Day 19: Cáceres to Badajoz: 55 miles. 1925 feet of climbing. Cool, with headwinds.

The valley ahead of us as we started our descent out of Cáceres this morning.

Today was one of those days we all long for...a shorter, easier day that would let us recuperate while still riding.  It wasn't too challenging and it ended quickly.  Just what the doctor ordered.

Tomorrow's hills in the distance.

We got a good start out of Cáceres with the first 13 miles being on a slight downhill grade.  That made for a very fast exit from the city.  Today, again, we were basically on the same road for the entire 55 miles.

Whatever these grassy areas are called, we passed a number of active grazing lands and working farms today.

The early arrival allowed a few of us to find a nearby laundromat for one final proper washing.  I now have really clean clothes to last for the remainder of the ride.  Joy!

Cattle and sheep were on display much of today.  We'll probably ride back into olive and almond groves tomorrow.

I kept seeing signs for "Sierra" this and "Sierra" that, the names weren't important.  I always thought a "Sierra" referred to the grasslands near the mountains.  Turns out, especially in Spanish-speaking countries, it refers the the jagged mountain chains themselves.  Well then, that's what we've been riding through this past week for sure!

We passed a number of these cork trees that had their bark stripped off.  

The region that we've been riding through the past couple of days, Extremadura, is the main region in Spain for olive growing.  We've passed many olive orchards but wondered why there was no much activity going on.  Turns out, like grapes, they will be ripening and picked next month.

About 210 miles to go.  Maybe a nap is in order first.