Sometimes, you just get lucky in life – not just when i met Jo, but when you choose a holiday destination. On this trip I wanted to chill out and relax – and even – God Forbid – not charge around like a Bull on Speed. With that in mind I had chosen a spanish seaside resort as a start for our trip – Playa Joyel between Bilbao and Santander.

This is a large campsite – and may not suit all as it is so busy – BUT – Inglese are fairly unknown here – so…. the amenities are incredibly clean but have their own quirks… the toilet cubicles – at least for Les Hombres – do not have toilet roll dispensers, rather you take what you think you may need from the dispenser in in the main foyer…. if you have had a chicken madras this could be some what dicey….

But – the big thing here is the beach – and wow, what a beach! the Atlantic is tidal so, the beach does vary in size – but its swept every low tide and is kept incredibly clean. Its also apparent that its very much a community area with children feeling safe, and people being able to leave their stuff around safely.

This morning, when we got down to the beach, the tide was out and that meant I could explore the stones etc in the water – and i think they are pumice from local volcano activity

As I watched, folk were examing the rocks for the whelks etc – and speaking of food, in the complex is a restaurent / bar that though simple, serves some cracking salads – huge portions so one will serve 2 – especially with bread….

So – bearing in mind that most here do not speak English, would i recomend Play Joyel – damn right! Its clean, organised and right on the Beach.

Tonight, i am in the bar alone – no pass out – madame is not feeling well – but am with a french family watching PSG play…. and every time they score they buy me beer….