Head for the hills...

Our last warm showers overnight stay in Spain is with lovely Carmen in her 1920s family house, just outside the ancient centre. This was her parents house where she and her 5 brothers and sisters were brought up. We wander around Tarazona in the evening and enjoy the faded grandeur, but notice lots more empty shops and houses than at our last visit in 2008. The roads are all very, very narrow, often very steep cobbled lanes, so the cars that insist in penetrating this maze drive around with their wing mirrors folded in.
According to the local paper, Heraldo de Aragon, the new King Felipe will begin his reign on 18th June, as approved by Parliament.
Our way out of the city in the morning is along our first rail trail in Spain, all the 12 miles to Tudela. It is wide, well surfaced and raised above the plain, with constant good views across allotments, olive groves and passing villages. One or two walkers and cyclists but mainly empty. The old station buildings are all derelict and graffitied.


Our washing is blown dry (and a bit dusty) on the sunny side of our panniers.
After this we try to keep off the lorry busy roads but can't all the time, so rather relieved to find a village route for the final 20 miles to Olite. After examining the walls and fine old square we ignore the pull of a 4 star Parador and instead settle for a truck stop just down the road. Very friendly and clean, with a covered balcony for more washing hanging. The bikes are in an underground garage.
At 26 degrees, the temperature in this valley is approximately twice what it was on the hills yesterday, and due to reach the 30s tomorrow. We are escaping the heat up into the Pyrenees just in time.


Miles to date:- 1551

Location:Tarazona to Olite