4/4 Monday Orio to Zumaia 15km
Last night a young couple from the Albergue, Veronika & Benedikt from Munich, were kind enough to invite me to eat in a restaurant with them. They have just finished university and like to run in the mountains so we had plenty to talk about.

Back at the Albergue I found Johnny from Denmark in the bunk opposite me. He had walked all the way from Irún in one day!

Today started sunny but with a cold wind and that is how it stayed all day. After breakfast I set off alone and walked alone all day. Over the first hill and down to Zarautz I already had a choice - Camino route direct into town or GR 121 direct to the beach. An easy choice, apparently the Camino route runs parallel to the beach two streets back.

Along the beach was beautiful and I had fun when a terrier thought my walking pole was a stick. The owner and I both had a laugh at the dog’s expense.
At the end of the sandy beach was another choice- turn right and walk along the coast-hugging highway or take the high way. I followed the example of Wilmhelm con Humboldt. There is a photo of his Route description which I liked. My photo of Getaria will confirm my choice.

You may not know this but I have brought one of Noah’s Lego figures to share my journey. I try to send Noah an interesting picture of Zane in Spain every day. Today I spotted a horse in the field next to the path so set Zane up on the gate as the horse came over. I stepped back to take the shot and to my horror as I did the stupid horse ate Zane! I grabbed the horses jaws desperately pulling them apart and Lego debris dropped onto the grass. Zane was rescued minus his helmet and survives to continue his adventure. Find a donkey tomorrow?

Onward into Zumaia where I met a bunch of guys who had stayed at the same Albergue as me the previous night. I’d not chatted to them previously but was soon being asked if I could cook. We were all due to be staying at a basic hotel, Santa Klara, which was 1km up a steep hill from the town. They had figured buying ingredients to cook there was a better plan than trekking up and down twice.

Because I’d booked ahead as a single traveller I had a room to myself with bathroom! And it only cost me €5 more than the guys’ price for sharing. Well worth it to avoid any snoring. We also go free laundry and the panoramic vista!
Later my chorizo and butter bean stew seemed to hit the spot. Collectively there were quite loud but good company after a day of solo walking.
Joe Savage from Texas, Johnny from Denmark, Heiko and Micha from Germany. Joe writes and sings country music so we were treated to some of his recordings which went well with beer and the setting sun.
Now I must look at the map and figure out tomorrow.