Last day before we walk

A lovely leisurely day. Actually, we did do a bit of walking to keep our legs going, but very relaxed. First we walked with C and J along the wall, and up the path to the Citadelle above the town where hadn’t been before…magnificent view from up there, then made our way back to the hotel as C and J catching the 12.20 train. We escorted them to the station, via a coffee and hot chocolate stop, and waved them off after a fun week together!

So Amr and I first decided to check the route we need to take tomorrow morning. We always feel secure if we sort of sus out the way, and it was a good practice walk. (We can’t remember from 10 years ago of course)…then we sauntered along a path beside the river, which also I don’t think we have ever done…so so pretty, with the leaves just hinting green, and the Basque houses.

We have bumped into many people who are setting off tomorrow, like us on a schedule, so we are all hoping the weather will not be too bad. Some Australians, Americans, Dutch…it’s a good camino feeling here and we are very excited. On the way back from the first walk we met 2 volunteers who paint the red and white markers for the GR routes. They struck up a conversation with us and gave good advice about how to avoid the road, even though we are taking the route via Valcarlos. He said his son was working in Sydney when covid struck, and he had trouble getting out of course when his job ended…is son said “now I know what it is like to live under communism”!! You can be sure we agreed with the sentiments!!

So we are sorting out our bags - what to take with us and what to send, what to wear…we bought a half baguette with ham and cheese for tomorrow’s lunch - it will keep fine overnight in the cool on our balcony…as the shop won’t open till after we leave, as we will go fairly early to get some distance before the rain is predicted to start at about 11…who knows..very very excited!Read more