Saturday 11 July 2015

JULY 2015 : SPAIN : El Camino del Norte : Day 11 : Guemes - Santander (16 kms - 4 hours with ferry ride)

Distance walked so far : 230 kms
Distance to go : 582 kms


                               

A beautifully sunny day, 25o, and very pleasant walking on a variant coastal path with a ferry to Santander. Highly recommended.

      

        A simple breakfast of milk coffee and bread and jam for all the pelegrinos. It is donation only but 
        with the proviso that visitors understand the ongoing costs of providing such a high class service.


      

         Saying adios to Ernesto, our host. We are amongst 8,000 pelegrinos who have stayed here
         in the last year.

       

          Not long after leaving the albergue we could see the coast and our path for today.


       
     
          Spectacular views to Santander.


      

        We enjoyed being off the asphalt and on a soft path and sea views.

     

        Farm on one side of the path and the ocean on the other.


          

              Walking high on the cliffs


       

           Beautiful beaches and these natural pools mesmerised us as we walked past.


       

         A half hour walk along the beach in Somo.


       

        A welcome refreshment break by the beach.


       

         The ferry leaves every half hour and takes about 30 minutes to the centre of Santander.


      

         The impressive city of Santander - modern, cosmopolitan and on the most beautiful bay.


                                   

     We found the Pension Plaza near the waterfront. Clean, modern and simply furnished. 50 euros.
     Even had a bath, no plug no problem - we have learnt to add a universal plug to our packs for
     emergencies!


      

      The lovely Miro print in our room.
       

       
         

         Bob googled best eateries in Santander and came up with a fabulous restaurant nearby.

       

         Fresh and delicious. We were all delighted with our choices. Some deep-fried specialities,
         seafood stew (with more seafood than stew) and seafood stuffed in slow cooked green 
         capsicums.
 
     

        We spent the afternoon at the beach - I was the only one in Speedos.

       

        Across from the beach there were summer markets - including local pulpo (octopus)


                                       

                Herbs for your every need. The one at the back is for improving loss of memory


                                         

      Artisans were showcasing their crafts. This fellow was making traditional high-heeled clogs.

      
  
        There was a reinactment of life in Santander in 1900. The theme of their summer festival.

        

           Locals dressed up and paraded around the area.


         

          Local children proudly showing off their heritage.

       

           A light meal at a friendly local cafe. Ready again to hit the road tomorrow!

M&M








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