Off to Santiago de Compostela -sun

Sun 31st Aug 2014

A much better sleep for both of us - the tablets must be working. Still feel achy but think I'm on the mend. Had a Skype with John & Margaret (David's parents) great to see them still full of it ( see photo!) packed up Priscilla after having 4 great nights in one of the best spots. We could've stayed in this spot a lot longer if we weren't meeting Jess on Monday (but we know which one we would rather be doing). Drove around the coast road and saw many busy beaches (well it is Sunday) and then through towns up the n550 towards Santiago de Compostela. Arrived at the city campsite with no navigation problems. Parked up in a shady spot - very quiet and ablution blocks are clean. Very expensive though as it's the only campsite in this area-over 30euro a night and compared to the last 4 nights at 16euro a night it's steep! Had a rest before walking 2kms into in the city. It was very hot but the old part of the city had many narrow streets and all the buildings were very dark so it felt really cool. Tried not too look at too much as we want to do it with Jess tomorrow. There were many different buskers playing all sorts of instruments. Went into the huge cathedral (had scaffold around it!) and watched the Sunday mass with a large congregation. I kept thinking of the scene in the movie The Way. Outside the cathedral we saw a lot of pilgrims who had obviously just completed the walk and some looked they had a few aches/pains and strains! And we thought they had expressions of satisfaction tat they had completed it - but also wondering around thinking "ok well now what!!!????" There are some really cool t-shirts with great designs that we would like but feel guilty as we haven't done any of the walk! Walked back via the bus stop to the airport so we know where to go tomorrow. Arrived back at Priscilla at 10pm knackered. Had nice showers and soon to bed. 34° tomorrow - Jess will like that!!!!!! 

Count down to see Jess

Fri 29th Aug 2014

We woke again to beautiful views over the ocean and the island of Ons. Forgot to say that last night we also watched the moon set over the ocean! Getting a little bit excited now as our Jess has left Australia and is now in London! Cannot wait to meet her on Monday in Santiago de Compostela so we are counting down the days now! Lovely sunny day so we washed our bed linen and then walked down to the beach which was most pleasant. Stayed there for a long time as the temperature was perfect. Came back to Priscilla for something to eat and by that time the wind had picked up so good job we did or we could have lost some of our washing! By this time I was feeling "like shit" as I had picked up a cold from somewhere! Hopefully the worst will be gone before Jess gets here. Didn't do much else for the rest of the day (did use my new iron!) but we have got the quilt back on the bed! Sat outside for hours again watching the sunset and enjoying the views- not a bad life!!! Strong Panafon and got lemon and off to bed - David does look after me!! 

Paxarinas - Thurs

Thurs 28th Aug 2014

A much better nights sleep and even though we were hanging on the edge of the ocean the only sound we heard was the crashing of the waves. Woke up to an overcast but clearer day and in front of us were two islands!!!! That weren't there when we arrived yesterday in the rain! So glad we picked this pitch right on the water front. The islands are The Island of Ons. Didn't want to move as we were taking in the beautiful views. It wasn't until about 3pm that we thought we should move off our bums and walked into the town of Portonova. It was a lovely fishing village and port and whilst there the sun came out and changed the view for the better. Watched two women repairing nets (thought of a job for mum & Trace!) and watched the fishermen come & go with their catches and then refuel  (reminded me of my old job at Mindarie Marina). Walked along the front and stopped at a restaurant overlooking one of the many bays had enjoyed delicious mussels & shellfish as this is typical of this area. Walked back to Priscilla and sat outside taking in the view with a bottle of wine watching the fishing boats, yachts and rock divers until the sun set over the ocean. It takes a couple of dull days to make you appreciate the good ones. And this certainly will be a highlight.    

Bye Portugal hello Spain again - wed

Wed. 27th Aug 2014

Bye Portugal hello Spain again

Both of us had a terrible nights sleep but don't know why. Packed up Priscilla and said goodbye to the Dutch couple Renee & Jill that we had met and also a nice German couple. We drove through many small villages and managed to navigate through some big towns. We stopped for lunch at a beach near Afife (lots of surfers) which was just before we crossed back over into Spain. Headed north then turned along the coast to a campsite Playa Paxarinas near Sanxenxo in the northern province of Spain called Galicia. What a location for a campsite! On a headland right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean with 2 beaches either side if us! But!!!!! Can you believe it is pouring with rain!!!!! Chose a spot right on the front as we are hoping the weather will improve! At least we have the rugged coastline and mad fishermen to watch out of the window. Walked up to the campsite bar/restaurant to eat and realised that yes we are back in Spain as the kitchen doesn't open until 9pm!!!!!!!! Used the wifi. - gave up as it was soooo slow. The rain had stopped abut so we walked along the cliff top - if only the sun was out. Finally ate and then straight to bed listening to the waves crashing.  

Porto on the train - Tues

Tues 26th Aug 2014

Woke up to fog mist and rain!!!! Had told our Portuguese neighbours last night they could hang their washing under our awning. Got a taxi to the train station wearing our raincoats for the first time in months. The ticket machine at the station would not accept notes and couldn't find anywhere to get change. Couldn't even buy anything at the little shop as even he had no change! After missing 2 trains we decided to just get on then get off at the next station to get a ticket there! That wasn't easy either! Finally arrived in Porto and walked down to the river (Rio Douro) by this time the coats were off and we had unzipped our trousers and turned them into shorts but it was still very overcast. Loads of tourists around and many restaurants all along the river. Walked over the bridge to the Port Wine Cellar area including Sandeman, Taylor's and Quinta do Noval (where we later had a tasting). Watched one of local boats being made then stopped for lunch. Walked back over the higher level of the bridge and stopped at a guitar shop where 2 men were playing. Walked around more of the city which is also very run down and got a bit depressing with the overcast weather too (but no awful graffiti like Lisbon and they seem to be renovating some of the old buildings) so we decided to head home. The train back was busy and we went past some awful areas. Got a taxi back to the campsite and we will be pleased to move on tomorrow. Very glad that Jess is flying to Santiago de Compostela and not to Porto to meet us.