NORTHERN SPAIN PICOS DE EUROPA TOUR 2011

[GoldSyncro]

Hi All

After a few tentative enquiries I have learnt that the local authorities in the Picos are starting to restrict some mountain trails to four wheel drive vehicles. The good news is that this doesn't mean they cannot be used, it just means that the relevant licences will have to be sought. To do this I need a good idea of how many vehicles may be involved. Therefore please could you let me know if you're a definite or a maybe.

I'm thinking about organising the trip for September/October next year. Maybe around a school holiday. The ferry from Plymouth to Santander will be quite expensive (around 500 quid) but will save the cost of traveling up through France. Mileage will also be kept to a minimum as the picos is only a couple of hours from the ferry port. I'll speak to my friend at Brittany Ferries to see if I can get a group discount.

There are a few choices of accommodation. Option 1 would be a local campsite. Option 2 would be to rent a house with the option of a cook. In either case it would mean coming back to base camp each day. The other option would be to rough camp. This would be better if you wanted to do an actual journey. Again, if this is to be seriously considered I need an idea of numbers as licences will need to be obtained.

I've already spoken to a friend who guides in the Picos and he's more than happy to assist as my Spanish leaves a lot to be desired.

Thanks again for making our trip to Mammut Park such an enjoyable one and for all your kind comments.

Cheers

Robert

[Titus A Duxass]

We are seriously thinking about this one.
We will not be off-roading (2WD only) and would "day-trip" out of a base campsite.

We really would like to visit the Picos again, it's a fantastic place.

We don't have to worry about the ferries, just the bloody long drive to and from.

[v-lux]

I'm definitely in Rob.

Whatever way it happens, it sounds great to me. How long are you thinking for the whole affair?
Just wondering if it might be possible to do both a few days of base camp day trips and then a few days +/- expedition?

I like both types of mission, day trips are great as its always good to be able to return to the previous nights set up and just relax/chat/unwind/debrief. However i also really like being out somewhere remote under the stars with a campfire, wondering about what the next day will bring.

[GoldSyncro]

Hi Titus

If you fancy a visit before the end of next year we can provide you with a place to park your van or, if you're into something more comfortable, an apartment near the beach in Santillana del Mar, Cantabria. If you're not into the 4 wheel drive thing then our place would make for a better base to explore the whole region.

Please feel free to look us up at; http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/Spain/ ... p73009.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers

rob

[sonic23]

Oh I am so tempted......
We were thinking of coming down to this neck of the woods in the Oct2011 half term.

I need to get into the waves at Liencres again
That rental property looks fantastic.

Rich

[axeman]

i for one will definatly be comming along it would be grate if it were the oct half term as maddie would have started school and sally is a teacher and she can not take time off during term time, hence us having to leave syncro 25 on the sunday so we could get back on the mon to go to work on the tuesday, she should have her time table for next year so i will post up same dates hen she gets home. this would be one for the doka though, better find a tent

neil

[GoldSyncro]

Hi Al

Good to hear from you. It'll take 2 days to get to the Picos from the UK and obviously the same to get back. I was thinking about maybe 5 to 7 days in the Picos so the total trip would be up to 11 days depending on the ferry timetable. I was also thinking about the possibility of splitting the trip as you suggested. Half the trip could be made up of day trips whilst the other half could be spent doing a longer expedition, rough camping as we go. I guess it depends on how many van's or doka's want to come. Then again you can always pitch a tent.

I've also spoken to Dave at Futbus. He's coming over on the 17th October to fit my new brakes. We'll definitely be spending a few days in the mountains checking out possible routes, etc. He's coming over on the ferry and his family is joining him later by plane. If you can't wait until next year maybe you could join him???

Cheers

Rob

[GoldSyncro]

Hi Neil & Rich

Again, I was thinking down the same lines. October half term week would allow the event to be a real family affair. Even if wives or children need to fly back early I'm sure that can be arranged. Ryanair fly from Stanstead to Santander (volcano permitting) and, if you book early enough, are very cheap.

Cheers

Rob

PS. Going to Liencres this weekend!!

[jed the spread]

I best come too, to make sure Al behaves himself

jed

[v-lux]

I best come too, to make sure Al behaves himself

Blind leading the blind springs to mind.....

[rogerg-wagon]

Hi Rob,
Thanks for the great idea.
Julia and I will be a definite as somebody needs to keep the younger element, [Al and Jed under control] oops! didn,t mean to mention any names, sorry Guys.
Mr. A. Duch'ess will need a ride into the mountains as well I guess?
Julia also has a lot of experience in dealing with Britanny ferries so has offered to organise a deal and sort out the logistics from Plymouth for those interested.

[jed the spread]

Julia and I will be a definite as somebody needs to keep the younger element, [Al and Jed under control] oops! didn,t mean to mention any names, sorry Guys.
Mr. A. Duch'ess will need a ride into the mountains as well I guess?

Hehehe... I like it Roger, especially how I am 36

jed

[Russel]

Your waist is far bigger than 36!
Russel

[syncrodoug]

Looks as I will have to come along to give Roger a hand with the younger members!

[KarlT]

Yeah but he's had a hard life!

I'm a maybe at the moment, will give it some more thought/planning.