Day 2 - The Perpetual Climb

After an early morning visit to Karak Castle - we're off! Not gently for sure as we quickly gain 200 metres or so before our morning coffee break after about 10 kms. Jordanian coffee is thick, black and sweet - served in a small, expresso size cup. Very strong indeed and provides an energy boost for the intrepid cyclist on his/her ventures. After another 8 kms and 100 metres of ascent, we're at the top of the next Wadi - Wadi al Hasa. While not as steep as the mighty Wadi Mujeb, this one also deserves respect - and perhaps not enough on our part as while we had a fantastic descent of 800 metres to the bottom, well, it's difficult to enjoy when you know you have 800 metres climb on the other side - we tried though!

Then the climbing begins. Targets are set - just make it to the next sign, the next car, the next turn, the next rock! Our legs are pumping in the lowest gear possible and I wish I had a granny gear! I glance at the bike computer and we are going so damn so! Yes, I even walk e broke up the steeper sections and somehow seem to be gaining on B & C. Every now and then we break and view our wonderful surroundings but the happiness is somehow empty as we know the,hill beckons.

Finally, the top arrives - or has it? Mirages and false summits abound as there is a new hill around every corner. Yes, we're out of the Wadi but now we're in the rolling hills of the Jordanian plateau. I've got to get better maps! Finally, after 55 kms and probably close to 1300 metres of total altitude gained (on top of the 1700 from the previous day) we stop next to what looks like a derelict building but with a small corner store.

It turns out that this is student accommodation for the University of Tafila - we've made into our destination! "no, there's no hotel accommodation as it closed down years ago" they say "however, we know a friend who can take you to Dana just 30 kms down the road" and where we were planning to stay the next night. "How much?" we ask. "only 15 Dinars". Sold!