A Riad breakfast is a treat - served this morning on the roof top. A selection of treats to have with bread, roti and mint tea.

Today I crossed the Strait of Gibraltar leaving Europe for the African continent. The crossing took 45 minutes by ferry across a very calm sea.

I just love waking up in the mountains as the sun starts to creep up from behind the mountains. It's so peaceful and quiet. The sheep dogs start to stir as we get up and about - the shepherd is not here yet to release the sheep out into the mountain pastures.

There are some days that just top it all - this turned out to be one of those.

I felt so much better today and was excited to get back on the trek.

I had a usual hostal breakfast and set out for the next stage. I felt unfocussed today and not particularly motivated - probably a lot to do with staying in a grotty dead ski resort out of season.

Today has been one of my best days yet; I felt fit, strong and motivated to do the distance and terrain.

I loved this little village in the mountains, the small hotel, the people who sat on the terrace to chat to, the rich mountain food and my Dutch travelling companions.

I have now been hiking the trail for 32 days with 2 of them as rest days. It's amazing how you just get into a rhythm of waking up, getting ready, put the rucksack on your back and set off. You never know how the day will pan out or what you'll do.

Last night the manager of the refuge cooked dinner for the 6 guests in her little kitchen.

The hotel is full of surprises; this morning the most impressive buffet breakfast was laid out for us.

All is well - new boots, strong knees and beautiful hiking weather.

We had fish for dinner last night - a first and a strange thing to have half way up a mountain.

I felt strangely stressed by all the eager beaver hikers this morning getting up early and getting off quickly.

I'm really getting into this refuge living. I love the people you meet, the comradeship and the warmth of the evening conversations over dinner.

I took an alternative route to start the day, over to a beautiful reservoir.

This morning began with a long old hike along a track to an unmanned refuge.

Set of early into the fresh morning air and into the beautiful countryside in this area.

It was wonderful to sleep in a quite room with clean bed sheets - the wonders of life.

I enjoyed the variety of the day, today.