Day 11 Liendo to Noja

A day of tough walking bookended with challenging cliff paths, the one this afternoon over the Punta del Brusco right on the edge of my comfort zone. The reward was more amazing views from dizzying heights and a close up of a pair of vultures.

I thought of partnership work colleagues as I walked alongside the lengthy wall of a prison, which I thought worth of an extra. I rarely miss work however the compassion and creativity of Community Justice Scotland is an exception. I hope the PM talks to the Prison and Probation Administration in Iceland if he’s serious about tackling prison overcrowding.

There was a short ferry ride across the estuary at Laredo where the boat to Santoña appeared to stop at random on the beach, the pier no longer in use. I followed a cyclist wheeling their bike over the sand to work out how to board.

My accommodation tonight is a homely seaside hotel with sea views. The kitchen opens at 8 which I can tolerate. It’s a couple kilometres outside of Noja which is going to add to tomorrow’s walk into Santander; I will skip breakfast which doesn’t start until 9 and find something along the way instead.

And now the daily catchup with family etc, it would save a lot of time if I could persuade them to follow me on blipfoto.

Later, after chatting to the hotel owner I have been provided with a picnic breakfast that must weigh 500 grams minimum. I’m not convinced the jamon toasted sandwich will be good to eat by the morning.

25k, 490m ascent, 2 pilgrims, 3 mosquito bites.