Left Gijon for ride to lakes and mountains, Diva not
realising quite what was to come. The first stop to see Covadonga Basilica was
fine. But then narrow steep roads and sheer drops. Just enough room for the
coach to drive to the extreme edge with part of it over-hanging, before full
lock on to turn into the next hair-pin bend. Fortunately the driver was very experienced
and careful.
Scenery en route was spectacular – jagged tops and
limestone outcrops. The lakes were a bit disappointing. Neither large nor as
beautiful as what we saw whilst getting there. The first lake was a steady
up-hill walk from the car park and the second was indicated by the guide as
being twenty minutes walk away. As the guide was a fast walker and Diva isn’t,
Diva opted out of the second one. But as usual TSH went for the whole
experience, although he said afterwards that it wasn’t any different from the
first one and not really worth the effort. Diva wished she had brought her
Kindle. 35 minutes waiting in the mist in the middle of nowhere.
Many alpine wild flowers seen whilst in the
mountains including gentians, aquilegia and hellebores plus many nameless
others.
Then it was off to a Parador for lunch. 4 cold
starters and 5 hot ones. And everybody got all of them. A massive piece of hake
in a fabulous cider sauce for mains and
then 4 desserts. This was all way too much for lunch. And then on return to the
ship butler Rosie had laid out English Breakfast tea for TSH, Earl Grey for
Diva (because that what what they ordered for breakfast on Friday) and a plate
of sandwiches. Diva had really wanted peppermint and TSH wanted camomile (yes,
I know. He had it in Lisbon when there wasn’t anything else and decided he
liked it.) Rosie is trying so hard. And is so trying.
But later Rosie redeemed hersef by delivering a
selection of salads to our suite in lieu of the dinner we had no appetite for.
Just the thing for a light meal with a bottle of champagne!!
