Thursday 9 July 2015

JULY 2015 : SPAIN : El Camino del Norte : Day 10 : Laredo - Guemes ( 28 kms - 9 hours with stops)

Distance walked so far : 214 kms
Distance to go : 598 kms



                                               

                 A big day! A stage recommended in the guidebook but not for the fainthearted.

      

        Early morning coffee with our St Fermin fix. An Australian was injured yesterday in the Running of 
        the Bulls.


      

        We said our goodbyes to Michelle as we are travelling to different destinations today.


          

             It was 5kms along the Laredo promenade as we exited with many other pilgrims.

        
        

            We were able to catch a local ferry to Santona. 2 euros.

                                       

       We were very impressed with Santona, gracious architecture and lacking the holiday kitsch of Laredo.

                                           
    
                                     Before we knew it we were climbing a cliff, perilous in sections.

        

            Fabulous views of the beach in Santona, the township and massive prison.

       

         From the top of the cliff there were stunning views of another beach leading to Noja.

                                            

            We were grateful to get to the bottom safely as it was a steep and rocky path.

       

          As we prepared to walk down the beach the Australian Capenay family appeared.

         

         Quite a contrast of pelegrinos and the body beautiful beach bunnies walking down the beach.

       

         After a refreshing lunch (maybe a little too refreshing) Julie and Bob caught a taxi and Mark and I,
         true pelegrinos that we are, walked another 15kms.
         

        

          Lush farmland, with acres of corn fields.

        

            At 5.30pm we arrived at the famous albergue at Guemes. What an operation! Varied 
            accommodation, meeting rooms, state of the art washing facilities, library. All run by volunteers.

                                                      
                                                       

                                       Even massage and medical assistance if you need it.


       

          We have a four bed room with ensuite.


        

           The founder of the albergue, Ernesto Bustio, explains the philosophy of his Utopian ideal.


        

          A three course meal, with wine, for the 70 or so walkers, staying the night.

         PS Today could easily be divided into two days, as far as I'm concerned. Read all about it in my  
         forthcoming book, 'Divorce on the Camino'!

M&M

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