Set the controls for the heart of the sun
It seems like a long time since our Scottish trip, but we are going to make up for it - we're off to southern Spain! Preparations were somewhat more taxing than usual, not only getting organised for a motorhome trip, but packing for a wedding (Georgie, our niece, to James). We arrived in Kent on Friday 20 September with all we needed (we hope). The wedding was perfect in every way .... lovely venue, gorgeous weather and beautiful bride.
 |
| Georgie and James |
We were able to park the motorcaravan at our overnight accommodation and
on Sunday afternoon met up with our buddies for this trip, Barbara and Clive,
at the Bearsted Caravan and Motorhome Club site.
On Monday we arrived at the Shuttle terminal with time for coffee
(thought it best to humour John from day one!)
 |
| Coffee at The Shuttle |
The first overnight stop was at Sées and the only item of note during
the journey was that we took a wrong turning on the edge of Rouen. This town
manages to defeat us every time we venture near!
Sées has proved to be a little gem. The municipal camp site is located
just off the A28 and there was time for an evening walk into town. It may only
have 5000 inhabitants but it has plenty of facilities and an interesting
history (medieval buildings, huge cathedral) with information boards in English
too! It would certainly warrant exploring further for half a day or so.
To celebrate our first night in France we decided to eat out and Au
Normandy (how appropriate) proved to be a good choice.
We drove to Saintes next day (Tuesday) in heavy rain and strong wind.
However, it brightened up considerably by late afternoon and we were able to
have a pleasant walk around the town to stretch our legs and ease our backsides.
525 miles clocked to date. We had planned to stay in Saintes for two nights but
in view of the weather forecast decided to drive on to find the better weather
(we hope)!
 |
| Arch of Germanicus, Saintes |
So Wednesday's journey was towards Nuvilla, south of Bilbao, which took
us around the very busy Bordeaux orbital motorway and then towards the Spanish
border with lovely views of the Pyrenees. Cross border travel in the EU is such
a non-event, you are lucky if you see a sign to say you are in a different
country. Then through the wooded hills, tunnels and viaducts of northern Spain.
A particularly annoying aspect of the journey has been the frequent stops for
the tolls, either to collect a ticket or pay the charge, which might be a fixed
one without a ticket. And how the amount is worked out is anyone's guess.
The site at Nuvilla was a gem. A bit off the beaten track but peaceful
and with pleasant views and excellent facilities. Thursday morning was warm and
sunny so we didn't rush off - in fact, it would have been rather nice to stay a
second night, but we have given ourselves a fairly packed schedule, so it's off
to Salamanca. The scenery varied from interesting rock formations in the north
to a more rolling landscape and then flatlands as we headed further south.
The site at Salamanca is about 4 miles from the town and we went in by
bike alongside the river. John particularly wanted to visit this old university
town and it is beautiful. Highlights were the Plaza Mayor, university buildings
and the old and new cathedrals, adjacent to each other, where you can climb to
the bell tower for a close look at the stonework and good views over the town.
Part of the tower tour takes you round a gallery seriously high up in the new
cathedral, which gave a totally different perspective. We shall be making a
second visit to the town later today.
 |
| Salamanca 1 |
 |
| Salamanca 2 |
