What a beautiful place Northern Spain has turned out to be and a real surprise, from the Eucalyptus plantations covering the spectacular mountains in Galacia, to the beautiful beaches and green rolling hills. And not to mention the castles, churches, artefacts and national parks.

Since Finisstre, we have spent 2 nights near Foz, a night at Ponfedorra and are now in Comillas on the coast near Santanda for 2 nights.

Highlights of Foz was having no idea where the hotel was, the GPS being in the same boat, and frustrations running bit high with all of us. The pleasures of independent travelling. We found some great Celtic ruins that were then used by the Romans (who have not given us anything), an amazing beach called Cathedral beach (think mini 12 Apostles) and lovely fishing villages. All the while driving through stunning green rolling hills and mountains.

Yesterday on the way to Ponfedorra we called in at a 9th century church, the oldest on the El Camino along with many many pilgrims doing the walk. It was 1400 metres up in the hills and was built to provide support to those on the pilgrimage.

Then for me one of the highlights so far was a visit to Las Medulas, an old Roman gold mine that was mined for 250 years between the 1st and 3rd centuries. It has been estimated that 1.6 million kilograms of gold came out of the mine. Amazing. The Romans used a hydraulic technique of flooding the mountain with vast quantities of water and then processed the sludge and extracted the gold.

Ponferrada is the home if a huge 12th century castle built by the Knights Templar to protect the El Camino pilgrims. It is right on the middle of town but sadly closed on a Monday so we could only wk around it. Still it is. N impressive castle.

Then today the drive to Comillas in the northern coast through the Picos de Europa was amazing. It would have to be the best drive I have ever done with spectacular scenery at every bend. And to rub salt into the wounds, there were loads of bikes doing the route. Much better through the bends than the Citroen Picasso with 4 people and many bags. Highest peak is over 2500 metres and only 15 kms in from the coast. Just incredible.

2 days now in Comillas with a planned trip to Altimera Caves tomorrow, the location of pre historic cave paintings in Spain. Will have to have a good look around town as well as Antonio Goudi lived in Comillas and there are several buildings attributed to him here.

We will keep enjoying.