Distance walked so far : 23 kms
Distance to Santiago de Compostela : 786 kms
Day 1 : San Sebastián to Zarautz : 23 kms ( 8 hours with stops in Orio and lunch at a bar at the top of the hill before descending into Zarautz)
Maximum temperature : 32o
The terrain was undulating and quite steep a times. For the first stage out of San Sebastián, after the first steep climb, we walked on shady paths with views of the ocean. There were several sections of road with no shade which was testing for us, particularly for those feeling effects of the heat.
There was a steady stream of walkers, which is encouraging, and we hope to get to know some along the way. We chatted to a woman from Montreal in Canada, who is walking with her niece and there were many young men and a few couples starting out on the route.
Zarautz was a very welcome sight and we've all enjoyed a swim in the surf with the thousands of holiday makers. The public albergue does not open until tomorrow, 1st July, so we are staying in a small modern hotel, Olatu, in the city centre, close to bars and restaurants, which we will take our weary bodies to for an early meal and then bed, so that we can start out fresh tomorrow about 6 to avoid another scorching day's heat. www.olatuhotela.com
General map indicating El Camino del Norte route.
The path and elevation for today. It goes from right to left as we are walking east to west.
We are being guided by a book, which we ordered from the Confraternity of St James in London, which gives detailed directions, historical notes and suggestions for accommodation. We are also armed with an official credential which enables us to stay in albergue said, and is proof of our commitment to the walk, as it contains a stamp ( or sellos ) from each town we walk through.
We left at 6.15am following the signs along the promenade outside of the Hotel Niza.
Setting out at sunrise. Last views of Playa de la Concha
We followed other pelegrinos out of the town following the direction of yellow arrows, a symbol of all the Caminos.
We climbed up stone paths until we were on top of a ridge with wonderful views back of San Sebastián.
Provisions left for thirsty walkers by local families
Traditional Basque farmhouses along the coast.
Shady pathways
Some road -walking by farms, vegetable gardens and vineyards.
By the time we reached Orio, on the River Orio, the heat was taking its tole, so we stopped for a drink by the river. They was a lot of activity with students on holidays enjoying play equipment, kayaking on the river etc.
Our first view of Zarautz after a step ascent, light lunch at the top to recover and then down to
find our accommodation, just booked yesterday when we realised that the albergue would not
be open. We got the last 2 rooms at the Olate hotel.
The seaside town of Zaraurtz. It is historically important for its shipbuilding industry, one
Important commission was for the explorer, Magellan's boat, The Vitoria.
A cooling swim to end the day with the view back to the day's memorable trail and achievement.
M&M
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