Monday September 3, Posada de Valdeon, Picos de Europe

Just so "Spanish"!!

After a few quieter days, we had a bigger day today, heading for the Picos mountains. First on the list was some much needed grocery shopping, and found there was a Mercadono store in Reinosa the first town after driving around the lake. But once again parking was minimal and certainly no room for Ruakiwi. Spotted a sign for a nearby Lidl store but access looked rather challenging so flagged that too. Supermarkets are proving to be a bit of an issue. While Ian carried on driving to Aguilar I searched online and found a Lupa supermarket just off the highway, marked it into Jilly and thankfully a reasonable sized carpark and room for us. It was a very good store and we spent ages. Needed to buy things like shower soap but had to get out Google Translate to make sure we were getting the right stuff. Some words are becoming familiar and hopefully will get easier.
Continued on and by which stage it was well past lunchtime, found a good spot on Park4night just off the highway in the town of Salinas du Pisuerga. Parked outside the old church and not far from a weir on the river where a fly fisherman was trying his luck. Love finding these sorts of places.
Then back on the road to Guardo through fairly arid stoney country before turning off to Riano. And what a place, on a huge reservoir with the Picos Mountains towering over it. Spectacular, lots of drive by photos as nowhere to stop!! We have noticed in our travels in Spain many towns have outdoor gym equipment in parks and on walkways and noticed many people using them. Seems such a great idea. Have included a drive by shot of them on todays route.
When we turned off for the last 11kms to Valdeon, we really wondered if we were on the right road, as it was pretty narrow with no road markings. Ian was considering turning around then after a couple of km’s it opened out onto a “proper” road and we wound our way up to the summit at 1450m. Stopped to take photos of the amazing views of the mountains rising above us. Then it was a steep descent to the town of Posada nestled in the valley where there was a motorhome parking spot. A great place, surrounded by towering mountains and a small village. Quite a number of vans already here including two from UK. Had a good chat to them. The site is €10 a night and has electricity and wifi, but today the electric is not working and evidently no one is available to fix it today, and can’t get the wifi password as the municipal office is also closed!!! Walked into the village and thought we would have a few drinks…but everything was closed!!! Although about 8.30 when I went for a wander noticed both the pharmacy and the outdoor clothing stores were open. Seems we just have to be aware of odd shopping hours.

Had to share last nights sunset on the reservoir

The old church at Salinas du Pisuerga

Very remote country driving into Posada

Outdoor gym equipment...great idea.

The town of Riano, rebuilt when the reservoir was made.

I think these are crocus...at the summit.

Tonights view from camp...stunning mountains.