We left San Sebastián early to beat the city traffic getting out of town and headed west towards Bilbao. Travelling on the 'economic' route may be slower but the views are a definite reward and very popular with cyclists. First stop for coffee at Getana, a large fishing port. Then west of Bilbao at Castro-Urdiales, where, you guessed it, there were more historical things to explore.
Next on the list was Santillana-del-Mar, a small medieval village I visited last year and thought was worth taking Helen and Mike to see.
Comillas was next where H & M stayed to visit another incredible Gaudi building, the Cappichio or sunflower house. I took the opportunity to relive some Camino moments by heading on foot to San Vincente de la Barquette, 12 kms away. It seemed a good plan at the time, meet up at the church steps in two hours time. But....I hadn't factored in that this town would be 1. Much bigger than expected, 2. Jam packed with tourists. 3. Have nowhere to park the car 4. We have no way to communicate with each other, and, 5. There was a market on at the church so everyone in town was there.
After a bit of self-induced stress It did all work out happily in the end and it did feel good to be 'walking' again, this time on the Northern Way, a route I do plan to complete at some time.
The last leg of today's journey was up into the spectacular Picos del Europa where we will spend a few days exploring.
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