4 hrs 54 mins. Solid stuff.

Hugh had a good day on a testing but beautiful route. It started on a long flat beach road and he got into a rhythm which he maintained, heading south alongside Rio de Teto estuary from Santona, the last stronghold of Franco's political party. It was very windy which, combined with some winding hill roads in the afternoon, made it tough going.

Actually, I'm in danger of going soft as I changed the last bit into something less steep. Frankly Hugh doesn't seem to mind, leaning into the hills with dogged perseverence. The landscape is what it is and can't be avoided.

Using the motorhome for the first full day was splendid as it allowed Hugh to recline in the manner to which he is accustomed. With his grey tinged but otherwise distinguished beard he looks like a mad old adventurer uncle which he is of course. He gets a proper cooked lunch now, well until the novelty wears off for the chef anyway (could be hours). At the end of the day he can then relax and grunt away until we jettison him from the vehicle into the hotel. It's not always a restful drive though - driving this round the switchback roads reminds me of the last scene of the Italian Job though we are intent on neither allowing us nor our gold bullion to teeter on the edge of a cliff.

Our head of the UK desk, Jonny, joined us yesterday which we celebrated with just a touch of Rioja (both white and red) and we're looking forward to listening to his ideas for PR. I shall be suggesting he spends a good deal of time on the road with Hugh to impart his wisdom.

Almost halfway now. I can feel some celebratory champagne coming on.