La Mancha’s Quiet Waters: An Introduction to Tablas De Daimiel and Beyond
You probably picture La Mancha as sunlit plains and storybook giants, yet water writes the deepest lines here. Tablas de Daimiel anchors one of Spain’s most fragile and fascinating wetland systems, linking naturally to the Ruidera Lakes and culturally to the hilltop silhouettes of La Mancha windmills. In this lesser-known La Mancha, reeds shiver like silk and coots cut ink-black wakes under a sky wide as a sail. You’ll find a landscape that rewards patient steps, dawn starts, and a respectful pace.
What sets Tablas de Daimiel apart is its ecology: a “tabla” is a floodplain wetland formed where rivers spread across a flat valley, and here the Guadiana and Gigüela do just that. According to Spain’s National Parks Agency (OAPN), the park protects vital habitat for migratory birds on the East Atlantic Flyway and forms part of the international Ramsar network of wetlands. A short drive southeast, the Ruidera Lakes (15 interconnected lagoons created by natural travertine dams) stretch along the Upper Guadiana valley, with turquoise coves, oak-fringed slopes, and family-friendly shores. Over the horizon, white windmills in Consuegra, Campo de Criptana, and Mota del Cuervo mark the cultural skyline like tall, quiet sentinels.
This guide prioritizes what travelers actually need: when to go, how to move between Tablas de Daimiel and the Ruidera Lakes, practical routes, and how to keep your footprint light. The goal is simple—help you tune your plans to the rhythms of water, weather, and wildlife. Listen for the lap of water under the boardwalks at first light. You’ll understand why birdwatching Daimiel at dawn can feel like a front-row seat to migration.
We’ll cover essential logistics (distances, access, seasonality), recommendations for places to stay, and activities that make sense across ages and interests—easy boardwalk walks, scenic bike segments through the plains, and safe, regulated kayaking in the Ruidera Lakes. You’ll also find sustainability guidance, because wetlands are sensitive to noise, trampling, and trash, and mills withstand time only with local care. On the practical side, expect step-by-step route entries with distances and advice for heat, hydration, and sun exposure.
Local communities are at the heart of this landscape—farmers who watch weather like a ledger, rangers who maintain hides, and families who have fished, grazed, and harvested saffron for generations. As the smell of wet peat mingles with thyme drifting from the slopes, you’ll sense that tourism here works best when it’s gentle, informed, and in step with those who call La Mancha home. Come ready to learn, to look quietly, and to leave each reed, rock, and ripple as you found it.
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Why This Region Belongs on Your List
Come for a different Spain: a mosaic of reeds, quiet inlets, and white windmills above wheat fields. Tablas de Daimiel is one of the last surviving “tablas” wetlands on the Iberian Peninsula, protected as a National Park since 1973 and recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. In practical terms, that means a compact, well-managed core of lagoons, channels, and islands laced with boardwalks and hides where wildlife observation is easy and rewarding. At dawn, the chatter of whiskered terns mixes with the soft thrum of wings as ducks move between feeding and resting zones.
The biodiversity case is compelling. In late autumn and winter, thousands of waterfowl (shoveler, teal, pintail) concentrate here, while spring brings herons, egrets, and occasional rarities moving along the flyway. You’ll see reed specialists like great reed warblers and purple herons when water levels are favorable, and with patience you might spot marsh harriers quartering low over the cattails. For families and first-time birders, birdwatching Daimiel works because paths are flat, hides are near, and signage explains what you’re seeing in plain language. The wooden slats of an observation screen frame the scene like a calm, living cinema.
Pair this with the Ruidera Lakes—about an hour’s drive away—for a two-part experience: watery dawns at the tablas, and blue afternoons by inland beaches. The Ruidera Lakes Natural Park preserves 15 stepwise lagoons formed by travertine barriers; each barrier is a living limestone dam created as mineral-rich water deposits calcite on aquatic plants. Translating the geology: water levels rise and fall across the chain, creating coves perfect for swimming, paddling, and picnics when conditions allow. Sunlight skims the travertine shelves so the shallows glow teal against deeper sapphire pools.
