Page 87 - Demo

Sotres (Pro: Sow-tre) (Pop. 190)On the way you can see the Pe%u00f1a Ma%u00edn, which is more than 1,500 metres high; and just in front you can also see the walls of Portudera, with more than 1,200 metres of altitude. It was a nice ride up here and the perfect place to enjoy a drink.In Sotres they have a large number of natural caves for cheese maturation. The Sotres cheese factory called Main has for generations made Cabrales cheese in an artisanal way, which has led them to many awards.We waited for the cafe to open and relaxed with some delicious orange cake and some very good cafe con leche. Day 25 - Thursday 02/10/2025 - Potes to Picos de Europa National Park to Poncebos to Bulnes to Sotres toPoncebos (Continued)It was a short walk down a gravel road to a bridge over a stream and the village itself. It was very quiet in the valley as we were on the first trip up. We took advantage by snapping lots of very photogenic shots without hordes of people in the way. As the funicular was only recently built, and the village was cut off, it is a perfectly preserved old Cantalabrian settlement. Now its a very popular hiking spot. While Louise rested Steve put his 'turbo stick' back into action and walked the short distance up the valley to a lookout with glorious views of 'Naranjo de Bulnes' the signature peak of the Picos de Europa. And one that has been on his 'bucket list' for a long time. He walked over an extremely rocky path to a view point, it was not good on his foot. He was disappointed with the view until he turned around to see a spectacular view of the iconic peak.We caught the noon train back down and drove to the cute tiny sleepy little mountain village of Sotres. Got to hand it to Europeans. They know how to beautify it's little towns and villages. Sotres is the highest town in Asturias. The drive here was amazing. As you ascend you pass through handcrafted tunnels in the rock, while following the path of the Duje River; which accompanies them. There was a big biker rally on today. Most bikers were well behaved, but there were a few 'I own the road so get out of my way' riders that were a nuisance.Had drink's in the local pub, the Casa Mi G%u00fcelu. It was really hot and sunny today. We wandered the town. Lunch was in Hotel Rural Restaurante Pe%u00f1a Castil with a nice restaurant located upstairs. We had corn tortillas with Cabrales (blue) cheese, Sotres honey, toasted walnuts, and pollen. Delicioso! And the service was very good too.Next stop was back to Bulnes and nearby Poncibos. Hostal Poncibos was our accommodation for the night, with its crystal-clear river full of fish and dominated by towering cliffs. And cider on tap! Tonight's meal was Asturian stew, a trout dish, and a slice of grandma cake for Steve. And chicken and salad and rice pudding for Louise. Finally a meal that came with salad, something we have not seen much of in Spain. Louise was really struggling with a bad cold. It had effected her ears with all the twists and turns and had left her a bit sea sick. It has also left us both with a nasty cough. Steve gets the blame, of course.