From Zarautz to Deba

Last night when I went to bed I figured I'd be crippled this morning, but actually felt fine when I got up. We left our hostel at about 6:30 this morning in the dark. My intention was to be on the path every morning by about 6:00, but it's too dark. We had a beautiful walk along the beach and coastline, then began to climb. It was a beautiful, sunny day without rain, but still very muddy and slippery on the coastal alternate route we took. This day was about 15 miles, and we were pressed to get to Deba as quickly as possible because the albergue did not take reservations and it was the only option in town. We pushed pretty hard and skipped the second alternate route to try and get beds before it filled up. Every time another Pilgrim past us I thought to myself "There goes another bed." When we got to the bottom of the very steep descent into town, we realized there was an elevator we could have taken! We are worn out and sore... but we did get beds. Deba also had a pipe and drum group marching and playing for the holiday. I'm glad we got in on these festivities.

I'm reminding myself that I need more food, more water and more sleep. I'm going to take care of that last one right now!Read more