On our way to Fuente De

If you have been following along for the past few days, you have undoubtedly noticed the lack of rain in the pictures!  We have been unbelievably lucky with the weather as the region has been inundated with rain over the  past weeks.  That was very evident in the conditions of most of the trails on today's walks.....MUDDY!

Our hike this morning started out on a dirt path right behind our hotel and climbed steadily until we reached the tiny farming village of Pembes.  We picked up our next trail in Pembes after crossing under a house and picking up a small trail through high wet grass that kept climbing and climbing until we reached another dirt road.   We then continued to climb and climb and climb.  This was the most challenging part of today's hike as we finally climbed out of the hills and into the mountains.  When we finally reached the peak of our ascent today, we found a nice breezy picnic spot to stop for lunch and rest our weary feet.  

Our afternoon walk then descended slightly as we hiked along ridges and forest paths that were slow as we stepped around the mud caused by the snow melt runoff.  By 4:30 we emerged from the forest paths, crossed a stream and a field to the beautiful Paradore Fuente De, nestled in a magnificent mountain range.

A walled cemetery as we leave Cosgaya for today's walk.

And one last look at yesterday's Valley.

Village of Pembes

Pembes again

Starting our climb through the meadow

Meadow flowers in bloom everywhere!

Climbing....

Climbing......

Are we there yet?

...and still climbing

Finally....Lunch

Giving up the high ground with a slight descent.

Navigating the trail

Here is the front view of tonight's hotel.  Paradore Fuente De.

Here is the "every evening pose" as the gang awaits their first beer after a long days hike!  Cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings!!!

Today's elevation gain.....1100meters