Gipuzkoa

Beautiful walking today, with a mixed bag of blessings. We had a quick, small breakfast at the albergue before heading out onto the winding trail that followed a relaxing creek. Some big ups and downs, of course, it’s the Norte after all. We had one really sketchy spot with a steep downhill in thick slippery mud. I was leading with about 6 behind me and I didn’t like being the leader so I carefully stepped to the middle and told people to go in front. They were following too closely and I was afraid someone was going to slip and cause a domino of everyone going down. Kinda like when you see bicyclists wreck, once one goes down, they all go down. As the last one passed, I worked my way down and then it happened, the lady in front of me slipped, landed on her backpack and butt, and her neck sprung back. I knew it was coming. Thankfully she got back up quickly and only her backpack and butt were muddy, only thing hurt was possibly her pride. Thank God. She simply said as she got up, “ohh well it’ll dry”. As we worked our way up the trail her husband, in front of her, didn’t know I was behind her, and said, “That gal who moved over made a smart move, that was really smart what she did”, I spoke up with “thank you”, he turned around, and we talked for a minute while continuing to walk. They are from Texas. Nice couple probably in their 60’s, upbeat, and so not bold and Texas like. I say that with the utmost respect for Texans, but come on, they have strong and passionate personalities. I snuck a photo as I walked behind her and as you can see, she’s a trooper walking on with mud covering her backside. So glad she wasn’t hurt, there is really no way out of the trail if someone gets hurt, they’d have to wait for EMT quite awhile. That part scares me. All the more reason to go slow and be careful with each step. Thank you Jesus for leading us out safely.
Honestly, as intimidating as that sounds, the walk was gorgeous. It wasn’t nearly the challenge as yesterday was. I found myself saying “I love this” several times. I’m definitely in my element and loving it. Hard, yes, but the most beautiful countryside I’ve ever seen. It was really hot, 90’s, and really that was my biggest challenge of the day. I have a lightweight wash cloth that I wet down and wipe my sweat with all day and drape around my neck. It helps a lot. Often I am asked what’s the most valuable piece in my kit and typically I’ll answer that you need the right shoes and the right pack. I’m changing my answer to washcloth! It’s so refreshing. Funny thing, I had asked the gal that did my eyelashes before I left, “Does sweat affect them?” She responded with, “Do you sweat into your eyes?” I said, “Well no.” I felt silly asking that question, but now I know, yes, I do sweat into my eyes, all fricken day!!
We are at the albergue now. All three of us are sitting at a table outside, drinking a vino tinto, Crianza from the La Rioja region, a form of muscle relaxer. Our albergue is another small, quaint place with a communal dinner. Love these. We skipped the city and I’m so grateful to be sitting at this little place. It’s quiet, besides the rooster crowing, and a few people having several beers. But, it’s safe and all good. No one is driving 😂!
Tomorrow we go to the big city of Bilbao. Guggenheim museum is the most noteworthy place to visit. It’ll be a 25km day in the heat again (no rain, so not complaining!). Not too much time to explore, but that’s ok. Cities are a little jolting after so much quiet countryside.
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