Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025
Day: 29
From: Aroue To: Ostabat-Asme
Start Walking: 713am End Walking: 137pm
Time: 5h08m
Distance (Planned): 24km Distance (Garmin): 22km
Progress: 747.9/765km
Ascent: 625m Descent: 556m
Weather: Not a cloud in the sky and HOT! Forecast for 30°C.
Stayed At: Gite Izarrack
General Comments:
• Today’s forecast hot temperatures had us up and walking early, along with about 50 other pilgrims. It seems that none of us wanted to be caught in the worst of the heat if we could avoid it. As it was I found myself chasing little patches of shade and using them as rest stops. Tomorrow is going to be even hotter again. We really have experienced all weather on this trip…other than snow!😁
• Many of us were thinking alike too when it came to making the most of the official detours which may not have shaved much distance off the total, but it did ever-so-slightly reduce the elevation we walked. We have to take the positives where we find them.✅
• Our passage into Basque country is complete. The architecture has changed to predominantly white buildings with red trims. All road signs are now printed in French and the Basque language. The foothills are growing and reminding me of one of the toughest days I have ever put in – up and over the Pyrenees on Day 1 of the Camino Frances way back in 2013. And there are cow bells jangling away in most paddocks as we stroll by.
• Tonight our gite is full and we have reconnected with many people we haven’t seen for a couple of weeks including Kay from Launceston. I am sure it will be a rowdy dinner tonight as we all look forward to (for many of us) our final day tomorrow.
Top Tips:
• I highly recommend last night’s Gite – Bortu Lilia. I think it was the nicest place we have stayed and the food was delicious at dinner. We also had great company with Alina from Melbourne and Erich and Patricia from Brittany. Lots of interesting conversation and laughs.
Bon Chemin.
Life...one big adventure 
Mission almost accomplished, Mel. Love a happy ending. I’ve been walking from one patch of shade to the next this week. Phew…! xx
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Phew, is right! From one extreme to the other on this trail! 😁🥵🥵🌧⛈🥶🥶
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I have enjoyed your daily account of this trip and will miss the updates! It sounds like you have had a wonderful time and I look forward to hearing more about it when you get back xx
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Thanks, Haidee. It really has been a fabulous walk – tough at times – but just so beautiful. Looking forward to a long chat too. Melxx
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Hard to believe this amazing adventure is coming to an end. Thanks, Mel, for the commentary and wonderful photos; it’s been great to walk with you (from the comfort of my armchair!)
Bon fin de chemin!
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Thanks, S. I have been thinking of you and hoping you managed to survive the floods without too much damage and distress. Thanks for joining the adventure, yet again. Xx
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The final day is on the way – what a trek this has been!
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One of the best!
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The landscapes are always beautiful to see, but in this post, I love the buildings you took pictures of! And I’m a little sad it’s your last day tomorrow …
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Yep, this country really does have beauty in every direction whether it’s natural or man-made. And it’s all so different from home.
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Beating the heat early on reminds me of trekking on Everest—timing your walk to avoid the worst weather is everything. The climbs here brought back those tough uphill memories from EBC. Crossing into Basque country feels like reaching a new chapter, just like on the mountain. How do you handle heat and elevation together on these long treks?
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Yes, while there were some tough days, there was nothing elevation-wise that compared to EBC. At least I could breathe relatively easy in France! 😉
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I totally understand—EBC’s elevation is something else! But if you’re up for a new kind of challenge and experience, I’d love to invite you to come here and taste the unique thrill and beauty of the Everest region. It’s unlike anything else and definitely worth exploring!
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Agreed. It is a once in a lifetime experience. We walked to EBC via Cho La Pass last October. It was the hardest thing I have ever done and possibly the most amazing!!
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