The Atlantic does not take a vacation

For over a week, not a day went by without a view of the ocean. Vacation beaches, dunes, marinas, container ports, fishing villages, spa towns, as well as bays and river mouths alternated along the way. Coastal mountains joined during the hiking. Today, my last coastal stage lay ahead of me before the path turned inland.

I had learned from the mistakes of the previous day for my day planning, when I arrived at my destination much too early.

I would get up only after 7 a.m., set off only in daylight starting at 8 a.m., take a short break about halfway through the route, and have an extended lunch break an hour before the end of the stage. The good planning paid off, and I reached the hostel after 22 km at 2:40 p.m., before it opened its doors at 3 p.m.

Upon arriving at my destination in Deba, I took the last opportunity for a swim in the sea amid changing weather. The sun granted me a few last rays before it clouded over.

Throughout the day, El Camino once again led through lush nature, favored by the Atlantic and the Gulf Stream, with no signs of autumn. It was Sunday, and paths for fitness and running invited sporting activities. People greeted each other warmly. Here and there, the common phrase 'Bon Camino!' was already in use. In Switzerland, there is a term 'Grüezi-Weg' for a local recreation trail where people greet each other everywhere. It's similar on the Camino.

Deba also had a beach and a few charming old buildings, but at a far lower level than the previous destinations. Additionally, there was a noticeable off-season vibe, and during a last walk along the coast, I said goodbye to the Atlantic.

--

'The Atlantic does not take a vacation,

And it does not want to apply for one,

It finds it hard to get representation,

If I now ask the Pacific, who represents it then?

That's why it stays there.' (Rainald Grebe: Atlantic)