Cesantes

Yesterday evening, after our meal, we discussed how food had become a big part of our days. When we shop for it, it's purposeful. We cook everything from fresh, no microwave meals or take away food. It has made us aware, just how much we consume each day, something we would not give a second thought to at home. But the shopping, preparation and cooking, is an enjoyable part of our daily routine.

This morning as we dropped down from our overnight cliff position, the mist now having cleared, we journeyed south.

On route we saw a pretty stone bridge, the Ponte de Brandomil. Turning around, we went back to take a look. It straddled the river Xallas. Years ago tin and gold were found near to it. We took some photographs and walked across it. As we returned to Marge, we were aware of the crispness of leaves underfoot. Autumn had begun.

After dismissing an aire that was highly recommended in our aires book, the smell from the sewage plant right in the middle of it apparently not a problem to everyone, we moved a few miles down the road to a location right on the beach at Cesantes.

Having been cooped up in the van for a few hours, we were glad to take a walk out to discover the area. Kiwi fruit, apples, figs and grapes were in abundance, but sadly for John not within easy reach. Down on the beach, large skips were filling fast from the daily clearance of seaweed from the beach, the smell emitted from them not too pleasant. Opposite Marge, is the disabled toilet, sadly this time there is no shower. Angela walked across to use it, struggling with the lock. When she was ready to leave the lock would not budge. Panic! All the windows were sealed, and there was only a very slight gap under the door. After some time, she stood on the toilet seat realising she could see Marge parked behind, and that John should be somewhere near, so shouted through the tiny perspex windows, to no avail. Then shouted through the solid wooden door, luckily John had come looking. After some discussion, it was decided a pair of pliers, which luckily just fitted under the door may do the trick, and they did. We can hear you laughing! Pay back for two days ago, when we sneaked in and used the shower in the disabled toilet at Ortigueira.

After this incident, the wind had picked up, and by half past four the area was filling up with kite and wind surfers. As the wind was so strong, we took the opportunity to do some washing, knowing it would soon dry. Just one small incident. We had parked the van as far back as possible to keep the access to the parking area clear. Behind us, a short drop of about eighteen inches down on to some rocks on the beach. After our showers, we had the back doors of the van open, and our drying clothes hung on them. Angela walked round to check the clothes, and took a step back. Not her day today! Let's hope the damaged knee is not so sore tomorrow.

Meanwhile, we are enjoying the views across the water towards the suspension bridge, and the rainbow of lights reflecting in the water. The wind is no more, and the water calm.

We are now about twenty miles from the Portuguese border, which we will cross tomorrow. We are looking forward with excitement to exploring a new country.