Sat 20th
Our destination was Col D’Isepguy right on the Spanish border as we
were in need of a “mountain fix." En route we stopped at St Jean Pied de Port
deep in Basque country. It is known as the gate way for many of Sanitiago de
Compostela pilgrims. We certainly saw many walkers as we drove closer. The town
was still very busy and had a buzz about it. The old part was very nice and
full of character. The main street for the pilgrims was steep and had loads of
cheap hostels specializing in accommodation just for them. All ages and nations
were involved. There was a Basque procession through the town and back towards
the aire. Very colourful and great to see the traditional dress and dances.
St Jean Pied de Porte - classic river view!
Basque procession
The drive up the col was tight and had great views down the valley.
We parked up below the café and were soon joined by 4 other vans for a peaceful
night. Great views!
Col D"Ispeguy - great view down the valley
Sun 21st
We awoke to a cool morning but the sun soon appeared – as did lots
of Spanish cars with walkers. They parked anywhere & everywhere – we
hastily moved before we were boxed in! after breakfast we walked up to the
ridge above us – well worth the effort. Look at the views. After lunch we drove
down to Sare, a small Basque town. The aire was close to town so we walked in
for a look in the hot evening sun. Nice place
and very relaxed.
morning sun
Tues 23rd
After staying at very nice and nearly empty campsite (laundry
needs…….. J) at the foot of the Col D’Ibradin we decided to stay at the aire at
the top. I had cycled up the previous day and we just had to go and stay as it
was a truly weird place! It is right on the border and has a street full of
supermarkets and booze shops selling mainly to the French who seemed to drive
up in their droves. Views would have been great if it hadn’t been misty. Parked
up we went for a stroll – what a strange place. All built on a serious sloping
road. The prices didn’t seem that cheap?
lots of shops on dead end road
misty view across to coast - honest
Weds 24th
We walked to a lake below the Col in the mizzle. No problem as it
was quite refreshing. We stayed again at Sare so that I could cycle up a couple
of nearby Cols. Not too steep and lovely smooth tarmac. Great on the way down.
Thurs 25th
Into Spain proper – San Sebastion. We found the aire no problem
right by the University. Some very modern and funky buildings. Bikes out we
cycled into town on the very well marked out cycle path. What a great
City! Classy sea front, great beaches, great
old town with lots of bars and a lively buzz. It was also sooooo clean. The
motorists were incredibly considerate to cyclists and always stopped for us at
crossings. Brilliant ! That evening we had a drink in a local bar and had our
first pintxos – Basque for tapas. Yummy.
Concha Bay - San Sebastion
Fri 26th
Breakfast then cycle into town to visit the Aquarium – as
recommended by Tina’s brother Roger. Good place to visit. Lots of history of
fishing in the region and lots of very interesting (and some scary!) fish to
see. We witnessed the HUGE tank forming the front wall of the lecture
theatre being cleaned by 2 divers. They
were very wary of an evil looking yellow fish / eel (help please Rog!). It had
scary teeth. The tunnel underneath the main tank was awesome – the shark was
huge and you could see it’s teeth and gills really close up. The rays were also
very interesting to watch cruising about. Great place to visit.
HUGE tank being cleaned - moray eel above diver!
box fish
We then drove to Zarautz about 20 miles west. The site was high up
above the bay. We were amazed at how many people were on site. Lots of surfer
dudes as the beach is renowned for its surf. They must be keen as the walk down
is steep. We found a spot for the night close to the “premium” spots right on
the edge overlooking the beach and mountains. We had to move next morning as
the spot was reserved for a blessing!!! More to follow on that…………………….
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