We woke up at 7 ready for a prompt 8 am getaway to a) make the most of the sun and b) get to santander on time, but it was pitch dark and overcast. We had a brief further nest then got up and P discovered that he had now eaten so much ham that his wee smelt of it..mmm! We headed straight off to xxx via the autopista to make up some miles in the hope that we would be able to spend some time in the mountains before our scheduled departure at 3.15.
Happily the sun started to wear holes in the layer of gloom just as we reached the mountains and an hour later the sky was blue and it had turned into a beautiful day. We had a wonderful time skittering round the bendy mountain roads and through gorges, enjoying the investments made by the spanish government in their road surfaces and watching a new view unfold as we rounded each corner. Everywhere we looked were snow capped peaks, juicy grass and yellow flowers, colourful houses and cheerful big-eyed anchor cows.
Miraculously following our ghost town experiences of a few days ago the villages had come back to life and some were looking veritably perky. A few of them were offering all kinds of exciting and adventurous activities like kayaking and it seemed a shame to be going home so soon without trying at least some of them.
We arrived at santander in good time, filled up the bike in case of fuel strikes back home and boarded. Over a chilled (but compared to the last week very overpriced) white wine, we watched the ship push itself off the dock and a little spanish boat pilot sneak in via a route ladder and a little door to help us out of the harbour. We sat by the windows in the lounge for a while and started to see the odd dolphin. Then there were 3 or 4 different pods all cruising along right by the ship and jumping right out of the water. Maybe our next holiday needs to feature some dolphins.
We had the tasty and extravagant buffet dinner again, this time with a much improved main (lamb), and lots of vegetables.
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