Safe Return Doubtful

Day 72 – to Murgia (Gorbeia National Park) It was a pleasant morning at Mazandrero trying to concentrate on my book while Roja ran with the three dogs he’s been hanging out with, looking after the shepherd’s horses. I made the guy a coffee and he came over for a…

Day 71 – to Mazandrero The cloud and drizzle cleared during the night, leaving a clear night sky as I left the van just briefly at 5 am. And the day dawned bright, with temperatures to get up to 20C, too hot for a Cumbrian dog – Roja can’t lie…

Day 70 – to Brañavieja Cloud and steady drizzle all morning meant limited views of anything more than 30 metres away, with the whole day all up above 1200 metres. I moved eastwards around the Palencia mountains to Hoz de Abiada, and then on a road into the ski resort…

Day 69 – above Brañosera (derelict Refugio at 1700 metres) The campervan area at San Salvador is a new one, built by the community. These have big advantages to the businesses in the village, who have, in effect, paid for it. There are two restaurants, both supposedly good ones, a…

Day 68 – to San Salvador de Cantamuda The hike I had planned today was to the Cobre cave, one of the largest cave systems in Spain, and only recently has it been fully explored. I am not a caver, and am totally uncomfortable in any sort restricted space underground,…

Day 67 – to Santa Maria de Redondo Clearly the Teleférico at Fuente De was back in service this morning after the electric storms. Sat reading above the road I saw several buses go past as well as plenty of other traffic. It was time to get out of here.…

Day 66 – to Espinama Late last night in bed I read a piece on a website about a hiking route from San Gloria pass that I wasn’t aware of. I was keen to do it, so after breakfast I drove the small matter of two kilometres back to the…

Day 65 – to San Gloria Pass (Collada de Llesba – 1656 metres) After a tidy up, I headed into nearby Posada village in search of some bread. I found it after some advice from the pharmacy, a secret knock at an unmarked door was all that was necessary. Satisfied…

Day 64 – Cares Gorge – then at Posada de Valdeón A tremendous day on the Cares Gorge route, one of the most famous paths in Europe. I had chosen not to do this 3 years ago, but I can’t remember why. I guess I was headed for the self-catering…

Day 63 – to Posada de Valdeón It’s noticeable how after just a couple of days in these Cantabrian villages the few locals living here, the majority of properties are vacation stays, not an acknowledgement or a greeting, or stop for a chat. Dogs are chiefly responsible. Almost every dog…