Today is the first time the rain isn’t having a break so we won’t be having one either, so it’s off over a very long medieval bridge, pristine because it seems the weather has everyone remaining cosy inside. It’s a day where you become creative with your path-taking choices, edging round puddles, making a new track or just dancing on protruding rocks.

Lots of younger people today mostly from Germany, Holland and Belgium, with a few locals and our American friend who is struggling but determined. Through lush valleys, forests of pines and immaculate villages again we walked like cyclists with the leader ever changing as the faster overtook the slower, then some would stop for photos or to take a drink and be passed.

We had a few short steep rocky climbs where strong climbers overtook the flat runners, then the downhillers would take over.

Then we began our long mountain climb up the Labruja valley with some day trippers joining in. Our first waterfalls, enhanced by the rain, entertained us, and provided us with resting time as they filled the valley with new sounds. We stopped by a small roadside waterfall and sat on seats to rest regardless of their wetness, protected by our rain pants. Soon a young Belgium couple asked us if they could sit (only room for two), because she had a blister – no respect for age on these walks, just respect for physical health.

Further on, climbing became difficult because the path was not really defined, and an array of boulders made it more like an obstacle course. We came across 4 German girls who were taking 2 weeks off from work with one struggling through the boulders probably wishing she was at work.

We are used to the rain coming and going in patches, and at times interrupted by fleeting sunlight glimpses, but today the rain was either light or heavy, no let up so never an urge to ditch our rain gear. It also meant there were a few extra challenges besides the difficult steep ascent up to the high pass through the mountain ridge. On the long downhill stretch into the Coura valley via the Alto de Portela Grande the same obstacles were there, but the tall canopy of trees protected us from the rain.

I thought before we left what a way to spend my birthday, but for some reason I do better on the climbs and downhills and I’ve always loved rain. I had one of my dizzy spells last night and was a bit concerned, but today I was feeling good as I was back to powering up the slopes and dancing down from rock to rock on the other side. It was a great, confidence boosting birthday. Corrie did not do as much dancing on the rocks, but today it was a special day and my turn.