And then there are the La Mancha windmills, cresting hills above Consuegra, Campo de Criptana, and Mota del Cuervo. These mills are not props; they are agricultural machines conserved by towns that still celebrate harvests, saffron fairs, and the cycle of wheat. Climb to a ridge and watch late light burn the plains gold as mill sails cast slow-moving shadows. It’s a way to connect the wetlands’ water to the bread on the table, with people and place in one frame.
Activities match this diversity. In Tablas de Daimiel, expect short, accessible walks, birding from hides, and interpretive stops; in the Ruidera Lakes, safe, regulated kayaking and swimming in marked zones, easy scenic hikes, and lakeside picnics; in the mill towns, heritage strolls, short hill hikes, and photography at first or last light. Compared with Doñana’s vast marshes, Daimiel feels intimate and navigable in a single morning; compared with the Pyrenees’ high lakes, Ruidera’s stepwise lagoons are warmer, more family-friendly, and framed by gentle hills. The windmills add a cultural arc you won’t find in alpine or Atlantic wetlands.
For travelers seeking a long weekend or a 3–4 day loop from Madrid or Valencia, this region balances access and authenticity. You can base in a small town, eat Manchego cheese with local wine, and be at a reedbed hide for sunrise the next morning. The air smells of damp reed and bread ovens by turns. Choose it if you like simple logistics, varied landscapes within short drives, and the feeling that you’ve stepped into a Spain most visitors still miss.
Essential Information for a Smooth Trip
Plan with water, distance, and season firmly in mind, and you’ll make the most of each hour. Tablas de Daimiel, the Ruidera Lakes, and the windmill hills form an easy triangle with straightforward road links. The trick is timing for birds, shade for walks, and clear rules for bathing and paddling. A cool breeze can carry the rustle of reeds for hundreds of meters, so think quiet steps and early starts.
Where it is and how to get there
Tablas de Daimiel sits in Ciudad Real province, Castilla–La Mancha, roughly southeast of Madrid. The park lies near the town of Daimiel, with the visitor center a short drive along a signed local road across the plain. From Madrid, the most direct route is A-4 to A-43, then local access to Daimiel; expect about 2 hours by car (≈180–200 km) depending on traffic. From Valencia, plan around 3.5 hours via A-3 and regional roads. The Ruidera Lakes spread between Ciudad Real and Albacete provinces; the village of Ruidera and Ossa de Montiel sit at the heart of the chain, about 1 hour’s drive from Daimiel on regional routes like N-430 and CM-412.
Public transport is possible with planning. Trains from Madrid reach Ciudad Real and often Daimiel (Media Distancia services), from where taxis or prearranged transfers cover the final 10–20 km to Tablas de Daimiel. For the Ruidera Lakes, buses connect from Ciudad Real and Albacete to Ruidera/Ossa de Montiel, but frequencies vary and are reduced outside summer; check current timetables and consider renting a car for flexibility. The last stretch into Tablas de Daimiel is paved and signposted, with parking at the visitor center and near key trails; several boardwalk segments are accessible for strollers and limited-mobility visitors. The smell of wet earth greets you as soon as you step from the car, a small reminder to tread lightly.
Driving times between highlights:
- Daimiel town → Tablas de Daimiel Visitor Center: 15–20 min
- Daimiel town → Ruidera village: 60–75 min
- Daimiel → Consuegra (windmills): 60–70 min
- Ruidera → Campo de Criptana (windmills): 80–90 min
Tip: Fuel up in towns, carry water and snacks, and download offline maps; mobile coverage can drop on minor roads.
Best time to go and typical hours
Season shapes what you’ll see and do. For observación de aves Daimiel (birdwatching Daimiel), late autumn to early spring concentrates waterfowl and often the most activity at hides; spring migration brings variety and song. Summer delivers long daylight and stable weather, but heat can be intense midday; plan dawn and late-afternoon outings, and swim or paddle in the Ruidera Lakes during the warm window. Autumn cools hiking and can bring post-summer water recovery depending on rains.
Water levels fluctuate annually. In Tablas de Daimiel, flows from the Gigüela and Guadiana and the regional water table determine flooded area; in dry years, some channels recede, affecting species distribution and the feel of the boardwalk routes. In the Ruidera Lakes, travertine barriers cause each lagoon to respond differently to rain and seepage; some lagoons allow bathing, others restrict to conservation. Visitor centers typically open mornings and early afternoons with extended hours in high season; verify current schedules on official park pages before you go. A line of dusk swallows above mirror-calm water is your cue to slow down—twilight is prime time.
