Bayonne-Ustaritz

I had an even later start of 7:45am this quiet Sunday morning. The Italian pilgrims left at 6:45am, after all their squabbling last night over what time to leave, they plan to walk 40 kms today! I’ve an easy 15 kms which is good as my pack feels extra heavy for some reason. It’ll be easy on the navigation too as I just have to follow the cycle path along the river Nive all the way to Ustaritz.

Not often one is thankful for clouds on a holiday but I was grateful for the light overcast this morning as it’ll keep the heat at bay for a while longer. Being Sunday there’s tons of people on my path: running, walking, biking, rollerblading, even rowing on the river.

I arrived in Ustaritz at 11:45am, 15.9 kms, and starving. Unsure what was open on a Sunday I stopped at the first available cafe which turned out to be a mom & pop burger joint, so I had a Burger Maison avec un Heineken! My day is done, only need to find my albergue, do laundry, and wait for Mom & John to arrive this afternoon. They are in the middle of their driving trip around Spain and so we’d planned to meet up for a couple of days.

My albergue isn’t really an albergue but a private home that accepts strangers to sleep in their spare rooms! It’s pleasant and my room is spotless; however one is sharing the owner’s bathroom and living room. Luckily it’s been gorgeous weather and there’s a large covered patio to relax in and a little cottage I’ve reserved for Mom & John!