The three mistakes today, in order, were....
Setting off a bit later than planned.
Hoping that it was going to be a railway type day.
Navigation at the end.
The apartment that we stayed in last night was really nice and the included breakfast was to be had at a bar 300 meters back the way we’d come in to town last night. Add to that a shorter day and I fell for it.
It was probably 08.40 before I set off. Within a kilometre yesterday’s dream of fairly flat terrain to walk on was a memory.
So, steep hills, later to start, sun, no breeze equals puffing and panting and getting sweaty.
However, the views were as promised in the guide. Beautiful. A banana taken on the hoof helped me get up the hills. The guide helped navigate the fields and junction as the arrows were sometimes not there.
At about 13km a picnic bench with my name on it beckoned next to have a rest and my second banana. Nice.
I felt better for the rest and stride of happily to meet Sarah who had called to say that she was in Montellano waiting at a bar cafe type of place near our hotel and right on the route. I’d see her as I walked up the hill.
Mistake number 3 now comes in. I missed an arrow and ended up adding about 800 meters to the day. Never mind, I found the arrows and Via Serrana plaques and so I found Sarah. Waiting patiently for me. An ice cold coke was soon dispatched.
So. We are at the Hotel Analou. Very nice and clean and good value at €47. Breakfast not included.
174km walked, 66km to Seville.