Where to stay and good bases
Choose your base according to your focus—pre-dawn hides, midday swims, or evening mill photography—and keep transfers short. You’ll find rural houses, small hotels, and campsites near the lakes, with simple, friendly hospitality common across the region. The warmth of a village bar after sunrise birding tastes like coffee and wood smoke.
Recommended bases:
- Daimiel: Closest to Tablas de Daimiel, easy pre-dawn starts, day-trips to Almagro’s historic square.
- Ruidera and Ossa de Montiel: On the lakes, best for swimming, kayaking, and lazy afternoons.
- Almagro: Heritage town with theaters and a lovely plaza, central for mixed cultural/nature days.
- Villahermosa or Tomelloso: Quieter bases with access to routes por La Mancha and mill towns.
Approximate driving times to key spots:
| Base town | Tablas de Daimiel | Ruidera Lakes | Closest windmills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daimiel | 15–20 min | 60–75 min | Consuegra (60–70 min) |
| Ruidera | 60–75 min | 0–20 min | Campo de Criptana (80–90 min) |
| Ossa de Montiel | 65–80 min | 0–15 min | Campo de Criptana (85–95 min) |
| Almagro | 35–40 min | 75–90 min | Consuegra (55–65 min) |
Booking advice:
- High season at the Ruidera Lakes (late June–early September) fills quickly—reserve early for lakeside stays and campsites.
- For birding weekends (Nov–Mar), prioritize Daimiel or Almagro to minimize pre-dawn driving.
- If you plan multi-day rutas por La Mancha by bike or car, consider a split stay: 1–2 nights near Daimiel + 1–2 nights by the lakes.
What to Do: Nature, Water, and Windmills
This triangle rewards unhurried days—wetland mornings, lagoon afternoons, and windmill sunsets. Read water and light, then pick simple activities that match conditions. A thin mist hugging the reeds says “hides first, coffee after.”
Tablas de Daimiel wetland: walk the heart of the ecosystem
Tablas de Daimiel offers an accessible immersion into a living wetland—wooden boardwalks, short interpretive routes, and discreet hides edge channels and reedbeds. The park’s uniqueness lies in its flat “tabla” hydrology, where the Guadiana and Gigüela slow, spread, and soak into peat and lakelets, creating habitat mosaics for ducks, waders, herons, and reed dwellers. Expect level walking on well-maintained paths, suitable for families and most abilities. The wooden planks underfoot creak softly as moorhens stitch neat wakes through the shadows.
Practical tips:
- Time needed: 2–3 hours for a relaxed loop with stops at hides; add more for patient birding.
- Bring binoculars, a light layer for dawn chill, sun protection, and water.
- Keep voices low, stick to marked paths, and avoid sudden movements near hides.
- Services: Visitor center with info panels, bathrooms, and signed routes; parking is close to trailheads.
Ruidera Lakes: inland beaches, viewpoints, and water activities
The Ruidera Lakes string 15 lagoons along the Upper Guadiana, each held by a natural travertine barrier; think stepped pools with varied depths, colors, and shoreline character. Family-friendly “beaches” along selected lagoons provide easy entry for bathing in summer, while viewpoints above the chain reveal the scalloped shoreline and the limestone “rims” between lakes. Wind lifts small ripples against pale rock as dragonflies flicker along the bank.
Activities and logistics:
- Swimming: Only in authorized zones; follow signage for bathing limits and safety.
- Kayak and paddleboard: Rentals operate seasonally near Ruidera and Ossa de Montiel; stick to permitted lagoons and respect no-navigation barriers.
- Snorkel: Clear shallows in designated areas can reveal travertine textures and aquatic plants—avoid standing on fragile formations.
- Picnics: Use signed areas; pack out all trash to protect water quality.
Windmills of La Mancha and living heritage
The molinos de La Mancha stand where winds are clean and steady, their white towers and dark caps marking ridgelines you can see for miles. Recommended stops include Consuegra, Campo de Criptana, and Mota del Cuervo, where clusters of restored mills and small interpretive spaces explain milling, wheat, and life on the plains. Heritage walks loop around the mills, and local guides often demonstrate how grain becomes flour in working mills on special days. The sails thrum faintly when gusts climb the slope, like a slow metronome over the fields.
