The sun was shining, beckoning us up the path and to the fields beyond the gate at the end. Inca and Malachi walked ahead of me and, from time to time, stopped and waited patiently while I took photos of the wild flowers, many of which were caught in irresistible spotlights of sunbeams. And when we reached the open fields my faithful companions ran freely to their hearts content.

Back on the path homewards I ran with them – they didn’t have to stop once to wait for me – and they arrived home panting and thirsty, whilst I wasn’t even out of breath. I had a chuckle to myself.