Coasts and Cols Tour - Day 1 - 'Into the Hills'

I'm laying in my little tent, somewhere up in the hills above Santander; listening to the cow bells just outside.

When the ferry eventually arrived in port - delayed by a Storm Force 9 that we battled through right across the Bay of Biscay, I rolled out into the grey, but the thankfully dry, evening.

Out through the city, and into the countryside; I soon left the industrial port in my wake.

The darkness closed in fast, and when I came to my main climb of the first day's route, I still had 10km to go, and my pace had slowed to 10kph. It was properly dark, and now raining a bit. I pushed on; with the idea that if I found a camping spot, I would stop.

I eventually passed over the top of the pass, yet to find a suitable spot; but with the full intended distance for the day now done. Then I  found my field of cows to camp next to. First day done. One coast in the background, one col crossed.