jumartoo has an issue with size.We're having "words" here about the size of your ..... cans
They look bigger than our stubbies!
"A Year in Spain" My "last gasp" attempt at posting (informative info).
- Thread starter jumartoo
- Start date
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OP
We've had a nice ride today. Not quite the route we had in mind, but a good alternative, except for one bit we'd done before and intended to bypass. We were on it too late to turn back. Martin's Mastin doggie friends were absent, and the one in the field next to us here, isn't interested 
.
We're at a big paved parking at the hamlet of Riolago de Babia. There are a few houses/farms, a bakery and the Park Visitor Centre. We spent a night here last year and enjoyed it enough to come back (also we are planning for somewhere quiet for the weekend).
Our drive over was interesting. Alongside the reservoir we parked underneath last night. The motorway bridge we could see got bigger and bigger, then we drove under it. An interesting information board showed the reservoir full. Nothing like it is today.
Photos from our ride, which took us through an old mining area and then past a, not very well kept, church.
We're intending to have another night here tomorrow night, and ride in the opposite direction.
.We're at a big paved parking at the hamlet of Riolago de Babia. There are a few houses/farms, a bakery and the Park Visitor Centre. We spent a night here last year and enjoyed it enough to come back (also we are planning for somewhere quiet for the weekend).
Our drive over was interesting. Alongside the reservoir we parked underneath last night. The motorway bridge we could see got bigger and bigger, then we drove under it. An interesting information board showed the reservoir full. Nothing like it is today.
Photos from our ride, which took us through an old mining area and then past a, not very well kept, church.
We're intending to have another night here tomorrow night, and ride in the opposite direction.
OP
OP
The "friend" he was hoping to see again.
- Feb 5, 2020
- 2,472
- 96,691
- Funster No
- 68,535
- MH
- Smileo 202
- Exp
- Was a Newbie but getting the hang of it now.
We're having "words" here about the size of your ..... cans
They look bigger than our stubbies!
Mines a full half litre!!!!
- Eroski.Glad that buggers a "friend" what about the one behind the cow !!
OP
OP
Mines a full half litre!!!!
Glad that buggers a "friend" what about the one behind the cow !!
They were all OK. Not like some we've met.
We now carry an electronic dog dazer, just in case. It emits a sound, apparently (it not audible to us) and it turns them away. It's worked so far
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Half litre? Perfect to share ,Mines a full half litre!!!!
Glad that buggers a "friend" what about the one behind the cow !!
Hadn't seen the second dog captured in the photo...good spot...my Dog Dazer was close at hand...as always....used it more this year than ever before...
OP
OP
The dog from the fenced field next door is now not in the fenced field .
The shadow is our motorhome, where our door is
The shadow is our motorhome, where our door is
- Feb 5, 2020
- 2,472
- 96,691
- Funster No
- 68,535
- MH
- Smileo 202
- Exp
- Was a Newbie but getting the hang of it now.
"Phasers set to stun Captain Kirk"
OP
OP
We had another storm this morning, so biking was out of the question, so as soon as it was dry Martin secured the bikes in the garage.
We then both spent a couple of hours researching where we could go within a reasonable travelling time. We decided to stay put. We're in a beautiful spot, on hardstanding and with good internet (and a borrowed dog), so that's what we're doing.
We've had a lovely morning. A stroll through the hamlet and a visit to the old Palace, now the Park Visitor Centre.
We then both spent a couple of hours researching where we could go within a reasonable travelling time. We decided to stay put. We're in a beautiful spot, on hardstanding and with good internet (and a borrowed dog), so that's what we're doing.
We've had a lovely morning. A stroll through the hamlet and a visit to the old Palace, now the Park Visitor Centre.
OP
OP
The Visitor Centre was worth the visit. We paid a huge 2€ for both of us to see the exhibition. We've also got a dozen A4 sheets with info in English!
We were surprised to learn just how many wolves and bears MIGHT be in the area.
The Visitor centre is housed in a sixteenth century Palace, that was destroyed by a fire in 1915. A local rebuilt it, externally, in the seventies and it's now used for exhibitions.
The Chapel also has an exhibition of different scenes, mainly fauna, with sound effects, for kids? to match the sounds with the art work.
We've had a lovely morning, so different to normal
We were surprised to learn just how many wolves and bears MIGHT be in the area.
The Visitor centre is housed in a sixteenth century Palace, that was destroyed by a fire in 1915. A local rebuilt it, externally, in the seventies and it's now used for exhibitions.
The Chapel also has an exhibition of different scenes, mainly fauna, with sound effects, for kids? to match the sounds with the art work.
