4th October (sunny and mild) 16 km

Had the best sleep that I’ve had in the tent since we got it. Thought we might have an issue last night as parked ten feet from us is some kind of power plant which makes a hum every once in a while, but the level of noise, and it was minimal, didn’t affect my kip. Also, I’ve taken to doing what Julia does and pulling the inner liner up and over my head, with just my face or even mouth showing and that helps keep your top part warm.

The tent pitching skills of the couple who showed up late last night were on show this morning, with their tent in disarray. It’s amazing how adept you get at the skills required to live at a comfortable level whilst on the road, but for long haul trips such as ours, you need to be. 

The morning dawned cloudy. That overcast wake up that has accompanied us the whole time we’ve been in England and Europe. Fortunately, the temperature is supposed to reach a sunny, warm twenty four degrees today.

Seeing as we knew we would be in camp today, laundry was top of the bill after our cuppa and breakfast. If you can keep on top of the washing daily, it makes life a whole lot easier. Instead of hunting around for the last pair of socks or knickers, you always have something at hand. Even something as simple as a washboard on the laundry tubs makes a difference in getting them clean. Having strung a line, we now had a coffee arrangement with Anna and Mike. It was 10.15am. Spent an hour and a half chatting to them about everything under the sun in the confines of their van and it was a pleasant and relaxing break.

Mike and Anne - a very hospitable Dutch couple we met at camp

We wanted to make use of the fantastic 25 metre pool that they have available, so it was changed, soak up the sun and in. Very nice to feel like you don’t have to rush to get somewhere. Elizabeth and Phil were still making their way into San Sebastian, so we thought we would ride in to meet them and guide them to the camp. Bought a nice lunch in the old town and enjoyed it sitting on the front overlooking the bay. Julia had been excited about hiring some gear for a body board session, however aside from a cool breeze there was also a lack of swell.

By now it was 3.30pm and no sign of the guys. Gave them a call to hear a very frantic Elizabeth, who told us that they were still trying to get out of Irun, which is where we had such an issue. She must have been very nervous about going anywhere near those roads and it was only that Ju and I have done it many times before, that we even attempted it.

We filled in our afternoon by riding around getting shots and going to the supermarket to stock up. By 6pm we still hadn’t heard anything but on the third call, Elizabeth answered and told us they were in San Sebastian, but not sure where. We had already got to the far end of the city and had to get back to camp as we had washing on the line and the sun fading fast. (You can imagine the panic Pete was in at that predicament!)

Gave them directions to the camp. As I write this it’s 7.50pm and no sign. I hope they get here soon as it’s going dark quickly. Nothing worse than trying to get to a campsite that you can’t find, with a rapidly fading light. Enjoyed a lasagne for dinner, specially cooked and packaged by Julia. She even wrote the heating instructions on the side in Spanish. Yes …She’s that good folks..! 

Just heard from the guys, they have almost made it, but it’s now 8.30pm and pitch black and freezing cold. They will be glad of their beds tonight. Anna has just come across to invite Julia and I for a farewell drink with them in their van. We’ll get the guys settled then, maybe pop over. They are lovely people, both very personable.