4. La Font de la Figuera

It has been a majestic day of walking today. The landscape is changing. It is getting higher and drier but in spring the fields are verdant.

From early morn, I have meandered up hill and down dale, barely seeing another car. 

The morning had an incredibly peaceful feeling, as if the whole of Spain was resting. The dominant sounds were of birdsong, the gentle breeze whispering in the pines, and the steady crunch of my footsteps along the (much softer) path. 

Today was also the day I gratefully received my staff.

Diverging roads. I’m going left, off road - just how I like it.

And what delights there were along the way.

So many patterns in the spring landscape.

Poppy in wheat field.

The pathway stretching ever onwards.

And with a shorter stage today there was time to rest and smell the... well, to drink in the peaceful surrounds.

Not a bad casa rural.

And Geoff, this one’s for you, though even the farmers were resting today.

La Font de la Figuera in the distance.

Lodgings for the night - not bad, hey! Interestingly, it is the police who are managing the albergues, not the church. Another sign that the church is no longer in the centre of life, even in Spain.

Nevertheless, praise be!