Not the highest but easily the most enjoyable climb we have done. The day didn't start well, after a week in Spain it was the first morning with no sun and the day had a raw grey feel about it. However, mid-morning the sun started to break through and soon after we started climbing the 14km, 800m climb of the Puerto de las Estaces. The first 3km were very tough going, a stiff headwind was pushing us back and the road was straight and dull. Progress was so tough that after 3km we stopped for lunch and decided to carry on but camp when we found a suitable spot. Immediately the climb became more interesting with the road cut into a rock face and a valley of green fields, rock walls and numerous stone barns below us. The wind was still a big problem though, and we cycled on the wrong side of the road to try and get shelter close to the valley wall and also to avoid a gust blowing us off down the steep drop to our right. At the halfway stage we had a decision to make. We found a camping spot but it was still early and the site was shaded. Luckily we decided to carry on and were rewarded with one of the best climbs of our lives. The wind dropped a bit and the sun was glorious. We turned a bend to find the col shaped like a bottom with waterfalls running down the crack and the road hairpinning back and forth across both cheeks. Looking up to see stretches of road far above us it was hard to believe they were part of our route. The last 7kms we completed, almost without stopping on our overloaded bikes. We alternated between tough going when approaching the crack and relief when we headed out across the cheeks and had the wind on our backs. So enjoyable had the experience been there was a tinge of regret when we reached the top - I would have loved to have carried on for a few more km.
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