21-12-09

I wake up to this:

So, the weather forecast is finally right. Rain all night… promised more rain, with a lot of wind in addition, all day.

But my tent kept me nice and dry, and my sleeping bag was easily warm enough.

And there is just a hint of blue sky (and view), to get me going.

So I start out into the fog, sideways ‘scottish mist’, and muddy-slippery paths.

Luckily the path is wide enough, so I don’t get blown off down into ‘nothing’.

Touch the road again at Mirrador Degollada de Becerra.

And then make it to Cruz de Tejeda.

Normally this cluster of buildings and tourist shops should be bustling with people speaking in all languages and sipping coffee in the sun and fresh mountain air…

…but:

There is only one shop owner considering to open up, and desperate to help me with «sandwich? umbrella? café? agua??» – which I all decline, I need to keep going not to get cold.

Battle on… there is some really nice and mystic views actually also in this weather!

Past some more view points (without views) and caves (that I don’t dare to go to, because the paths leading there is a slippery path next to ‘the abyss’ and it’s full storm).

When suddenly:

But then I’m already at Artenara, where I stay for the night.

Decide to get all my sightseeing done before getting inside and drying up. Amoung them:

– a fantastic little cave chapel; a real highlight!

– the church, with a modern extension(?) or maybe market place?

– a dramatically huge Jesus, towering over the village

– and a cave house, whose roof looks somewhat like a glacier

Today amounts to roughly 12,5 wet downhill kilometers.

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