Puerto de Vega

Today we opted for a more leisurely day, travelling a few miles to the coastal town of Luarca, where we parked in the seafront car park. Shortly after negotiating the van in to a space, the Policia Local appeared, pulling their car in next to Marge. Yes, Marge, they were nice looking young men, but their message was, "you can't park your van here, it is to long". Being nice helpful officers, they directed us to some alternative parking on the edge of the town, where we set off on foot, armed with a camembert cheese, tomatoes, and grapes. All we needed was bread, which we found nearby at a small supermarket. After a short Spanish lesson in how to pronounce the particular loaf we required we bid a cheery "addios".

We walked to the harbour, where we sat to eat our vittles.

As usual, the local seagulls joined us, one in particular was particularly attention seeking, screeching, until the tiniest morsel was given to it. Meanwhile down below, on one of the pontoons, another gull was tucking in to a tasty fish head, nice!

For three hours we walked around the harbour, sea wall and town. In the Medieval times, Luarca was a whaling port, and then benefited from trading with the Americans. Now it is an important fishing port for tuna.

Even though we were weary, we decided to move a few miles along the coast to Puerto de Vega, where we have a nice spot for the night by the sea wall. We have Dutch people to one side of us, and French to the other. After a quick caffeine boost to revitalise us, we took yet another walk around yet another town and harbour.

We stopped to watch the fishermen, their rods straining as the fish bit, in some cases, to be released back into their salty haven as they were reeled in. In the harbour the grey mullet lumbered through the dark green water, scavenging for any small morsel, a film of oil from the boats, floating above them. The bars were busy, lively with conversation and laughter.

Amongst them, stood a statue of the fisherman's wife, displaying a large bosom us ladies would be proud of!

We are enjoying visiting the towns along the north coast of Spain. We think a lot of people do not realise what a beautiful area it is. The Asturias region, where we are now, reminds us of Devon.

Tomorrow, we will move just a little further on. We have come to appreciate, the luxury of our age, is not the possessions we gather, but time, time to take a step back from the humdrum of daily life, and realise there is a big wide world out there waiting for you.