5 hrs 16 mins. Benchmark stuff.

We held our collective breath today, firstly to see if we could turn the correct way out of our hotel to the start of the route, always an accomplishment; and secondly, to see if Hugh would be able to run well after his ER moment yesterday. Both were accomplished with some style.

Not an easy day either. Out of necessity we have moved inland and in doing so can't avoid the hills in Northern Spain. On every ridge is cleverly positioned a wind farm, each wonderful contraption placed at a different angle so only a few ever work at the same time. Seems initially logical but ultimately unproductive. Still, a strangely elegant sight.

Less contemplatively, Hugh moves on with a real efficiency. Samia and I stop off to wait for him and before we know it he's overtaken us, eating up the bitumen at a surprising rate. Joining him for the last few miles of the day he is a man at ease; enjoying the differing landscape, its sights and undulations. Just another day perhaps, but always a different one. We all talk of Lisbon and how long ago that seems despite being only two and a half weeks ago. 50 days is a very long time, but we're enjoying the journey.

Tonight we reside in a beautiful guest house on the pilgrims' route proper on the edge of Trabada. This is the best location yet, in a secluded valley and even has its own chapel which we visited. Having home cooked food was a welcome change to seeking an off season restaurant and for the first time required us to raid the emergency fine wine stash.

We are heading up to the coast tomorrow, though unwilling to leave this hospitable place.

Footnote: Parts II and III are missing from the video diary on Day 16, owing to internet problems. They should be up tomorrow unless a waterwheel is generating the electricity again.