Our trip

[wendy]

We're back from our recent trip to France and Spain. We crossed from Dover to Calais and drove to the Loire Valley, where we stopped for a few days before continuing to the Dordogne area to meet some friends for cycling. We had some sunny days and good cycling before travelling into Spain across the Pyrenees via the Bielsa tunnel to the Pineta Valley. There we camped at the head of the valley with wonderful views and did some walking. We also had terrific thunderstorms there. Then across Northern Spain to Villarcayo (Ebro Gorge area) to meet our friends again for more cycling. Weather was a bit mixed with morning mist, but usually the sun came out. Next the long drive to the Picos de Europa and a campsite at Fuente De. The campsite was beyond the end of the made-up road, along a very rocky track and then down a cobbled road - very nice when we eventually reached it. Views were out of this world with very high mountains all round. A cable car (800metres up in 3.5 mins) took you to the top where there were some good walks. We stayed here for a few days and then continued round to the north of the Picos via some very high passes and very deep gorges. Our last few days were spent near the coast and then a trip into Bilbao for a look at the Guggenheim Museum and a general wander round the city. The ferry home is best not mentioned as 30 hours across the Bay of Biscay in bad weather is not to be recommended. The captain described the conditions as 'a trifle uncomfortable' - my comments are unprintable!

Some photos here if the link works properly:

www.flickr.com/gp/31417340@N07/eA3Gm0

Sorry, Pauline, and thanks for the extra link. Think that it should be OK now.

[Pauline]

Link wouldn't work for me, try this:

Photos from John and Wendy

[Pauline]

Fantastic pictures!

Love the flower dog and the Pineta campsite, what a stunning view behind you!

Still not sure if the views would be worth the terror for Graham ;D

[yamaha]

Welcome back, John and Wendy - some great photos, looks like you had a great holiday.

So, the Bilbao crossing wasn't the highlight of the trip, then!!

Mike

[Graham]

Hi Wendy

The pictures are fantastic you and John certainly saw some lovely countryside.

Look forward to seeing you soon so you both can tell us all about it.

I hate heights and am not a good sailor but I'd love to follow in your footsteps, is the Bay of Biscay always like that or were you just unlucky?

Graham

[wendy]

The Bay had been fairly calm for the 5 weeks previously - just our luck . Some friends who crossed in May/June had a really enjoyable crossing.
I think that it is unpredictable, but is notorious for being rough.
John was disappointed that he wasn't able to watch for whales, but when the waves crashed over the observation deck windows he decided that enough was enough!

[snobbyafghan]

Great photos Wendy - it looks a great trip. How long were you away?

We've just got back from a month in France (must upload some pics myself!) and the extra time as compared to the usual 2 weeks made such a difference.

Doug

[Pauline]

Oct 16, 2008 7:31:42 GMT wendy said:

I think that it is unpredictable, but is notorious for being rough.
John was disappointed that he wasn't able to watch for whales, but when the waves crashed over the observation deck windows he decided that enough was enough!

I feel sick just reading it!!

[wendy]

We were away for 5 weeks. It's nice to be back and we're gradually settling in to life in a house again. ;D

[viv]

What a lovely time you must have had both of you. I just wish I could get rid of my phobia of heights and I would be off in no time. Still I suppose Holland has things going for it!

Great pictures but dizzy just looking!