There is still no surf, well nothing big enough. I decide to keep moving on. Although this campsite is cheap and has a great view I think it is best to use flat days for moving on. I drive onto Playa de Gaztetape, but the surf is flat. I try Zaumaia, but it is flat there also. The surf forecast is definitely for bigger waves than this, and its disappointing. I continue on. I decided to head for Mundaka, one of the most famous waves in Europe.
The mountain roads are very very windy. Whilst quite fun to drive the strain is a lot for the van. It has been brilliant so far, but I fear a breakdown on these roads would be a total nightmare. Spanish drivers are totally unforgiving and impatient. I am running a little low on fuel, so I fill up, which is not such a good idea as this makes the van even heavier. A half tank would have been fine!
I continue to Mundaka. It is an ordinary Spanish town. I park up next to the small beach. It is obvious where the wave normally is, but there is barely a ripple there. I think it needs a lot of swell to work. It is hard to imagine what it must be like here when ‘it is going off’, or there is a competition.
I drive on for Playa de Bakio. I have to wind up and down 2 different mountains to get there. At least the roads are good on these mountains. I find the beach which is part of a lovely town. There is only one decent break on the waves though, and the locals have it hogged. It is quite frustrating driving all this way, especially through the mountains, to find no waves. I decide to head for Bilbao, and see the sights there. Maybe when I have finished there in a few days the surf will be more agreeable. I head for the suburb of Sopelana, where the closest campsite to the city is. I find the campsite and check in. I walk to the beach, which only takes a few minutes. I can see the sea from the campsite, but not the breaking waves. There are many surfers here. These are the best waves I have seen all day. Car crime is a problem here apparently. The campsite will offer my van good security if I surf tomorrow. There is a metro and bus service to the city.
