Sept 23, Nueva 17km

The terrain was similar to yesterday's, very rugged. The trek was shorter by 8km and more pleasant. The problem is when we arrived to the town it was 2:30pm and all stores were closed. There is always a downside to arriving early. 

We awoke to dark rainy clouds, but only a few sprinkles.

Doesn't the rock formation look like a whale?

Julie was in cat heaven today!

Sept 22, Llanes 25km

Today's trek was long and with great terrain. The mountains were majestic with the ocean as the backdrop. There were more trails rather than hard paved roads, but still many ascents and descents. But the ups and downs were much shorter than the day before. There were fewer bars and restaurants and we ran out of water. Not a good thing on a hot sunny day!

Llanes is a busy tourist town with a tiny harbour, and many places to eat local foods. Cider is the local drink and there is a unique way of pouring. The bottle is fitted with a special spout and is held about 18 inches above the glass and then poured. This makes for lots of bubbles in the glass.

Leaving Unquera

 A beautiful sunrise

 Many rolling hills, rocky and a pasture for cattle, horses and sheep.

 There are many secluded spots along this Camino. Many are discovered by hardcore surfers.

Llanes

Many of the century old buildings are beautifully preserved.

 Lanes harbour

Sept 21, Unquera 28km

This was one of the most difficult trek on this route. Lots of ups and downs for most of the 28km, which was very exhausting. Thank goodness there were many bars to rest and energize. This being Saturday, the bars were filled with many locals celebrating with families. There was one bar where a little boy (about 4 years old) who wiped out, with a scraped and bloody knee, bloody nose and cut eyebrow. He was crying, but his mother was in no hurry. She was not going to leave until she finished her beer. Good attitude. The kid eventually stopped crying. He probably felt cool from all the attention he was getting from other kids.

 I remember this house from 2015, displaying and selling their squash

 Saturday bolo tournament underway. The Spaniards are strategic, making sure the bar is next to the court.

Wow, this is one big bull and one single wire fence separating us!

 We're getting closer to Santiago. Only 400km left to go.

Sept 20, Comillas 24km

Julie is claiming we went 27km today, and I'm claiming we took some shortcuts and went 19km. I split the difference and suggest 24km is the true number. Regardless the day was long and tiring. The trek today took us through beaches, many little villages, mostly farmlands, and there were some interesting bars for tapas and lunch. It's so much fun when there are delicious treats along the way. 

Comillas is an interesting town, with a historical centre and a large beach. Another regret that we are not staying another day to explore the many monuments.

 Most of today's trek going through small rural towns.

 We are not sure these animals are llamas or a breed of sheep or goat.

Two locals using the church parking lot to dry seaweed.

 Arriving to Comillas. This is the main entrance to their university.

This fountain is in the old town.