Day 18 Llanes to Nueva

A late start on account of an excellent breakfast which more than made up for yesterday and because it was raining, due to stop around 11. However when I left at 9 it was already dry and most of the day was sunny with perfect temperatures around 21 degrees I would guess.
I treated today as a bit of a rest day, only 17km although because l made so many intentional diversions it was quite a bit more. More wonderful beaches, estuaries and monasteries defined the day. The extra is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores right on the Borro Estuary, closed to the public except
on Saturdays unfortunately.
A few kilometres later, with no diversion required, I passed the ruined 13th century Monasterio de San Antolín, very close to the River Bedón that divides the beach into two, extra.

This collie dog from Barcelona, Didon I think he’s called, is walking the full Camino with a chap originally from Argentina. I observed them both enjoying a swim in the Bedón estuary. I caught up with them at this unexpected pilgrim library tucked away in amongst the eucalyptus trees.

Nueva is a small town with a railway line running through the centre. I am intrigued by the rail network in the North of Spain, something I intend to explore out of season; I think the views in winter would be amazing. It’s also the only place I’ve been able to eat as early as 7.30.

20k, 300m ascent, 5 pilgrims plus Didon, 2 conversations.