May 15, 2024 – Aguilar de Campo – Cervera de Pisuerga – 29kms – Hostal El Resbalón
We consider ourselves lucky when we are settled into our hostel before the rain, the thunderstorms or, as in the case today, the sleet lets loose. Most days our timing is good and I am so grateful that we are not camping. Yesterday was the first day on this trip that I was soaked to the skin in a downpour. Fortunately, the sun came out afterwards and dried most of me except my feet. I hate wet feet. That’s something my shadow never contends with as she dives into my pocket to hide until the sun returns. And the sun does return, and suddenly we are taking pictures of this stunning area dotted with stone outcroppings and Romanesque chapels.
You have to expect some rain in the north of Spain in the spring, but once again I find myself surprised by the cold temperatures. I always expect it to be at least as warm as home. Tomorrow morning it will be 1 degrees heading up to a high of only 10. Theses are winter cycling temperatures in Victoria and not ones I would choose to do a bike trip in. You are much more exposed when you are on the road. Yesterday we passed two shelters in the hills with stone fireplaces and wood. One thinks perhaps it gets cold and wet here quite often.
I’m working very hard to not let the weather forecasts dictate my moods, but at times I slide a little closer to a place where any gratitude I mustered up earlier is washed away by the realization that we have had pretty poor weather for most of the trip. Perhaps our next trip to Europe should be in the fall or later in the spring.
Loved the bird photo. Did you identify it?
European stonechat
Who does the water colour paintings?
How long does it take them to do it?
I do them Peter. It generally takes me between 1-2 hours.
The poor weather is affecting us everywhere it seems. I am currently in Menton for a week and the weather has been very disappointing here too. I was told yesterday such water precipitations – nearly non stop over several weeks – is unprecedented. So I guess we are both experiencing a freak season. Courage!
And back home the forest fires are starting way too early because it is too dry.
It’s shocking to hear of sleet in Spain in mid-May. I thought that was unique to Alberta! I hope the weather improves for the rest of your trip.
Much of Spain is quite high and this is our second cold Spring trip. The locals say the amount rain this year has been quite crazy. Monday should be almost dry and the forecast is predicting good weather in a week.