Santiago de Compostela

Well we arrived in santiago after a five or so hour drive yesterday. Found the campsite (by pure luck) and found ourselves a nice pitch. We were advised on arrival that the cathederal swings their big incense burner every friday at 7.30pm. So we rushed into town to witness it. After a gruelling hour of being reminded as to why i am not a practising catholic (a mass), we were saddened to discover that we were in fact in the wrong bit and we had missed the whole thing! So we just made our way back to the campsite, had a beer and went to bed.
This morning was all about getting bits and bobs sorted out. Reloading cash cards (ASDA CashPassport) finding batteries, etc. And then just sampling the local bars. I think the cheapest was a bar called Copas Rotas, which had drinks for one Euro, 80's music, pink tables, and someone who appeared to be the spanish answer to Gok Wan behind the bar.
This was followed by Chocolate & Churros, which is basically around 20 dairy milk bars melted into a cup, served with sticks of batter. Aside from that calorie boost we seem to be getting plenty of food by just eating the plates of free tapas given with every drink purchased.

 Should make it to Portugal tomorrow but this could change if we find a campsite before the border.

Avin

Well we made it through the first night sleeping in the van. Woke up to ice both inside and outside the van but was all good because it was a bright blue clear sky and perfect for our day trip. We had initially wanted to move on from this campsite to one further along on our trip. But as this is also closed, we are quite happy to stay another night in Avin. After all they do have a bar and they seem quite friendly. Todays trip was a drive into the mountains where we were greeted with some of the most amazing views. We went through Covadonga and visited a chapel in the rocks. And then stopped off at a bar for coffee and a sandwich, before driving up into the Picos de Europa to take in the view. After a brief walk around a village called Cangas, we stopped into a supermarket for supplies and headed back to the campsite. Early start tomorrow for the drive to Santiago. But not before a few drinks in the warmth of the campsite bar!

Arrived!

Arrived safe and sound in Spain after one of the smoothest ferry crossings I have ever been on. We drove to San Vincente and stopped for lunch and then continued to a little place called Barro, which appeared to be closed for the winter (including the campsite) but did have a nice beach. Then chasing the light and driving through a valley ended up in a campsite in Avin. All that remains now is to chill out with a drink (or two), and test out the van.