Last night really was our last night in Southern Spain and it was our last opportunity to take a walk on the mountain roads in the vicinity of our cortijo, which (I may have told you before) is situated in the rustic surrounds of Frigiliana. We set out rather late, when the sun was already disappearing behind one of the higher mountains and misty grey clouds were hovering over the top of the range; and yet, the sun still shone on the coast below making the town of Nerja a gleaming white array of tiny squares jumbled together in the distance.

We figured that if we walked up and around our big mountain for some way, then turned off on a different road from our usual route, it would lead us out and down (not to be confused with ‘down and out’) away from the shade and into the sunlight. Of course, night was falling whilst we walked but, occasionally, the clouds thinned and patches of light appeared on the landscape as if to highlight the prettiness of a particular house and olive grove. Somehow even the shadows and mists had dramatic effect…

Fernando, the big white hound dog who had befriended me on previous walks (and loves raw eggs and Spanish bacon), was unable to come out with us – his owner had shut the gates for the night – so I waved, called out my goodbyes and blew him a kiss.

After a three in the morning start, now we’re home in Devon and ready for bed. I wonder if Fernando misses me… Chris says the friendly dog will be missing his eggs and bacon (and that “he knew which side his bread was buttered”). Chris can be so cynical.