Picos de Europa October 2011

Discussion on the syncro forum here.
 

Rob Williams invited us down to his part of the world – the underrated Spanish Costa Verde, to assemble at his expansive pad, and head up to Potes, the Picos (Goat Cheese Land). Seven took up the offer, with Barry and Yvonne (DaveFriday) who live down in Murcia, Spain driving up to join the group.
 
Some took the (highly recommended) overnight ferry to Santander from Portsmouth; most travelled from Plymouth being more convenient. Allowing a day or two for chilling in the Santander region (fantastic beaches, swimming, surfing and sunbathing, even in October!), seemed a good idea for some, others arrived days later, after a stormy crossing and were soon all encamped at Potes, the mountain capital.
 
It is essential to hire a local Spanish guide, for driving the tracks in these areas, and Albert led the Syncros up to some really splendid high places, first in the Liebana (with stunning wee, self-contained altiplano villages, seemingly all having their very own micro-climate, and micro culture too).
 
Four days of driving, five good days of camping, dining and taking in the high altitudes, the flora and fauna. Rob’s brother joined us as interpreter and raconteur, adding to the information gleaned whilst travelling through the hills and valleys.
 
Lastly, a farewell dinner arranged by our guide, in a faraway place up in the Picos, … fantastic four courses, and an introduction to the locals’ very own prize winning cave-cured cheese – magic!
 
As was the ferry back to Portsmouth… leaving the Port of Santander in baking sun on Halloween, arriving back November 1st.
 
Photo galleries here.
 
Mark’s fantastic videos