We detour into the only small town on route where the church bells are ringing and half a dozen girls are dressed in their confirmation white finery, posing for photos before going in for the service. Through the Sierra de Avila at 1500 m clouds gather and we are pelted with hailstones. Mike of course is prepared with his coat on, whilst I get soaked. The downhill run to Avila dries me out in minutes though, and we stop frequently to photograph the amazing city ringed by a wall of many turrets.
One last little hamlet impresses, as the cottages are painted pale yellow but with random granite stones exposed, giving an attractive spotty look.
We push our bikes through a narrow city gate, up the cobbles to near the cathedral to take a room at the "Hostal Bellas". We had stayed here last time too and remember the ancient worn granite steps, old wooden doors with big brass locks and the under stairs cubby hole for the bikes. Mike manages to get oil on his trousers stowing them away. We try Sainsbury wet-wipes and Spanish baby-wipes. The latter removed all the oil, so if you have an oil-stained baby, we strongly recommend the Spanish wipes.
It is a saint's day here so a statue is paraded around, there is some very loud gunfire(?), and then after a service the streets throng with families enjoying Saturday evening.
Miles to date:- 1270
Location:Salamanca to Avila
