Navacerrada to Cercedilla

Lovely walking day today, about 28°, but with a nice breeze. 

We had breakfast in the plaza in Navacerrada and then a slow walk uphill to the trail through the pine forests.

 Initially quite steep going up hill with a loose gravel /  rocky paths. It was lovely walking to the sound of tinkling cowbells from cattle grazing loose in the forest,  the scent of the pines (much smaller than NZ pines with tiny little cones) and  little birds flitting and flying and twittering away, very pretty.

We came across a couple of really big dogs behind a high wall and fence that were barking madly, initially I thought they were guard dogs but they would lick anyone to death they were so wanting some attention and affection.

We had a shorter walking day today as tomorrow is a big day over the mountain pass with no services between Cercedilla and Valsain. We stocked up on water and food so we can stop halfway and have a picnic lunch along the track. 

The weather forecast for tomorrow looks similar to today, sunny around 28° with an alpine breeze. We have been really lucky with the weather so far, fingers crossed that continues for tomorrow's mountain pass crossing.

So far our shoes are going great, our pack weights, when we checked in for our flights came in at 9 kg and 9.5 kg respectively, so adding on the weight of 2/ 3 litres of water each and food - we'll  be carrying about 12 kgs each. 

Staying in the only place in town, an old fashioned Hostal in a private room, clean and functional.

 Each of  the little villages we have wandered through have had some lovely public sculptures. 

Enjoying siesta time and preparing for the long day tomorrow.

Our hearty dinner to set us up for tomorrow and the mountain pass.