You only need to drive a short way out of Granollers to find yourself in the countryside, in places of great natural beauty with hidden pools of fresh water and banks of aromatic rosemary and thyme. We came here last Sunday to walk and after a short climb up a steep path, found these two secret pools. The water was incredibly clear and foot numbingly cold.Total Solitude and Peace

We didn’t see anyone else in the time we were there – this area near Sant Feliu de Codines must be one of my favourite places to soothe my spirits and replenish my energy.

The swifts return

At this time of year I am waiting for them and back in Granollers they arrived on April 7th . They are now soaring high over the houses and streets screaming out in what sounds like glee. I stood for several minutes today in the main shopping street watching over 50 of them ducking and diving high above me. How amazing that no-one else seemed to notice they were there. They are called Falciot Negre in Catalan and Vencejo común in Castellano.

Watching them and listening to them is another thing that seems to be good for my soul.