Day 33 – to Cambo les Bains

100 km
In the morning I had a beautiful coastal route at the same height with views forward to the Pyrenees and backwards to the bays, I already passed. I used the route national N-634 and of course this is not a cycle path and other traffic was also on the road, but I must thank the Spanish drivers for their caution. They stay behind a cyclist if they cannot pass in 1.5 m distance. In Orio I left the coast and followed the river Oria Ibaia and then left the valley near Lasarte Onia. In Hernani I bought some food in the supermarket that sounds like a sex shop: Eroski City.
In Oiartzun I had my lunch in the shadow of some trees in the center near the church. Many times it is not possible to ride into the center without ignoring one way streets. Another problem are the traffic lights with the only function to let cars through if the cars keep the speed limit. Those traffic lights ignore cyclists and remain red until a car arrives.
To Irun my route was downhill  and in Irun I tried to use the cycle routes. The town itself did not look special. Some French cyclists from the opposite direction asked me where I came from and we had a little chat. They made a tour from Bordeaux to San Sebastian.
I passed the border without any sign that this is France now. Just the language on the signs changed. I stayed away from the cows and in Urrugne I took the route to Ascain and further to Espelette and the camping.
I am heading for the East Pyrenees in the next days.
Paul
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