Stage 13 Atocha to Tupiza 109k 1541 ascent

This is supposed to be one of the toughest days of the trip. Started off along the river bed which was quite soft in places. All dirt of course. Then out of the river and climbing. First part climbing a pretty country with rocky mountains around. Gradual climb from 3600 to 4000m. Tough going, narrow roads and tight hairpin bends. Climbs up to 17%. Into the granny gear for the first time. Hills surrounding and the road passes over the top of them. Constant climb up then drop back. Punishing. Think you are at the top of a pass and as you reach the corner the road continues to climb. Bus passes and I’m forced into the steep gutter fortunately onto the inside as the other a steep drop.
From there on when I hear the sound of a truck or bus I stop.
Forced to walk on some of the climbs as lungs and legs can’t take it.
In all 7 peaks. Punishing. Get to lunch just as it is packing up. Just in time. Decide to carry on.
Last pass to get over. Back up from 3800 to 4000. Make it. Walked a lot. Stopped to take something out of my shoe and a truck driver stops and offers a lift. Tempting as tiring fast but determined to finish the day and the long downhill. Finally hit the top and the downhill stretches before me. Wonderful. Take it easy as a few buses and 4wd on the road and many of the corners blind and soft sandy dust. Navigate ok
Scenery stunning. Get to the bottom and 20 k to go to rest day. Decide to go the road not river. Rock formations stunning including the penis rock pointing up to the sky.
Get closer to Tupiza and the last killer hill. Forced to walk as getting exhausted and know I need to get in before 6. Instructions poor getting into town and got lost. Asked a taxi driver and he put me on the right track. Got in at 6.15. Pretty tired but made it. Shower out to dinner but stomach couldn’t face food.
Stomach bug with the usual effects so try drinking lots of water. Fortunately a rest day tomorrow
As up and down in the night