We've had a lovely morning, so different to normal
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scousebird
LIFE MEMBER
Just wondering where Martin's dog is going to sleep in your MH 
- Feb 5, 2020
- 2,472
- 96,691
- Funster No
- 68,535
- MH
- Smileo 202
- Exp
- Was a Newbie but getting the hang of it now.
the size of it "Any where it wants"!!!!Just wondering where Martin's dog is going to sleep in your MH
OP
OP
Just wondering where Martin's dog is going to sleep in your MH
He appeared from nowhere to walk with us round the village then disappeared when we went to the Visitor Centre. We've not seen him since.
dabhand
LIFE MEMBER
I’m sure all the ex pats know but….
Drivers are recommended to exchange their UK licence for a Spanish one
Motorists have been handed an important reminder of upcoming driving licence changes set to affect thousands of Britons.
From September 15, British expats in Spain may need to ditch their UK-issued driving licences for a Spanish one.
OP
OP
Thanks, but for British licence holders it's no longer just recommended.
We've had Spanish licences for years
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OP
OP
Today Martin had his rearranged videocall meeting, so we had sufficient time to drive to a motorhome service area at La Pola de Gordon, so I could have a stroll (10 minutes was all I could manage, there's not a lot there), Martin could have his meeting, and we could empty and fill the van before we decided on our next stop.
The photos are from the drive over, and mostly taken through the windscreen. It's a very scenic road and it felt very autumnal with the mist.
The reservoir was empty at this point. Not a very good photo, taken on the move. A close up of part of it shows where there was an old village and the remains of a church.
And then on the descent down to La Pola de Gordon. Ponies on the hillside.
The photos are from the drive over, and mostly taken through the windscreen. It's a very scenic road and it felt very autumnal with the mist.
The reservoir was empty at this point. Not a very good photo, taken on the move. A close up of part of it shows where there was an old village and the remains of a church.
And then on the descent down to La Pola de Gordon. Ponies on the hillside.
OP
OP
Last night was spent at the parking area of the small ski resort of Brañillin, near the Puerto Pajares (between Leon and Oviedo). The plan was to continue on towards Oviedo and then take the AS117 road through Langreo to Riaño (taking a few days for the drive).
The rainy weather forecast made us change our minds this morning, so we backtracked towards Leon and then drove through the Hoces de Valdeteja, then continued on past Cistierna to an old favourite parking, and riding area, at Almanza. The parking area has been improved since we were last here, with a barbie, grassy verges with benches, and free leccy points. It must be one of the best free motorhome parking areas in Spain.
We've spoken to the Spanish parked next to us here. The woman spoke in English. She came to Spain in 1968 from the USA and has lived in Asturias ever since!
The Ski resort
Driving through the Hoces.
The rainy weather forecast made us change our minds this morning, so we backtracked towards Leon and then drove through the Hoces de Valdeteja, then continued on past Cistierna to an old favourite parking, and riding area, at Almanza. The parking area has been improved since we were last here, with a barbie, grassy verges with benches, and free leccy points. It must be one of the best free motorhome parking areas in Spain.
We've spoken to the Spanish parked next to us here. The woman spoke in English. She came to Spain in 1968 from the USA and has lived in Asturias ever since!
The Ski resort
Driving through the Hoces.
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OP
OP
Almanza Motorhome Parking
And on the ride. We stayed dry, and still no rain.
No Mastiff dogs again. A few years ago (before we got the Dazer) we were surrounded by a pack of 5 or 6. The shepherd, high on the hill, called to tell us they weren't dangerous 
And on the ride. We stayed dry, and still no rain.
No Mastiff dogs again
. A few years ago (before we got the Dazer) we were surrounded by a pack of 5 or 6. The shepherd, high on the hill, called to tell us they weren't dangerous Yes please. We’re travelling to Spain at the end of the month for three months so always interested in recommendations etc
Well, not everybody is the same, but most people with unleashed dogs (I see this was a shepherd) always say the same thing
By the way, what a nice area! Asturias is a beautiful place too.
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Mr porky
LIFE MEMBER
Free electricity on a free aire. That's such a bonus.
Not uncommon in parts of northern Spain..
OP
OP
The Government (Aemet) weather forecast was very accurate, until 3 pm today, which, for us didn't matter.
We had an easy bike ride, through a mixed forest of oaks and pines. We were back at the parking at mid day, so sufficient time to stow the bikes, take showers, and change into our "best" gear to head for some tapas for lunch.
We strolled the old part of the village first, and then sat at one of the three bars at the "roundabout" to have a big portion of tortilla each and a shared plate of potatoes, peppers and sausages. Teamed with a (not chilled, please) bottle of red.
