Firstly many thanks to all those who have responded to my blister problem - it does seem that a primary cause of blisters is perspiring feet while walking - so one recommendation is to spray the feet with antiperspirant before putting socks on. There is a also a product that you can buy 'Bodyglide' which goes on like a deodorant stick to prevent chafing or if all else fails Vaseline applied to the feet should help. I will let you know how it goes but I always carry the wonderful animal wool that I have mentioned previously.

Well it has been quite a week! On Saturday I went to the National Bike Fair at Santarem (80km north of Lisbon) and yes there were bikes, bikes and more bikes. I never realised that the top of the range bike frames could be so expensive (7 - 8,000 euro!) But there were plenty of bikes at the lower end of the price range and I did learn quite a bit.

This was followed by a short two day trip to Madeira where I had the most brilliant time. It is amazing what you can achieve in two days if you put your mind to it. I visited virtually the whole island, checking out the new flood prevention system, looking at hotels, plus walking a levada which was new to me. None of this would have been possible without the kindness and generosity of Margarete, a good friend and colleague who looks after all our clients who visit Madeira. Margarete if you read this - thank you so much!

I returned just in time to lead the Wednesday walk on the west coast - absolutely fantastic - brilliant weather, scenery and a great crowd of people.

Now it is time to rest.............