10/13/2023 Bikepacking Spain Day 66 : Crack-a-lackin!

by Brian · Published October 13, 2023 · Updated March 3, 2024

Photos:

“Our lady of the forest” says the tapestry. In this very remote location, we came across some hobbit huts that seemed like they may be inhabited. Kind of piques your imagination, “who would live out here?” —

Lots of great trails this morning! It was fun, but we progressed slowly. That’s half because it was hard, and half because we took lots of photos! 📸

You know how I got a new screen protector for my phone the other day? Today I decided to go for a swim and take the stuff out of my pockets. It seemed like a good idea to sandwich my phone between the passport and glucose meter to keep it safe. However, this was like a banana peel sandwich, and the phone slipped out. In spite of the short drop, another shattered screen protector! Now what to do? I mean, now i wish I had kept the old one and just damaged it more. Or maybe I can do the mental magic of tricking my brain into thinking that a cracked looking screen gives my phone character. I use this technique a lot: It is particularly useful for fooling myself into liking my old beat up car that everyone just laughs at. —

As our time in Spain winds down, I think we will both miss our luxurious mid day coffee stops. I’ve been finding that one espresso shot around noon is really nice. If you have your coffee first thing, the party is over before you start. If you have it to look forward to, then the morning miles are easier with anticipation. We like to charge our cache batteries during coffee, and so far everyone has said yes. I feel bad paying only $2.50 for two good coffees, and mooching electricity…. But imagine if you were an e-biker with two batteries… you could charge every day during a 1.5 hour coffee stop, and then still camp a lot like we do without electricity. —

Strava Comments:

Stan H.

I find your musings amusing. Clever to use the drone for route finding! How would Lewis and Clark have used a drone???

Dave S.

You two certainly crack me up! Keep the wheels down 🚲

Nancy T.

You can always donate a little toward electricity.

Paula G.

I don't know how Lewis and Clark did it, but Noah used a dove to bring a small twig back to the Ark. Those are some crazy trails!! One slip could be a disaster. Do people really make fun of your car???? With that expensive paint job, I can't imagine why anyone would do that.

Corrine L.

I, too, love all your musings in your posts. But it makes me want to have more conversations with you two!

Ann L.

It’s always good to have something to look forward to and often it’s the little things that keep us going. The mid day coffee break sounds like a good idea. Hope you are sleeping better lately. The area you are in looks so majestic!

terri W.

Lots of little things make for an interesting day. Hobbit houses, coffee stops, beautiful vistas.. what a lovely way to slow life down to enjoy the day. Safe travels!

Brian L.

Stan Hooper - i know, good point. We are so privileged in 2023. Travel is so much easier, which I like… but at the same time, it does take a little bit of the “adventure” out of it! Paula G 😂. Love the dove comment 🕊️

Stan H.

Brian, you are just (deftly) using the tech available. If this was 1804 it would be the the Lucido and Wagner Expedition, and you would be handy with a compass, sextant, telescope, barometer, etc. and Janet’s journaling would be anticipated reading in newspapers of the day, if not a few weeks behind!