It was time to leave Santander and, sadly, Felix and Clara. I have known them for less than 48 hours yet it feels like we have been friends for years. I guess you just completely click with some people. 

They were off to continue their travels and meet some of their friends in Bordeaux so I was happy they were not going because they had to get back to work. 

I said Goodbye to Greg as well this morning although he is heading the same way I am so we may catch up again. Naturally he walks much more than I do a day but you can just assume everyone does. 

Jenny had booked herself in for a physio appointment at 4 so I was going to head to the Albergue and secure us a couple of places before they filled up. A good idea in principle but didn’t quite plan out that way. More on that in a bit. 

I set off on my jolly way at about 9:30. Fueled with coffee and a lack of food I blasted my way across Santander at snail speed. Bronson felt a bit lighter today but I soon realised that was because I hadn’t filled my water bottles up. Ah well, it was only 27°C and burning sunshine. Who needs water when your body is still processing a load of beer from the night before. 

Rubbing my temples I continued out of Santander to some more picturesque routes. Still road walks but country lanes instead of highways. I stumbled across my favourite animal in the world. He was just chilling on the pavement. I do love a praying mantis but I saw one eating the head of a grasshopper once and it tainted them a little bit for me. Oh well, I’m pretty sure the women mantis murder the bloke mantis after they have had a shag so maybe I should cut them some slack.

Nature’s nature right? 

One of the things you have to do on the Camino to get into the Albergues, pilgrim hostels and to get your certification at the end is to have a pilgrim passport. It’s a small book that you fill up with stamps from numerous places. Albergues, museums, churches, that sort of thing. I nipped in to grab some tobacco along the way and the guy said he had a stamp. I am now the proud owner of a stamp from a tobacco shop on the Camino. Best one yet. 

The Albergue I was heading to was located by a train station. The plan was to stay here and get the train across the river to continue the Camino. I turned up and said “two people for this evening please landlady woman” 

She replied “have you booked” I replied “……..no” she replied “there are no beds” I replied “……bollocks”

Fortunately there was a restaurant outside and I needed water. I then realised that water is boring so I got a beer instead and assessed the situation. 

There were a few more places to stay across the river so I booked in to a bit of a fancy place. There were a few more that were a bit cheaper but I was dehydrated, a bit pissed and annoyed. I’m currently sitting in a gorgeous little garden on a bench rehydrating myself with a Heineken. This place has a towel rail in the bathroom WITH COMPLIMENTARY TOWELS!!! 

Now I know a lot of you who are reading this are thinking “Jesus jack, it’s just a towel, calm your tits” but after staying in dorm rooms and sharing a bathroom with a lot of other people it really is a luxury. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind doing the Camino the pilgrim way but it does make you appreciate the small things when you have them. 

Side note: I joke about drinking beer all the time but it isn’t as accessable as it is for you lot. When you have walked for 20km through the heat while carrying a robin reliant sized backpack and you get somewhere you can take it off, have a shower and stroll out into a garden for your first, ice cold beer…….it’s a bit special. All of these little things we take for granted because they are soooooo easy to get. 

I get excited when I see potable water taps along the Camino!! 

It’s a strange feeling. I’m sure it won’t take long to lose that appreciation for these things when I get back but for now I am enjoying it. 

Anyway, enough reflecting on important stuff, it ain’t my style.

I left the Albergue and jumped on a train across the river. Didn’t get a ticket, no one said anything, jumped off again.

You can even appreciate theft when doing a Camino! 

I did try and get a ticket but it was all in Spanish so it’s their fault, not mine.

A short walk later and I was at my digs for the evening. A rather attractive Spanish lady let me in and showed me to my room. When I lifted Bronson up I’m pretty sure she said “ah, strong man” but it was in Spanish so it could of been “Oi dickhead, why’s your backpack so heavy”

Anyway, she was smiling so that’s all that matters. 

I had a lovely shower and used their towels and body wash then went and checked in. I then got myself a beer and sat at the table in the garden reading my kindle.

When Jenny turned up it was time for food. The Señorita brought us some lovely grub and we spent the evening chatting, drinking and eating. I fine way to see the night out.

BUEN CAMINO