Sat Oct 15. Comillas to San Vicente de la Baraqua. 3.5 hours, 10km. Taxi-ed to Colombres.
We left our hotel just after 8.10am, planning to eat tuna empanada with coffee. The panaderia was still closed. That turned out well for us as we caught some amazing sunrise painting of the sky and clouds.
Walking out of Comillas was on a pedestrian path alongside a major road. Eventually we turned to the coastline and our first stop was at Playa de Oyambre. There was a cafe there with a much needed restroom. The beach was dominated by surfers. All the vehicles parked there had racks to hold surf boards.
At the cafe, we caught up with Mary. She was with an American couple, Patrick and Jennifer (South Carolina). We got to chatting as they had finished their coffee. Jennifer was sharing how Mary came upon them when they had a down episode. Lo and behold, who should turn up on the Camino to provide some support but a woman named Mary! Mary in turn shared that she much appreciated us inviting her to walk a bit with us and chatting as she was on her own for most of that morning. The Camino somehow provides what is needed.
The 5km stretch from Playa de Oyambre to Gerry to La Brana had surfers. I assume they knew which sections had waves appropriate to their skill levels or developmental stages. It was clear that surfers are not merely pursuing their passion but that it’s a Lifestyle. Interestingly, we spotted an observer who was seated with a tripod and long range video camera seeking to record notable feats. Another observer just watching the surfing action through binoculars.
Catching and riding the big waves. The exhilaration of such a simple joy. What are the ‘waves’ in my current chosen lifestyle?
Waves create ripples. And so, our paths through the days touch others.
At San Vicente de la Barquera, we visited the de Santa Maria de Los Angeles, such as expected, is situated on a hill, the highest point in town. The statue of Inquistor Antonio del Corro adorning his tomb in the church is regarded as one of the finest pieces of Renaissance funerary art!
Surfers show us that we can truly enjoy and live Life when we don’t have so much “baggage.”
Journey Within 