Always nice to start the day with a Happy Birthday, set the tone for the day, well that’s what it’s meant to do, miserable staff on this morning looked like they had chewed a pickle egg, could not raise a smile out of the sombre git, fair play I did try, sure I see him nearly crack a smile, as we left, just a smile and a wink, it always works.

Well we had the non-existent breakfast – ended up with a Marathon bar (other people call them Snickers for some apparent reason). Off we go fuelled like two monster athletes, with not a clue where we are going again! If I knew I would not of gone this way, over farm tracks, up steep unmade roads, over railway crossings, had to walk the bikes through some remote railway station. [I have a feeling that they are crossing tracks and seeing stations of the Renfe Feve. This is a 1 metre gauge state railway that runs along the northern Spanish coast. Most stations look run down and lost but the railway service still runs. It’s slow and it’s cheap and it’s a fabulous way to see this part of Spain: Ed] All on a glass of water and b** chocolate. bar, it was tough going, first 10 miles took 2 hours, mate with a little, smile we said, this could be a long day, my speech impediment, just said a load of nonsense, trying hard to keep upright is difficult, on we go, thinking we may need to reroute, when we come to some sort of road.

As we come down this steep descent Bingo spots a little shop / bar in Revilla de Camargo , I am still in my singing mode wander up the next hill without a care in the world, going the completely the wrong way! With a HOUSE shout Charlee and Linney know about that, I was woken from my pedalling slumber (only I can fall asleep on a bike) I shyly came back down to a coffee and soft drink, Bingo just said where were you going, little smile not sure mate.

With a little bit of sustenance in us on we went, with a few wise words, keep to the road, thankfully it did get slightly easier as we followed the road, still very hilly, off we go. Feeling like this will take and age every little incline hurting the calves, just keep riding been here before, it will be OK. Yep with a sudden burst of energy and some power in the legs we steam through, what was that all about, just me having a drama queen moment, it always happens when my hair is not quite right.

We are back on the Snowdown train now, hair not in place, but flying, all stations to whether we are going, for me the next little town, need some hydration, so be it we just entered the little town of Comillas, nice little stop, more tortilla and a drink or two, then off we go. Both feeling a bit better, we have a plan as such, just enjoying the ride. Things always change just crossed the bridge to San Vicente de la Barquera, worth a stop and enjoy the ambiance of the quaint town, we love it – stop when you want to.

Just a little 10 or so miles to go now, two climbs as my Garmin consistently reminds me, first one a couple of miles, no big issue pass a couple of Dutch touring travellers, with a wave and respect as we steadily go up the climb, always going to have a beer at the top, as we normally do. Give them a complementary smile and a thumbs up, we were talking to a couple from Sussex , well he was a Geordie and she was Scottish – good company for the short time we chatted with them, as they continued their part of the Camino de Santiago walk, so many people just enjoying the walk and soaking up the chilled vibe, good stuff.

Here we go again last few miles, with one little climb, been counting them down all day, obviously missed a few when I was singing to myself and daydreaming, but knew this was the last one. Easy climb, it’s those little steep ones in the city that get me. All sorted full steam ahead to Vidiago, just eased in the last miles.

Came to the Hostel. looked all closed up, then all of a sudden, the most lovely host in living memory sprang to life, what a lovely host, Maria could not do enough for us, even made my favourite meal, aubergine and cheese, so good.

I have to say one of the best hosts we have ever met, tray full of fruit, croissants and milk for the morning, Maria knows how to get to the heart of athletes, massive 5 stars on their site and a little hand written note. So much appreciated from the young lads from Sunshine Corner.