Beech's 1st moho adventure

[Helen Ariel]

Last 2 nights free spot. Our van bottom left corner.

The beach from the view point on the hill above.

The wikilock ride was a nice mix of double track and quiet lanes. Very scenic and quite hilly so tired legs now and the added bonus of stumbling into Jurassic park by the back entrance!

DH has one foot in each enormous dinosaur footprint!

 

[Moglet]

Yummy, when can I come for tea!

 

[Helen Ariel]

Yummy, when can I come for tea!

Courgette and foraged chestnut risotto tonight. DH's speciality.

 

[Moglet]

Oh boy, that looks delicious.... my mouth is watering

 

[Northernraider]

Great thread not sure how I missed it but I'm exhausted just reading about all that biking and hiking

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[Helen Ariel]

Great thread not sure how I missed it but I'm exhausted just reading about all that biking and hiking

You were busy working 7 days a week! I'm pretty exhausted but DH wants to go for a hike and a surf today as our new location is even more stunning than the last.

 

[Helen Ariel]

Surfs up at Playa de Verdicio!

 

[scousebird]

View attachment 429205
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View attachment 429211Surfs up at Playa de Verdicio!

Not at all jealous as we are sitting here in the pi$$ing down rain and wind in Newquay

 

[Helen Ariel]

Not at all jealous as we are sitting here in the pi$$ing down rain and wind in Newquay

Don't worry we are due 50mph wind and several days rain after tomorrow. I'm making the most of today!

 

[Just smiffy]

Not at all jealous as we are sitting here in the pi$$ing down rain and wind in Newquay

You still there....

should have given me a shout, I would have come to see you or picked you up for a cuppa..

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[scousebird]

You still there....

should have given me a shout, I would have come to see you or picked you up for a cuppa..

Never gave it a thought

 

[Northernraider]

View attachment 429205
View attachment 429209
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View attachment 429211Surfs up at Playa de Verdicio!

Your getting better weather than I am that's for sure ....but I can't complain as it didn't rain today and it's warm enough to require windows and skylights open and not heating on so I'll take that.

Think we are due rain in Luxembourg again from tomorrow which is a bugger as I've more castles to visit


I'm missing those Spanish beaches though

 

[Helen Ariel]

What a difference a day makes! Not sure I've slept really all night with rain lashing the van and 50mph gusts of wind periodically rocking the van it felt like being on a boat.

We knew this weather was coming so we left our cliff top parking on the exposed North facing coast and yesterday we did some shopping at a large out of town mall stocked up on food and picked up some quality dog food and presents for Beech's upcoming birthday from the pet store. Emptied and filled at a free aire and then drove along the coast into Galicia at last!

The change in architecture was immediately noticeable and I particularly loved the thin, grey and irregular slates used on the roofs of the houses. They shine in the sun and look like fish scales.

We arrived at a beautiful, wild overnight spot on a tiny sheltered beach and headed straight into the aquamarine, glassy water straight away for a swim knowing it would be our last chance before the coming storm.

Then pizza and salad for dinner and some tele and an early night in preparation for a wild day today walking to the most northerly point of Spain!

 

[Helen Ariel]

Bonkers windy with squally showers last night but believe it or not the forecast for today has improved so a wild walk to Estaca de Bares which is the most northerly point of Spain, followed by a seafood lunch in the most northerly restaurant in Spain. It gets rave reviews so pics to follow later.

 

[Shrimp]

I’m sorry I haven’t ‘liked’ all your photos.
I have loved them all and am very jealous, we were in France in that heatwave...boy was that hot, now have just 2 days of quarantine left to do thank goodness!
You look as though you are having a wonderful time, Beech too.
Enjoy every minute of it for all of us that can’t go anywhere!

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[Helen Ariel]

So we drove round to the little harbour at O Porto de Bares this morning to check to see what time the kitchen was open at the little bar/restaurant right by the harbour before our hike to Estaca de Bares which is the most northerly point in Spain.

The kitchen was open from 1pm to 4pm so knowing we’d get a hearty feed we wrapped up in long trousers, sweatshirts & waterproof coats in what seemed like the first time in 6 months for the hike. Beech was excited to get going!

As we climbed out of the village we walked past the self proclaimed “last house in Cantabria”.

From here we had a great view over the pretty little village, it’s harbour and the sandy cove where we’d spent last night. The sky was looking moody!

It was a steep climb through the massive eucalyptus trees that we’d seen so many of as we’d travelled along the north coast. These are a cash crop here and in Portugal, and a source of much debate amongst the locals as they create a real mono-culture resulting in the nickname of quiet forest. This is due to the fact that insects don’t like the oily nature of the trees so you don’t get many at all, and therefore no birds as they have little food. The locals also lose light and open space and there have been many cases of villages getting together to destroy new plantations.

We we’re in the lee of the hill here but once we crested it the wind was incredible blustery and the ocean changed significantly from almost flat calm to huge rolling swells smashing into the cliffs.

This gent was filming the seabirds from the shelter of an ornithologists station.

We passed an abandoned military station, ignored the signs and went exploring where we came across some cool graffiti.

We also got great views of the swell as we looked towards the most northerly point.

 

[Helen Ariel]

We pushed on and made it to the lighthouse where there was a path behind it that led to the Estaca de Bares (the Stacks of Bares).
We had to shelter for a bit by the lighthouse on the way back, and also at the old military station as the blustery showers continued but we were rewarded with a stunning double rainbow over them as we looked back!

We also came across a rather sad Patous (sp?) guard dog who cried a little as we walked past.

Another lovely view of O Porto de Bares as we walked back.

We were particularly taken by the fantastic slate tiles on the roofs of a lot of the houses.

 

[Helen Ariel]

Last post today and it’s of the magnificent lunch we had at the little bar on the harbour. They certainly maximise the space in this hilly part of the world; the outside area of the bar was a football pitch, car park and eating area all in one!

MH was looking very excited for lunch!

A little plate of raciones arrived with our drinks, swiftly followed by clams in an amazing sauce.

They were quickly slurped down before the chipirones arrived.

You can just see the homemade croquettes to the left of that pic! They were also delicious, but the chipirones were truly fabulous. They asked us if we wanted them grilled or fried; we went for the healthy à la plancha option although the chips and puddings might have undone the goodness... The puddings were huge!

All in it came to €47 with 2 beers and wine. Estrella Galicia is the cerveza of choice round these here parts! Wine and beer were €1.80 each.

 

[Helen Ariel]

Another stormy day on the Galician coast. We stayed at Porto de Espasante last night sheltering in the lee of the harbour wall from the strong winds & massive swell rolling in. Noted the spot from following jumar and jumartoo trip but sadly didn't get to try the restaurant as had eaten out the previous day and wanted to make tracks today to get further south for better weather.

We did get the BEST loaf of bread we've had all holiday from a proper old school spit and sawdust panaderia though. Huge loaf weighing what felt like a tonne for 3.90e. Awesome crust, soft but chewy middle with holes like sourdough, slightly brown colour much better than your airey French stick made a lovely lunch on the road with butter, cheese and tomato.

Made tracks to another free parking spot with services (struggling to remember when we last paid to stay now) here:

The cooler weather is good for one thing at least as I can do a nice slow cooked Chilli with chickpeas (secret ingredient of liquid smoke for a deep flavour)

Pushing South to Portugal tomorrow. I'm very excited for a new country!

 

[jumartoo]

I've only found this thread because you tagged me!!! Just read through it all. You've definitely had a great trip so far and I hope you enjoy Portugal.

I'll be following you now!!

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[mark49]

So we drove round to the little harbour at O Porto de Bares this morning to check to see what time the kitchen was open at the little bar/restaurant right by the harbour before our hike to Estaca de Bares which is the most northerly point in Spain.

View attachment 430115
That’s got you pic of the year award from me.
not sure if I’ve highlighted this pic! I case not, it’s the head shot of the dog I’m liking
The kitchen was open from 1pm to 4pm so knowing we’d get a hearty feed we wrapped up in long trousers, sweatshirts & waterproof coats in what seemed like the first time in 6 months for the hike. Beech was excited to get going!

As we climbed out of the village we walked past the self proclaimed “last house in Cantabria”.

View attachment 430116
View attachment 430145
From here we had a great view over the pretty little village, it’s harbour and the sandy cove where we’d spent last night. The sky was looking moody!

View attachment 430128

It was a steep climb through the massive eucalyptus trees that we’d seen so many of as we’d travelled along the north coast. These are a cash crop here and in Portugal, and a source of much debate amongst the locals as they create a real mono-culture resulting in the nickname of quiet forest. This is due to the fact that insects don’t like the oily nature of the trees so you don’t get many at all, and therefore no birds as they have little food. The locals also lose light and open space and there have been many cases of villages getting together to destroy new plantations.

View attachment 430129

We we’re in the lee of the hill here but once we crested it the wind was incredible blustery and the ocean changed significantly from almost flat calm to huge rolling swells smashing into the cliffs.

View attachment 430131

This gent was filming the seabirds from the shelter of an ornithologists station.

View attachment 430133

We passed an abandoned military station, ignored the signs and went exploring where we came across some cool graffiti.

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View attachment 430136

We also got great views of the swell as we looked towards the most northerly point.

View attachment 430137

 

[Helen Ariel]

So after a quiet night we went for a walk around Aparcadoiro de Arcade this morning. Started off sunny, then started raining before it got warm & sunny again. Just the reason for yesterday’s big drive south!

We crossed a cracking bridge that dated back to Roman times, then walked through some more eucalyptus trees. Getting sick of the sight of them now tbf as it can feel like we’re back in Australia rather than Spain!

This house not only had a splendid front gate, but the most amazing garden with all sorts of fruit trees growing including a big banana plant! We could tell we’d entered a warmer area.

We also got another view of the Roman bridge and some blue sky.

Sometimes the big things like the bridge grab your attention as it’s hard to miss them, but I was taken with this letter box that had a slot for bread to be delivered through!

This was our view from the fully serviced free aire looking out towards the Puente de Rande. We were lucky enough to see a wild otter in front of the van! Couldn’t get the camera quick enough before it scampered out of sight.

