Distance today = 55.74 km; Total distance = 16,056.01 km; Location = Cebolla – 39 56.584′ N, 04 34.402′ W; Start time = 0926, Finish time = 1800

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/270041678

I had my flattest day so far in Europe. There was hardly a hill in sight. It was another long one, but I felt good, particularly towards the end.

It was great to begin the day by running out through the tunnel section of a castle. I imagine there once were big gates to keep invaders out. We discovered that Somerset Maugham once stayed in that very castle, and there is a strong chance his “corner room” was the same one we slept in.

The run took me on more gravel “service roads” beside the freeway. I was glad when I reached the end of that section as I entered the large town of Talavera de la Reina. It looked to be a major commercial and industrial town, so I couldn’t recommend it to the tourist.

The last 15 km was on a very smooth and flat road, and I was able to get into a real rhythm. I’m hoping tomorrow will see more of the same.

For some reason, the tracker appears to have stopped working. I have just noticed that it updated correctly till about mid morning and, although it seems to be working on my phone, the updates are not appearing on the web site. I assume there must be a problem on the FollowMee website. Hopefully it will be corrected soon. My real position is further to the east than the tracker is showing, at the town of Cebolla.

PS The winner of the trivia question from two nights ago was Bernie Breen, although there were many others who answered correctly.  Of course, February 3 was the 54^th anniversary of the plane crash which killed Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper – what Don Maclean came to coin as “the day the music died”.

Distance today = 53.92 km; Total distance = 16,109.93 km; Location = Toledo – 39 51.706′ N, 04 01.615′ W; Start time = 0919, Finish time = 1738

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/270340314

Another day of perfect weather for running, with sunny skies and a wind at my back all the way. It was quite hilly, and the downhills took a toll on my legs late in the day.

Carmel had to help a local at about the 30 km mark. While she was stopped, a woman asked her if she’d drive to her to a petrol station down the road, as her car was empty. Carmel willingly obliged. At the end of the episode, we had a quick photo session with Myriam and her jerry can of petrol.

We had a very nice stay last night at the Posada la Reja in the town of Malpica da Tajo. The place is run by another lovely Myriam. The food is fantastic, and you couldn’t get a friendlier place to stay.

I concluded the day in Toledo. This is one of Spain’s special gems. Once one of the country’s most important cities, it is now famous as the former home of the artist El Greco, and Lladro fine porcelain. The place is still so original, with walls intact right around the town, and buildings as they’ve looked for hundreds of years. It is an absolute must for any tourist to Spain.

PS Today I passed the 10,000 mile mark for the journey so far.

Distance today = 31.68 km; Total distance = 16,141.61 km; Location = Bargas – 39 56.812′ N, 04 01.230′ W; Start time = 0902, Finish time = 1332

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/270597570

With a very cold westerly wind blowing, I decided to keep the day short, commuting back to Toledo for the night. It will give me an additional opportunity to experience this wonderful city.

The running was fairly uneventful, with the only drama being my cap – it kept blowing off, sometimes rolling down the road for some distance. I essentially meandered my way through the Toledo Valley, finishing up on a plateau at the town of Bargas.