To Sant Sadurni d'Anoia and Banyoles

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Thursday 23 February

 This morning was our last at Tropi, so lots of goodbyes to and from several of the lovely people we have met over the last 3 weeks.  Most of them are staying another month or so, so we wished them a very happy, warm and sunny time.

For us though, it was a drive north to a small town inland from Barcelona, at Sant Sadurni d'Anoia.  This was a free camperstop - not particularly attractive and rather busy - but was somewhere new to walk around during the afternoon.  There was 1 geocache in the town to find - behind an information board,

some interesting buildings
s

a fantastic chocolate shop!
and a hidden church.
We had a very quiet night, despite some rain, but then brilliant sunshine when we woke up.

Friday 24 February

Although this camperstop is listed as having 5 places, there ended up being 10 overnight!  We had wondered why this bank behind us was covered with a plastic membrane.  The car beside us arrived early and 2 chaps proceeded to start planting shrubs in it.  So it will become a more attractive site eventually.  The fancy Netherlands van turned up late and is parked on a non-pitch!


100 miles further north this morning, we've come to Camping El Llac at Banyoles, west of Gerona, with views of the Pyrenees en route. 

The name of the campsite gives a clue as to our surroundings.  The Estany de Banyoles.

So after lunch we walked a short way around the lake, then off on a footpath through a nature reserve with a stork on its nest




 water buffaloes

and horses, all protected by electric fences.

We returned beside the lake, with a rowing competition in full swing

and photographed 2 of the 20 pesquera (fishing houses) built at the end of the 19C.

Then we came to Porqueres Church of Santa Maria, built in 12C.


A very plain interior with an unusual font.

We are staying 2 nights here, so will be exploring more tomorrow.



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