28th August 2013
We arrived safely in Santander after a 24hr crossing of the dead calm Bay of Biscay. This journey is the start of Braveheart II’s first european adventure. We headed west for an hour to Camping la Paz ( N43.23’59” W4.39’11”) http://www.campinglapaz.com/ . It is the most unusual camping site cut into the cliffs like an amphitheatre with easy beach access; it has panoramic views with ocean to the right of us and mountains to the left.
Our campsite is also home to some pilgrims making their way along the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, they are easily recognised walking the road burdened with rucksacks, accessorised with do-rags to keep the sun off their heads and walking sticks to lean on when the going gets tough especially for those who have chosen to walk the 783km from Roncesvalles in French Pyrenees to Santiago.
Harbour entrance, Santander
Views from La Paz Camping
29th August
We followed the Picos mountains westward along the north coast road and were treated to easy on the eye lush green vegetation (the plant life appears to really enjoy living here). The drive was studded with glimpses of bays and coves that we promised ourselves to revisit. The other pleasure regarding this leg was the toll free experience. The dark side is the lack of aires and picnic spots to absorb the views. Three hours driving delivered us to Playa de Barreiros for another over night stop (N43.33’44” W7.12’28”).
