Hi everyone. The sun is shining and the group is complete at our little hotel, the delightful Hotel de Balsa in the little village of Soto de Cangas.

We had a good 2.5 hour minibus transfer from the airport speeding along the Route A—8 with splendid views of low mountains to our left and, from time to time, the sea to our right. Lunch of a bacon and cheese roll and a tortilla roll with a glass of beautifully cold coke was taken at a surprisingly good motorway cafe and we were soon at out hotel. small traditional

The small but traditional little hotel offers simple rooms and a good sleep beckoned. I’m on the left

Keen to see the local area a number of us headed to Cangas de Onis, a town about an hour away. On tiny country roads through gloriously green and lush woodland and past rustic farmsteads a group of 8 or so stretched our legs. We came to the town along the Rio Cüeña, a small tributary of the Sella River. The N-625 bridge over the river marks the centre of the town. It being Sunday afternoon I extend the little town to be quiet, but far from it. While traffic was light the town was thronged with families and sightseers like us and the cafes and restaurants were doing a good trade

By the river and next to the road bridge we came upon the Puente Romano. A huge, centuries-bridge spanning the river and open to visitors.

After a snack at one of the restaurants in the town square, in my case some calamares fritas (fried squid) served with a curious grey accompaniment which turned out to be a delicious sauce tartare mixed with squid ink, we headed back to the hotel. At 7 we were to be briefed on the trip by Rosanna, our Spanish/American guide

After the briefing it was out for diner, to the restaurant down the road

What a feast we had. Local cider was followed by bowls of chorizo, cheese croquettes, green salad with some powerfully pungent cheese, more clamares fritas, were devoured with local wine and finished with cheesecake and figs. Hmmm. Very tasty. But all too soon we headed for bed. It was going to be a great week. But before I go I have to sheer with you an advertising hoarding opposite the restaurant advertising some local cheese which made us smile.

Might give that one a miss 🤣🤣🤣

See you tomorrow 😊