22/4 Friday Comillas to San Vicente de La Barquera 12.5km I spent yesterday evening wandering around Comillas and the Gaudí Caprice building - interesting. Nearby was a palace but it was closed so I decided to visit in the morning, on the way out of town. The Albergue recommended Restaurant Filipinas so I ended up there and joined Alberto, from Sardinia, and Marco. Food was the main topic of conversation, mostly in Spanish so I chipped in occasionally but most...

21/4 Thursday Santillana to Comillas 22.5km A dull start to the day - breakfast and weather! However, the scenery was pleasantly rustic as I walked to the company of the music on my phone. I passed on the first coffee stop as I was just getting into my stride. That was a mistake as I didn’t get to the next open shop or cafe until about 2pm. The architecture is gradually changing- more balconies on rural buildings and more ornate, but less attractive, churc...

20/4 Wednesday Boo to Santillana del Mar 21kmThis morning the guide recommended one stop (2 minutes) on the local train to Mogro to cross the estuary as the alternative is 8.5km by road. Toni, Marco, Heika and I were all waiting for the train together. At Morgo we set off together to rejoin the Camino route. Marco soon sped off and Heika decided on a different option. Toni and I were happy at the same pace so got to know each other. Toni is a 59 year old Catala...

19/4 Tuesday Santander to Boo24.5km Santander to La Maruca 5.5kmLa Maruca to El Cazurro 9.5kmEl Cazurro to Boo de Piéaglos 9.5km Today's direct route was not appealing but the coast was. Only problem, the latter was 33km rather than 14km. My compromise was to cut my own route directly north across Santander to the coast which cuts a big corner off the coastal option. Good breakfast and then out into the rain. The locals had their umbrellas out so I did too. M...

18/4 Monday Güemes to Santander 18kmLast night's talk by Pastor Ernesto was interesting- he firmly believes that the Camino is the walk of life, for many from dark times to a brighter future. He rejected religious perspectives as he said the church does too little to challenge oppression. The process of looking, walking and sharing was enough to lead to a more enlightened life. Breakfast was dry and disappointing after a delicious communal meal last night. ...