From Santo Domingo de la Calzado to Belorado
Small report today, as I am sick. Came down with a bad cold yesterday that is threatening to go into my chest. Woke at 5:30 a.m. to a drum procession outside the albergue. Stopped one town earlier than I might have in search of added rest. Tomorrow, I press on.
Have now passed the conical hill that appeared in the distant west last night . . .
Endless field of wheat . . .
Crossing over from La Rioja into the region of Castilla y León.
Russ, did I miss where you said what model backpack you had? Just curious. I used a Deuter 65 at Philmont, and never fell in love, but it served me well.
I’m using the Gregory Z55 I used for search-and-rescue. Rides beautifully on every terrain so far. I’m not sold on its access points, but haven’t decided if that’s more a design issue or one of user planning. I suspect that my objections could be satisfied by 1) having a compression bag for my sleeping bag that is more aggressive than the stuff sack it came with, and 2) perhaps making the top pocket detachable as a small day-pack for exploring in town or securing valuables around the albergue.
Oh, user planning, right . . . I’ve heard of that technique. May try it next time!