Cantabria's beauties

Hey guys,

This was my first time in northern Spain ever despite the fact that I have been to southern France about ten times. But well I have heard so many nice stories from friends and fellow travellers that I needed to make my way to Santander at least once. The flight was delayed for about Ryanair who had major problems during that time span, but we got to our apartment in San Vincente all right and were pretty excited when we saw the mountains in the back shining through the thick clouds and rain once in a while. The scenery was still hiding but a few days later the silhouette of the coastline was simply spectacular. Well you here a lot from the hiking people walking the 'Jakobsweg'.

Surfwise it was quite tricky to find a nice spot who works consistantly through out the two beaches close to the village. The sand banks haven't been tast bad in a while I've been told and the windy conditions made it even worse. But those little villages stretching around the coastline, little hills and rivers remind you again what a rich and long lasting heritage the European Contintent has to offer. Built within a thousand years and grown through centuries the culture is rich in tradition and flair. Old houses and churches are surrounded be narrow winding roads where hardly a car could squeeze through at times. We were excited and there was plenty to explore on off days. 

Andre and his lovely family arrived a few days later and we were surfing almost every day together whenever conditions were ok and not made us go back to the next café and relax. Well we made the best of it and I had the best session while we made a day trip to a beach close to Santander on a public holiday. Needless to say the beach was packed but the huge beach stretched out the surfers quite well and the winding river produced some really good banks as long as the tide worked with it. We really got into the relaxed and live first work later kind a attitude of the people who rather have another coffee and a chat instead of hassling to wherever they have to be.

Thanks to Matthias who had been here and told me that the waves are not very powerful and recommended thst I take my 'longer' board as well. I would have been screwed without it. Haha. See you in Morocco in february.