13/4 Wednesday at Castro Urdiales
Slow start to the day for once! Out after 9am and found tostada con tomate - first time this trip and delicious! Who else but Mira should be walking past as I’m eating. Just a quick hello as he, and Toni his boxer, was just getting moving.

I had a look at the impressive church, inside and out, over looking the harbour. Apparently 13C, gothic with flying buttresses and renowned across the region, Cantabria.

Bought a long-sleeved shirt to protect the arms from sunburn and bread for lunch, oh and strawberries! Sat on a bench and enjoyed the harbour view for lunch then walked east along the promenade for a paddle and slonk in the sun. Another unused bit of equipment proved an asset. My inflatable sleeping mat, brought for emergency camping, was perfect for lying comfortably on the sand.

Today, being a rest day, is a good time to reflect on the Camino so far. I’m just out of Basque country and into Cantabria, having walked a little over 200km in 12 days so averaging 16-17 km a day - a little more than I expected!

No blisters but sore toes and across the top of both feet where the laces pull. I have to juggle these two as tighter laces protects the toes from bashing the end of the shoes. Good to have the sandals for evening strolls.

The rucksack and contents feel heavy to lift but once on not a problem until shoulder ache sets in after about 4 hrs. Almost everything packed has been of use at some point apart from first-aid kit and tarpaulin. Neither being a bad thing!
Route finding has generally been easy with most paths well signposted. The OSMandMaps app has been most useful with downloads of Camino and GR options, particularly as it can be used with gps without data. The Wise Pilgrim guides are proving reliable re accommodation options.

I’ve made good Camino friends so far and have had company walking some days and not others. I’m happy with both and have enjoyed the balance so far. I’m loving the Albergues that provide a communal evening meal - a great chance to meet fellow pilgrims. Conversely, evenings in towns without Albergues feel a little lonely.

Finally, I need to say I’m missing my wonderful and supportive wife, Jill. She would enjoy lots of the walking and sights here if not the backpack and hostel life! Little things remind me of her all the time, a robin, wild flowers, waves on a beach. I’m so glad we keep in touch and chat every day. My daughter, Jess, would see a positive in this, reminding me that missing someone just reinforces how much you love and care for them.