We left Peral without breakfast or coffee, we assumed we would get it at the next town. You know what they say about assuming. The weather forecast said cloudy most of the day, but we walked in the rain for several km this morning. We hoped for coffee in La Franca but both cafes were closed.

The road was gravel this morning and we could see the mountains ahead.

Then we passed through Buelna. We did not take the traditional route along the coast this morning, we thought it might be to dangerous due to the weather. The alternate route followed the road. Not as many views but still flowers all over the place.

We walked on, up and down a few times, through the woods, past this really cool campground called La Paz, white circular tents were nestled under the rock face. There were canals running through the campground from the Rió Novales. We walked beside the river and then through the trees, a perfect little beach.

We left the beach and went up a couple of switchbacks. We walked along higher on the ridge. Lots of people out walking here. Also cows, sheep and horses.

Al really wanted to see the blow holes, which we did but they weren’t active because the tide just wasn’t right.

We decided on a break, we each had a granola bar earlier but it was really nice sitting watching the baby horses. We ate some olives and popped the top on a small can of tuna.

We walked up and then down again then over a bridge over the Rió Purón,

After 18 km, We finally got a coffee in Andrin, I actually had two, it was almost 2 in the afternoon and by then I was having a caffeine withdrawal headache. Ugg! We met the sweetest man and I approached him and asked, “Donde está café”? He walked us through town and delivered us to the cafe!

We only have 6 more km’s to Llanes. We left town and went up some more switchbacks. We were up high on the coast again and could see a beautiful beach below.

We then had to walk on the side of the road again leading down into Cue.

Then sidewalks entering into the bigger city of Llanes. We booked ahead at the Albergue La Estación. The Camino is very popular now and even on the Norte we are finding you need to book ahead. Twice now we couldn’t get a bed. We have heard others saying the same thing. There’s just not that many places on the Norte unless your booking in private pensions or hotels. When we did our prior Caminós you didn’t need to worry about reserving ahead until you were closer to Santiago.

After walking partway through Llanes we found our Albergue and checked in. It turns out that I needed to specifically ask for a bottom bunk if that’s what we wanted. So we each ended up on a top bunk and another lesson learned.

Here is Al’s relive video of todays walk, a little over 24 kms today getting to Llanes.

https://www.relive.cc/view/vRO78QKYjK6

Tomorrow we plan another jump, we’re thinking of leaving the Norte and switching to the English Route to Santiago. Will keep you updated.. until then be well.