Escape to the Atlantic...

Since central Spain is a hotbed with temperatures around 38°C during the day and well over 20°C at night, we decide to continue driving north. After an overnight stop by a great river, where signs warn of poisonous horned vipers, we quickly move on and end up in Almazan. The small town surprises us with well-preserved medieval city walls, many great churches, free parking spots with water stations, and a huge city park that is unmatched. Flowing through it is the Duero River, which is actually split, but joins together in Almazan. Unfortunately, due to heavy rainstorms a few days ago, it is now a muddy mess. However, that doesn't stop our dogs from swimming.

It's market day and many vendors are selling fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and especially clothing. In Castile, clothing stores are hard to find. They are bought at the market. From underwear to shoes, jackets, and dresses, you can find everything you need for the whole year. I also find something and am now a proud owner of new lightweight harem pants.

We leave Castilla La Mancha and enter Aragon. The autonomous region of Aragon borders France in the Pyrenees and has a population of 1.3 million. The landscape changes. Mixed forests become more frequent.

We drive up to 1500 meters and end up in the abandoned village of Aldealcardo. No one has lived here for a long time since the water source dried up years ago. The houses are falling apart and the church is on the verge of collapse. We wander through the village and marvel at how quickly nature has reclaimed the area. Trees grow in the ruins and the mountain village is surrounded by thousands of colorful flowers. The only sounds are the birds and the rustling of the trees in the wind. The view is breathtaking and we sleep like babies in this quiet night. We don't catch sight of any wolves that are supposed to be here.

We continue on a great road through the magnificent mountain landscape. We have arrived in the La Rioja region. Eagles and vultures circle above us. We pass lonely remote mountain villages. The houses are all built of natural stone and the people watch us in amazement. We haven't met any German tourists for many weeks. Apparently, this corner of Spain is not so interesting to many. We think it's great here and eventually end up in the city of Arnedo. With a population of 14,500, it's a big city for us. Here too, we are allowed to park for free on the outskirts right by the river. The people are friendly and walkers often stop to chat with us using gestures and take a photo of us.

Unfortunately, the temperature rises again to 38°C and not much happens except for short walks to the river. The dogs also suffer from the heat and Amy has a fan placed in front of her face all day and Lucy is allowed to lie on the cooling mat. We take a walk at 7 a.m. and walk across the city to the castle perched on the red rock. The view over the rooftops of the city is the reward for getting up early. But after a few days, with the thermometer showing 39°C in the truck every day, we decide to make our escape. We need to get out of here! Atlantic, here we come. The 14-day weather forecast predicts temperatures of 24-28°C for the Atlantic coast. Temperatures up to 45°C are predicted in southern and central Spain....no need to think twice! So on July 10th, we set off again towards my favorite sea, the wild Atlantic.

We reluctantly leave Pamplona behind. It's definitely too hot for sightseeing and the city. Instead, we spend the night in Arazuri by a river. There are nice locals there. We have a conversation (our truck is simply an icebreaker) and even get their phone number...just in case something happens or if we happen to come to Mexico (wink). They have relatives there. Spaniards are simply wonderful, friendly, and open people, and once again, we feel very comfortable.

The Atlantic, and thus the French border, are within reach. Today, we will leave Spain with a heavy heart. We have been in the country for nine months and have seen a lot of the country, from Andalusia to Galicia, Castile, Asturias, Aragon, and La Rioja. We have met incredibly open, friendly people and have experienced great joy in the 'Spanish lifestyle'. We have learned that the value of the siesta is of great importance. We have marveled at the fact that in Spain, even in the smallest villages, there are park-like recreation areas with tables, benches, and free parking spaces. There are trash cans on every corner and free water for everyone. Shopping at the market is incredibly cheap and a lot of fun. Spain is definitely worth a visit even outside the tourist paths. (We haven't met any Germans in the last 8 weeks). The cities and villages in the interior often have well-preserved medieval buildings and bridges to offer, and there is so much to discover. We didn't expect to stay in the country for so long and it is incredibly difficult for us to leave. Spain, you are indescribable!! HASTALUEGO!!