Buenos Dias Amigos,
Today I started out alone and missed my coffee with Harold. The plan was to meet at the dock/ferry at 9. That was almost a 6km walk from My Hotel from hell 🤣
I hadn't slept for most of the night and was up at 5am writing yesterday's blog. I really couldn't get out of there any sooner. I left at 0745 and would have been on time but the sunrise was fantastic and there were so many puddles to play with.
I took many pictures but figured I better get into high gear if I want to hike with my friends.
I made it at 0905 and I saw a long line of pilgrims waiting for the ferry.. I went to the end and like a jack in the box, Jorge popped his head out the side and there it was... the morning smile and a wise crack from Harold. The ferry maneuvered about the shore line to find the right spot for us to board and we were the last stragglers to hop on.
After crossing the little channel for 2€ each we were in Santona and already taking a break from the exhausting initial 6km start 🤣
We had coffee, tortilla and stocked up on water. By the time we were done, Crisbel came off the 2nd ferry and joined us on our adventure to Guemes.
We bolted straight out of town and passed the high security prison. Jorge and I pulled ahead and chatted as we do each day until we quickly came upon a beach. We took a slight detour to see it but Harold kept on course. The beach was as pretty as the others but still no major waves.
The water was mostly calm. We headed back to the main trail, creating our own shortcuts until we were stopped by a wired fence. None of us, even though it was early in the day, wanted to backtrack. So we contemplated our options. Jorge said 'that's an electric fence... better not touch it' and naturally I felt a challenge in the air hahahaha. So I pulled off my gear as we all did and plotted my spot to slide and roll under the fence. Of course Mr Marine went under the barrier in a matter of seconds and then proceeded to capture a picture of the unsuspecting girls as we crawled across the ground and also passed the barrier.
Then like the smart ass he is, he touched the fence with his hand and said 'ya it's not on, you're good'.
Harold was up ahead waiting at a crossroad because he is smart like that. There were yellow arrows going into the bushes and also along the road. We first chose nature but quickly changed our minds when the trail became very obviously under used. The brush was so thick and the trail overgrown to the point of being uncomfortable. We hadn't gone far so it was an easy decision. We turned back and walked through small residential towns and then the rest of the day was spent walking and talking through rural Spain.
We found a church with 2 park benches where we sat in the shade and took a break from walking in the hot sun. Still no where to eat and no bathrooms. Our feet were aching at this point and we wanted to nap but knew we had to keep moving.
Eventually we made it to a small town with a busy restaurant. We ordered drinks food, water, coffees and had a lovely, late lunch. We were only another hour from our home for the night so that made the last little stretch easier. It was more rural Spain and rolling green hills in every direction.
We made it to the top of a small hill in the center of Guemes and there was an open restaurant and a few pilgrims having their afternoon drink. We quickly set up our table of 4 with drinks and I happily discovered my posada was directly behind the beautiful bar.
So I checked in, went to see my room and even saw that there was another room available and suggested the guys have a look too. We all loved the place. It was clean, stylish and every room had a jacuzzi tub. Crisbel was already planning on staying at an Albergue another few kms away.
At one point Jorge and I were having a conversation with a local farmer who was also there to have a drink. He was talking in Spanish so my words were few. He was a sweet, playful man and gave me a candy from his pocket. I wished him health and happiness after we joked with him for awhile, he said his goodbyes and kissed me on each cheek. He then walked slowly home.
We were served by Jay who was quick on his feet and friendly. In fact despite being busy, he gave Crisbel a ride to her albergue. We had drinks and then dispersed to clean up and feel human again.
I actually enjoyed a hot bath in my giant tub. My feet and all my muscles are so very sore. It was a treat.
We met up for dinner and all had something different. Goat stew, stuffed peppers and caprese salad. Harold retired for the night and Jorge and I closed the place... an amazing accomplishment considering our level of exhaustion 🤣🍷
Buenos Noches x
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