My stay in Campo was very restorative, and I was looked after very well at the hotel Cotiella. The lovely manageress was even patient enough to have a whole conversation with me in my poor Spanish.
When I started out today, I had thought I was in for an easy day – only 30km. But somehow the estimate was wrong and it was 38km and 1600m of climb, but even so I took it easy and enjoyed myself. It was hot in the morning, even though it was overcast, and it only cooled off at higher altitudes up to 1500m. But the track was good and I met some Spanish chaps who were in the same hotel in Campo and it turns out they were doing the same route, but going further and faster than me. (guys, if you read this send me a pic and your names and I’ll add you in). They had a company carry most of their luggage in a car from place to place.
The route was mostly following a long valley high up (look at the route in Everytrail and switch on Terrain, and you’ll see what I mean). I can’t capture it in photos but see the video blog. But the scenery was yet again gorgeous. As i left Campo I traveled through high fields that reminded me again of England:
Higher up it got more spectacular.
But the route was pretty muddy in parts; it”s hard to tell from this but the nice shirt Luke got me is spattered in mud:
When I finally got into Laspuna/Escalona, I saw the most amazing raptor circling in a thermal, while all around fluffy white tree seeds or pollen were rising up with it. Apparently it’s called a Milano. You can see the Milano and get more detail of the day on Youtube.
My Epic Journey 