We were slightly delayed by having to wait for the shops to open, then enjoyed a warm sunny ride above the Rio Andarax, a fertile valley hosting orange, lemon and olive trees. Around Canjayar we began the long steady climb which would eventually take us to the summit of the highest surfaced road in Europe. We picnicked in the warm sunshine in a park at Fuente Victoria and then recommenced the ascent, the air becoming cooler and the vegetation changing, coniferous trees dominating the landscape.
We reached Bayarcal late in the afternoon and booked rooms for the three of us at the Sol y Nieve bar. Juan opted to continue riding and to camp somewhere in the evening. The chef at the bar made us a large potato tortilla and salad for dinner.