Make it a cultural-nature day:
- Morning wetland walk at Daimiel, afternoon drive to a mill town, and sunset ridge photos.
- Combine mills with nearby historic towns (e.g., Almagro’s Corral de Comedias) and a regional meal—Manchego cheese, pisto, and local wines.
- Respect signage and barriers; the mills are heritage assets maintained by small municipalities.
Bird and wildlife watching: make the most of your visit
Whether you’re a newcomer or a lifer-hunter, this region is built for observation. In Tablas de Daimiel, watch for wintering ducks (shoveler, teal, wigeon), grebes, coots, herons, egrets, and reedbed specialists; spring and autumn passage can bring waders on muddy fringes and increased raptor activity. In the Ruidera Lakes, expect grebes, herons, kingfishers along quiet margins, and raptors over the slopes. The sharp “peep” of a kingfisher can be your only clue before a blue bolt traces the bank.
Best practice for observación de aves Daimiel:
- Sunrise and the last two hours of light are prime; arrive early to settle in hides.
- Keep a respectful distance; use binoculars and, for photography, a 300–400 mm lens to avoid flushing birds.
- Dress in muted colors, silence phones, and wait quietly—behavior is as important as gear.
- Note that drones are generally prohibited in protected areas; leave them at home.
- Log sightings with regional citizen-science platforms after your visit; data supports conservation.
Recommended Routes: Foot, Bike, and Kayak
Choose one route per half-day and avoid stacking too much; heat and light guide smart pacing. A cool morning breeze means “walks now, water later,” while afternoon shade along lagoons favors paddling or picnics.
1.Wetland Boardwalk Loop: Tablas de Daimiel in One Sweep
- Distance and time: 4.5–6 km total, 2–3 hours with stops (combining boardwalk circuits and hides).
- Difficulty: Easy; mostly flat boardwalk and firm path; partial accessibility for strollers and limited mobility.
- Start: Tablas de Daimiel Visitor Center (signed parking); arrive at first light if birding.
- Highlights: Reedbed hides, open-water views, interpretive panels on hydrology and species, quiet channels for close duck and grebe views. The sound of reed warblers threads through the air like a fine wire.
Route notes:
- Follow the main boardwalk circuit to the first hides, then extend along lateral spurs to cover both open-lagoon and channel sections.
- If water levels are low, prioritize channels and permanent-water areas; hides overlooking deeper pools often hold more birds in dry spells.
- Essentials: Binoculars, hat, water (no shade on some segments), and patience for photography—use hide slats to brace the lens.
- Safety and etiquette: Stay on paths, avoid running or loud voices near hides, and never feed wildlife. Check at the visitor center for any closed sections due to conservation work.
Logistics:
- Access via
A-4/A-43to Daimiel, then signed local road to the visitor center. - Facilities: Bathroom at the visitor center; limited shade on the loop—plan accordingly.
2.The Lakes Circuit: Walking the Heart of the Ruidera Chain
- Distance and time: 10–14 km loop/there-and-back options, 3.5–5 hours with viewpoints and picnic.
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate; rolling paths with occasional short climbs to miradores.
- Start: Near Ruidera village (signed lakeside parking areas); consider public bus drop if staying in-town.
- Highlights: Shoreline paths along major lagoons (e.g., Laguna del Rey, Colgada, Lengua), travertine barrier viewpoints, authorized beaches for a swim stop. Sunlight flashes on shallow shelves like scattered coins.
Route notes:
- Begin lakeside, contour along marked trails toward scenic points above the travertine rims; take signed spurs to overlooks that frame multiple lagoons at once.
- In summer, plan a mid-route bathing stop at an authorized beach; in shoulder seasons, carry a warm layer for breezy ridges.
- Essentials: 1.5–2 liters of water per person (more in hot months), snacks, sun protection, swim gear (summer), and sturdy shoes with grip on dusty slopes.
- Safety and etiquette: Obey no-entry signs near fragile travertine; do not shortcut down crumbly slopes. Use designated picnic sites and pack out waste.
Logistics:
- Parking fills on summer weekends—arrive early or park further back and walk.
- Public transport to Ruidera is limited; confirm current bus times if relying on them.
