Day 11: Santander

Finally, a post that without an insane number of pics.

Day 11 of our Spanish adventure brought us back around to Sunday. As much as Brooklyn would have loved to attend church in Logroño, we visited a lovely ward in Santander instead because it was much closer and on the way to our next destination, Bilbao. Even though Brooklyn never served in Santander, we were immediately greeted by an enthusiastic "Hermana Wheeler! What are you doing here?!" She was quickly recognized by some of the elders she served around six months ago.

After church we took some time to explore Spain's Northern coast. This rock reminds me so much of Luca!

Truth to be told, the beach would have felt much more enticing if it weren't Sunday. In general, we try not to swim on Sundays. As hot as the weather was, we were sorely tempted but got plenty of beach time over the following days.

I think Jason was more tempted by the sailboats.

For lunch we found some delicious kebab.

Back to the shore for some photos with my favorites. (They're all my favorite.)

On our way to the lovely Magdalena peninsula.

There were even a few seals. (In captivity, not the ocean.) I can't decide if that's cruel--keeping a habitat so close to the open water. Either way, this guy seemed content.

Personally, I enjoyed seeing the antique sailing vessels.

For Talia, the grass was her favorite. (Do you flop in Argentina too, cutie pie?)

After our relaxing Sunday afternoon in Santander we drove a couple more hours to our AirBnB in Bilbao. Our apartment was located on this tiny island right in the middle of the river that through the city. The area is super up-and-coming, meaning that much of it is still under construction. While that's a bit of a strange vibe at the moment, in another few years I predict the area will be the hopping, especially given its proximity to the Guggenheim.

We celebrated our arrival with a glass of wine fancy soda.

 

Jason took this photo while on his way back from the parking garage. 

After stumbling across a vegetable stand and Middle Eastern butcher, we rounded up the makings for a late dinner. Perfect for Spain!

 Buen Provecho!

Day 10: Ruta del Cares

Heavens, I really need to pick up the pace if I'm ever going to get caught up on this blog. But Day 10, it's not one to miss. It was possibly my favorite day of the entire trip. We hiked a portion of the la Ruta de Cares from Poncebos to Cain (14 miles round trip). It's reputation as the most spectacular hike in the Picos de Europa is well-deserved--it was arguably one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever been on. 

We began by taking a shuttle into Poncebos since parking at the trailhead can be challenging. With water in the gorge running full in the morning light, it was a stunningly dramatic start.

The hike was quite steep at the beginning so Annika really wasn't feeling it. Brooklyn was likewise unamused when I kept adjusting our turn around time to keep going a little farther. Fair complaint, but in this case I'm glad we pushed on. In the end, I think everyone enjoyed our journey. Plus, there was ice cream and cold water at our turn around in Cain.

I'm just gonna let the photos do the talking.

After an initial steep descent, the path flattened and followed the gentle grade of a water canal. Refreshing!

So glad we had this extra time with our Talia Lily.

Anyone else feel like this looks like Hobbit habitat?

Who's that trip trapping cross my bridge? One of the Billy Goats Gruff was standing guard.

As the temperature climbs, Annika's shirt has a tendency to get shorter... Just as long as she keeps walking. :)

All my favoritest people.

Half of the fun was discovering how well-developed the trail infrastructure. Rugged and orderly all at the same time.

I Heart the Ruta del Cares

Lunchtime!  Gotta say, our sandwiches were lecker. (Wrong language I know, but Asturias and Alps feel like sisters.)

The tunnels were dark enough to need a flashlight.

Just when we were about to head back, we discovered this adorable village of Cain, brimming with hikers and refreshment.

I tell ya, nothing tastes better than food after a hike.

I don't drink beer, but if I did, this would be the place.

Love this gal!

Another unexpected delight was meeting the "wild" mountain goats that were so friendly they walked right up to us and started licking the salt off our arms!

Brooklyn said the experience ticked off an item on her Bucket List for Life.

I know, I know so many photos, but which ones do I cut? They all bring me joy.

Back in Poncebos we all enjoyed some Kas Limon and olives. Thanks to everyone for joining me on this hiking dream!

A tasty dinner back in Ortiguero. I think we tried to go out to eat, but found ourselves starving during the awkward break where it's too late for lunch but too early for dinner. Pasta to the rescue!

Strolling around the adorable village.

View out the front window.

Glorious ending to a glorious day.