I remember back in the early 70's sailing on the aircraft carrier 'HMS Eagle' Northwards through the 'Bay of Biscay'. Her bow was digging into the huge Atlantic rollers so deeply water flowed of her flight deck, some 40 or 50 feet above the waterline.
As Brittany Ferries good ship 'Eterat' pulled away from Portsmouth straight into gale force winds I said to Tanya:
"I reckon we both gonna need our sea legs for this one".
I was not wrong. A rock and roll trip indeed. I enjoyed it but I am fortunate in not suffering seasickness and having my Naval seagoing history.
The 'Bay of Biscay' is notorious for rough weather as is the English Channel. As we headed down the channel into the teeth of the gale it was fairly heavy going but tolerable. Once the end of Brittany is rounded you are headed directly South which means the unstoppable Eastward travelling Atlantic rollers catch you sidywayse and literally toss and roll all 25000 tonnnes of Creaking banging ferry around like a cork.
So there am I, at table in the cafe, which on this ferry is right forward, trying to juggle keeping food and drink on the wildly pitching table while occasionally, and hastily, grabbing a mouthful of breakfast. Next to you, also juggling, is a cheery lorry driver informing that the recently burnt out with some loss of life Greek ferry is 'Eterats' sister ship.
'Oh f*****g great'
you think spooning in a tasty morsel as the ship noisily shudders and digs her bows deep into another mega wall of watery Atlantic immensity. Thank goodness for the strictly enforced safety rules on this side of the European continent. I don't think anyone on this trip would be foolish enough to even contemplate lighting a cooking fire on the car decks below us never mind the fact we cannot even access them while at sea.
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Santander was eventually 'fetched' (nautical way of saying reached) 3 hours late. A quick detour to a local beach gave Tanya a much needed walk on solid ground before we headed off down the smooth and uncrowded Spanish motorway to 'Palencia'. This was our stop for the night selected to heed everyone's, plus my own, concerns re my health. I pulled safely into the Aire (official motorhome stop) which was already starting to fill with other motorhomes.
I have to tell you it was difficult resisting temptation and not pulling off into the vast high Spanish plains where I would normally wild camp within my beloved solitude & emptiness.
The sun was out though and before it dropped out of site Tanya and I enjoyed a leisurely and pleasant walk around the town.
Oh! and I just have to tell you it is SOOO good to be back down here again under warm blue skies.
Tis not all roses mind; Oh no!
Awakening this morning to -2° and fog reminded me it is not only rain that falls mainly on the Spanish plain. The cold and clammy fog and mist stayed as we travelled on. Thankfully we emerged from it nine kilometres before 'Salamanca', our next stop.
Both the 'Rough Guide' and 'Michelin Guide' wax lyrical and extensively over this city's history and architecture. Google the place and you will see.
My perspective is more a 'pets-pective', accompanied as I always am with my faithful amigo Tanya. The guides from their perspective are correct though, a stunning place indeed.
On only my second day of travel and in the cold month of January to be sat in Salamanca's 'Plaza Mayor' enjoying an Americano coffee in shirt sleeves and warm sunshine was very special indeed. What a plaza.
It's bloody cold again tonight!!
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'Caceres' tonight in a crowded out motorhome Aire. UGH!! Peaceful enough but I do not like being packed in like Sardines.
Tis decision time too as to which direction from here. I am tempted, being as the weather is so good, to go West into Portugal. Health has a say this year though and it is gently reminding me every now and again that maybe, just maybe, South and East would offer an easier to access get out clause should it be required. South East and the Costas means X Pat English spoken land. Maybe for once I'll choose the cautious option.
Wow! Some adventure this eh! Will Steve make it or not? Will anxiety and worry get the better of him or will the early morning porridge and fresh fruit drive him on successfully through yet another day of intrepid adventuring through the wild Spanish Costas?
We leave our brave / stupid (you choose) wandering hero on the precipice. Should he face emptying his toilet cassette or just go straight to the supermarket for more fruit? Will he survive either?.... What will his decision be?
Big drum roll here please.
Stay with us reader for the next thrilling instalment of .......
DODGY TICKER MAN + DOG HITS SPAIN.
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