Güemes to Santa Cruz de Bezana, 28Km
I hope they are. I went shopping in Decathlon, Santander this afternoon and bought a great new pair of walking trousers to replace the ones I ripped in that fall and a pair of Merrell walking shoes. I lost all confidence in my old shoes so Decathlon kindly recycled them. I walked out in the new Merrell shoes and they feel good so far.
Yesterday evening was underwhelming. At 7:30pm we were led into a room where the Fr Ernestio Bustio, who founded the albergue, spoke for 90 minutes, not about his work around the world but about his grandparents, languages, love etc. It was all in Spanish of course. Someone volunteered to translate but it became increasingly difficult for her to understand and convey any meaning from the rambling words. Meanwhile the pilgrims were tired and starving. Dinner was served at 9pm and consisted of chicken noodle soup followed by pasta in a sugary tomato sauce. There was plenty of food but not the kind you’d want to eat just before bed.
I slept so badly that my Apple Watch gave me the lowest possible sleep score and bluntly told me to get to bed early tonight.
This morning featured another fine cliff top walk. The weather cheered up and I walked with a small group of survivors to the ferry for the short crossing into Santander. Never miss the opportunity to eat lunch in Spain. I had a fabulous tuna salad and a sandwich which featured a French omelette and more salad. After that, I booked myself into the Hotel Camargo and set off shopping.
It’s now evening and naturally there’s nothing to eat but I’ve washed myself and my clothes and I’m sitting in La Isla with a large beer and a hot slice of tortilla. Santander is a sprawling unattractive city. I’ve walked through it. But this bar is a little gem, right next to the hotel. It looks like it did in the 1970s, there are no tourists and no one speaks a word of English. If it wasn’t for that wretched watch I stay here all night.
Pilgrimage 
Hi Tim Well it seems you are having quite an adventure ( not all of it the sort you would want but that makes the other bits all the better). I am glad you have lots of pilgrim company. It does sound a little like those medieval pilgrimages where the extensive hoards of pilgrims often went hungry and had to forage about for sustenance! I hope the food improves. I am looking forward to hearing more of your adventure. Keep well and try to avoid any more tumbles.
Suzi
Hi Suzi, it’s certainly a popular pilgrimage and always good to live in different cultures however strange they seem. Tim
Hi Tim,
I thought I had left a post but must have got lost in cyber space somewhere! Anyway, glad you are having a social time and the company helps you take your mind off the food. Look after your cuts and grazes – sorry you had a fall particularly so early on – hope you are not too sore.
Suzi
Kia Ora, Tim, Merrels are my favourite walking shoe – good choice. Those fluffy flowers in your previous post are nothing like the dandelions I know – ours grow no more than 10cm high – different nations different concepts. Great scenery along the coast. Kia Kaha, Vicky
I just assumed they were dandelions. Maybe some exotic Spanish type? I’ve not worn Merrell shoes before but they look good. I’ll report after today’s walk.
The coastline looks enticing, but the meal schedules and menus not so much. I agree with Vicky, kia kaha! Philippa
There are some nice bits of coastline on the Camino del Norte but it leaves the coast to go inland most of the time. It’s been pretty so far
Do all the pilgrims speak English?
Wet day today! Most pilgrims speak enough English and people from different countries often communicate in English. It makes me language lazy!