DAY 13 -   Sorry about the sideways pic again, it happens with all the pictures I take in with the phone in the ‘portrait’ position. I’ve got my son working on it, but for now please turn your phone/computer sideways and all desktop users please lay on your side horizontally on your office desk😉

 I spent this morning relaxing over coffee in the bar of my lovely homely hotel. Whilst bringing my blog up to date and sorting out my digs for the next couple of days, I watched as all the various locals came in for croissants and coffee, including the local police, a postman and various other artisans. They all seemed to know each other, and the atmosphere was so warm and friendly. I really think this place is the hub of the local community. If I ever come back to the area I know where I’ll be staying!

It was another glorious day weather-wise so just after 1pm I headed out on my bike, took a twisty side road to where the road came to an end at a Hamlet called Brez. From here I started a little three-and-a-half-mile circular walk. To give my feet a rest from the boots I wore my grippy trainers today and I have to say, if it’s not wet, these may be a better option than the boots! Once again so many stupendous views were laid before me that I didn’t know where to point the phone-camera, and as many of the peaks were semi-shrouded in mist it just added to their mysteriousness and splendour. This time I was reminded of the old black and white film called ‘The Lost World’ that me and my sisters used to watch when we were kids, from behind the sofa, ducking down behind every time one of the scary monsters would appear! Once more there were lovely butterflies flitting everywhere and on this occasion my eye caught what appeared to be a flying piece of grass that landed on a fern. Upon closer inspection it was a superbly camouflaged praying mantis about 3 inches in length (see pic below)

Once back with the bike I rode back through Potes and out along one of the other valleys before once again heading off the main road just for the sheer joy of riding round the twisties and stopping every so often just to admire the stunning views, before eventually having to turn back due to the road ending at another little picture-postcard village.

Well I’m moving on again tomorrow, but once again please don’t tell anyone how lovely this area is or how easy it is to fly here or get the ferry with your own car to Santander or Bilbao, it’s our secret ok?

PS Just another quick Factoid Alert: Apparently as well as a few brown bears, there are also believed to be between 15 and 20 grey wolves also living in the PIcos!