Tony, Tim, Betsy & Ray's (not forgetting Geoff) 2014 Camino

16.06.14 Monday. Mutriku to Markina-Xemein. A day of interesting stones. We are raring to go this morning and a forcast cloudy morning in the hills means easy walking conditions. With directions from the campsiye lady we find the ywo gates out of the top of the campsite and Tony's expert navigation gets us to the top of the hill and an old reconstructed hermitage. Although lockef outside are some interesting stones with metal allachments used for competitions pulled by oxen and men. Other competitions included lifting quarried stones the record being 329kg. Othe local competitions include rowing larfe whaling gigs seversl of which we saw on sea and road over the last two days. A morning of great cool tree lined walking ensues and much of the woodland is pine trees with occasional Eucalyptus. The way has been dry with only occasional mud patches remain but large pine cones embedded and polished by walking feet are found frequently. The wrll marked way yakes us past a new alburgue with delightful goats and finally down into our destination where a wonderful hexagonal church was built long ago around several huge boulders possibly used as a megalithic temple in pre chistian times. The effect of this cross between a climbing wall and a place of worship is amazing. We wander into town and identify our albergue choices and have lunch. There is no convenient campsite. 21km 100m up and down.