To Portugalete

September 5

To Portugalete  13kmo (700km togo)

Leaving Bilbao we had two choices - follow the river bank or take the longer mountain route. We chose the shorter route, following the river, however it was very disappointing as this route went through 10km of industry. It wasn't until we got closer to our destination that the landscape started to improve. The river crossing was a large tram infrastructure, which the residence call the "ferry bridge". It was built in 1942 and designed to carry pedestrians and cars. There is a tower at each end about 12 stories high that you take an elevator to the top and walk across the river and then take the elevator down. Portugalete is not a large town, and it only took a couple of hours to explore. We ate lunch in the park along the river bank, enjoying the afternoon sun. Lots visitors and locals doing the same, and in the afternoon heading for the tapa bars.