No dawdling today

Once again, I’ve found a beautiful camping spot where I can experience both the sunset and the sunrise. That never gets old. This time, I won’t let myself be tempted to linger, as there’s still a climb of 350 meters awaiting me, right at the start of the route. I want to finish the ascent before the heat hits.

Ice-cold water

But first, to the spring, 450 meters from my tent. I planned it this way so I can make coffee, freshen up, and continue with full bottles. I will need water; there isn’t another tap until the end of the day. Well, I’m certainly freshened up, the water is ice-cold…

Exhausting climb

The climb is exhausting, but beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I’m glad it’s still cool, 14 degrees, and that part of the trail is in the shade of the mountain. But it remains hard and tiring. As always: step by step, you get there. And of course, I always have an excuse to stop for a photo; the views are that stunning.

Seven dirt bikes

Just before the top at 1600 meters, I have a meeting with seven Irish friends on their dirt bikes. It’s the first time I’ve seen someone in a week. They ride off, and I prepare for the last 50 meters up. Hell, it’s steep, but I did it!

Stop in the shade

Just past the top, there’s a picnic table in the shade. I’ll stay there for a couple of hours. The rest of the route goes gradually down, and I only have 2.5 hours left to walk to the campsite I have in mind. It has now become 27 degrees, and there are few clouds in the sky. There isn’t a single tree left for shade, but how nice it is after three days of climbing to finally descend. Although I know there will also be very steep sections down tomorrow, which isn’t great for the knees. But that’s for tomorrow.

A shower!

Around six o’clock, I arrive at the campsite near a beautiful lake, where I enjoy the last rays of sunlight. There’s no one else around except for a small van. There’s also no one at the reception. Shortly after, the maintenance technician drives up. He tells me that I can set up camp and should go to the reception tomorrow. For €7, I have electricity and a shower. What a relief after all that sweating.

Overnight stay: Vale do Rossim