By The Sea - Castro Urdiales and Laredo, Spain

living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com

On our way from Burgos to Castro-Urdiales.   We stopped for gas and a coffee.  Our little Fiat 500 Hybrid taking a break.  A motorhome was filling up its tank with freshwater.  Rvs are everywhere and they park wherever they want.  Boondocking galore and no one seems to say a thing.  In fact, we hardly ever see police or transito.  

We arrived safe and sound to our Airbnb.  This is our first "room" in a house versus a complete apartment or house.  Helena caters to hikers on the Camino a Santiago.  She has a large house with five bedrooms.  We have a bedroom with a private bath and a galley-type kitchen for shared use.  We have an ice chest and a heating coil to make coffee in the mornings.  Works great!

We're within walking distance of the beach.  This was our first view after crossing the highway!

One thing I have to mention and it will come up again is that everywhere we go it is so clean.  Yesterday was a holiday celebrating the virgin.  Everyone was at the beach and it was a great time to be there.   As much as I love Mexico it was nice to be in a place with a lot of people enjoying the beach; no fires, no BBQs, and most of all, no music.  We watched the rowing matches before heading back to our stay.

The weather here at the coast is similar to California.  Instead of the 100F temps in Madrid, here it is a cool 78F.  It's a pleasure to be outside along the shore with a cool breeze.  A bit of rain in the morning and clouds but it is a welcome change.

The castle of Castro - Urdiales.  The castle was built in the 12 century.  It was used as an escape during the French invasion of 1812.  Caesar Vespasiano conquered this part of Spain in 74 A.D.  The castle is also part of the Cathedral of Santa Ana.  

The artwork and detail that went into the construction.  The representation of each of the figures and what they meant, scaring off warring peoples or the threat of hell for those who didn't repent.  You could study this one site for years.  Unbelievable that we are standing in the spot where Caesar stood, walked and gave orders to his soldiers.  

The interior of the church is even more amazing.  This side chapel has a red hue around the top.  This is from two very narrow, maybe 12" by 48", red pieces of glass.  The thought that went into each chapel along the sides.  The artist aspect was well thought out.

The lighthouse that was later added.

Back to the house this afternoon for a quick lunch and a nap.  We took off for Laredo which was a short 20 minute drive.  We didn't find it too exciting but we were on the hunt for something I damaged.  I always carry my hot water coil.  Well, we had a cup of noodles for lunch and we are accustomed to having an egg cooked in it kind of like egg drop soup.  Well, it was too much for the coil and it snapped.  It still works but don't check the water with your finger or you'll get a shock.  We went to several places but had no luck finding a new one.

We did run across this parking area for rvs.  Some of them are so cool!

A shot from the hilltop over looking the coast of Laredo!

Tomorrow off to Santander for the morning and then back to Castro-Urdiales.