Back on the Camino

Today we only did a small stretch of the Camino from Ribadesella to La Vega. Visited caves in Ribadesella which are thought to have the earliest examples of Paleolithic artwork in the world. Afterwards, we were treated to a picnic lunch. Then we forgo the afternoon leg of the Camino in favor of the beach (Bob and Hank chose to go another couple kilometers while we enjoyed a swim).

In the picture here, you can see the yellow arrow marking "the way" as we began our decent into La Vega.

Man vs Mussel

The moment before Bryce tries a mussel!

Dinner in Ribadesella

Last night we had a seafood dinner. Mussels, monk fish, tuna and anchovies (pictured below). Connor tried everything of course. The real shocker was to see Bryce joining in!

Day 2: Picos de Europa - A motley crew

Pictured below: Our guides (Mario & Jorge), Grandpa & Tom. This was taken after the hike. Grandpa proved that slow and steady wins the race! This was a moderately strenuous hike with a 300m ascent in about 2km to get to the first summit. Grandpa made it there - over uneven trails with slippery rock and gravel. Not bad for an 85-year-old who was last seen doing oruco shots the night before.

Day 2: Picos de Europa - Group and goat

Day 2: Picos de Europa - Kyle and a goat

Day 2: Picos de Europa - hike with a view

This picture doesn't do it justice.

Day 2: Picos de Europa - Goats

Today we hiked 2 hours out and 2 hours back. Out was a continuous uphill climb until the point denoted by the sign pictured below. Then beyond was a gradual downhill then mostly even winding along the ridge. The trail was wide enough for two but we did most of it single file for fear of the sheer drop to certain death. The further we went into the gorge the more beautiful it became. At one point we were overcome by goats ... Kyle was very pleased by this! Our guides packed us a lunch which was amazing - sandwich of fresh cheese (like a spread) walnuts, raisins and lettuce, sandwich of jamon and cheese, apple/pear, juice, snack bar. What a tiring but nice day! More pictures after this one. Now we are back on the coast in a town east of Gijon. We will leave at 9pm for a fish dinner.

Picos de Europa (1 of 3)

View from our hotel.

We are staying in Picos de Europa national park in a town called Tama. Today we drove 20k to Fuente De to take the cable car up the mountain. From there we walked about 6km up a gradual hill to an overlook and a snowy area. After this we had lunch in a town called Potes. Up the hill from there is a monastery we visited before walking back to Tama (~4km).

I'll post pictures of the cable car trip in other posts.

Picos de Europa (2 of 3)

Top of the cable car.

Picos de Europa (3 of 3)

Comillas to San Vicente De La Barquera

Today we had a tourist day, only walking 10km. We took a diversion to walk barefoot on the beach. This is Connor making a design in the soft sand...others are pictured in the distance.

We are now in Picos de Europa for two days of hiking before returning back to the coast.

Camino day 1

Today we began walking on the Camino de Santiago. It was a warm day with blue skies when we started. About 3 hours later we were met with a light drizzle. A few minutes later we broke out the ponchos. The storm was spectacular! Long strikes of lightening followed 2-3 seconds later by BOOMS of thunder. It was true masterpiece in its juxtaposition with the landscape, rural homes, small churches, and cobble-stone walls lining our path. Our guides rescued us, had us dry out and fed us an amazing lunch. They also drove us 6km ahead so we could complete this leg of the Camino today. We got drenched again in a steady but lighter rain - it was worth it. No one complained about being wet - the richness of the area over-powered the incident drops of rain.We stayed last night in a Posada (an Inn or in this case a manor). It is situated steps from the center of Santillana where structures date back to the 12th century. It is also in a rural area - from our window, we see acres of pastures dotted with horses, goats and sheep. We hear the bells of the cathedral all night at the hour and half hour. Also we hear roosters and peacocks (what Connor refers to as El Pollo Loco). It's 8pm now and feels like 6pm. Our guides have left us alone for the evening and I sit in a common room alone sipping some Rioja as the rest of the group rests in their rooms. I know two of my kids are asleep. We will see if they will be ready to have dinner at 9p. Sent from my iPhone