Distance walked so far : 70 kms
Distance to Santiago de Compostela : 740 kms
Spain is suffering a heatwave and we seem to be getting waves of it. Fortunately, today, although it was humid and we didn't have to suffer searing temperatures forecast elsewhere.
We left Deba at 8am after breakfast at a bar across from the albergue. It was an extremely well run hostel and although not providing a kitchen, pelegrinos could access bars and supermarkets easily.
Deba was a former whaling centre.
Now pleasure craft abound. We set off over the bridge and another steep ascent up as
we move further west.
Hydrangeas used in public and private gardens.
Some information along the way about Basque culture. Here is a sporting competition
dragging heavy blocks of stone.
The size of the stone blocks used.
Gorgeous pastoral scenes
Only one opportunity for food along the way in Olatz. It was a well-run taverna with excellent snacks and drinks. We were chatting with a Dutchman, who walked this route with his daughter several years ago ('it was hard') and now was driving his wife around the area, showing her the memorable sections.
A very happy Frenchman taking a break from walking in the heat of the day.
Lots of steep ascents.....
Questionable paths....
And knee-wrenching descents....
Walking into Marquina- Xemenin, we walked by the hexagonal Sanctuary of San Miguel de Arretxinaga, founded in the 11th century around three Megalithic stones.
Marquina-Xemein is a working class town with a big heart. Descending into the valley through dense pine forests, which must employ some workers, we saw a huge stone quarry, which must provide the town with the most employment.
We are staying at Augusto, a private albergue with very friendly hosts. Washing,drying of our clothes breakfast included .. 15 euros.
Pinxtos at a local bar....while we wait for restaurants to open...Spanish time....
Fabulous, and totally unexpected, a delicious pilgrim meal at a local restaurant. A three course
menu for 10 euros, which has been the standard price along the route.
A very taxing day but according to our Irish friends the most challenging day, which augurs well
for the rest of the trip. The secret is early starts to cover greater distances in the cooler parts of
the. Our friends, Julie and Bob, have decided to bus it to Bilbao from here to escape the heat and
let their feet recover.
M&M
2/7/15
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