clairedavieswriter

Bilbao greeted us with some properly Basque weather, but it couldn’t dampen our enthusiasm.

Fortunately, Bernard and Colin weren’t feeling too queasy after two nights below decks.

The weather in Bilbao wasn’t conducive to photography and soon we were heading into the countryside. As we discovered last year, it’s no coincidence that the north of Spain is known as España Verde.

And given the Basque Country’s historic struggle for independence, it was no surprise that some of its citizens might find common cause with the people of Palestine. Alongside the reference to politics, we noted one to religion: our route coincided briefly with the Camino de Santiago

Speaking of religion, devotees of the local football team had their prayers answered last week, when Athletic Bilbao ended its 40 year spell in the wilderness with victory in the final of the Copa del Rey. Cycling through Bilbao might have been more tricky on Friday, when a million fans reportedly turned out to congratulate their team.

After a gentle first 35k, it was time to head for the hills and leave the Basque Country behind.

Though unfortunately we brought its weather with us.

While I’m not usually too keen on cycling through tunnels, on this occasion the shelter it provided wasn’t unwelcome.

But lunch was eaten al fresco, to the sound of a cuckoo calling.

Finally, after 25k of steady climbing, we reached our first col.

Where we resisted the temptation to go foraging for mushrooms.

And then it was downhill through the clouds…

To our accommodation, where our first act was to switch on the electric heater. It’s been a great first day, despite the weather. But we’re hoping for better views tomorrow.