Off to Spain!

It has been a tough year, and we set off to Spain feeling very tired and drained. We are visiting several new places and, despite the tiredness, looking forward immensely to the trip. The route is Bilbao, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Soria, Ejea de los Caballeros, Lleida, Bielsa, Jaca, Sos del Rey Catolico, Argomaniz, and back to Bilbao and the then Portsmouth, 1,200kms.

Then, in the week before we left, I hurt my back rather badly and developed a migraine – nasty things. So we set off, with me somewhat subdued, filled with Ibrufen, and strapped into a back support belt. 

Ferry crossing

The ferry sailed just before 10.00pm while we were in the lounge, enjoying a glass of wine, or two. And then I collapsed into bed…

In the morning we found ourselves in thick fog, which gradually cleared as the day passed. It was absolutely flat calm all the way, for which I was very grateful! And we arrived on time in Bilboa, navigated the new registration (I only managed 50% success), and eventually we were the last car to leave the port!

Over the mountains

The route over the mountains took up through the Gorbeia Natural Park, the largest natural park in the Basque country. And when I looked at the pictures on the internet I felt pangs of regret that I could no longer camp here, and go hiking… But that is a hiding to nowhere so we just enjoyed the scenery. 

First, we had to negotiate the tortuous network of roads around Bilbao. We had checked carefully using Google Maps and fortunately only made two small mistakes. About forty five minutes after leaving the boat we were in a service station, settling down to breakfast. Then, on through the mountains to Haro.

Haro

Haro is the most important town in the wine-producing Rioja area of Spain, but we weren’t after alcohol, just a walk – a break in the drive from the coast to Santo Domingo. Sad! We also wanted to see a church, or two. 

Sadly, the Church of St Thomas was closed. 

A pity. Never mind – we wandered down the hill to the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de La Vega, and squeezed in just as it was closing. A nun with shining eyes very kindly allowed us a few minutes before locking the doors. I can still remember her eyes – filled with warmth, and love. I feel privileged, as if I had been given a gift. 

Santo Domingo de la Calzada

And then we were heading towards the mountains again, on the road to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, at the end of a very long day.