Thursday, Camping Gavin, Biescas, Valle de Tena, Pyrenees.

The weather forecast was pretty bad for this afternoon so we got up early to make the best of the bright sunny morning. The aim was to drive back up to the high mountains at the border with France to get the photographs that we didn't get, because of mist and rain, when we were up there the day before. We drove right up to the top and found mist and rain at the border once more, so came back down again out of the mist, stopping half way to have breakfast in the van, surrounded by lovely mountain views. Also a brief walk searching for more orchids; one new one was found. The rain and mist stayed where it was, high up and out of sight. And it has been bright and sunny ever since.

We had a good long walk when we got back (with a brolly and mac in my rucksack, thank you, weather forecasters) under clear blue skies with no clouds in sight. It was windy, so not too hot. The walk took us out from the site to the river that flows though the valley, and along paths leading through farmland. Farming used to be the main source of income here but now very few people farm for a living. There are only one or two families who have cattle and sheep still. We saw quite a number of horses, and one quite large and modern enterprise, also with horses, which we thought was a stud.

We took our lunch with us and had a picnic right by the river, sitting on fairly uncomfortable river bank boulders. Lots of chaffinches kept us company, and one robin. Later Chris found a picnic site with benches and tables only yards from where we were. It's surprising how often we stop in some ideal spot only to find an even more ideal spot just round the corner. However, it has to be said, you couldn't see the river nearly so well from the picnic tables and we would have missed the chaffinches darting out over the water to nab flies.

Dinner is in the restaurant tonight, at eight o'clock. The Spanish eat so late! Other Brits are booked in and we have all booked for eight, the earliest possible time. We have passed the time since getting back from our windy walk by dozing in our comfy chairs in the sunshine and reading our books. I think this may be what normal people do on holiday but I am not sure.