On our last bit of the ride coming back to the village we'd spotted a strawberry field. People were arriving at the bar to buy boxes of them, so we left with a box also.
We saw the sky getting blacker and blacker, so ignoring the forecast of 0.1mm of rain, we got back to the van with 20 minutes to spare, before the heavens opened.
We have, yet another, noisy, storm. So far no hail
The trees in the forest looked like they were sun-kissed, but it is the natural shedding of bark.
Leaving the forest we arrived back at the flatter, habited, area, with a quirky weighbridge, with a post box!
We had an easy bike ride, through a mixed forest of oaks and pines. We were back at the parking at mid day, so sufficient time to stow the bikes, take showers, and change into our "best" gear to head for some tapas for lunch.
We strolled the old part of the village first, and then sat at one of the three bars at the "roundabout" to have a big portion of tortilla each and a shared plate of potatoes, peppers and sausages. Teamed with a (not chilled, please) bottle of red.
On our last bit of the ride coming back to the village we'd spotted a strawberry field. People were arriving at the bar to buy boxes of them, so we left with a box also.
We saw the sky getting blacker and blacker, so ignoring the forecast of 0.1mm of rain, we got back to the van with 20 minutes to spare, before the heavens opened.
We have, yet another, noisy, storm. So far no hail
The trees in the forest looked like they were sun-kissed, but it is the natural shedding of bark.
Leaving the forest we arrived back at the flatter, habited, area, with a quirky weighbridge, with a post box!
OP
OP
Our stroll down through the village in warm sun.
And our tapas lunch.
And, just looked outside. We appear to be in the wettest bit of the parking, although there's nothing to make the water flood our van.
We're just soooo happy we're not out riding in these conditions.
And our tapas lunch.
And, just looked outside. We appear to be in the wettest bit of the parking, although there's nothing to make the water flood our van.
We're just soooo happy we're not out riding in these conditions.
OP
OP
Back to sun and clouds now. Not even a muddy mark on the gravel to show where the mini waterfall was.
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OP
OP
Yesterday's rain put us off the idea of riding the bikes again today, so we went for a walk instead. It was a good call because some of the tracks had bank to bank puddles with very sticky mud. Easy to walk around without 24 kilos of bike following us.
We were going to stay for another night but we were back at the van for midday so we decided to go to get some shopping and find a new overnight spot. We're on an official parking area behind an abandoned hotel at Velilla de Rio Carrion and I've found a strange ride to do straight from here tomorrow.
I've then found a lovely looking parking between trees at Salinas de Pisuerga, that may be tomorrow's destination.
We were going to stay for another night but we were back at the van for midday so we decided to go to get some shopping and find a new overnight spot. We're on an official parking area behind an abandoned hotel at Velilla de Rio Carrion and I've found a strange ride to do straight from here tomorrow.
I've then found a lovely looking parking between trees at Salinas de Pisuerga, that may be tomorrow's destination.
I'm really enjoying reading your posts and looking at your pictures as we are coming to tour some of Northern Spain in October. But, I'm a real dog lover and although I'm fine about seeing the Mastiff dogs if they are owned, I've just read elsewhere that literally thousands of dogs are just abandoned in the Spanish campo by "owners" who get fed up -do you see many strays as you are travelling through the countryside? Is it really an issue? I've already abandoned any ideas of ever motorhoming in Greece because I'd end up wanting to bring a van full home (and my own dog would not want that-neither would my husband...)
Had a Mastin show his presence today whilst riding in the hills above Guardo.Judith said she felt his breath near her calf, I cannot confirm this due to being 50 metres away by then....but my Dog Dazer was drawn and remained so for the rest of the ride...
I wouldn't say that Spaniards are animal lovers in the same way as UK folk are...but some charities go out of their way to rescue such castoffs...,,,jumartoo can tell more..
OP
OP
Some (many) Spaniards ARE dog lovers and go out of their way (and pockets) to look after stray and abandoned animals.
One thing I will say about the Spanish, they have a totally different outlook to us about life and death.
Death is dealt with instantly here, and then life goes on. With their loved, ones and also that happens with their pets.
There is still a long way to go about animal husbandry, but it is, slowly, heading in the right direction.
We're just coming to 4 months away in our motorhome, travelling in the North of Spain, and we havent seen one abandoned dog.
When we're back at our apartment in Murcia I'm in contact (and occasionally help out) with many animal rescue centres. Some are run by Brits, and some by Spanish. Not all the dogs brought into the perrera (kennels) have been abandoned by Spaniards.
I agree with your views.
Interesting what you say about death, never thought about it
I find interesting the views from different countries about distinct matters.
Interesting what you say about death, never thought about it
I find interesting the views from different countries about distinct matters.
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