Ría de Ribadesella

Nice day passing little beaches and quaint villages that were definitely old, old Spain. We were walking mainly on dirt paths through forested areas, a little pavement, but not too much. 20+Km/12.78 miles is what the watch says. Tonight we are in Colunga, a small village, where we are staying in an adorable pension. The proprietress exudes pride in her little place with attached bar/restaurant. The room is charming and comfortable. I’m finding I am appreciative of the little things, I noticed a little refrigerator in the room, opened it up, my eyes lit up and I said, “Holly, look, there’s COLD water in the fridge!!”. Cold water is gold. Not only to have a refrigerator in our room, but to have a place to keep our water cold at night, absolutely first class!! Our laundry is doing it’s thing next door and we are enjoying a glass of wine before figuring out dinner and relaxing in that room of ours. There is a tub in the room, while I’ve already showered, I’m having thoughts of a nice bath later. Get it while I can.
Today we met a man and his adult daughter from Nebraska. Sweet people, we ended up having lunch with them at a really cool outdoor beach restaurant. Best looking tacos I have seen in Spain and I finally got my pizza fix! It was nice to easily speak English with people. I remember whenever Nathalie or Luba would meet someone who spoke their native language, they were always excited to talk to them, I see why. It’s easy. It flows. You hear home. Missing home, my people, and of course my crazy dog, but I am absolutely loving this too. I feel fortunate, even during the moments of unbearable heat and endless roads.
Today a tour bus of about 15 Koreans were dropped off on the trail with their clean shoes, and fresh legs (every inch of their skin covered of course-wouldn’t want to look like they are “lower class” with tanned skin, indicating they worked the fields). They mostly had a quick pace until they’d stop to take a photo every 5 minutes and slow down. There was no consistency to their stride, so we were passing and following them all day..until they got to Colunga and boarded their big air conditioned bus. Maybe I’m doing this wrong!!
From what I’ve seen of Colunga so far it is pretty unimpressive, but honestly I prefer the smaller villages to the cities. They are easy. Finding a laundromat, food, supplies, easy. I left my shampoo & conditioner in Santander in the shower, so I found a salon and bought some more. Talk about cheap. Really good brand and it totaled about €30. I would’ve paid 3 times that at home for this brand. Our exchange is very close, unlike in the past where coming here was quite a bit more expensive. Laundry is about done, so off we go. Love and miss you my friends and family, talk tomorrow ❤️Read more