The Basque Country....Welcome to Asturias...

We cross the border at St. Sebastian. As always, no customs officer wants to see any documents from us or the dogs. In Lekeitio, we find a free motorhome parking space and walk straight into the beautiful town right on the Atlantic. The narrow streets with the Spanish houses are fantastically beautiful, and in the harbor, we treat ourselves to the first beer at 26° Celsius. We are in Spain, woohoo!

We spend 3 days in this beautiful place, enjoying the bustling streets, the midday siesta, and the lively streets and squares in the evening. A hike along the river takes us through amazing dirt paths through huge eucalyptus forests. We meet a couple from Germany and a single person. They have also sold everything they own in Germany, now live in a motorhome, and are very happy with it. That gives us courage.

In Bilbao, we find another great free parking space high up on the cliff. From our bed, we have a view of the sea and Bilbao, and it's quite cozy. Here, we discover a dreamy hiking trail right on the steep cliffs. Far below us, huge waves crash onto the rocks with a loud noise, and a few very brave people are surfing with their boards. The fur babies have to stay on a leash here. The Spanish police (Guardia Civil) drives by from time to time, but they leave us and the other campers alone. In the evening, surrounded by Spaniards, we enjoy a spectacular sunset with a glass of red wine. It could be worse....:)

On October 17th, we are looking for a camping site because the dirty laundry is getting out of hand. This proves to be more difficult than expected. Either they are closed, dogs are not allowed, or there is no washing machine! We drive almost 200km to Oviedo until we find one. Since we are very leisurely traveling with our truck (average speed of 60km/h), I have all the time in the world to enjoy the magnificent landscape. To the right, we can see the wild Atlantic, and to the left, there are high mountains. The beautiful pampas grass that Germans buy at expensive prices in the plant market grows here abundantly. Eucalyptus forests alternate with spruce and pine forests. High cliffs and small sandy bays complete the picture. I love it!

When we finally arrive in front of the campground in the evening, it has already closed its gates. Annoyed, we decide to drive down the 200 meters to the beach and make a new plan. But behind the last curve...surprise surprise...we can hardly believe our eyes. The ultimate paradise lies in front of us. A bay couldn't be more picturesque!! Surrounded by tall grass-covered mountains and rock plateaus, the waves crash onto the most beautiful sandy beach in the world. A large meadow invites us to stay, and happily, we settle in. The dogs can run around freely because there is no road nearby. Some other campers from all over the world are also there, and there is a friendly atmosphere. The Camino de Santiago passes right by our truck, and we often strike up conversations with pilgrims. Everyone is excited about our Hummel, and countless photos of her are taken...but we are used to that by now. We have a lazy beach day, go swimming in the Atlantic, sunbathe, and just relax. In the evening, we walk several kilometers on the Camino de Santiago (we wanted to do that at least once), which leads along the cliffs high above. This place (Caravia) will always remain in our hearts. There are truly good 'vibrations' here. :)

On the third day, with a heavy heart, we continue our journey and find a campground 20km further in La Rasa, in the heart of Asturias, that is open, allows dogs, and has a washing machine available. Admittedly, the place is not beautiful, but it's enough for us to freshen up, get rid of waste water, refill fresh water, and take a long hot shower.

Early the next morning, we continue on...we feel too restricted by the pitch-divided parking spaces at the campground. A few kilometers further, in Xivares, we find another great sandy bay. Here, we can park for free and camp freely...just our thing. Plus, there is only one other motorhome at the beach...doesn't get better than that.

Some big dogs 'guard' the beach. They are very friendly and soon play around with ours on the beach...a paradise for dogs and humans!

But in the evening, at our truck, the big Kangal pays us a visit. Lucy is furious because he is entering HER space. She barks at him and snarls. The Kangal is getting annoyed too, and before the mood turns sour, we quickly pick up Lucy, run to the truck, and lock her in. Angry, the Kangal lies under our car, and when he realizes that we are not coming out anymore, he simply steals one of my hiking boots. Loneliness and loss...a single shoe is standing under the car in the morning! What a nuisance! Of all things, my good hiking boot...I need it almost every day! We start searching. On the beach, in the bushes, and in all the parking lots. Eventually, frustrated, I throw the other shoe in the trash and want to give up...tada!! ...I discover the shoe sitting on a post! Someone found it and put it up there...and it's still complete! Relieved, we continue driving south and cross the invisible border between Asturias and Galicia....