Saint Jean Du Luz, Pyreness-Aquataine

All quiet at the cemetery last night. John complained the Wi-Fi connection wasn't very good. Well let's be honest, the local residents didn't really have much call to use it. Today we decided to leave Spain. A drive over the lower reaches of the mountains as we headed towards the border with France was definitely to be classed as, 'do something everyday that scares you', as was the motorway drive around Donostia San Sebastian. Just as we prepared to say 'adios' to Spain we happened upon a fuel station, joined the queue and filled up Margery's tank. Fuel is a lot cheaper in Spain than France. Then it was time to say 'bonjour' Francais. No more Gracias, or ' grassy arse', as Angela's mum used to say, now it would be s'il vous plait, or 'silver plate', another of Angela's mother's attempts at a foreign language. Our destination for tonight was Saint Jean Du Luz on the Atlantic coast. 

We've never stopped here before and were looking forward to a stay on a campsite and a walk around the area, and of course yet another glorious sunset, the sky alight with deep colours of orange, red, pink and mauve.

Castro Urdiales, Cantrabria

The English have arrived! After five weeks of seeing hardly any last night at the aire in Santander there were plenty, because today a Brittany ferry sailing to Portsmouth was scheduled. It takes 48 hours. We both agree it's not for us. The five hour sailing from Poole to Cherbourg is long enough. Whilst it saves time, fuel and accomodation costs, it also means you don't get to drive up through France on your way home. Which we like to do. With less than two weeks until we return home we are hoping our driving days will now be shorter. Today after a visit to Lidl, and Margery full refuelled we drove for less than an hour to the pretty coastal town of Castro Urdiales.

With Marge parked at a very nice cemetery, we walked down the hill into town. Today we decided to treat ourselves to a meal out. Checking out the restaurants we chose one overlooking the harbour. After Google translating the menu we chose.

The food was excellent, and at £28.00 for two three course lunches including a drink we left feeling very satisfied. Not used to a large lunch, we decided we should take a walk.

No siesta for us. 

The town was interesting and the beach, although man-made looked inviting. A few people lay prone on fluorescent towels. Swimwear optional, as was oggling! Full of Spanish fayre we now feel tired. Not sure if an evening walk will be on the cards tonight.

Santander, Cantrabria

We are nearing the border with France now. But we have unfinished business in northern Spain as there are still a few places we want to visit before leaving. But the day didn't start well. Last night Angela set the alarm on her mobile phone for seven in the morning, and then turned it off! So it was nearly seven thirty before we got up. The weather was miserable, the sky threatening. But by nine thirty Margery was parked on the aire at Santander. Now breath. She had a space, and we could relax.

Time for a second breakfast for Angela whilst tears of rain persisted. Slowly the aire awoke and people began to walk out. So did we. Time to see what Santander had to offer. We headed down to the beach first.

The area looked miserable on this cold dank day. Why had we come to this miserable looking place? Deciding to give the city a chance we walked on to the cathedral stepping inside it looked interesting.

But we'd never know if it was or not. We were ushered straight out way as a mass was about to take place. Some vittals for lunch bought from a supermarket we wondered if perhaps we may need to move on from Santander. Then the clouds gave in. Making way for a perfect seaside blue sky. It was still a little cool, but we didn't care. Now we began to see the area in a new light. We walked on, stopping to take in the views across the water to the Picos Europa, now emerged from a duvet of low cloud.

The city has many sculptures, one on the waterfront of some naked boys was explained to us in Spanish by a local man. We nodded as if we understood, but we didn't, so translated the information board which told us that the boys were Raqueros who in the early 19th and 20th centuries used to hang about and dive into the waters of the bay to collect the coins that curious people threw at them. Another group of sculptures of naked men and women were particularly popular. Especially the men's penises which were shiny from too much handling. Two women, we think they were German, didn't get John's joke when he said the willy's were very popular.

Perhaps he should have said, the Wilhelm's were very popular! As we walked back to Margery, we couldn't believe we were in the Santander we'd arrived at. Beautiful aquamarine water kissed the shore.

The views now far reaching. Sorry we dissed you Santander.