DAY 31 - GOTARRENDURA TO ARÉVALO - 31KMS

During the night we were joined in our Albergue by some French cyclists, two of whom ended up occupying the two top bunks of our dorm. During the middle of the night one of them fell off and landed with a tremendous thump! Thankfully he did not appear to injure himself. We left early this morning before we could check on him!

We debated whether to walk today or not. It was raining heavily and the sky criss-crossed with lightning strikes. After a more detailed look at the weather forecast we decided to go. Ana Maria's foot, which had been swollen overnight seemed to be better so off we went. This could be classified as a big mistake! It rained non-stop for five solid hours by which time everything was soaked notwithstanding our rain capes! The paths were hopelessly water-logged so we ended up walking on the road. The wind was strong, blowing the rain onto our faces. Around midday the rain stopped but we still had two hours to go. Our elation at the lack of rain was short lived as all of sudden I got the runs and at the same time Ana Maria's foot started to get very painful. At the end of 31 kilometres we limped into Arévalo, feeling rather sorry for ourselves. 

 To compensate we are staying in a very nice Posada, where we can have a good rest and where we have negotiated a special price for the night. The weather continues to threaten lots of rain and we believe Ana Maria may not be able to continue walking tomorrow. We are considering moving ourselves tomorrow by bus to the next town up, which is bigger and where AnaMaria can seek some medical attention, if necessary. Watch this space!