Silver tops still wandering

Our final couple of days in the Basque area couldn’t have been more different.

With over cast skies and a constant ‘mizzle’ as seen here in a local village called Cambo les Baines. Beautiful place with fabulous views.

The ‘Mister’ took a stroll around the ‘bone yard’, best way not to spend any money. Pretty seems to equate to high prices. Direct correlation right there!. Hands kept in pockets and we moved swiftly on.

The following day couldn’t have been more of a contrast. Demonstrated here by Mrs Russell reposing in her doughnut in the sunshine, and a sucessful laundry session. We decided that after the adventures of visiting the coast in the rain and mist the previous day, we would ‘go local’. So we did.

Another swimming lake, swam in, and Mrs Russell partaking of light refreshments. Even she had a swim, which made her very fussy and had to be followed by much rolling and dashing about.

For reasons not fully understandable, and with no real plan at all, we then went back to the coast. It was wonderful. Even if I did get my new changing robe and bathing costume snaffled by some thieving retrobate. Hey ho, wasn’t going to let that spoil a lovely day.

Mrs Russell was introduced to the Atlantic, and thinks very little of the way those waves roll in. In fact they rolled in with such force on a very sloping beach that I couldn’t get in for a dip. Had to make do with being thrashed around in the shallows. The pebbles made for a very uncomfortable return journey.

I then spent some time laid under an oak tree looking at the sky through the leaves and thanking all of the gods in all of the universes for my many blessings. Some days are just so very special. Peace and contentment should never be taken for granted.

Tonight I have become untethered and am back using proper tinternet. We have arrived in Salamanca. Our Cassablanca studio apartment in Santa Marta de Tormes were a real find. So comfortable, well equipped and cool! It was 35 degrees when we arrived.

The drive through Northern Spain on wonderful roads was quite spectacular. A slight detour was made back to Hendaye, a lovely coastal town right on the border, where the ever so kind ‘mister’ bought me another changing robe to replace the afore mentioned purloined one. Stolen, robbed , thieved. I believe in the Karma Bus.

We are going to walk into the great square now and take in the sights. Our host has recommended we do this at night when it is all lit up, so we shall. Firstly though … a cup of tea. Thank goodness we bought the kettle in Prayssac. Everywhere provides fabulous coffee machines, previous inter-railing travel buddy would have been in a state of constant rapture, but me, well I am a third generation Yorkshire thoroughbred. In the abscence of cheeky chilled whites, I must have tea. I shall take my camera and spare batteries and everything for my evening adventure…catch you up soon.