San Sebastien to Zarautz (22 kms) August 29

We were kept awake most of the night with the young people out celebrating something. Until 6 am, there were plenty of people outside the windows singing and shouting and having a great time.The alberque is in an old school and so very basic with 30 bunk beds in one room and the showers and bathrooms upstairs. Still it is cheap and only a donation so the costs are very low. I have been averaging about E15-20 per day for g
food and lodging which is pretty good I think.
The walk each day is very tough and always involves a very steep climb and then an equally steep descent. Sometimes there are 3 or 4 mountains to cross, but the scenery is wonderful. The sea is always in view and if not, then there are wonderful views of the rural countryside, which is beautiful rolling hills, with the cows and sheep grazing, bells ringing and the smell of the sea mixed with the fields and the barn yards of course. It is quiet in the hills and gives one lots of time for reflection.
My back pack feels like my friend now - I guess I am getting used to it. I emptied it out completely and got rid of everything that I really did not need when we were in Irun. This included all kinds of very light weight small stuff of course, like some lotion and a pair of flip flops, but somehow it makes a difference to be carrying only what I really want to have on board.
San Sebastien was a wonderful old town but filled with tourists. Wonderful long beaches in the centre of the city crowded with people. Those who were not on the beach were wandering around the old town, so it was not a really great place to be as a pilgrim. The walk to Zarautz was good, but we arrived into another teeming tourist area, which was loaded with people on holiday. Because the weather is so good and it is Sunday, there are even more people around here. We have had great days for walking and the heat of the afternoon has not been so bad, maybe cooler higher up.
Maggee