Picos de Europa continued

Today was one of those travel days when you thought you had it all planned but then the unexpected eventuated.  We had a very early start to get to the Lakes of Covadonga before the road is closed during the busy summer period to private cars. We were there in good time but how were we to know that La Vuelta Espana was also heading there today. (Spain's equivalent to the Tour de France)

So, for the second year in a row I wasn't able to get to the Lakes. (We could have walked the 12 kms up to the lakes, then around and then back down, but weren't up for that today.) So we had a wander around he village of Covadonga, the huge basilica, the pilgrim women on their knees heading up the stairs to the chapel in the cave and back down to the car via the botanical gardens.

Breakfasting in Cangas de Onis, another cute village (of course) we noted the kayaking advertisement next door. So, the day was planned, four hours kayaking down the river Sello towards Ribadasella. 

And guess who passed by on our way downstream....La Vuelta Espana. So we were happy, we had seen them flash by as we paddled downstream. But no, there was more to come. We finished our kayak trip, got delivered back to Cangas de Onis and were there in time to see the ride back through town. Happy days...I got some verified La Tour socks, Mike got his bag of goodies (including a new t-shirt, so still no washing required) and Helen gave the kiddies our flags.

Then we had a look around town, lovely. That's Helen on top of the bridge. 

To finish for a top travel day, a new cider pump was introduced at dinner.