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OK well on leaving Lidl we discovered the storm had caught up with us. The drive was a nightmare our little NV200 bravely fought the huge winds and was thrown all over the motorways for hour after hour. We did give her some rest stops also for Carol Darcey and me. After what seemed an eternity we arrived at our campsite on an island just off La Rochelle connected by a long bridge. We found ourselves a pitch and Carol sorted the van out whilst I brushed Darcey. Then disaster huge bug flew in the van and scared the sh*t out of Carol all ended well though and the bug was firmly evicted from little van.

After we left Panela we drove towards Spain it was a long journey we had started. After about 6 / 7 hours of driving we checked Park4night and found a stop with good reviews, it was in a Lidl car park. The benefits were many it was free and closed at 21.30 BUT most important was the Lidl bakery !! Which fed us that night and for breakfast the next morning and for the long drive back to France. Also I got diesel for €1.30 a litre !

Well the plan was to go to Nazare to try and catch some surfers. We’ll plans changed quickly due to a storm brewing in the south of Portugal. The weather was so bad there were warnings against driving unless it was essential. So we decided to leave Portugal and cut our holiday short. We said our goodbyes to our dear friends Ross and Eveline who had been the perfect hosts. We started our long journey away from Portugal.

R&E wanted to show us Coimbra the nearest large town to Panela. Unfortunately we had to go in separate cars which made following Ross through the city centre and finding a parking spot was challenging. Coimbra is an ancient time steeped in history and was lovely. But the streets were extremely steep to walk up /down. On the day we were there the university students were about to have a celebration, I’m not too sure what for but they asked used to contribute to it which we did.

View over Coimbra

University Square Coimbra

Another view over Coimbra

Today was a long 6 hour drive from Santander to our friends, Ross and Evelines house in Panela. Once we got the Ross and Eveline welcomed us in sat us down and plyed us with cups of tea and coffee. Afterwards we had a guided tour of Penela (photos to follow) . After taking a shower we R&E treated us to a lovely meal in a local restaurant. Afterwards we went back to their home and quickly went to bed exhausted. Thanks R&E for being perfect friends and looking after two very tired travellers.

All good things come to an end. We loved our stay there but our travels are further south. After a long drive we ended up in a small site by a Marina in Santander. For the very reasonable sum of €10 we had a place for the night it’s got a lot of facilities like water, toilet disposal, grey water disposal ehu and bins. Just use PARK4NIGHT to find it. Sorry no photos it was a quick visit.

this is our place for the next few days.

Our first coffee in France. The weather is still cold but OK when the sun breaks through.

Due to the poor weather we decided today was a driving day, so 500 miles later we arrived at La Rochelle. In our normal poorly organised way we found completely by good luck and Park4night a parking area provided by the local commune. It’s slap bang in the middle of La Rochelle I think the price about 13 to 14 euros a night with electric hook up I’ll confirm that when we leave.