Breakfast at a bar nearby. Off at 9 am.
It was quite long kilometers to Cuevas Bajas, and it only went uphill. Had my first real bocadillo in a bar in Cuevas Bajas. Waited for Paula. Then it was only 5-6 km to Encines Reales. And it went steadily upwards.
Some cleaners let me leave my stuff at the albergue and I went to get a key at the local police station. Had a beer and waited for Paula who never came. It turned out she had taken a different way and was already at the albergue.
Paula had decided to stop here and take a bus to Córdoba the next day. Sad.
Looks like I’m back in shape. I’m surprised how well I handle difficult ascents. Thought it was my last camino – but maybe not.