Today could have been a tough day with wind and hills but we cut it short with a sag to Ranohira and a relaxing afternoon.

When we awoke the power was out. Soon enough it was so daylight so we could pack. Breakfast at the hotel and a purchase of bread rolls before heading out of town. Almost immediately the climbing began, a total of 1500ft over the next 20km.

Along the way stopped to get a photo of this man toting a large cart. There are a surprising number of people walking along the road, even between villages.

Close to the top we crossed Zombitse National Park. There were some trees here but those disappeared at the next summit. The road became open and the wind picked up. Somewhat of a cross-wind but also adding as a head wind. It wasn’t too bad on the way back down, but as we started climbing back the other side for another 1500km climb.

A few km in the climb V. came back as our sag driver. Prospects of spending a long afternoon riding uphill and upwind weren’t as attractive so decided to cut it short. Another 10km and Bert joined me.

We drove through to Ranohira which made for a shorter day. Here we found a place to stay and out for a late lunch. This gave us a little more time to relax in the afternoon.

This last photo was interesting because the shop sold a few bike parts, a lot of miscellaneous things and did haircuts.