Day 4, Markina to Gernika

It was raining leaving Markina and so muddy. I am very grateful to have decided to go with the trekking poles. I saw multiple people sliding. One gentleman was covered in mud and blood when I stopped for a break just over 3 miles into the day. I tried to help, ayuda? But he waved me off, it’s just scrapes on his hands but it was difficult for him to clean and bandage himself. Sylvia and Ana… tried to help as well. He’s a stubborn guy!

At about 4.5 miles I got to the monastery.

Caroline had gone on from Markina to stay there. I wish I had pushed on as well, but I was hurting and tired and another 7k seemed way too far.

Sara and Rebecca were still there when I arrived. They said they got there late, and there were no more beds but the monks found cots and fed them and took care of them along with all the other pilgrims they took in that night, I think around a dozen in total.

They had tears in their eyes recounting the experience. Another woman who was there is Ukrainian and came to walk to revive, she’s been caring for displaced Ukrainians in Getmany. She was very emotional because she had left her family to do this and try to overcome the burn-out she’s feeling. She cried and said she was a bad mom for taking this time away from her young children. Well, I think she got a tap from God because Sara and Rebecca are away from their young children too. They comforted her and said the entire group did too and no one asked about the war because she is here to rest. They stayed for the morning mass and the monks blessed them. By the time I arrived all had moved on except for Sara and Rebeca. I can tell they don’t want to leave. It’s very emotional.

The rest of the day was fairly uneventful. Arrived in Gernika in a downpour. I’m treating myself to a hotel room, privacy, and my own bathroom. However I can hear every word the man in the room next to me is saying. It sounds like he’s in my room. Hope he doesn’t snore.

Buen Camino

XOXO,

Bon