Spain 2005

	Senior Gary and Seniora Tracy Davies our organisers of the magnificent tour of the Paradores of the Picos Europa Spain.
	Team 2 arrive Plymouth, waiting for Team 1 where are they? As usual they are there first keeping a place for us on board ship.
	Dave, John and Gerald take in the view as we set sail on a beautiful day from Plymouth.
	Time to relax on board ship.
	The Parador at Gijon was a former antique Asturian mill near San Lorenzo beach, with a beautiful pond creating harmony and peace. The interior recreates a cosy atmosphere with comfortable, sunny facilities. The large windows reveal the nearby presence of the sea. The restaurant serves typical dishes from Asturias such as Asturian bean stew, beans with clams, fish in cider, Asturian type crepes and 'casadielles' (fried sweet with dried fruit).
	The gardens of the Paradore
	Time to relax and review the journey.
	Rhisiart and Howard swap tales of the ferry journey and the Dolphins which were racing the ship did Howard get them on video I wonder.
	The A Team reviewing the Dinner Menu at the Paradore
	It looks as though this team all enjoyed an excellent dinner at the Paradore, time for John to go to bed he has a long day in the saddle tomorrow.
	Leon is that way says Phil, why two fingers? All motorcyclists who travel the Continent know the answer to that one!
	This road shows the promise of things to come.
	Cath,Tracy and Lorinda have taken the bikes up in to the mountains and put them through their paces.
	What has Phil been up to Gary on his knees asking for divine help!
	The Paradore at Leon absolutely first class! It was formally a 16th Century Monastery-Hospital. Construction began around 1515 on this monumental building, which features a Spanish Plateresque façade. The past is evident in the Cloister, Church, Choir and Chapterhouse, and the present in the careful renovation-work, combined with an interior filled with works of art and rooms which gave shelter to pilgrims in times of old. In combination with the works of Vela Zaneti, Lucio Muñoz and Vaquero Turcio, among others, the Parador is converted into a living museum.
	The foyer of the Leon Paradore
	Every one settles down for an exquisite dinner at the Leon Paradore, I think Phil has just discovered he has a frogs leg in his mouth!
	We are becoming connoisseurs of Rioja!
	The former Cloisters at the Paradore Leon, the Church which is magnificent is still in use.
	The group at Leon.
	Chris had a smile on his face all the time he was on his bike, this shot was taken on the road to Benevente
	Another great shot taken by Tracy, she is a dab hand at taken photos over her shoulder whilst on the back of Gary’s bike.
	Anybody for a swim? A well earned rest on a very warm day.
	No this is not the Elan Valley Wales it’s the Picos in Northern Spain.
	The Benevente Parador hotel has been built on the site of the castle built by King Fernando II of Leon. The castle was destroyed in 1808 during the Napoleonic Wars. Incorporated in the Parador is the old tower of the castle known as the "Torre del Caracol". This tower contains a beautiful room of the Parador with a much admired Mudejar coffered ceiling.
	The pool and Gardens at the Benevente Paradore
	Time to chill out and enjoy the sunshine
	I think this hand signal is reserved for the Queen but I have failed to find it in Road Craft.
	This was taken outside a Restaurant on the road between Gijon and Leon it was tucked away off the road but well spotted by Tracy.
	Another light lunch, if we carry on like this we will all be on diets when we get home!
	John cooling off and clearing his head.
	John Sue and Mair admiring the view
	Beep Beep! Alias Chris relaxing in the sun
	No it doesn’t matter what the Garmin says this is Riano.
	Church at Riano.
	Howard and Dave relaxing at Riano.
	Lunch on the Terrace at Riano.
	Stunning views at Riano.
	Stunning view of the Picos Europa from Riano.
	The Paradore at Santa Domingo D La Calzada a Four star hotel in the "Antiguo Hospital de la Ruta Jacobea" (The Old Hospital of the Jacobean Way) St. Dominic used the site of the former palace of the kings of Navarra to build this Hospital to give medical care for pilgrims on their way to Santiago do Compostela. The building was part of a major restoration of the surrounding area and opened as a Parador in 1965. As you enter it is like stepping back in time when the church was the richest body and the rich and famous made their holy pilgrimages. The main hall is divided into sitting areas by huge stone Gothic arches, with natural lighting through the old stained glass in the ceiling.
	John and Sue and John and Mair out for a breath of air before Dinner.
	Yet another fine meal at the Paradore at Santa Domingo.
	Taking a rest from the bikes on the way to Funte De.
	Ode to “Gwlad”Gladys. Red leader has been demote Gladys has led him a dance. We have been around and round about and almost in to France. But Dave-he came to the rescue, he found a bit of paper with words and many coloured lines it really was a Saviour. Now Gerald and his Sat Nav Glad they really thought this “Crap” But what on earth was this simple thing? A wonderful paper map. Mair Jones
	The parador at Fuente De is sheltering under the Picos de Europa, is the terminus for a mountain cable car This modern mountain refuge is located in the foothills of the Picos de Europa and opening onto the fertile Liebana valley. It is surrounded by woodlands and hillsides in a region which is split into modest hamlets. The building is located at the bottom of the cable car which travels up to the Aliva viewpoint. Look down into the valley and see the Parador in the middle.
	John exploring a sleepy Spanish medieval town.
	Not a bridge to far by any means taking us to some more super roads.
	A rare photo of Wayne, I see no bikes!
	Dave and John taking a blow the magnificent Pecos Europa in the background.
	Howard and John loading up.
	Ian, Cath, Gary, Tracy, Lorrinda and Phil cooling off a very warm day any body for a swim?
	The Parador at Cervera de Pisuerga looks over the waters of the Ruesga reservoir Built in the style of a five story hunting lodge, this Parador is in the foothills of the Picos de Europa. The views are of the Ruesga reservoir and the distant mountains of the Natural Park of Fuentes Carrionas. The decor captures the spirit of the hunting lodge with wood panelled walls decorated with mounted heads of wild animals. Colour is provided by brightly painted ceramics. The bedrooms are very spacious and comfortable with balconies from which the view can be enjoyed.
	Another view of the Parador at Cervera de Pisuerga.
	A view from the hotel terrace of the Ruesga reservoir.
	John, Sue, John and Mair enjoying lunch at the Piazza at Ruesga.
	What will we do next, sleep by the looks of things.
	This is Dave who has decided to protect him self after enjoying a little too much sun at Benevente!
	Stunning view across the Ruesga reservoir.
	Howard enjoys a cooling dip in the lake..
	Dave and Phil enjoy an aperitif.
	A big thank you to Gary and Tracy for all the time and hard work you put in to organising the holiday. The roads have been fantastic the scenery stunning, good company, good weather a bikers paradise. Thanks again. Gerald
	Not quite journeys end.
	A few tired travellers to much high living me thinks!
	Good by Santander I am sure S.W.A.M will be coming back.