So, I have a day of rest today but not because I needed it. Basically, I pre-planned some of the trip and it included a 2 night stay at a hotel here in Santillana. My recent changes meant that I arrived in town a day early, stayed last night in the convent, and now have 2 prepaid and non-refundable nights in a hotel. The frugal side of me just CAN’T pay for two nights and forfeit all of it. So, I decided on the middle ground between not staying at all and staying the whole time….I will stay one night in the hotel and leave a day early. It does mean wasting money on the second night, but I want to both continue my Camino and break the planned 1 long hike into 2 shorter ones. The plan is to use the “extra day” to break the walk to Comillas into 2 days (making two 7-mile, pleasant hikes instead of one 14-mile, unpleasant hike).
What’s funny is that taking an easier day yesterday left me ready to walk today. I felt a little sad this morning seeing all the other pilgrims with their backpacks heading out. I somehow felt left out and was wishing I could grab my pack and join in the day’s journey.
That said….I had LOVELY day!!
Slow lazy morning, a visit to a famous museum/prehistoric cave (Altamira), window shopping, a beautiful lunch with maybe a little too much wine, and now (most importantly) laundry. The next item on today’s itinerary is a nap!😴
I am extremely happy to report that, despite previous difficulties, I am really looking forward to my walk tomorrow😁.
Pictures from today:
