Dear Mum, family and friends

For a few minutes this morning the sun crested the meseta casting us into a golden altar-piece. It was breathtaking. Then just as quickly we moved back into "ordinary time".

We've had a long walk today through a couple of Hornillos look-a-like villages, over the ever-changing meseta, up a steep incline and down the steeper side, then along a river until we arrived at Itero de la Vega.

I imagined the meseta would be flat and unending but instead we walk over geological wrinkles and the effects of weathering.

The crops were more varied today. The remains of the harvest abounded as did the pungency of the manuring season. We passed sunflowers again, and almond trees, brave little pines, and corn close by this village. There were a few more birds - sparrows and pigeons mostly.

For some time we walked close to an avenue of popular trees which sounded like running water. Some were beginning to show the change of seasons.

Just outside Itero de la Vega we were sprayed by the irrigation. And now as we relax, showered, washing on the line, enjoying a good drink, thunder is grumbling in the background. (We passed into the Province of Palencia and are now enjoying the local brew, Cruzcampo.)

It's cooler up on the meseta and pleasant walking weather.

I'm walking with you all in my heart.