We left the hostel early doors. Our goal was a monastery in Ziortza with a quick stop at the Eroski (supermarket) for mystery tinned food. Everything is a mystery when you don’t read or speak the native language! 

It would only be a cheeky 8km walk today but after the 20km walk yesterday I was incredibly glad. 

I chucked my food into Bronson, filled my water bottles and then summoned the strength of 10 men to get him on my back and carry him up some hills.

The walk past the river was spectacular. There were five of us today. All slowly meandering down the path following the river towards our destination. We took a few opportunities to stop and one of the spots was next to a waterfall about halfway along. 

I sat on the rocks and listened to the deafening roar of the waterfall without a care in the world. I was watered, I was fed and I closed my eyes and let this unique moment sink in.

 After dicking around at the waterfall I walked on, alone. Everyone had had their moment at this place and we had filtered off individually to continue the walk so I spent the rest of the section by myself. 

As I rounded a corner next to a cafe I found Bea, she had hurt her foot and was going to get a bus to Bilboa so a doctor could look at it. I was a bit nervous because we had been together since day one but she needed to get it sorted so off she went. I carried on till I got to a picnic spot.

Micheal and Sophie were having some lunch so I stopped and sat with them. I noticed a small opening down to the river so the socks and shoes came off and I went to cool my rather hot feet down. 

After a few of the standard deep and meaningful conversations we moved on towards the monastery. 

A brief 1.5km walk up a vertical hill presented me with an absolutely beautiful building complete with ringing bells and monks in white cloaks. As we wandered into the grounds I noticed a weird calmness about the place. As I wandered through the grounds in awe I turned a corner and there were a bunch of smelly pilgrims waiting to get their beds for the night. I joined the queue as I was equally as smelly and equally as pilgrimy.

After I had chucked my stuff on the bed, had a shower and “washed” my clothes I wandered out to have a home made monk beer with my friends. 

2 Italian’s, 2 Germans and one clueless Englishman. Google translate was my friend.

Dinner consisted of a simple pasta dish and nicking wine off other people which, after walking in the Spainish sun, was just what an exhausted jack needed. 

There is monk show on later, I think they call it a service, but I’ll tell you all about that tomorrow……..or I won’t because I’ll forget but it should be good. 

Anyway

Asta la vista (I get to say that all the time now because it actually applies here!!!)

BUEN CAMINO