We crossed the border into Spain at the small town of Irun just south of last nights stop at St Jean de Luz. No sign or welcome.
We navigated through Donostia San Sebastián . Donostia being the basque name for San Sebastián to a campsite in Orio on the Basque coast.
Being overcast I decided to explore the local facilities. The beach has three bars one of which also served a most delicious snack lunch.
Refreshed I then went to explore the local town Orio. I had no idea of the excitement to come.
Orio is a rather strange place.
We stayed in the campsite by the beach but there is also an Aire under the motorway.
The town itself is a mix of newish flats and apartments and an extremely old core.
In Bergerac I saw the church of st Jacques. Orio is on one the Camino Santiago pilgrimage routes across the coast and at the information centre the passport can be stamped.
At fist I enjoyed reading about the historic buildings
The information centre had a fascinating exhibition about the Camino.
Relaxing watching a film about different styles of churches a voice cried out from behind me. But when I looked around there was nobody at all to be seen. Indeed it seemed I was the only person there. I followed the voice behind a curtain to find a lift.
Unfortunately the lift had broken and someone was stuck inside, the curator of the exhibition. I reassured her and went to find help, but the place was deserted. So I fund the fuse box and checked the electricity for the lift. I had no alternative than to switch it off and on again. I then rang the emergency number. The lift sprang back into life and Raquel the curator was free.
Well after such excitement there is only one thing today – a cool glass of Spanish plonk.
Hoping for a more relaxing beach day tomorrow.
And indeed a much more relaxing day.
Firstly I decided to explore the other side of the hill we can see from the campsite.
From the beach I ascended the steep path in order to explore the other side of the hill. I was not to be disappointed with impressive views across the bay and inland.
The surfers were making good use of the morning waves.
After a light lunch back at Dora I headed for an afternoon on the beach.
As the tide turned the surfers were returning.
A beautiful beach afternoon.
Next morning we headed across the Basque Country to a site just outside Bilbao at Gorliz. We met up with our good friend Andy and enjoyed a few local beers!
Camping Arrien is a rather haphazard site but is a short walk from the beach where I enjoyed an afternoon swim.
Whilst not the prettiest of beaches the water was amazing for swimming.
And working on my Spanish which earlier had been praised as I checked into the campsite!
The site had a bar and cafe open Friday, Saturday and Sunday so we decide to experiment with the local delights. For me peppers stuffed with fish.
And so it was time to leave the Basque region for now and drive along the amazing auto via do Cantabria. Technically a dual carriageway but in England would be considered a motorway without roadworks and congestion.
Anyway whilst I enjoyed the scenery and listening to the rugby on my phone app and Bluetooth speaker Kevin safely navigated Dora towards our next intended stop in Oyambre.
We can can see the luxury campsite I had planned to stay at from our pitch at Oyambre Beach!
Our site is slightly dearer, challenged Kevin and Dora’s parking on terrace skills but is actually right next to the beach.
Well you win some and lose some! Who would have thought two campsites in the same village!
And so to the beach.
Lovely big beach and beautiful clear water.
We decided to dine at the beach cafe. Entrecôte for Kevin and Hake balls for me.
The following morning we decided to venture into the neighbouring region of Asturias and the Picos de Europa.
Absolutely stunning scenery along the journey
What a delightful campsite – flat spacious pitches and spotless facilities.
A gentle stroll into the local village, famous for its cheese and cider. Very busy for a Sunday and very touristy. Surrounded by stunning scenery its popularity is clearly as a haven for outdoor sports.
We finished a lovely day with a meal at the restaurant next to the campsite, serving my favourite salmon and white wine.
Monday – an day to explore Las Arenas. First a walk beyond the village to the cheese caves. Here local blue cheeses are made as the caves maintain an optimum temperature for the blue bacteria to grow.
The afternoon was passed exploring the paths around the campsite.
After a relaxing day in the Picos we were joined by a friendly visitor.
And off to the Asturias coast. But first a tour along the river Caros.
The scenery is simply stunning and plenty of places to park up for free to just stand and admire its beauty.
And an hour later we were on the Asturias Jurassic coast.
The campsite is next to the beach and beside the river.
And tomorrow we start week 4 by moving on towards Galicia!
Exploringwithdaveanddora 