Sunday August 26, Landa

Great view over the countryside

We met a really friendly Spanish couple yesterday, Herber and Maria, who were camping with their two children. They spoke very good English and Herber has been a huge help telling us about places to stay, foods to eat, and how to manage all sorts of things in Spain. Herber called in to see us this morning to make sure we had their contact details so that we can call in and see them at their home. We are so grateful for these sort of contacts. And thank you Sherry for letting us know that it was Parma Ham we saw in the supermarket, and Herber let us know all about it, and what to use it for. Evidently some employers give their staff a whole "jamon" for xmas. Will be on my next shopping list.
It was a leisurely Sunday drive this morning as we headed to a reservoir just out of Vitoria. We really are impressed with the roads in Spain, they are very wide (except for driving through the gorge on our first day!) and the Spanish drivers seem to be much less aggressive than the French drivers. We were surprised by the areas of horticulture we drove through, lots of tomatoes, beans (grown on teepees)  and asparagus and blocks of olive trees everywhere. There are huge areas under irrigation. Delightful small villages are dotted all along the road, each with their own church.  We are very impressed with the Spain that we have seen.
We skirted around the town of Vitoria and very surprised at all the modern high-rise buildings. Spent the afternoon relaxing at a reservoir, great spot and couldn’t believe the crowds of people but it’s a Sunday afternoon and people seem to flock here. We found a spot to park and enjoyed wandering around and after the crowds left we shifted to a designated area for campervans for an overnight stop.
And thanks to everyone who has left comments, I try to respond directly by email. It is great hearing from you.

The roads are very wide with plenty of width for cyclists

An old stone viaduct

The modern town of Vitoria

Small villages with their church

Sunday afternoon at the reservoir

Playtime for the photographer!