A long but interesting travel day. Took a long time to get out of Bilbao- it has Spain's longest tunnel, especially if you travel it twice!

The Basque Country of Northern Spain is very different from Spain in general . Different language, darker complexions, and the houses are much more like what we have seen in Austria or Italy than in Spain. The country is hilly, richer, and greener. The coast along the Bay of Biscay very rugged with tall cliffs and glorious sandy surf beaches.

Drove through Guernica, site of severe bombing in the Spanish Civil War in April 1937, with huge civilian casualties, and inspiration for Picasso's anti-war painting "Guernica." Looked for the Gernikako Arbola, a tree representing the soul of the Basque Country, but could not find it (or anywhere to park to go and look).

Drove on to Lekeitio for shopping, and to Ondarroa, where we overlooked cliffs and beaches as we had lunch.

Crossed into France again. We had been paying motorway tolls all day in Spain, and now had to pay our share to France! Very trying and expensive at times. Noted the road signs are still in two languages- now French and Basque.

Arrived at our camp for the night in the small town of Orhez. Needed to try our poor French again but we managed. Soft rain as we finished dinner. Hope for a quiet night. Tomorrow I retire..........!!!!!!!