I recall that I wrote yesterday that we weren't planning any big days on this little 'bonus walk' of ours. Well, it didn't quite work out that way - not today, and apparently not for the next few days either!
The official route today was around 21 kms, a bit of up and down, but not too strenuous - as long as you didn't 'take the bait' and opt for alternative 'recommended' routes along the way. Proving that The French and I are slow learners (even after our adventures on Day 1) when our guidebook twice offered alternative, more scenic paths - translation: steeper, longer, more difficult paths - of course we complied. The result, for me at least, is that today - Walking Day 38 - was without doubt the most physically challenging day since we began on 1 April. The first two hours were fine, the last four - relentless.
Happily ... the scenery really was stunning and we were rewarded for our considerable efforts. Even so, I advised The French that if there is a 'more scenic' route on offer tomorrow, I think we best take the low road like most normal - sensible - pilgrims! But he reminded me that tomorrow we head away from the coast, and it's mountains and valleys all day. We climb, up and down, and there are no options. Oh well. We knew going in that the northern route was a difficult one. It's just that somewhere along the way - probably on our day off in San Sebastián - I forgot.
We are in an albergue tonight in the coastal town of Deba. The peregrinos we suspected were somewhere nearby are here too. I counted about 30 pairs of walking shoes. It's new, modern, spacious and comfortable - and there are just 6 in our 8 bed room. Let's hope no loud snorers! But I'm SO 'tres fatiguee' so maybe I'll sleep soundly in any case. And my ear plugs and eye mask are at hand.
So bonne nuit. Demain, nous montons. Tomorrow, we climb.
J x
