Day 3: Getaria to Ibiri

 

Once again we rose at 5:30 and were on our way at 6:00 am, early enough to have the entire town to ourselves.  We walked and walked and walked and walked and…couldn’t find a single bar or restaurant open for coffee and tortilla espanola until 10:30 am.  Paco was not amused!

 

Once again, the views of the countryside from the mountain ranges we climbed were stunning.

 

Also amazing are the vivid colors of hydrangeas that cover the mountainside.  The bright pink and deep purples are truly stunning.

 

 

The territory we’re traversing is very rural.  Agriculture rules.  We passed lots and lots of vineyards, and farmland dotted with Basque hay bales. 

 

 

Conveniently, the local water is safe to drink. There are water fountains throughout the Camino: in towns, along paths, in parks, everywhere.  This water fountain in the town of Zumaia is one of our favorite.

 

 

After 6 hours of walking, we reached the cute town of Deba.  It has a lovely town square and lots of bars and restaurants to refresh your spirit.  

 

From our outdoor perch at lunch we spied many pilgrims we had met in previous days. Later that night in our albergue, we connected with Katrin, a German PhD student studying behavioral psychology, and Jaszia, a Polish mom from Krakow walking with her 2 sons.  Interestingly, the 16-year-old zipped past us on the Purgatory route on the first day of the Camino, only to cool his jets waiting for the rest of the family to catch up.  Funny to see them all at the same albergue, a few days later.

One the way to the albergue, we passed the Galbario Ermitage, a beautiful remote shrine, complete with the “flying boats” so common in this region, symbolizing the Blessed Mother’s special protection for fishermen.

 

 

At long last, we reached our destination around 4:30 pm. We strategically chose this spot since it’s the last possible launching ground for tomorrow’s very difficult walk: 20 km in wilderness, no amenities, and 1000 feet gain in elevation.  And it’s forecast to rain. We’re praying for good weather and good luck on the journey!