Pete, Nic & the two Sue's tour of Northern Spain - Pete's Blog...

Thursday

Due to leave home by 10.00am for 170 mile drive to stay near Winchester .

At 9.00am Nic goes to get his car out of my garage...Flat battery was the cry! Followed by s**t starter motor jammed!! Out came the tools, off came the starter motor, covered in oil.

De- greased and put back. Finally left 11.00am.

Coffee stops , lunch stop &  arrived, trouble free, at 6.00pm. Hoorah!

Friday

Late breakfast then drive in to Winchester for two hour walk around the sites ( Cathedral & Great Hall )

Departed at 12.30 for Portsmouth Dockyard car park - snack lunch then wonderful visit to the “Mary Rose” exhibition.

Pizza on the waterfront departing 6.20pm.

Arrived Brittany Ferry terminal for 7.00pm & on board in the Commodore Lounge by 8.15pm. Filled our boots with complimentary wine and food...someone ate more than the other three!!! Off to bed 10.15pm looking forward to a whole relaxing Saturday.

On dockside waiting to board

Hoorah 8.15pm on board!

Saturday/Sunday

All day Saturday on the ferry, Pete watched Lions Test Rugby, Nic eyed the buffet!

Lovely calm crossing, off the ferry by 9.00am. Found parking near the beach, had coffee & croissants, then off to the Magdalena Palace.

Tourist ride on the train left for Santillana. Lovely run the weather is 28 degrees. Arrived at our first night Parador stay - off tomorrow for two nights in Bourgos.

Monday

This morning we leave our lovely historic Parador in Santillana for a 100 mile drive to Bourgos. Afternoon weather forecast is 34 degrees!

We arrived at hotel Landa, near Burgos , after 102 mile journey, temperature was a constant 36 degrees, roof down all side screens off.

Shower & 8.30 evening meal.

Tuesday

Nic’s birthday. Short taxi ride to view Burgos cathedral, we were there 2 years ago but its beauty still knocks us out!

Light lunch, taxi back to hotel for lazy afternoon by the pool.

Tomorrow we leave for 2 nights in Lerma.

Wednesday

About to set off when I noticed the bracket holding my tailpipe had broken. Probably when I hit a village speed bump too hard! Cable tie did the job and we left for the 30 mile journey to Lerma. Huge fields of sunflowers on every side. 4 miles from Lerma & Nic ran out of petrol for the second time this holiday!!!!

Spare gallon put in and off to Lerma . Market day but we managed to manoeuvre through and park in front of our Parador, result.

Girls off to the market for 2 hours while Nic & I drank lager & tapas. 2 pm registration and up to our rooms for a shower and change, then an exploration of Lerma followed by evening meal.

Thursday

We are having a relaxing day walking to see all the medieval sites that Lerma has to offer.

We had a super meal at a restaurant in the square last night so will definitely be returning tonight. Tomorrow we leave for an 80 mile cross country run to stay in Soria. We shall stop

en-route at the village where "The Good The Bad & The Ugly" was filmed.

Old prison arch in Lerma which we drove through & up the steep cobbled narrow street to get to the Ducal square & our Parador.

Sunflower Bread

Surfing eBay while having a Siesta...just bought myself this Austin 12/6 Tourer!!!

Table Mat for last evening meal in Lerma

Friday

We knew it would be 36 degrees today so early breakfast away by 08.45 .

Stopped at Sanger de Mingo de Silos - Famous monastery renowned for Gregorian chant - 35 mile journey. Stopped and had coffee, introduced myself to Mayor who we met 2 years ago.

Off to monastery, look around cloisters & old pharmacy. Finally set off 12 noon for 60 mile journey to our hotel in Soria. Stopped for an hour after an hour. Too hot! Not for cars but for us.

Arrived hotel , off to center by 6pm for tapas. Home for early night 9.30 pm

En route I used 50 euros petrol, Nic 79 lol...lol...

Saturday

A non car day...

After a fantastic hotel breakfast we were wandering the sights in the city centre. We then set off on a 45 min walk in 34 degrees to get to the river Douro and the wonderful church built half way up the mountain. Walked along river bank and found bar for beer & hour refresh.

Little lad catching crayfish for grandads tea! Early star tomorrow to beat the heat!

Last meal in Soria - spoilt for choice...

First course - Stuffed Pigs Trotters...Fantastico!

Second course - Hake.

Sunday

Early departure at 8 am to miss driving in heat of the day. After an hour or so found a cafe in the mountains for coffee & bacon rolls with cheese.

Wonderful 80 mile journey through Rioja country - stopped for petrol - winding Nic up a treat about the fact he is using 50% more than me!

Arrived at our Parador for 12 noon, perfect timing - beer, snack & siesta. Meal included at the Parador tonight. Cars in underground garage.

Tomorrow all day exploring Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

The descriptive on the green information board tells of the Cathedral Legend, amazing, it always houses a cock and hens.