Day 5: Barranco Odia to a hill overlooking Hiriberri

Today was absolutely fantastic. About 29.5km, and about 1100m elevation gain.

Today was meant to be the hottest day of this heatwave and tomorrow the temperatures are supposed to drop off. So I had anticipated actually having a really short day, maybe just getting from my camp-site into Burguette, probably 3-3.5 hour walk early in the morning, and then then chill out there until 6 or 7pm when the temp starts dropping and then maybe do another few km to find a camp-site. The first 3 or so hours where beautiful- awesome views from up on Menditixipi (1213m) as you can see from the photos. Spotted a fox, plenty of vultures, and a small snake. Burguette was a cute town and the supermarket was open so I treatment myself to an icecream, stocked up for the day and checked the forecast. The highest temp was meant to be 35, not 42 (it had changed from the day prior when I checked it). So feeling energetic I decided to continue. It certainly was a slog through the heat at some points but there was a breeze some of the time (novel, to this trip) and some of the uphill was in beautiful green forrest that Europe does so well.

The slog from Orbara to Hiriberri in the heat of the afternoon was tough and I relaxed and cooled down by the water fountain at the church in town before climbing another 100m or so out of town onto a hill to find a spot to pitch my tent beside a cattle trough with a bore pump.

Sunset was spectacular, enjoyed with a pot of a kind of tuna and potato stew, with fresh baked brioche (I’m on the border with France - this stuff is excellent). Bed now, and a shorter day tomorrow I think to a private campground with a shower!