26. San Sebastián to Getaria

The day started in the dark as it will most days now, as the dawn breaks later and later in this season in Spain. 

It marked the day when Sarah would begin the long journey home to Australia and I would walk on to Santiago de Compostela. Needless to say we were both feeling a little tender to be parting. We decided to walk together to the other end of San Sebastián, hopefully finding an open bar for breakfast on the way, and then say goodbye.

We found a bar, shared a final café con leche y tostadas con tomate y aceite, and then walked on to the end of town together.

And then it really was time to say goodbye 😔.

A final wave or ten(!) and I passed through a tunnel and out of town.

And then the climbing began!!

Up over the headland and onto a high plateau.

I started to catch up with other pilgrims. There are definite more people walking this route and I’d guess I passed about 30 in the course of the stage.

The path was a mix rock and mud, not the easiest of surfaces to walk on but not the hardest either. Just need to stay switched on as this is where a trip, slip and fall can break a wrist and end a Camino.

The varigated orange and white slug. Nice size too!

After a couple of hours of walking, I descended into Orio where I enjoyed a brief pause for second breakfast - coffee and a small omelette roll.

A fishing boat receiving some attention on the slips.

Another hour or so of walking across another headland and I descended into Zarautz, another popular tourist seaside destination.

The path wound along the very edge of the beach and I must say I felt a bit overdressed in my boots and backpack amongst the beach gear and bikinis!!

Beach sculptures abounded.

And then, the longish boardwalk to Getaria, with stunning views of a very blue, very calm, sparkling Atlantic. This is the best day weather wise for at least two weeks. 

That’s Getaria in the distance.

Getaria is situated on an isthmus on the edge of the Bay of Biscay. There is a small harbour tucked into the eastern side. A narrow central cobbled lane slopes down the ithmus and is swallowed into the side door of the enormous church at the end. The lane is lined with wind- worn sandstone shops, bars and restaurants and the sweet smell of seafood cooking on briars is intoxicating. 😋😋

The church itself, slopes up to the altar, with an even higher high altar metres above it - the highest I’ve ever seen.

Most of the stained glass has a blue sea theme, which seemed completely appropriate given that the sea was literally twenty metres from the side wall. 

This guy was one of the earlier hero’s of the town, poised to launch forth in conquest by the looks.

And these girls were celebrating a birthday with an evening plunge from the wharf.

And now I’m tucked away in a nice little hostel not far from the centre of this delightful old seaside village. There are about twenty other pilgrims here. All looking a tad weary and ready for a good night’s rest. And tomorrow, another day on the way.

Buen Camino dear Sarah on your long flight home 

and to you, dear reader on the way that lies before you.

🧡 👣 🧡