Spanish sea to mountains

Day 39 /Spain 15

Travelled: 185km from Lekeitio to Orio then to a forest near Espinal (42.9776, -1.4057)

Did we mention that there is a heatwave at the moment across Spain and even tho we had no intentions this morning to leave the coast, that is what we ended up doing.. but first after travelling along the coastal road we parked up in Orio.

We managed to do some washing and then Mark watched the Bombers win against the Saints. We walked back into town and had lunch. Galicia octopus was in the menu.

Then we made the decision that it was time to return to the mountains. On our journey Bluey told us that the outside temp reached 46°c. As we got closer I kept an eye on park4night and noticed a spot up a side track between Erro and Espinal.

We think it was due to our late arrival around 7:30pm we managed a spot under the birch trees right next to a stream with a swimming hole. 

We cooled down after a quick refreshing dip.

We decided to stay here the next day as the forecast was for another very hot day. We went for an early morning walk through the birch forest.

 I even saw a little snake under the water catching one of the thousand of tadpoles.

One lone cow made his way past us too. 

The rest of the day we spent relaxing!

Lekeitio Spain

Day 38 Spain 13

Travelled: 22km to Lekeitio Spain

We began the morning in Santimamine Cave with, not a rooster call, but a donkey call..

We then ventured up into the forest where the prehistoric cave was found.

We thought we would travel along the coast today but only got as far as Lekeitio, a fishing village on the Basque coast. The motorhome parking area was the busiest place we have stopped for a while. But it’s popularity reflects that’s its a good place to stay and visit. 

We did a smalls hand wash and then wondered into the historic centre. Unfortunately the Basilica Santa Maria was not open. 

 

There were plenty of restaurants along the harbour. 

We followed a shopkeepers’ recommendation choosing  Norai and we were not disappointed with fried baby squid (rabas) and then the same but barbecued.  

We strolled along the beach our feet in the very warm water and reaching San Nicolas Islande via the causeway. 

Later in the afternoon this was to be covered at high tide.

We ventured along the cliffs on the otherside of town.

 Then back to Bluey for a while with the help a refreshing ice cream.. delicious.

 Mark was keen for some more squid, so we joined John and Andrea from England, at the same restaurant and ate, drank and chatted the night away.

Vizcaya Bridge and Gaztelugatxe Spain

Day 37 Spain 12

Travelled: 154km to Vizcaya Bridge to San Juan Gaztelugatxe, Basque Spain

Stay: Santimamine Cave carpark (43.3454, -2.6370)

This morning we drove 78km towards Bilboa to the Vizcaya (Bizkaia) Bridge, which joins Portugalete and Getxo. In 2014 we only caught a glimpse and this time we were determined in get a closer look. Why you ask? Well, it was the very first metal transporter bridge built in the world. It took 3 years to build, its completion in 1893 and it is now a UNESCO site. It has 45m clearance from the water to the top walkway of the bridge and is 164m long.  After navigating some narrow and one way streets we managed to get onto the gondola for €3.60 (Bluey and us). 

Then we parked in Getxo and walked to get a closer look. 

In another 40mins on we arrived at San Juan Gaztelugatxe, a church situated on a promontory joined by a man made causeway. It was difficult to find parking for Bluey but google revealed a sneaky spot nearby (700m extra walk).

As required I had booked a time slot the day before for 12:45. While we waited we were concerned that we wouldn’t see anything due to the thick sea mist. However by our allocated time the sun had managed to burn most of it away. So off we went down the steep track and then we arrived at the causeway we had to climb 240 or so steps! As you can see it’s very picturesque. 

Mark is standing in San Juan’s foot print.

We spent a bit of time recovering at the top, admiring the lovely views of the Bay of Biscay. 

Sneaky photo through the window as the church was closed.

Some of the locals..

It was a challenging 2 km /40min up there and we still had to do it again back to Bluey! 

After a refreshing shower and drink we picked out a shady spot along our route. Apparently there is a cave with prehistoric drawings but you have to prebook and they don’t allow people in cave anymore just show a 3D representation.