3.Pedaling the Plains: Family-friendly Cycling Across La Mancha
- Distance and time: 20–35 km out-and-back or loop variants, 2–4 hours at family pace.
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate; mostly flat on quiet farm tracks, minor roads, and greenway-style segments.
- Start: From Daimiel (town center) toward the park edge and rural lanes; or between mill towns where safe shoulders and low-traffic roads exist.
- Highlights: Wide-sky landscapes, seasonal wetlands on the plains, village stops for snacks, optional mill detours. Wheat stubble crackles under tires as larks rise in brief bursts.
Route notes:
- In the Daimiel area, link quiet lanes toward the park boundary and back, avoiding core protected zones; check with the visitor center for recommended bike-friendly approaches and current restrictions.
- Around the plains, follow signed segments of the
Ruta del Quijote, a multi-stage walking/cycling route that strings together villages, wetlands, and mill ridges; use it to connect cultural and nature stops. - For experienced riders, extend to a mill town (e.g., Almagro or toward Consuegra via secondary roads), planning early departures to avoid heat and traffic.
- Essentials: Helmet, high-visibility vest or lights for road segments, 2 liters of water, snacks, and a basic repair kit.
- Safety and etiquette: Ride single-file on roads, respect agricultural traffic, close gates, and yield to walkers on shared paths. Dusty afternoons emphasize hydration—refill whenever you can.
Logistics:
- Bike rentals are available in regional hubs; confirm opening hours and sizes in advance, especially outside peak season.
- If traveling with kids, keep distances shorter and plan shaded breaks in villages or under grove edges.
4.Kayak Traverse on the Ruidera Lakes: Practical Paddling
- Distance and time: 4–8 km total, 2–3 hours depending on route and portages.
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate; sheltered water with wind exposure on larger lagoons.
- Start: Authorized launch areas near Ruidera or Ossa de Montiel; seasonal rentals operate nearby.
- Highlights: Calm coves, clear shallows over travertine shelves, kingfisher and heron spotting along quiet margins. Paddle blades drip silver as water beads in the heat.
Route notes:
- Choose permitted lagoons for navigation (local outfitters and park info will confirm current restrictions); typical options include out-and-back within a single lagoon or linked lagoons where legal, with short portages at designated points.
- Keep distance from nesting or roosting birds; avoid reedbed incursions and shallow travertine tops where abrasion damages formations.
- Essentials: PFD (lifejacket) mandatory, hat, sunscreen, 1–1.5 liters of water per person, drybag for phone/keys, and footwear that won’t damage travertine edges.
- Safety and etiquette: Check wind forecast; morning is calmer. Follow rental briefings and park rules; no alcohol while paddling and no loudspeakers.
Logistics:
- Rentals typically offer hourly and half-day options; book ahead in high season and shoulder weekends.
- Confirm whether guided trips are available if you prefer route-finding and safety handled by a professional; inquire about family-friendly double kayaks.
Practical Tips, Rules, and Sustainability
Wetlands are alive at the surface and underneath; step lightly and think ahead. Tablas de Daimiel’s peat, channels, and reedbeds, and the Ruidera Lakes’ travertine dams, need both your curiosity and your care. A cool shadow under a hide feels like a privilege earned by quiet patience.
Respect for wildlife and people:
- Keep to marked paths and boardwalks; off-trail shortcuts crush vegetation and destabilize banks.
- Observe from hides or a respectful distance; never flush birds for photos, and use longer lenses instead.
- Silence is part of the experience; speak softly and mute phones, especially at dawn.
- Drones are generally prohibited in protected areas; permits are exceptional and for scientific/management use.
Rules that protect the parks:
- Bathing only where authorized in the Ruidera Lakes; some lagoons are conservation-only.
- No bathing or boating in Tablas de Daimiel; it’s a National Park focused on conservation and low-impact visitation.
- Fires are prohibited year-round; use designated picnic areas and stoves only where allowed.
- Pets: Leashes are typically required; avoid sensitive areas and check current restrictions.
Waste and water:
- Pack out all trash, including organics—food scraps attract wildlife and degrade water quality.
- Use bathrooms at visitor centers; do not use the bush near lagoon edges.
- Refill at towns to minimize single-use bottles; bring a reusable flask and filter if you prefer.
