The temptation is too great

Although I planned to leave early, I linger too long as the only guest at the campground. The table, the electricity, the water—it’s all too tempting, and I make the most of it. And I also find it so delightful to sit at a table writing in the early hours!

I will pay dearly for it

Later, I will pay dearly for this, and I should have known. Today is the day with the most elevation gain, and it’s also the day that the temperature rises the highest. I have to climb 690 meters in 26 degrees. Sweat pours from my head into my eyes. Ouch! My legs burn climbing slopes of 19%, my calves are screaming. It’s not fun, but I don’t once ask myself, ‘Why am I doing this?’ So that’s something.

A short lift

At one point, Erica drives by in a 4-wheel drive. Does she offer me a ride? I hesitate for a moment but don’t say no. I have to climb so much, and it’s so hot, and I’m afraid I won’t reach the next water source in time, so I think a small detour is fine. But unfortunately, after a few hundred meters, a few hundred meters straight up, it turns out she has to go the other way. I get back out, thank her, and, foolish as I am, forget my hat on the back seat…

Forgot my hat

I could slap myself. How stupid can I be? Then I remember that I have another buff, which I retrieve from the bottom of my pack. I wet it, and I must honestly say I prefer it to my hat because I hate having things on my head. Well… maybe it was meant to be.

Step by step

The phenomenal views make a lot of things worthwhile. Step by step, I’m getting there. Just think: step, step, stop, pant, step, stop, step, step, step, pant, pant, I can’t go on, step, step… Don’t think I’m climbing that mountain like a goat, but I’ll get there eventually, at the highest point of today: 1,340 meters high, rewarded with a swing offering a panoramic view.

As happy as a child

Happy as a child, I swing for a while and then look for a spot to pitch my tent, where I can still enjoy the sunset.

Overnight stay: Folgosinho