The Days 4-8 Scenes from Orio through Zumaia, Deba, Markina, Munitibar, and Gernika

Wifi has been quite spotty along the Camino and where it has been decent, exhaustion has won over my desire to post. The toughest day by far was the walk from Deba to Markina–25K over a steep mountain where the total ascent  was 1000 meters, and then of course we had to make our way down.  We hobbled into town that evening each of us wondering why in the hell we were doing this. However, the next morning we woke up refreshed and ready to move forward.  Here are a few pictures along the way the over the past several days.

 

Yes, it rained a bit off and on.

 

We crested a hill and there was a picnic table, just in time for a trail-side lunch.

 

 

As we passed by a church in a small town we were invited in to see this beautiful Madonna by the caretaker. He was so proud of this church and so happy to give us a personal tour. A special moment.

 

Artichoke hearts that have bloomed.

An albergue that we stayed in. It is a renovated train station. It was our first multi-bed, co-ed dorm style sleeping arrangement. Surprisingly, it was comfortable and people respected each other’s privacy.

St. Francis of Assisi?  Most likely St. James.

This is a family with two kids, two dogs, a mule and a donkey that have been wandering about Spain for two years. Yes, they are camping all along the way.  Amazing.

The family was breaking camp and the dogs were trying to round up the mule and donkey.  The mule would have none of it.

 

Pilgrim dinner. Three courses, all the wine you can drink, 12€.  Not bad.

Muddy trails=very muddy boots:

This rocky trail in the picture below is what one comes to expect coming on or off the Camino during the first 8-9 days. It’s very hard on the feet and responsible for many a blistered foot. So far, I’ve been very lucky.   Supposedly after Bilbao, the trail becomes less challenging. Fingers crossed.

 

This statue of St. James was in the middle of a chapel in Deba.

 

The following pictures were taken at a Monastery along the way. The monks make their own beer and pilgrims are welcomed to sleep there as well. Our journey was taking us further that day so we passed up on both offerings. 😕

I

Denise sitting with Julianna and George, both from Germany.  They ended up sharing a small albergue in Muntibar with us which turned out to be a most fun evening.

 

Weary pilgrims and their most-weary feet.

Leaving Muntibar.