Early start today at 6:00, as the albergue began softly playing Gregorian chant sung by monks. The lights came on at 6:30, and I headed to breakfast at 7:00.
We set of for Zubiri at 7:15. It was a clear morning, though in places there were pockets of heavy mist. It had rained heavily during the night, and the ground was wet underfoot. The walk was undulating but mostly downhill, descending from 950m to approximately 500m.
It was a tough walk—especially because I made the mistake of saving my break for the last village, only to find everything closed. So I didn’t stop at all.
Due to the overnight rain, there were plenty of muddy sections to navigate. The descent into Zubiri was particularly treacherous—very rocky and slippery.
On arrival in Zubiri, I met up with Stephen again, and he was with Lara (from Cork). We shared a few well-earned beers. There must be a song somewhere about three Irish ones—from Cork, Derry, and Galway. And if there’s not, we’ll just have to write one!
The hostel tonight is quite good—I’ve got a proper bed, not a bunk. Last night I was on the top bunk. I’m too old for that!
