Spain, Camino Del Norte: Day 21-24 Santander, Pecos De Europa, Santo Toribio Monestery, Potes and the El Saplao cave

Amazing amazing amazing ! I booked a tour with Gabriela from Exploring Cantabria. She picked me up at 8am for what I was expecting to be an amazing day and she did not disappoint me. We drove on the autopista 2 hours up into the Pecos de Europa mountains range . Winding our way to the top the view of the gorge and the surrounding mountains were terrific. I saw wild horses, wild goats , Cantabria specific white cows with the wide horns and some amazing small villages. We arrived at the gondola which would shuttle up to the top. As we climbed up along the wires in the gondola the view was out of the world and then near the top we disappeared into the clouds. At the top there was some snow it was chilly but not cold. I wore my merino wool pullover and my light rain jacket but had my ferrino rain poncho just in case. Not much of a view of the surronding mountains on top due to fog but it was still brilliant. we walked for a bit and took some pictures and return to the bottom to visit the gift shop.

Next we drove again thru the amazing surroundings to the Santo Toribio monestary which would be the highlight of my day, my year, my Camino and my lifetime . I walked took some picture and went inside hoping to catch the 12 pm mass however it was cancelled due to rain. I took a few pictures inside the chapel then I saw the cross thru the bars of the locked gate. I felt at peace for a moment and still amazed that I was standing In front of a piece of the cross that held Jesus at his crucifixion. Gabriella my guide was amazing she spoke to the caretakers knowing how much I wanted to see the true cross up close. And guess what? They opened the chapel just for me! I was overcome with joy and feeling and held back tears. I passed thru the small doors and inside I had no words but instead reverence. I walked up the aisle to the front pew with goose pimples … I was overcome lost In My feeling and thoughts. I sat I prayed, I Kneeled In front of the cross and prayed again. I am so blessed to be here In this lifetime filled with pain and bad circumstances. But as I knelt I asked the lord for mercy and thanked him. I prayed for several people and myself to find strength to finish my camino and to follow the plan for my life. Next week I will be 52 and though my life has been filled with some tragedy I look back now and I am thankful. These bad parts of my life has led me here, they have led me on a path of faith to try to find the true meaning of my life and life direction. I have learned so much and now I try to listen. I listen to everything around me. I bathe in the sunlight as well as the rain. I walk alone without being alone. It’s a feeling I could never describe and not hope to try. In every life we will have tragedy and pain but it is in the perseverance and faith that we will find strength. It’s is not about judgement of other it is about judgement of ourselves and In This I find true meaning . So my life camino continues.

Along with seeing the true cross I was taken to what I call the peregrino corner of another building. The caretaker, offered me a sello (stamp) for my pilgrims passport and for 1 euro was able to gain a Compostela. Of course I donated more because I was truly grateful. I visited the gift shop to get something for my neighbors at home who supported me And we drove down the mountain to the town of Potes.

What a nice little town but it seems to be overrun by tourist. We set off in the rain to a small restaurant La casa de Capitao famous to area for a local chick pea soup. It was delicious … we had a perfect view of the town as we enjoyed lunch. Oh did I mention it was a solo tour apparently due to Easter I was the only one to sign up that day to say I was fortunate is an understatement…truly blessed.

The rain continued and we drove to Soplao cave where the geogolical formations are out of this world. No pictures here it is forbidden . Amazing amazing amazing ! However my head injury I felt a bit dizzy underground in the dark so if you have problems with vertigo or neurological head issues I would use caution here.. maybe bring a flashlight or head lamp to counteract the feelings of spacial disruption.

Good Friday tour of Santander

Happy Good Friday in the city of Santander. Around 200,000 inhabitants You can really see the spanish culture come alive on a day like this . Today I will take the hop on hop off tour. 15 euros and 1.5 hours around the city. It’s a good way to see Santander. Such a beautiful city. A lot of life here except on Easter holiday be aware a lot of places are closed even finding open cafes for breakfast and a large bottle of water was challenging. A dreary day with cloud cover but luck no rain so far. Beautiful gardens and sea views and nice architecture here.

Later tonight I hope the rain does not disrupt the Samana Santa religious processions …

For those who wish to escape the city walking and endless miles of pavement consider skipping the long walk out of the city. The Bus station is behind the hotel Bahia down the street and the train station is behind the bus station to the left. Bear in mind there are 2 train station The one to Boo De peligos is on the left see the gallery for more pix.