Had a lovely day today – I judged the distance much better and did only 60km and the hills were smaller – only 1000m of ascent. So by 5.00pm I was checked in at my reasonably priced hotel and on the beach. The route was all on tarmac which I find boring, but I had 2 ferry rides which, in an entirely child-like way, I found very exciting. The first was particularly so as the ferry drew up to a beach at the north end of Laredo, and just lowered a gang-plank on to the beach! As I had to get the bike, the trailer, and the bag up onto the ferry, I was too busy to take photos while it happened, but here is the beach:
And here is the ferry approaching it:
The second ferry was over the river to Santander.
The captian (pilot? driver?) was so experienced he could just make the ferry hover right next to the harbour despite the tidal currents. No ropes required.
Finally I made it to my hotel and thence the beach.
It turns out it was a mixed naturist and textile beach, so not being one to keep my clothes on without a good reason, I joined in with the naturists though I will spare you pics of that. Finally the day ended perfectly in the Irish pub, where I had a rare (in Spain) pint of bitter.
My Epic Journey 