Our evening stay at the Albergue was at an old convent with a beautiful courtyard that provided a cool interior in contrast to the hot day that was continuing. We found a restaurant behind the Albergue that served the pilgrim's meal which was tasty and plentiful. Most of our new friends were there. We started our walk at 0715 after a minimal breakfast with instant coffee so we would be seeking the real thing, which was much delayed. The initial climb to Bolibar (homeland of Simon Bolivar) was gradual. The only bar was closed so we continued on after pausing on a bench to share an apple. Here the grade steepened as we climbed 225m in 5k to a 14th century monastery. Along the way we passed a braying donkey that put quite the show on. Still no cafe. The down grade that followed was as steep as the uppy and hard on the feet. But alas Muntibar had an open bar and café con latte was downed. The walk continue from here forever, or so it seemed. The country side is beautiful, the farms well cared for, the people friendly and proudly flying banners in support of an independent Basque state. Oh, yes there were three more uppies before we arrived in Gernika and found the youth hostel. So the max elevation we attained was 367m, with a total ascent of 639m or 2100+ feet. This is to be our average day. Yikes!
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