THE CAVES AT EL CASTILLO, LAS MONEDAS & THE NEO-ALTAMIRA CAVE and SANTILLANA DEL MAR (Distance: this week - 141.89 miles [on bike] - Total - 293.74 miles)

The caves are really interesting and provide an interesting view into prehistoric Spain. Because of the limits on the numbers of people allowed in the caves we had to divide the group in two. We started with Las Monedas. The name comes from the discovery of coins around the opening of a 20 meter deep pit. The coins were from the later part of the 15th century. It is believed that the person carrying the coins fell into the pit leaving the coins as a reminder of his blunder. There are a few cave paintings in the Moneda. It is mostly known for its beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.

El Castillo is where you find the most cave art. The most amazing moment for me was when the guide showed us the hand prints on the walls. Seeing hands put a human touch (no pun intended) to the art; they suddenly became real. Here is a link where you can explore the information regarding the caves: https://cuevas.culturadecantabria.com/el-castillo-2/

After this visit to these caves we went to the Neo-Cave Altamira. Because of the damage that has taken place in the original cave, a replica was created to allow people to see and experience the paintings. Interestingly, those who constructed the new cave used what they believed to similar techniques of application and similar dyes to create the paintings. Here is a link so that you can explore the history: https://www.culturaydeporte.gob.es/mnaltamira/en/que-hacer/exposicion-permanente/neocueva.html. We were allowed to take pictures and here are some of them:

From the caves we traveled to a beautiful resort town of Santillana del Mar. 

and stayed at a very cool little hotel that appears to have been a private residence/palace.

The students decided that they wanted to check out the beach. What a great decision. We were dropped off at Santa Justa Beach and then walked over a hill and down to Tagle Beach. Here is a series of photos that take you from the one to the other. Please note the color of the water. These photos have not been adjusted. The blues and greens were stunning. It is one of the first times that I have seen a true cerulean blue in nature.

Playa de Santa Justa

View of inlet into Santa Justa from the hill

This is a little hermitage built into the side of the mountain above Santa Justa

This ruin was at the crest of the hill

Coming down the hill this is the first view you have of the Playa Tagle

Later we had dinner at a wonderful restaurant (La Huerta del Indiano). We had this very funny waiter who let me take is picture. Every waiter had these funny aprons with funny sayings written on them.

Sunday, we attended our meetings in Santander. The ward was so kind and embracing. We did a special musical number for them for which they were very appreciative. We are now back in Astorga. Tomorrow (Monday, May 30) we set out again (on foot!) for Rabanal del Camino (about 20 kilometers; 12.5 miles). There is rain in the forecast and we have already had some light showers! Wish us luck!