Walking Day 4-Deba to Markina-Xemein

This was by far the hardest day. The book said one thing but Strava says....1260 m elevation gained.

We started walking at 7:15 after a nice coffee and croissant at the bar next door to our hostel which was a cool old train station. Almost immediately we started climbing the hill out of town. The sun soon came out which was the first time since we got here that we weren't walking in clouds and mist but soon we were praying for shade.
So the ups and downs were incredibly steep and with the intense sun it was difficult at times to enjoy the walk. The young Pilgrims from France and Holland passed us as though we were waiting for the flowers to grow; however we did see a few of them resting in the shade as we passed them hours later. Lots of the Pilgrims looked really exhausted when they staggered in. I'm sure we did too.

Al and I were almost out of water coming into town but there was a fountain by the Sanchuary of San Miguel de Arretxinaga founded in the 11 c. Around three Megalitic stones. It was Amazingly cold inside which was just what we needed to cool off a bit before we walked through town to find the Albergue up another hill toward the end of town. This Albergue is in an ancient building around a courtyard the Convention de Los Padres. Arrived at 4:00 with plenty of spaces left. The hall ways are lined with bunk beds 10 on our hall. There are 28 altogether for a donation of $10 euro.

So now all revived, showered, laundry done and a nice menu of the day at a local restaurant for $10. Lights out at ten. Pics on my Facebook page.
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