Another sleepless night following another beautiful day. 27kms of beautiful Spanish countryside gave me a sore body but a happy heart.
I left town early and although the majority were still sleeping the shoreline was busy with the runners and early birds like me.
The down side was no coffee.
After a long walk from one end of the beach to the other, the hike started with a steep climb up the mountain that was wrapped around the calm bay. From that point for the next 15kms or more, there was only gorgeous countryside, rolling green hills and quiet farm life.
I saw the odd pilgrim. Bernard and quirky Marie both from France and a group of Spanish ladies who have one of their husband's following them by car and transporting their packs. They speak no English but are friendly but they are a chatty bunch amongst themselves so I need to get ahead of them or let them get ahead of me. I enjoy the peace and the solitude. I like to have have my moments chatting up the horses, the cows, the farm cats and my donkey friends.
I had my share of blackberries for breakfast and when I arrived at the first town at some point in the afternoon, I had not one but two coffees and a Spanish tortilla.
The remainder of the day hiking into Zarautz was sunny and hot but equally scenic walking through hills of grapes.
At the top of the final mountain I had a choice. 1.6k or 2.2 k.
I was spent and chose the shorter route. Looking to my right after starting the descent I could see in the distance the other pilgrims descending down a scenic flight of stairs along the sea followed by a beach walk. I kicked myself a little but I'm not one for regrets.
I was looking forward to seeing a dear friend of mine in Zarautz, also on Camino. He crossed over from the Camino Frances to have some giggles and we certainly did that. We had a couple of drinks on the beach and reminisced about the day we met 3 years ago.
We shared a wonderful dinner in a beautiful restaurant. We shared a traditional Spanish meal called Chuleton...... basically a big chunk of salty meat, salad, potatoes and my own loaf of gluten free bread. Today is my lucky day! A fabulous meal to end a fabulous day with great company to satisfy my soul.
Now if I could just convince the rest of Spain to go to bed before 3am, that would be great. I need sleep.
Buenos Noches x
Sent from my Galaxy
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