Of course there is profit being made on every corner selling candles and the like, some in the shape of body parts which are taken to be blessed then burnt with a prayer for healing.
It can only be said that this place is truly remarkable and I hope from the photographs it is possible to grasp the sheer size of this place.
We left Fatima and Tomar heading out to the coast of Portugal to avoid going through Lisbon.
Next stop Spain. we try not to use motorways in the hope that we will see and find more interesting places to see and sometimes stop at the roadside to stock up with lovely local produce.
The ancient city of Campostilla de Santiago was our next place of interest. It rather reminded me of York perhaps because it was raining!
The Regions of Cantabria and Asturius in the north of Spain are very scenic the climate is just right for July and it is easy to see why so many Spanish people including the old King Alfonso chose to reside here in the Picos mountains during the summer months.
Our tunnel crossing was booked and it was now time to press on into France with one more planned visit. Oradour sur Glane. We had planned to visit Byonne and Bearitz it wasn't to be this time and headed off for Dax. One of the things we look forward to in France is the pavement cafes.
Dax is a spa town famous for its healing waters which leave the ground at 65deg. C.
Leaving the road to find somewhere to park up for lunch is sometimes quite a surprise! We stumbled upon Chateaux Rochefouauld.
A good parking spot by the river along with a couple of other motor homes a walk up to the Chateaux and some chocolate for later.
Ourador Sur Glane is a town near Limouges which was wiped out by the SS during WW2 all the inhabitants were massacred and the town burnt. It now remains as it was as a reminder of the horror of war. The underground visitor centre offers a very interesting account of what happened there and Why.
This concludes our journey through Portugal, Spain and France and a final push through the wheat fields to Calais.
Once in England we spent time with family. A day out in Frinton on Sea Alice found George was quite useful on our long walk along the seafront.
Up to Lancashire to visit friends and family there. Would it be nice enough for a day at 'The Open'
Well we did go and had a lovely day it was very cold but no rain. Another fine day and a day out with Lisa Dan and Nate. A picnic in the Lakes.
After spending time wandering around the Essex countryside and a few days in Dorset we spent the Bank Holiday Saturday at Folkstone with a tunnel crossing booked for Sunday.
We have been back in Spain now for 4 weeks. The return journey is still in the camera. Perhaps a job for another rainy day.
