From the stunning Pico mountains to Madrid

Trip Start Jun 02, 2008
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45
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Trip End May 01, 2010


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Where I stayed
Jonnys guest house
(Madrid hotels)

Flag of Spain and Canary Islands  , Madrid,
Thursday, May 28, 2009

I  take the route from San Sebastian to Madrid diverting through the Pico mountains. I am unprepared for the simply breathtaking views that await me.... .   The majestic rounded peaks of the Picos loom overhead as the road skirts through tiny hamlets and over crystal clear rivers.  Here travellers stop to fill large water containers at fresh springs.  I roll the top down slather myself in sun cream and pump up the volume.....this is the essence of driving in inland Spain.... At a small bar I stop for a coke and Tortilla savouring the simple yet delicious taste     ....a TV in the corner blares out football anthems rehashing Barcelonas victory in the Champions League..

I make a mental note to return here for several days hiking and camping...but for now i've made arrangements to visit my irish friend Johnny in Madrid.  After San Sebastaian i dont want to arrive too late ...  driving in Madrid is a bit like stock car racing, I grip the steering wheel , put my foot down and drive like an aggressive London driver...the only way it seems to survive the complex network of roads in Madrid...i decide to use my GB right hand drive to best effect and assume everyone will give way to me one right hand cab!
one right hand cab!
 . It works.

Arriving at his appartment,Johnny suggests i reverse into a space the size of a pram so i spend about 10 minutes manoeuvering inches at a time. Years of London parkiing and an automatic helps here...but as i proudly get out of the car - mission accomplished -  I turn to see him holding the vans bumper in his hands. It seems I may have nudged it a little.   I  collapse into giggles...."dont worry" he assures me... "era asi cuando llegue!"   ......we deal with it Manana ..because for now the wine is waiting.....

644km to go...
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