Walking through the Asturian hills in April made me think about the seasons and their influence on pilgrimage- the mud South of Bury St Edmunds would have made travel difficult before roads were paved. How delightful, however, once things had dried out a bit and the sun was shining.
I am struck by how much our language uses sunshine for happiness and clouds and/or shade for sadness or uncertainty. In a hotter country the shade is desirable, especially when travelling. It is much easier to walk in the cool of the morning. When the sun shines through, however, the effect feels truly beautiful. Contrast of light and shade is sharper and the view literally lights up. Dappled shade adds infinite effects.
