The weather necessitates a change of direction….

Picos it was not meant to be. On arriving st Santander, the weather was misty and damp, so we headed south.But before that a word or two on the Crossing from Plymouth to Santander. The crossing was smooth and arrival was punctual. However, we were not prepared for the ” entertainment”, on board, which ranged from Music  quiz and a magician to a Supremes lookalike act! We did manage to watch the Mens’ Final and later, the European Championship Final. A good value breakfast was enjoyable and by  midday, the coast of Northern Spain was visible, as we celebrated Han’s birthday; she was very pleased with her watch and enjoyed an impromptu burst of ” Happy Birthday”, from a jolly group on the next table.

Tordesillas was reached easily enough, along mainly deserted motorways.

Because of its important highway connections Tordesillas has become a major transit hub. The economy is based on services — especially connected to tourism — and the agricultural production of the surrounding area. Wheat has long been the traditional agricultural product

Fourth visit to this campsite, over the years and it never fails to feel welcome , well organised and…..sunny! The Plaza ayor is a treat, and traditional in its design; three corners given to cafes and little traffic. There was the unlikely shadow of controversy over shadowing the town, this year. The town is known for its Toro de la Vega festival during which a bull was slaughtered by people on horseback and on foot. Animal rights groups repeatedly tried to stop this from taking place. The bull is at least 5 years old when he’s killed and is allow to live in a large property to keep him territorial, unlike other animals who are killed for the butcher at 1 year of age. Finally, in May 2016 the Regional government issued a decree prohibiting to slaughter the bull in public; animal rights activists regarded it as a victory after years denouncing publicly the cruelty with great national and worldwide coverage. The mayor of the town, backed unanimously by the opposition, made a statement of outrage the same day of the prohibition. The bull slaughter had came to be inextricably associated with the name of the town, overshadowing the rich monumental and historical heritage.

Now, for the next stage of the holiday; on to Viana do Castelo, Portugal.