Cervantes Don Quijote Day

La Mancha is a change, very flat but nasty headwinds. First station were windmills or giants, then I visited El Toboso, Dulcinea's village and in Mota del Cuervo another encounter with dangerous giants.

La Mancha

A change in landscape, La Mancha begins. Greener then I expected,  but first time I could see the horizon without mountains or hills. Rudera on the shore of a lake.

Wrong side

Day began with a quick coffee at a bar. Then 500m up to get warm. Phantastic scenery just as the last days. Around a lake/river I wanted to skip the cars and took the east side. After 20km with lots of up and down I did not want to return just because a track was blocked. Detour of 400m up in 5km on gravel and back down again after a high fence blocked my way. After a minute of closer look I detected a door for pedestrians... staying in Orcera tonight. Tomorrow La Mancha, the first chapter is closed...

Wild Andalucia

Andalucia north east of Guadix is wild, and I looked for some more of the beaten track variants as you can see in the pictures. That started midday and so it was a bit hot too. A nice campsite, Spanish salami and Baguette (fresh for 45ct) in Cazorle finished the long day.

Through Mountains

Granada until midday. What a city, such winding and steep streets. Entering Sierra Nevada and cycled along with the teams from Cofides and Emirates, who were training with their teams and cars with spare bikes. Stayed in Guadix. The town with the caves. I am in a pilgrims hostel and have my first stamp in my pilgrim passport. 1000 year old building, the owner is a writer and theater person. The stage can be seen here in the garden from the kitchen.

Arrival in Granada

Took the northern route via Archidona on the mountain and Loja to Granada. About 115km today, lots of short, steep climbs. Had to cross a small river that came from nowhere, about 50cm deep.