Safety in heat and open country:
- Summer temperatures often exceed 35°C; schedule effort for early/late and rest midday.
- Carry more water than you think you need: 1.5–2 liters per person for short walks; 2–3 liters for longer hikes/rides.
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and lightweight long sleeves.
- Weather: Thunderstorms can flare in late afternoons; leave exposed ridges if you hear thunder.
- Navigation: Download offline maps; signage is good on main routes but sparse on rural connectors.
Gear checklist:
- Footwear: sturdy walking shoes with grip; sandals for lake edges in summer (avoid sharp travertine).
- Clothing: layers for dawn chill, breathable fabrics for heat.
- Optics: binoculars (8x–10x); camera with 300–400 mm lens for wildlife.
- Essentials: small first-aid kit, whistle, headlamp for pre-dawn starts, power bank for phone/GPS.
- Family extras: snacks, shade cloth, and a simple activity (bird ID cards) to keep kids engaged at hides.
Travel light on impact, heavy on learning:
- Read interpretive panels; they explain hydrology, species, and travertine in plain language.
- Support local businesses—rural guesthouses, bakeries, and eateries—so conservation value translates into community value.
- Share sightings via citizen-science apps after your trip; aggregated data helps managers track species and time water management.
Fines and permits:
- Penalties apply for off-trail incursions, littering, or violating bathing/boating rules; enforcement increases in high season.
- Organized group activities (guided tours, large photo groups) may require notification or permits—check with park administration well ahead.
The soft splash of a grebe diving is your cue that you’re doing it right—present, quiet, and leaving only ripples in memory.
Common Questions and Planning Wrap-up
Clarity makes good trips; here are the doubts most travelers share before they go. A wisp of morning mist across the reeds means questions answered and boots laced by first light.
Can you swim in Tablas de Daimiel?
No. Swimming and boating are not allowed in Tablas de Daimiel because it is a National Park managed for conservation and low-impact observation. Save your swim for authorized beaches in the Ruidera Lakes, where signs indicate bathing zones.
Where are the best windmills to visit?
Consuegra, Campo de Criptana, and Mota del Cuervo are the top clusters, each with multiple restored mills and interpretive notes. Aim for golden hour to combine culture and landscape, and respect barriers—mill structures are heritage assets maintained by local councils.
What are the best hours for birdwatching in Daimiel?
Sunrise to two hours after, and the last two hours before sunset, are prime. Get to hides early, settle quietly, and use binoculars to scan edges where reeds meet open water; dusk flights can be spectacular in winter.
Is kayaking allowed in the Ruidera Lakes?
Yes, in selected lagoons and from authorized launch points; rules and permitted areas can change with water levels and conservation needs. Rentals operate seasonally near Ruidera and Ossa de Montiel—always follow their briefings and park signage.
Is the Region family-friendly?
Very. Tablas de Daimiel’s boardwalks are level and short, hides are near, and panels explain wildlife in simple terms. At the Ruidera Lakes, choose beaches with gentle entry and shade, and schedule paddling or swims for mid-morning before heat peaks.
How do water levels affect visits?
In Tablas de Daimiel, high water expands habitats and visibility; in dry spells, birds concentrate in permanent channels. In Ruidera, each lagoon responds differently; some shores shrink in drought and bathing zones shift. Check recent conditions with visitor centers before planning swims or paddles.
Planning tips to connect the triangle:
- Day 1: Arrive Daimiel, sunset mills in Consuegra if time allows.
- Day 2: Dawn at Tablas de Daimiel, lunchtime transfer to Ruidera, afternoon swim/paddle.
- Day 3: Morning lakes walk, late lunch in a mill town or Almagro, head home.
A final note on sustainability: move slowly, stay curious, and let local rhythms set your pace. The smell of warm bread after a dawn hide is a reward best earned by quiet feet and open eyes.
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Conclusion
La Mancha’s hidden face is blue and green, not only wheat-gold and windmill-white. Between Tablas de Daimiel’s intimate wetlands, the Ruidera Lakes’ travertine steps, and hilltop mills tended by proud communities, you can craft a long weekend that feels both simple and rich. Plan for dawn and dusk, respect water and wildlife, and give time to villages that keep this landscape alive. When reedbeds whisper and sails turn slowly in evening wind, you’ll know you chose well.