The Picos

Post by Wynette: We went around a curve this morning and I couldn’t believe my eyes when these snow-covered mountains appeared. I had no idea we’d see mountains like this. They are the Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe). We’ll walk within 10 or 20 miles of them (but I’m glad not over them). I took this photo, trying to be artistic, by zooming in with my phone camera, but not really a zoom lense, so it’s pretty blurry. Here’s one not zoomed from a slightly different angle.

On the Beach

We walked a long way on this beach today on the Camino. The Camino has gone right on the beach a few times and we really like it. They have beautiful sandy beaches all along the north coast of Spain. The slope is very gradual so the beaches are large and there is a lot of distance between low and high tide. The sand close to the water is hard packed and great for walking.

We had to cross a few streams but they spread out as they get to the ocean and we have no trouble crossing them with our waterproof shoes.

These photos show each direction. There are surfers on every beach and we have passed maybe ten surfing schools.

Labor Day: Comillas to San Vicente de la Barquera, Tuesday, May 1

Post by Wynette: We walked 8 easy miles today. May 1 is a Spanish national holiday, Día del Trabajador, Day of the Worker. Luckily for us tourists, restaurants and hotels are open. But nothing much else. We got to walk the last mile on a long sandy beach on the way into San Vicente. We saw lots of people out enjoying the beautiful sunny day. Above photo was where we stopped for breakfast: fried eggs and coffee and toast. We’ve found that most bars are happy to make eggs for us. The cute bartender said, in pretty good English, if you are hungry, we’ll do it for you. No one ever asks how we want them cooked and they always make them perfectly.

Waiting

Post by Wynette: We passed this pilgrim today. She was walking with two girls. Then we saw her pull ahead and then saw her sitting up ahead. She reminded us of a nun. We said hello as we passed her and she had a friendly face so we stopped to chat. She was from Slovenia. She was waiting for her daughters who had stopped to visit a large group of horses.

A Day in the Rain: Playa de Luaña to Comillas, Monday, April 30

Post by Wynette: We walked 6 miles today. Rained the whole way. The first little bit was on a boardwalk. It was a pretty walk, mostly on quiet country roads. It never poured hard. Just a slow steady rain. We were rather wet and maybe just a little cranky when we got to Comillas. We were looking forward to seeing Comillas but mostly have hunkered down in our warm, dry room. Supposed to be some sunshine tomorrow.

Back at the Beach after a Few Days Inland

Post by Wynette: Here is where we are tonight. Kind of like a US motel. Unusual here. But on a quiet highway. Below is view from our little balcony patio, which, unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to use for our picnic dinner because it started raining. There is a sandy beach there in the little cove where we’ll start on the Camino tomorrow.