April 20, 2014

As we suspected, today is to be a battle between us and the elements. The temperature yesterday was in the mid 20s and the day before the mid 30s – yes, you’ve guessed it, today it will be lucky to reach the mid teens. We’ve already decided to take a half day if the weather is too unpleasant, as there is a historic town ahead, only about 30 or so kilometres away, where we could stop and take some time out.

As we set off it is at least dry, but our old enemy, the wind, is in full force right in our faces and it is a cold, icy blast. We’re in our waterproof jackets again, but still feeling the cold. After a short distance we have to stop to find the thermal gloves out of the bottom of the bags – well, at least we haven’t been carrying them for nothing, although I had really packed them for England not for Spain. It is a case of heads down and just force the pedals round. It is a shame that we can’t really appreciate the countryside we’re travelling through. Several times I nearly end up in the countryside as the wind gusts and causes the bike to wobble towards the verge. They are not the most aerodynamic bikes in the world.

We make it to El Burgo de Osma, where there is a camp-site, but we decide that with the temperature overnight forecast to be 5 degrees we’ll pass on that opportunity. Fortunately, there is a range of options for accommodation, some right in the old quarter and looking very expensive, others on the outskirts and more within our budget.

After a picnic lunch in our room we venture out for a walk.  We hobble around the town for a while taking photos, after two weeks on the bikes walking is painful. At least the sun is peeking through the clouds now but it’s not much warmer – 13 degrees. I’ve already checked the weather forecast and it is depressing – every day until next Saturday shows rain clouds and the temperature is around 13/14 degrees. Looks like we better get used to it.   The cold and the wet we can cope with, but we only hope that the wind drops or changes direction, if not it will be a long slow haul to Santander.