had met at the albergue (pilgrims, nice people and veteran hikers) who had done this same camino previously and knew exactly where to turn off. We took their lead.
Cultivation ceased and we were in the natural bush on sandy track with rocks and undulating, hence exacerbating the ascent with lots of small hills. The trees in the forest were not tall, though the area was attractive with lavender growing as wildflowers along the path along with yellow flowering shrub and a taller shrub with white flowers and maroon centres. Gorgeous. We saw many of the group we had stayed with the night before on our path, but also shared it with many cyclists, predominately fit and active locals, a group of people on beautiful horses and a Scotsman on his bike, who we chatted with during our rest stop. Then in the afternoon the heat of the day intensified and became extremely draining. The early morning until about 11 is pleasant and often accompanied by a cool breeze. But as the day progresses it grows steadily hotter, and in an area with limited shade, the heat is excessive, necessitating physical breaks and "mucho agua". Afternoons after 2pm are just downright hot. The steady but ever continuing incline persisted but steepened dramatically closer to our destination, as the heat continued to intensify. Arriving in town was sweet. Finding our street was even sweeter and being downhill put smiles on our faces.
As we arrived at our accommodation for the night, 'Casa Salvatore', we were amazed to find our timing was spot on. There was yet another Semana Santa parade which was taking place precisely outside the casa, at precisely that time. So we were delayed watching that. The atmosphere was dynamic with what appeared to be the entire town involved one way or another, whether robed and marching, conveying the carriage, the marching band that followed, or just plain spectating.
Casa Salvatore was actually closed for the festive period but the owners' memory twigged when told we had a reservation. We had booked by phone months ago. At the time, since they had only required a first name for the booking, we were skeptical and asked our Spanish friend Rafael for his assistance to confirm. Which he had done, very reassuringly! And they were so very nice. And to add to the pleasantness they even have a washing machine. And did our washing for us! (But we were the only guests.)
Found a bar open and got some very nice dinner and drinks. Some pleasant banter with the barman and then back to the casa. Overall, it had been a brilliant day. Sleep will come easily.
We are really enjoying you trip. Trina and Peter