After staying in one of the most famous Albergues along the route (and I can highly recommend it) I left by myself for a little solo wander. I fancied a bit of jack time and let the guys know I would meet them further down the line. We had got friendly with a German couple called Felix and Clara and I wanted to drink some beer with them. 

Here is Felix making me feel bad by doing healthy shit.

The route today was an interesting one. A coastal walk, a walk along the beach, a ferry trip and then ending up in Santander. Another scary city!!! 

Before any of that though I had a lovely coastal walk to look forward too. I set off early and basically power walked at the pace proper pilgrims usually walk. 

After a few hours I noticed a spot right at the top of a cliff overlooking some really cool land formations. The sea would break over a natural shelf and then pour back out into the ocean. 

The others caught me up and we sat down and I made a disgusting instant coffee and we all ate snacks. 

We all then departed at our own pace and I enjoyed a rather long beach walk. Letting the cool waves wash over my feet as I walked was a real treat. Not as much of a treat as the lunchtime beers at a taverna near Santander. On the way I saw Felix with a feather thing.

Bumped into him again while he was sitting on a rock.

There was a viewing point near to the bar we stopped at and there were some really big waves coming in with some amazing surfers catching them all. I’ve never seen people so good at surfing. No fails, no bails just perfect surfing. It was an impressive thing to watch.

After our lovely beers we set off towards the ferry. I haven’t been on a ferry for ages and sitting on the top deck with the wind blowing through my beard was great. We met a dude called Greg along the way too so after we departed we had a look for a hostel to stay at.

The Albergue wasn’t an option due to a bed bug infestation so we found somewhere to stay and I’m so glad we did. This place is lovely. Good beds, great atmosphere, cosy common room and full kitchen. 

I sat on the beanbags and had a listen to the music that was playing.

After a bit of chilling the words “food and beer” started getting banded about. We went out and found a grotty little kebab place that had upstairs seating. We ordered and went up the stairs and there was some dude sleeping on cardboard in the corner. Not your normal kebab shop decor but I just figured it might be their unique seeking point. 

After that it was time for beer…….well, beers. Lots and lots of beers. Enough beers for 10 men each. There were drinking games, great chat and lots of “prost”ing. Apparently in Germany if you don’t look into each others eyes when you cheers your drinks you get bad sex for 7 years. I was nearly giving myself whiplash as I struggled to make eye contact with 5 people at once. 

We were absolutely smashed by the end of the night. Seriously spannered. I woke up and I noticed I had tried to write the blog. It was even more incomprehensible than normal so I deleted it and wrote it out today! 

This is the first official hangover I have had since I’ve been here. I do not want another one!! Needless to say we all checked in for another night at the hostel because drinking gallons of beer the night before a 20km walk isn’t the best preparation you can do.

Right, I’m off to write today’s blog now. Despite the hangover this morning I made it out and we had a good time and I took some decent photos. 

BUEN CAMINO