Blue brolly was taken on Sunday in Caceres but could have been in Salamanca yesterday or Bilbao today - nine days of rain now from Costa del Sol to Irun on the French border. Turned back by police today because a river had broken its banks. Flooding in the north quite bad with landslides in places. Guggenheim was spectacular - the architecture is stunning! Northern coast is unexpectedly rugged with hidden coves and fishing towns appearing out of the blue. Went t...

New boots for 10 euros, now that's a bargain! Merida was lovely and very Spanish. Roman remains were amazing and very accessible. Good hotel and ate in restaurant where no English was spoken. Sea bass was excellent. Threw shoes out and got walking trainers dried off with the hairdrier eventually. Six days of rain now but at least it is warm and my feet are dry!. Arrived in Trujillo yesterday to stay here in a hostel for two nights. It is a lovely old 17th centur...

Left Costa del Sol (or should we say Rain) this morning after 48hrs solid rain - not seen rain like this since we were in the Lakes! Had some good fun in Belamadena and the apartment was very good. Jim and Janet flew home last night and we are now in Extremadura, very close to Portugal. It is still raining but not as heavily. Merida is full of Roman remains and is fascinating. Everything opened up at 5.00pm and we have just popped back for a shower and then are g...

Can't believe it's a week since the 'international' meal. We had a great time and met lots of interesting new people. Both the villa and the food was fantastic and conversation lively too, despite the language differences. Also had a really enjoyable coffee in the morning with Tal and Lesley. Tal will take us back to Alicante in the summer - good news Chris and Sue! Have sorted transfer from Alicante to Javea too. Though sorry to leave Javea, we enjoyed our time ...

Two fantastic day's walking. Yesterday we did the 10,000 steps. Five and a half hours walking, 18k and 1000m of ascent. My choice as we did it 2 years ago and so was pleased to find my fitness improved. Very warm climbing but views spectatcular and apart from a school group early on, we didn't see another sole. Blossom is nearly over and many of the spring flowers had gone too. Calves were tight this morning but went out with Peter and the walking group to the S...