Riano to Santander (204km)

I was not sure I would write another post for our last day of driving, but that was because I had not known what was in store for us on our drive through the Picos De Europa on the N621. 

We crossed small arched stone bridges crossing the many rivers as we drove. Villages nestled amongst the peaks with their immaculate allotments brimming with Veg. Long horned cream coloured cattle grazed peacefully along the river banks.

 

 

Before long we ascended above the clouds and joined what felt like another world floating above. Here we stopped to take in the landscape near a shepherds hut where an old man was busy chopping wood and heading back in to stoke his fire. Miles from anywhere, but with the music of the cow bells floating across the valley in this other world of a place. A simpler life.

 

 

 

As we drove we passed villagers tending their animals - dogs, hens, horses, or their allotments full with leeks, potatoes, beans, tomatoes, peppers- a feast for the eyes.

Once we descended back down below the cloud we entered a long gorge, Chris described it as 'Cheddar on steroids'. Along many of the high sides where nets to catch the falling rocks and protect the vehicles travelling below it.

 

On through villages with every balcony adorned with geraniums in full bloom.

Eventually we crossed into Cantabria continuing to follow the river as it flowed towards the sea. mostly pasture full with grazing cattle.

On reaching Santander we found the Free Aire next to the park by the University. We then took Winnie to the vets to get her return wormer and passport stamped and made sure we had all our paperwork for our return journey.

We followed Megs example and found a restaurant on the Fork app and wandered off into the centre to find it. We had an amazing last night at a beautiful restaurant tucked away with a delicious set menu, and then settled down to our last night.

In the morning Chris and I went off for our coffee and croissant and when we returned we got the motorhome ready for the return journey, packing up the bike rack and getting the bikes stowed back in the boot. emptying the water tanks and toilet cassette and giving it a general clean and packing our overnight bags for the ferry.

Onwards to the port for a painless trip through our paperwork checks and a couple of hours to hang out before boarding.