Tuesday, June 11 - Camino and San Sebastian

 We made it to the breakfast room in Pamploma before the large number of other guests arrived. That meant a good start to the day.  Javier drove us to the top of hill 4000 feet, to Perdon, the location emphasizing  forgiveness. There were also large stones symbolizing the silence the Basque people was imposed on them during the Franco regieme. The distant wheat fields and trees and grass were a colorful contrast in the distance,start to the day. At that .location also were large metal images of pilgrims, for we were on the Camino. Half of our group left walking down the steep trail, over loose stones to the next stop. The rest of us rode with the bus. Augustin had asked several of us of us not to take that portion of the trail.  I respected his advice, and no one had an accident. We walked on level trail and met a chatted with a few.pilgrims. One young woman from South Korea was walking  alone. I had really very good  conversations with a couple members of our group. The  Camino seems to be conducive either to quiet reflection and/or  conversation. We walked around 5  miles. At a couple points we stopped to have the Camino passports which Augustin had given us, stamped  once at a rest stop Cafe and once in a church.

  We all gathered. On a river this beautiful stone bridge arched over the water and brought views of the abundant trees and bushes, some blossoming with very small flowers in a variety of colors. Javier, our bus driver,  drove us to a local winery where we filled our glasses and pitchers from huge casks. The WC was even located in a cask. We had pea soup with cod, hake fish,  and oxtail stew with rice and red peppers, and a French toast with ice cream. It was a huge meal.

  We drove north toward the coast. The landscape was still green. As we arrived in San Sebastian we were awed by the extensive beach on the stunning blue bay, the two mountains bookending the city. We drove to the top of one where a family entertainment area is located. The views of the harbor and beaches and bay were breathtaking.  Our hotel was located on the riverfront to the bay. Outside the sound of waves hitting the nearby jetty and huge rocks protecting the wall and street. On our orientation walk we learned the rocks are brought in by huge machinery, and that most likely more huge rocks will need to protect the increasing severe winter storms.

 A group of us went out for tapas and found seating for twelve of us. Premilla went to the bar and ordered three creative snacks with fish or mushrooms or potatoes; they were a sight to behold. She brought me sangria and red wine for herself.  Conversation was lively and satisfying.  It was a late night.

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