Ortiguera

Lastnight, while we were cooking our evening meal, an English registered Land Rover Discovery, pulled up next to us. It had the same roof tent we used to have on our Land Rover Defender. The lady and her young son had driven up from Malaga and were heading to Ireland for her other son’s wedding. The lady had travelled extensively, including two trips to the Artic Circle, with her Discovery.

As we sat reading last night, listening once again to the cicadas, we realised how lucky we were to be able to have the opportunity to do this trip, not quite the Artic Circle, but still adventurous.

Also, our new grandson is now 3 weeks old, it just shows you how time flies, and that you must live for the moment.

Today we have travelled along the fast coast road crossing many viaducts with absolutely fantastic views of either the coast or the countryside and mountains. Everywhere is green and lush, and we wished we could have stopped to take photographs.

On the way we detoured into Gijon for fuel. Over 40 years ago John worked in this area close to the town.

The roads are quieter now, and we see very few English vehicles, although we did see and English couple touring in their open top tourer as we passed below the Picos de Europa, they reminded us of some folks we know back home. We feel the English are more likely to head for the Costas (no my son Chris, not for a coffee!!!

We are now in the Asturias region at Ortiguera. Our stop for the night is on the cliff top overlooking a small sandy cove.

This is the view out of our side door!

Just around the corner is the lighthouse and fisherman’s chapel, the headstones are for those lost at sea.

We have just come back from walking down to a small fishing harbour near by. It made us think of Cornwall, as does the coastline here. The only difference, it’s quiet, with hardly any people around, (although the few people we do meet our very friendly). Slate is predominant here in the cliffs, and most of the houses have slate roofs. The weather must sometimes be quiet ferocious along this coast, judging by the large stones cemented to the roof tiles around the edge. 

There are a lot of old, derelict properties here, and the local bar is long closed, sad to think how this small town has declined over the years. If you want to buy one of these you could drive a hard bargain, and woodworm would be the last thing on your mind.

The tide is now turning, and the sea is crashing against the cliffs opposite, and to the right the cloud is descending over the mountains. There may be rain in the night, but I’m sure we’ll sleep well to the sound of the waves.