Bilbao to home

Nicki actually drove us into and around Bilbao...with Dave’s superb navigation and google maps which has been brilliant! Parked up in the new part and got ourselves a cheap, but adequate room in the middle of the old, narrow city streets. Did a bit of legwork for this as lots of places full for some reason. Walked around old part before finding lively square with all the old, quaint bars. David really taken with the array of mouthwatering “tapas” or “rationes” on display. Bit like a buffet where you just choose as many savoury and sweet items you want. Couple of glasses of delicious wine for Nicki and fabulous old worldly surroundings made it a very relaxed evening...until we had to find our way back to the room. Unfortunately, all the narrow streets are based on a grid system and the doors to the pensions all look the same...and it was dark. We stood with the point on google maps less than 2 metres away and still couldn’t spot it at first. Slept well, though in a bed, warm and with hot shower. Decided to walk across to the Guggenheim museum...it didn’t disappoint! Amazing architecture. Then onwards towards the ferry, out of the city to a small, quaint town called Pontavecha...a world heritage site? All because of a really high, metal bridge complete with hanging transportation. Dave fascinated and we watched the people and vehicles be loaded and transported across hanging from the wires, for quite a while. Lunch...more rationes, then along to the port. Ship running late...and later as yet more drama when helicopter had to airlift off seriously I’ll passenger. Met up with couple on motor bikes, she and I did the electronic quiz and bingo...we came 4th out of 15 teams, Rosie! Somethings must have stuck! Dave chatted bikes till bedtime in wonderful cabin with window. Sea like a millpond and sun and blue skies as we sail up to Portsmouth...but will there be sunshine at 6.15 this evening?

Bilbao

Dave stretched his legs for an hour on bike. Very few in campsite now. Next morning we both did 30 miles on bike before moving on. Dave google best places along northern spanish coast and we selected a few for visits. They turned out to be real gems. Cudillero was at bottom of gorge. Tiny harbour. Houses hanging off the sides of the hill. We had lovely lunch. Moved on for cup of tea at next similar village. Camped near Ribadesela...struggled to find campsite open. Following morning move on along A8 looking for more gems. Chose a circular coastal walk in beautiful estuary of San Vincent de Barquerria. Lunch at small medieval town of Comillas.  This coast line is really gorgeous with the Pics da Europa as a backdrop. Finally headed for Bilbao. Found pension for the night in old town. We'll do a bit of sightseeing tomorrow then....the ferry home

Santiago de Compostela

Morning in the Geres mountains cool, but better for walking. Walked down river to the lake and back to establish kayaks available. Packed up tent and did an hour on the lake. Very serene, but little in the way of wildlife, even fish. Decided to head out of Portugal and go for Santiago de Compostela. Big change in roads as soon as we crossed the border. Spain noticeably better off. Tried to get lunch in small Spanish town, but the waiting got the better of us. Forgot that Sunday means not a lot open in rural Spain, so we ate very late, much to Dave’s disgust. Arrived in Santiago early evening, straight into central car park and booked a room for the night...really nice for only 69 euros. The cathedral square was awesome. The outside facade is huge. Loads of tourists and pilgrims. Full service going on in cathedral, but tourists milled around anyway. Enjoyed evening walk and very rustic snack in back street bar. Slept really well in 2 double beds! Left following morning and headed for Spanish coast via a walled town called Luga. Staying in lovely little campsite near Ribadeo, but the temp has dropped to 20 and it’s windy. Got the trousers out!