We then went for an early lunch at one of the restaurants close to the aire as MH was desperate to try some razorshell clams, or ”spoots” as they’re known in Scotland.

We also had some fantastic scallops and a hearty portion of home made chips to set us up for the days drive into Portugal.

With coffee and water it came to €33.

 

[DBK]

So after a quiet night we went for a walk around Aparcadoiro de Arcade this morning. Started off sunny, then started raining before it got warm & sunny again. Just the reason for yesterday’s big drive south!

View attachment 430813
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We crossed a cracking bridge that dated back to Roman times, then walked through some more eucalyptus trees. Getting sick of the sight of them now tbf as it can feel like we’re back in Australia rather than Spain!

View attachment 430815

This house not only had a splendid front gate, but the most amazing garden with all sorts of fruit trees growing including a big banana plant! We could tell we’d entered a warmer area.

View attachment 430816

We also got another view of the Roman bridge and some blue sky.

View attachment 430818

Sometimes the big things like the bridge grab your attention as it’s hard to miss them, but I was taken with this letter box that had a slot for bread to be delivered through!

View attachment 430819

This was our view from the fully serviced free aire looking out towards the Puente de Rande. We were lucky enough to see a wild otter in front of the van! Couldn’t get the camera quick enough before it scampered out of sight.

We then went for an early lunch at one of the restaurants close to the aire as MH was desperate to try some razorshell clams, or ”spoots” as they’re known in Scotland.

View attachment 430820

We also had some fantastic scallops and a hearty portion of home made chips to set us up for the days drive into Portugal.

View attachment 430821
View attachment 430822

With coffee and water it came to €33.

Love the seafood.

Have you tried the percebes (goose barnicles) which are a Galician delicacy? I'm kicking myself for not doing so despite having visited the area a few times. They are not cheap but you can get them in some supermarket fish counters.

 

[Helen Ariel]

Love the seafood.

Have you tried the percebes (goose barnicles) which are a Galician delicacy? I'm kicking myself for not doing so despite having visited the area a few times. They are not cheap but you can get them in some supermarket fish counters.

We have seen them on the menu in every restaurant but have yet to try them. We’ve both agreed that we’re going to come back and explore Galicia properly earlier in the year so we get better weather. They’ll have to wait until then!
We‘re already in Portugal, just south of Porto and back wearing shorts, t-shirts & flip flops. Surf forecast is good for this week so that combined with warmer, drier weather meant we moved south!

 

[Helen Ariel]

Currently approx 3 miles south of Porto with only a tiny french caravan blocking an uninterrupted view of the sunset!
We’re heading further south tomorrow as it’s going to be 24c & sunny!

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[DBK]

We have seen them on the menu in every restaurant but have yet to try them. We’ve both agreed that we’re going to come back and explore Galicia properly earlier in the year so we get better weather. They’ll have to wait until then!
We‘re already in Portugal, just south of Porto and back wearing shorts, t-shirts & flip flops. Surf forecast is good for this week so that combined with warmer, drier weather meant we moved south!

I think you've answered the question on the tip of my tongue - "why are you shooting south so quickly" - answer: the weather!

 

[Helen Ariel]

I think you've answered the question on the tip of my tongue - "why are you shooting south so quickly" - answer: the weather!

Bang on! We’re both slightly gutted to have covered so much ground in the last 3 days as we know we’ve missed so much, but the plan was always to chase the sun!
We’ll be back for a month or 3 in Galicia as soon as we can!

 

[Just smiffy]

How’s it going .... I’m missing your updates....

 

[Helen Ariel]

How’s it going .... I’m missing your updates....

Been feeling a bit meh and the weather a bit mixed and had some rather disturbed nights this last week plus lots of driving has meant less fun has been had and tiredness set in. But here's the highlights!

 

[Helen Ariel]

We moved down the coast about an hour and a half to a funny place called Costa Nova yesterday. Free parking right next to a sandy beach but very rough seas so no swimming! The main appeal for this slightly neglected place was it's colorful houses which we managed to photograph during a sunny spell.

Inspired by Spain and having purchased the necessary ingredients i decided to tackle my 1st ever paella. The results were pleasing so it's another van friendly dish added to the repartee.

A disturbed night due to barking dogs outside leading to barking dog inside and then after getting back to sleep dog being sick!

We awoke to a heavy mist and drizzle and decided to drive inland to look for some mountain biking. We drove around 2 hours to a place we found on trail forks app that seemed to be a hub for mountain biking but discovered it was Downhill mountain biking on one very steep hillside so really required the use of an uplift vehicle and the tracks weren't really the kind of riding we like to do so we used Wickilok app to find a dog walk instead which was quite pleasant.

We then debated whether to stay the night in the woods or drive back to the coast to Figueira de Foz to be in place for the nice weather that's forecast tomorrow. Opted to drive so we can relax tomorrow so another 1 hr 20 drive but 30 minutes from our destination we saw a stunning castle on a hilltop and made a last minute change of plan. So we are currently in the carpark right by a 1000 year old castle and I'm waiting for DH to serve me my dinner. His speciality sausage and mash! Castle viewing tomorrow at 10 when it opens.

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