"Flat" Days across a Plateau.

We have had a number of days, having climbed to just under 1,000 metres, walking across a plateau.  The path has taken us over gentle hills and across the high plateau as we head towards yet more mountains. 

Leaving Santelice we did have a bit of a climb, not least being a scramble up to the viaduct we had to access the river crossing!  After the climb from the valley floor we then set off to Soncillo, where we at last able to have some substantial food.  

We had to scramble up the side of the viaduct to be able to cross the river on it.

Fog in the valley as we headed off.

Stopping at the chemist for what we thought would be briefly, we exercised our patience, masked and waiting in line outside the door, and being admitted one at a time.   A simple purchase of pain killers and something to support my bruised finger took in excess of 20 minutes!

For the last four days we have been so high up that whenever we are near a road we see snow poles.  Apparently, in winter, the place is covered in snow and the snow plough clears the road almost daily.  

Mountain views along the way....

.... and shady paths

We made good time across the plateau, until I began getting a sore back.  I thought it was due to the fact that somehow I had packed my bag in a lopsided way, and according to Jill, I was "listing"!  With 5kms to go we resorted to calling the hotel and the owner came and picked us up.

A tiny chapel on the roadside before Arija - just before resorting to calling for help.

Sadly we missed walking through 2 villages, but sorting the issue with my pack, and not letting my back get worse were more important.  Our hotel that night was on the shore of the Embalse del Ebro, in the village of  Llano (Las Rozas de Valdearroyo), and we had lovely views across the lake.  

The view across the Embalse from our bedroom window. 

The next morning we awoke refreshed, were well fed, and set off walking along the shore of the reservoir.   It is incredibly low and has been for some time.   Bridges are high above the water, and in some cases have little or no water below them.

The high water mark is clearly visible under the arches of this bridge, and the water is nowhere near it!

Beaches are clearly visible where there should be water.

The dam wall at Arroyo - note the difference between the water level and the high water mark.

We decided on a detour for accommodation for this night, heading to a moderate sized town called Reinosa.  We couldn't get a bed in Olea, and decided that Reinosa was a good option, planning to catch a taxi to Olea the following morning.  Plans on this path all hinge on accommodation availability, because, as I mentioned earlier, many villages have nothing in the way of accommodation. 

Reasonable sized villages like this one have no accommodation. 

We wanted to spend some time in Retortillo investigating the Roman ruins that have been uncovered, and are still being discovered.  Here, there was a massive Roman town called Julióbriga, covering quite an area on the hilltop overlooking Reinosa.  We were also able to spend some time in the museum too which was actually open - so often such places are closed as we walk past.

The Roman ruins at Retortillo. 

Even the Iglesia is surrounded by Roman ruins.

We hit the jackpot by choosing to stay in Reinosa as it was celebrating the Festival of San Mateo, with loud music and a chaotic parade.  The parade involved children facing off some "big heads", waiting for them to pounce.  They would run furiously as they were being chased, and then wait for it all to be repeated.   Bringing up the rear of the "big heads" was an exceedingly loud band.  We caught some of the other bands performing as we returned to our accommodation, having to resort to closing the window due to the loud celebrations.

A "big head"!

The mobile drummer, following the band.

Another performer, another band.

This post has been delayed because of poor internet or we have been too busy.  HopefullyI will catch up soon.