Comillas, Cantrabria (Day 2)

Backed by lush green countryside, and fronted by a stunning sandy beach, Comillas is a beautiful town with stunning examples of art nouveau architecture.

However, there was one house Angela particularly wanted to visit. El Capricho, designed by the architect Anton Gaudi, he of the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona.

Last time we were in the town we weren't in the position to pay to visit anywhere, but now things are different. Especially as we are both now classed as seniors, so entry was just five euros each. The house was amazing, dominated by it's Persian style minaret. Sadly it fell into neglect, but was fortunately rescued and restored. Tomorrow we are off to Santander. The aire there is always busy, so arrival by nine thirty in the morning is advisable. Taking advantage of the facilities on offer at our site, we showered and washed some smalls, all ready for an early start tomorrow.

Comillas, Cantrabria

After a night of rain, the surf pounding the rocks below, we awoke this morning to the most beautiful view. A sea of ​​​​turquoise blue with patches of dark navy, topped with white crested waves, sat under a thin early morning strip of white cloud which danced above the beach. A day away from the wheel had been great. Time to recharge and plan our onward journey. The forecast today was not looking good further along the coast, so we found a place to stay about three hours away. Our drive along a dual carriageway that we always call the 'top road', as it runs between the sea and the mountains of northern Spain, took us up and over the hills.

Some pretty big hills. On one, we found ourselves engulfed by a blanket, no duvet, of thick white cloud. Markers along the edge of the road read up orange or red depending on the visibility. When they changed to red and we lost sight of the van in front of us it all became a little 'hairy scary'. Descending out of the murk we were relieved it hadn't also been raining. The low cloud continued to linger, obliterating the tops of the Picos Europa that sat to put right, their dark forms spooky in the low light. We found our stop and ate lunch, both deciding it wasn't much of a place to spend a damp afternoon, and decided to set off to Comillas where there was an aire with toilets and showers for sixteen euros per night! Half the price of a campsite. That's if anything had been open. The season in this area doesn't appear to begin until June 1st. The aire was fantastic. First impressions, it seemed a little 'odd', but once Margery was settled with just six other vans we used the facilities. The showers we exceptional. Mind you any shower is to us when we happen upon one. Late evening, our stomachs full of Asturias stew we walked down to the beach.

Despite a very large sign with a red cross through the picture of a motorhome, some vans were parked up. A hire van was parked where we parked our Marge on our last visit here. We stopped and spoke with the two French girls in it. Discussing speaking different languages. Portuguese is almost impossible, Spanish we probable know a dozen words, and French, of which Angela has a good enough grasp to get by. One of the girls made us laugh when she commented that she doesn't speak to French people outside of France, as she can speak to them back in her homeland.

Now late, darkness falling we photographed a surprising sunset over the town. Angry black clouds threatening a deluge, we made tracks to return to Margery quickly.

Praia de Pantin, Galicia (day 2)

Time for a day off. We both love it here, just as we did last time we stayed. With a beautiful start to the day, and a great view from the side door. 

So, with Margery already settled we tidied up and walked out to the cafe at the end of the beach, then back along the beautiful white sand beach to the van. The beach here, is a world famous surfing beach, and whilst it's not overly busy, there are a few surfers here with us, mostly German.

And of course we are in poll position for the 'full frontal', and the full ' butt cheeks' Lunch eaten, and just 'chillin', the police rolled in. Which is fine, we like to see them keeping an eye out. Today they were eyeing up Margery. She wasn't allowed to be parked sideways on to the sea. Turn her around. The Germans didn't seem happy about being told to move either. But rules are rules, so we did as we were told. We have read the police are strict here when it comes to the parking of vans, and if you don't comply they will fine you. Margery doesn't mind, she still has a view. But she did think the policemen were a little abrupt. Needing to clock up more steps, our possible Camino trip the topic of conversation, we walked out onto the headland and back into the village.

It's warm, but the rain clouds continue to roll over the hills. Our surfing buddies have cranked up the music and now they're playing with a frisbee. Alarm bells ring. Please don't hit Margery, she's very precious to us. Luckily they are understanding lads. The frisbee was put away. Right couple of spoil sports aren't we? We'll deal with the music later if necessary, but we're sure it won't be.

Praia de Pantin, Galicia

After the glorious weather of yesterday, the rain returned during the night. Around us in the hills we could hear the low rumblings of the thunder.  We'd planned to move today, but the thought of driving through yet more veils of rain didn't appeal. By ten, a decision had been made for us. The clouds parted and the warm lengthening sunlight lit the campsite. Right Margery. Head to A'Coruna. Back at home Angela uses the information leaflet on The Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse standing 55 meters high, constructed by the Romans in the 1st century as her bookmark. To her the iconic lighthouse at A'Coruna is a wonderful piece of Roman architecture. Since our last visit here she's always wanted to return.  A'Coruna was busy. The drive around the bay and along the seafront slow and congested. 

At the car park adjacent to the tower, much patience was required. All the van spots were taken, so we waited for a while for a car space. Some people gave up with waiting and parked on the hatched areas. Not a great idea they realized when returning to their vehicle they found a parking ticket on the windscreen.

We joined the stream of people who made their way up to the lighthouse. But the crowds didn't spoil our enjoyment. After lunch eaten in Margery, as we watched the coaches arrive and leave within fifteen minutes, we took the short walk to the giant granite sculptures, The Menhires Pola Paz.

They were fantastic. What really amazed us, was the fact the people on the coaches didn't take the twenty minutes return walk to see the stones. Our revisit to A'Coruna complete we set off towards tonight's stop just outside Ferrol, stopping along the way to stock up on food and refuel Marge. The beach stop however didn't do it for Angela. It felt a little remote, and the little parking area was used by the local fisherman, so it also didn't seem right to stay there. Now early evening, the temperature still 22c, we pressed on to the beach at Pantin. Having stayed before at this popular surfing beach, we knew we'd be alright there. So at eight o'clock after a long day, we settled in Margery for the evening. Later being lulled to sleep by the perpetual movement of the sea.