Estella to San Millan del la Cogolla

Today's story is wind and wine! Less mileage (67) and less climbing (1349m) but a horrible head wind all day.

We started with a climb (obviously) out of Estella and then a windy flat ride across a plain. I started off in a pace line but true to form, soon got fed up with staring at men's bottoms and did my own thing.

We regrouped at the coffee stop where coffee came with a little pot of chocolate mousse, great idea!

We then had to wait for the van with water and snacks to find it's way to the village, but there are definitely worse places to hang out.

Then the climbing began again through spectacular Rioja and obviously rather a lot of vineyards.

Lunch was at a hilltop village which meant all sorts of problems with the wind and hanging onto lettuce and crisps (plus delicious melon, cheese, bread and tortilla)

Meanwhile Rusty had arrived at the destination to find nothing open and no sign of life - we really are in the middle of nowhere! Eventually he managed to find a beer so normal service was restored.

This evening's hotel is a stunning monastery in a small village. We are hoping for some good wine tonight..