To Llanes

September 15

To Llanes 24km

Today was dreary and wet as we started our trek at 8am, and the outlook is the same for the next few days. Today's trek was scenic as it hugged the coastline. Llanes is a beautiful sea-side town filled with many shops and restaurants, and can be appreciated much more on a sunny day.

To Unquera

September 14

To Unquera 13k

On the advise of another peregrino we took a different route that shortened the trek by a few km. It was great weather for walking, overcast and cool. Today we found the pastries in coffee shops quite interesting - they were huge! There's a local specialty called "corbata" (necktie). As you can imagine it is long and wide, and very sweet. Too much for one person to consume. 

To San Vicente

September 13

To San Vicente 13km (476km Togo)

The day started gloomy (cloudy and light rain) as we walked the coastline to San Vicente. It was picturesque and by time we reached our destination the sun began to shine. Looking back in the distance we could see a beautiful rainbow. San Vicente is a delightful town with a harbour, many restaurants and bars, and a medieval castle and church on the hillside. We had no difficulty finding a hotel and later, on the way to the castle, we found a restaurant that had a peregrino menu - seafood, stewed beef, dessert and wine. Back to the room for a siesta and later a walk around town. What a great day!

CAN YOU SEE THE RAINBOW?

To Comillas

September 12

To Comillas 22km

It was a dreary day - cool and damp, which is great for trekking. Unfortunately when we reached our destination it began to rain that limited our exploration around town. Comillas is a medieval town worth visiting, on a sunny day.

Posada for morning coffee on the patio

To Santillana

September 11

To Santillana 29km

Too much partying last night. We slept through the alarm and rushed to get ready. We paid the price. It was a long and painful trek, not because of the terrain, but my body was feeling tired. The trek today followed primarily country roads, which were quiet and peaceful, and we picked apples and figs to enjoy along the way.  But the hard surface roads are taking their toll on our feet. When we reached Santillana we stopped at the first accommodation- a farm house, Casa Milagros. It turned out to be an excellent decision. It was just a 5 minute walk to Santillana, and we were amazed. Santillana is a well preserved medieval town, with flocks of tourists coming to explore the many exhibits. 

To Santander

September 10

To Santander 10km+ferry

Happy Birthday Julie! We talked to our son at 7am on Skype and it was nice to hear his voice and get an update on the kids' first few days at school. Off by 7:45am and our coffee stop was over an hour later. Today's trek was relatively short and easy, following the bike path beside the main road. Lots of peregrinos waiting in Somo for the ferry. Some staying in Santander, but most moving on. I don't blame them. It's raining as we arrive and not much to do in the town. We refreshed our supplies and went out for dinner celebrate Julie's birthday.

To Guemes

September 9

To Guemes  25km (591 Togo)

We took a modified route today shorting our trek by almost 10km. The trek took us away from the coast and inland through farmlands and most of the way on farm roads - not much traffic, but the pavement was punishing on the feet. There is a popular Albergue about 1.8km before Guemes, which many peregrinos headed for. We decided to go into town and found a Posada/Restaurant that better met our needs. We lucked out. Our room had a jacuzzi tub, which felt good on tired muscles.