Stage 16 Bushcamp to Yala 151k decent from 3600 to 1500m

This what I have been waiting for down off the Altiplano. Wake up and it’s freezing. Wind off the high plane. Can’t get the hands warm. Cup of hot tea and Ricardo lends me the gloves off his hands. Breakfast and the sun starts to break over the surrounding hills. Slight warmth. Pack up tent and get organized. No washing facilities of course.
Trucks packed up and we are off. 2000m downhill over 150k – fantastic. The first 75k to lunch a few small uphills but always down down passing bare multicolored rock faces. Hit 65k max. The old cannondale steady as a rock around some steep and some sweeping corners. Crouched down on the forward bars. Overtake other riders exhilarating.
Great lunch spot. Warm and hungry. Down again but then the wind starts to build up rising up from the valley. Stronger head wind having to work hard. No benefit from the downhill. Finally up a rise and another big downhill through coral trees in full red bloom. Wonderful to see green trees again. Finally into a green grass camp site with trees. Find a bunk room. Can’t be bothered with the tent. Very pleasant after a hard day. A couple of beers dinner and an old smuggler and bed. A good day