Spain (Picos) and France

[tjmouse]

Couldn’t convince the wife to take the bike so it’s a 4 wheel trip for us to get a first taste of northern Spain and France. First time taking the ferry to Santander so no bad thing having the extra luggage space.

Going to play a bit of catch up so this will be a blast post followed by more daily ones.

Day 1 Portsmouth to Santander

Super smooth crossing and we saw a few pods of dolphins on Saturday evening which was a treat. Probably the best into to a long ferry having the start of a heatwave and no wind!


Sunday

Landed early and whilst being last off the boat we had a very smooth journey through customs (no EES).

We had some time to kill so headed off down the coast to Comillas for some culture

Then it was back to Loredo for a few days by the beach to stop

Sunday - Thursday

Doing very little in Loredo, beach and sleep and doing as little as possible. 30-39C so doing little is a good call!

There’s a new restaurant in Loredo (La Frisona) where you can pick your steak. It was bloody good! And the wine selection was top tier as well.

Bodega Bahía de Santander for wife’s birthday dinner. Another excellent option with a stunning view.

 

[tjmouse]

Thursday

Transfer day to the Picos. Tried to visit a cave on the way but we hadn’t booked so went to Santillana del Mar instead for some culture and a lunch stop.

Then on to Potes and in a bit. Hotel del Oso was full so we booked Hotel El Jisu instead. Same road just 5km closer to Potes. Tiny family run place but great food, views and people. Highly recommended.

View from our balcony isn’t bad either!

 

[DING-DONG]

I noticed this Porsche (it was the reg) this morning, we staying @ hotel del oso for 2 days and you passed us this morning and again on our way back around 4 ish.

 

[tjmouse]

I noticed this Porsche (it was the reg) this morning, we staying @ hotel del oso for 2 days and you passed us this morning and again on our way back around 4 ish.

That has been the drive for today

 

[tjmouse]

Friday

Another hot day forecast so we rented a canoe and went down to Panes and spent the day on the river. Very enjoyable time and a good way to manage the heat.

Highlight was skimming a stone across the whole river. Childhood Tom would be very pleased!

 

[tjmouse]

Saturday

Sorry [mention]DING-DONG [/mention] for not waving.

Off to Fuente De this morning to get the cable car up to the top. You have to book in advance and then can do a walk into the Picos proper or a walk down. We opted for the later. 15km steady downhill the whole way. Stunning walk although my right knee did not enjoy the last 4km and is very sad now! Good job tomorrow is a driving day!

Back at the hotel with a beer and Qwirkle after a very enjoyable walk.

Tomorrow it’s a loop of the Picos, N-621, N-626, AS-114

 

[wessie]

at least you don't get your nice walk interrupted by oiks on motorcycles or in Land Cruisers now

 

[Wapping]

I noticed this Porsche (it was the reg) this morning, we staying @ hotel del oso for 2 days and you passed us this morning and again on our way back around 4 ish.

An excellent opportunity to give the ‘Tossers Salute’.

 

[Ectopic]

Great pics. And a nice car to enjoy the roads.

We're off on a road trip to Spain in a week, though driving down through France this time after taking the ferry for a few years. We've seen the beach at Loredo from the ferry and thought it looked good. A smooth crossing is a blessing, and it's always nice to see dolphins.

Canoeing is my wife's idea of hell. Going up the cable car at Fuente De is mine. So we won't be doing either of those!

Enjoy the rest of the trip. I'll be following.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Turn right at La Hermida onto the CA282 and then head up the the Mirador Santa Catalina

It is one of the most spectacular Miradors there is

The Mirador above Ariondas is 2nd best and whilst in that area there is a particularly interesting restaurant in Ariaondas run by some Nuns who have been ex communicated or something
https://english.elpais.com/spain/20...-open-spains-first-cloistered-restaurant.html
if its still open
If you fancy an ice cream or a cake by the sea head to Ribadesella its lovely there

 

[tjmouse]

The proprietor owns a farm with 100 cows. I ordered the veal steak and he showed me a video of the cow from last week! That’s a first! Was delicious though

 

[Ectopic]

The proprietor owns a farm with 100 cows. I ordered the veal steak and he showed me a video of the cow from last week! That’s a first! Was delicious though

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe does something similar. You get to talk to the cow before it is chopped up.