The adventure has well and truly started
I hardly know where to begin. Julia set off on Friday morning from Saunces (Cantabria) in fine form, a press crew turned up to capture the event and the interview was broadcast on Tele Cantabria so a lot of people are aware of what she is doing. Day 1 went pretty well, Julia and Josie tanked over 20k in 3.5 hours and all was good. Day 2 from Los Corrales de Buelna to Bárcena de Pie de Concha started in torrential rain but fortunately it got better as time went on. Day 3, yesterday, was horrendous 3 hours running uphill and in torrential rain but both Julia and Josie made it. Jack, who is the support vehicle/person gets Julia to the starting point each day and then more or less stays with her all the time, and collects her at the end of that days route and then they return to that days accommodation.
Yesterday was really tough, and other members of the group who are doing the same route, but on bikes, got into trouble near the end, it was bitterly cold with torrential rain, and hypothermia had set in. We rescued them… A Yorkshireman to the rescue…again, said Jack. Today Day 4, is much better, it’s sunny, still cold, and there are mountains of snow piled up by the sides of the road. I have to mention where we stayed last night which was in Arroyo, 10 km from Reinosa, the hotel is called La Lobera and it was lovely, great owners, lovely place, fabulous breakfast. And they have a beautiful border collie called Ani. Last night we sat in the salon and watched thee snow fall and fall…
So, so far its busy, dealing with a lot of people who have joined Julia for the start, long days doing the route then planning the next days route as we have had to adapt because of the weather. But its great fun, stimulating, exciting to be part of this adventure. Today’s hotel is even rural for me (and we live in the back of beyond!), but beautiful location, and Miguel tells me (I have seen the photos) that there are wolves and bears in the area. The photos he has are absolutely amazing. You never know, maybe we’ll see one or two! I have included a photo of Ani who you can see is rather gorgeous.