Yarumal to Santa Rosa de Osos
25/5/2012
D48, T3.42, Av12.80, total 10193.
Overcast 17℃
Awaking, feeling rather ordinary and packing. The cafe next door was visited and with three black coffees revered and helping to wash down two chicken empanadas. All this was enjoyed over a good chat with another guy into the coffee.
I had little energy, most food consumed in the last 24hours had passed through me.
Heading down the hill out of the square another cyclist joined me,we rode and talked till we parted company, me heading south, he completing a loop around town.
Once at the bottom of the hill, it was a 14k climb. The gradient was very gentle. Riding the whole way, though only in 200-300m stretches sometimes less.
It was all the energy that could be mustered. There were military check points all along this road. They were not interested in me other than a chat.
At one such point some guys were washing a large riot type of armoured vehicle. One of the soldiers was washing the cab roof with soapy water, he stepped onto the bonnet and slipped, it was so lucky he never cracked his head open when his head hit the top of the windscreen, poor bugger, he was trying to keep a brave face.
The temperature has fallen to about 17 degrees, with a wind chill factor of much less.
Vegetation is similar to New Zealand rural environs with cypruss trees, eucalypts and many recognisable flowers in the pastures.
Sheep were even seen wandering about amongst fresian cows.
Once atop the range it was a nice mix of downhill and gentle climbs all the way to Santa Rosa de Osos.
It took awhile to find a hotel without an obstacle course of steps at its enterance. The Hotel Cortejo was reluctantly entered. It was a very upmarket looking place. The receptionist said the rooms were $14 each. On showing me a room, it was a luxury piece of accomodation to say the least. Three beds, five towels, very spacious and with hot water.
The staff helped carry the bike up one flight of stairs.
Then and there a decision was made to enjoy this and rest for a day again. Arriving in Medellin in less than perfect working order was not an option.
The town was another one of these high altitude rural, slightly touristic places with a nice ambience.
Many men were involved with cattle. Their dress involved cream woven cowboy hats and natural fibre ponchos. This all added to the atmosphere.
Once again a beautiful town square lined with cafes was the focal point of the town.
25/5/2012
D48, T3.42, Av12.80, total 10193.
Overcast 17℃
Awaking, feeling rather ordinary and packing. The cafe next door was visited and with three black coffees revered and helping to wash down two chicken empanadas. All this was enjoyed over a good chat with another guy into the coffee.
I had little energy, most food consumed in the last 24hours had passed through me.
Heading down the hill out of the square another cyclist joined me,we rode and talked till we parted company, me heading south, he completing a loop around town.
Once at the bottom of the hill, it was a 14k climb. The gradient was very gentle. Riding the whole way, though only in 200-300m stretches sometimes less.
It was all the energy that could be mustered. There were military check points all along this road. They were not interested in me other than a chat.
At one such point some guys were washing a large riot type of armoured vehicle. One of the soldiers was washing the cab roof with soapy water, he stepped onto the bonnet and slipped, it was so lucky he never cracked his head open when his head hit the top of the windscreen, poor bugger, he was trying to keep a brave face.
The temperature has fallen to about 17 degrees, with a wind chill factor of much less.
Vegetation is similar to New Zealand rural environs with cypruss trees, eucalypts and many recognisable flowers in the pastures.
Sheep were even seen wandering about amongst fresian cows.
Once atop the range it was a nice mix of downhill and gentle climbs all the way to Santa Rosa de Osos.
It took awhile to find a hotel without an obstacle course of steps at its enterance. The Hotel Cortejo was reluctantly entered. It was a very upmarket looking place. The receptionist said the rooms were $14 each. On showing me a room, it was a luxury piece of accomodation to say the least. Three beds, five towels, very spacious and with hot water.
The staff helped carry the bike up one flight of stairs.
Then and there a decision was made to enjoy this and rest for a day again. Arriving in Medellin in less than perfect working order was not an option.
The town was another one of these high altitude rural, slightly touristic places with a nice ambience.
Many men were involved with cattle. Their dress involved cream woven cowboy hats and natural fibre ponchos. This all added to the atmosphere.
Once again a beautiful town square lined with cafes was the focal point of the town.
Such focal points in these recent towns visited
All part of the decomposition process
High country public transport
|
Luxury for so little, sleep fully clothed it was so cold
Santa Rosa de Osos street.
|
