Lierganes to Medina de Pomar

We had a lovely crossing to Santander - there's something very relaxing about 24 hours on a boat in the sun - especially when one knows what's coming up ! The first photo is of a John & Eric - a great couple of characters who we got to know on the boat . They were heading west along the coast to Santiago - but it was Johns hat/helmet which intrigued me ! John is from California - and so's his hat - which is called a Da Brim and is on sale on the internet . I've got my Christmas pressie already sorted !
We left the ferry and took the Feve - a small single track train - out of Santander to Lierganes - a lovely -typical Basque town . The 'madam' of the hotel always seems pleased to see me - but once she knew Nicola was present - well - her attention waned some what ! Anyhow -we had a good supper - sardinas 'pour moi' - dourada 'pour her'. Vino comes comes free with the meal in these parts and I've got to say we - I - did not let them off lightly!
It's strange - but true - the hardest day of the cycle trip is the first . It's a long - and in places steep rise through the Cantabria mountains from virtually sea level . The scenery is really breathtaking - lots of mountain flowers - animals and birds . It took us 6 hours to climb up - 20 minutes to decend !! Photo of Nicola - and she is actually smiling !! That's a first for the day ! CU