Day 27 ~ 13 kms to Ribadesella

What a day. We were expecting rain. What we got instead was a day I know I won't soon forget.

Originally we had planned to take a rest day. First, because it was Jorge's birthday and day drinking on a beach sounded great. Second, because we walked 30kms the day before and I expected to be in alot more pain. 

I woke up to clouds but the rains never came. We had a slow and lazy morning in the  town of Llanes but we eventually decided we would walk. We started on a trail high above the shore with incredible views of the rough sea. 

The sun was trying so hard to come out from behind the dark clouds. I think Jorge sang "here comes the sun" for the first 30 mins. The trail became increasingly narrow and as always we began walking at our own pace and putting space between us.

 The bushes became taller and overgrown with thorns scratching at our arms and legs. At this moment I was grateful I chose long pants to wear today. In the distance I could hear Harold's deep voice become childlike and I heard Ow Ow oooo Ow. I actually laughed harder than a good friend should.🤣

 I caught up to Jorge as we reached a stone gate that even us little people struggled to pass through with our packs on. So we waited to watch Harold. Jorge said, watch this...he is going to see this and say 'you gotta be kidding me'. So I pulled out my video camera and just as Harold approached I started to record. Sure enough he gets to the gate with us watching and says exactly  "you gotta be kidding me". We laughed so hard and then he squeezed his larger frame through the tiny passage. It was then a continuation of incredible, dramatic views of rocky shores and rolling green hills.

 We eventually arrived at and inlet and had to turn inland. It ended at least with a beautiful little cove and a pretty beach.

 We had the usual coffee and tortilla served by Spains most sour server. Perhaps it was a sign that we had arrived in the town of Poo. Poo was actually a lovely town. I'm actually so happy I get to say that my friend Jorge walked in Poo on his birthday 🤣

After making our way around the inlet we were back on the path that hugged the coastline.  As we walked away from Poo, the trail once again meandered across rolling green hills and we saw beaches, coves and giant waves crashing against the rocks from the cliffs we stood on. 

We approached a side trail that we decided to take. 

It led to another hidden cove and the ruins of Ermita.

Jorge excitedly dropped his pack and went down the stairs to the cove. 

I dropped mine and went to the ruins perched right on the edge, high above the massive waves crashing against the rocks jutting out from below. 

 Harold joined us for the views and we all enjoyed this incredible spot for a while. What a gift for Jorge on his birthday to have such a scenic day. So grateful we all felt, all day. Our smiles are very telling of how pleased we were with our day. We were all beaming.

 It was starting to sprinkle as we arrived into Ribadesella but immediately after checking in we went to the beach to explore.

 A stone walkway with a bright white decorative railing overlooked the crescent shaped beach. The beach was misty from both the light rain and the rough surf. Scattered in the sea were the many surfers trying to catch a wave. I let the cold water hit my feet in hopes of a cure all for my foot pain... and it worked. The guys retreated to their room but I walked the length of the beach, camera in hand, collecting bits of colorful sea glass with the other. It was a time for relaxation and time to reflect on an amazing day.

It wasn't long before the hunger kicked in and we were heading to town for a special birthday dinner. Fancy Schmancy is an understatement.

 It was perfection. From the atmosphere to the table location. The service was excellent as was the food and of course the wine.

 My food restrictions were not only understood but actually respected. That was a first. They described everything we were being given and it was an experience I will never forget.

 It was the best steak I have ever had by far and it melted in my mouth like butter. The little touches and decorative edibles were mind blowing. A special mention to the Vermouth balls that literally explode in your mouth. 

There is no doubt that Jorge's birthday celebration was a success. 

We had a nightcap at the hotel but all eventually went into a food coma.

What an absolutely fabulous day.

Buenos Noches xx

Sent from my Galaxy