MONTERMOSO TO SANTANDER

This Wednesday, 3rd July, we had packed the car on Tuesday evening and left via our vets  for an appointment for both Ed & Minnie to be checked and wormed prior to our exit from Spain into UK.  We know they are fit and healthy but it has to be officially confirmed.

This is a coast to coast journey — from Costa Blanca to Santander in the Bay of Biscay. We had not driven this route since 2006 when we arrived for our Spanish adventure. We have enjoyed our years in San Miguel but the summer heat we consider is well worth leaving behind and so our Cornish Adventure continues.

The trip north took us through the ‘prairie lands’ - it could be said they are the breadbasket of Spain. The landscape has been well manicured by human hand. Much corn has been cut and straw bailed but the combine harvesters were still at it. On approaching the area around Madrid the topography changed as though other forces had been at work. Rocky outcrops and mounds decorated with pine trees. Later as we carried on north towards Burgos the motorway took on a different perspective with rises and falls and sweeping curves. The central reservations were now a blaze of bright yellow with Broom replacing Mediterranean Oleanders. 

We arrived at Montermoso Hotel in 28 degrees and a clear blue sky. It is ideal with space outside for us and for the dogs. Estrella Galicia went down very well as we sat in the shade and cooled down after the heat of the day. A relaxing few minutes after the busy days we have spent getting here. Birding wise, just four Red Kites.

We were recommend this hotel and would stay there again as it suits our needs. We left at 9am taking the motorway to Burgos. We noted that harvesting seem later this far north. Although impressed with Burgos it was planned to take the scenic mountainous route onward to Santander. We would do it again as it was spectacular. The sheer rocky cliffs and deep valleys were a joy to gaze at. Here there were more scattered stands of trees, extensive agriculture with grazing cattle  (cowbells sounding) and horses too. a Skylark sang some where above us. after the heat of the southern coast we noticed a chill in the breeze and enjoyed the cool of it. 

Birds are always on our itinerary with Common Buzzards seen around the hotel. On route vultures,  a definite Black Kite and also Red as well and we think a Short-toed Eagle, in one town two nests of White Storks. There would have been more sightings if we had the time. 

Carrefour to stock up and then we were queuing to get on board Pont Aven and to enjoy the scenery as we felt the swell of the Bay of Biscay. It’s all so easy on board and the other dogs owners are a friendly bunch. We dock at 11am in Plymouth.