Spain - Day 34: Puigcerda to Camping Can Fosses (Planoles)

Puigcerda

Today is a long day 25k and still the 1km up and down, that is the average. Despite a dreary forecast the weather was good. We set off and got the best view of Puigcerda around. Perched on its little escarpment in the morning sun. I wouldn't avoid the place but nor would I go out of my way to visit again. Sorry Puidcerda. The family just told me that they liked it. So, pay your money and take your choice.

Tan lines

It was a hill walking day. But the book warned of thunder storms. Which, luckily, were storming elsewhere today. We basically walked along the Spanish - French border or parallel to it anyway, or on it on occasion. There was really no way to tell. No borders and no border markings.

Our tans were improving day by day. We used sunscreen when Nora forced us - but now after 34 days walking I think we are as protected as we are ever going to get.


 The going was easy. Gentle grassy slopes

Rustic

Weather trying

The weather, at least at the top (2000m) tried. But it was half-hearted at best and it soon gave up and went back to being hot and sunny. Which was a shame because this was a rare occasion when we had miscalculated with the water and were running low. With no obvious sources of drinking water in sight. We had passed some and they didn't look that exciting.

So we went without., which is hard. There was a village soon. Well relatively soon. They say you can go three days without water (before you die). We think it may not be 3 days as time passes slowly when you are thirsty - so it just seems like 3 days.

Church bell Dorria

We finally reached Dorria. A well refurbished holiday home village. We found the spring, which was springing impressively. We drank. And we drank. Then drank some more. The intake was liters each.

Two English tourists asked if we were sure the water was drinkable. We laughed and said that we hope so. We explained our rational for drinkability. They then drank too.

We chatted for a long time before the tugging started on our feet. And we once again said our goodbyes.  Like fools e didn't check the map. Just dutifully walked back up to the track only to emerge 15 minutes later almost by the spring. Ho Hum.

Wide open and empty

The rest of the journey passed uneventfully except for the sign. There was a sign that said campsite 20 minutes. Great we thought. Then spent the best part of the next hour wondering if we were lost. had we missed the site somehow?

Troopers

But eventually we found it and complained about the sign. They knew but only laughed.

Washing day

The most important bits of kit. Clean dry socks.

We walked down to Planoles for dinner and back up in the dark. But at least we can say we were there. They had a shop and we needed sausage and bread.