We both think that San Sebastin is now close to our favourite place on the planet, so were feeling very sad that this is our last day here. Issy says that well feel happier if we go for a long hike, so we head off towards the lush green hills of the Mount Ulia ridge at the east end of Zurriola Beach. Its hot yet again, and its a bit of a struggle getting up the steep steps through suburbia. But its worth the effort; the views from the forest down over the crowded beach are excellent.
The path deteriorates into a maze of goat tracks leading off in all directions. We dont know where we are or even where were trying to get to, but we plough bravely on. It seems that this is the place where the worlds for their holidays, although not all at once if the lack of anyone around is anything to go by. The only maps we can see are all about rocks. Now Im sure the average holidaying rock doctor would love to know
where the nearest basaltic outcrop is, or whether hes currently standing on an early Palaeozoic sediment or some Devonian limestone, but were just after a you are here dot, and theres none of those. Its starting to feel very lonely. But wait, is that another person? Uh oh. Were now kind of wishing it wasnt - a sixty something lady squatting in the bushes looking for some privacy. I wonder if shes a geologist. We dont stop to ask. We pass some rocky outcrops that look like they might have been part of some ancient fortification, and then pause for a break at what we assume is a medieval hilltop watchtower overlooking the deserted coast. The views are excellent. We feel like weve been surrounded by other tourists for days now, but weve now got this lush green and largely deserted forest virtually to ourselves. Its very pleasant out here.
Back on ground level again we decide that we cant leave San Sebastian without taking at least one dip in the ocean, so its off to Zurriola Beach. It sure is crowded. Fortunately sunlounges and umbrellas dont seem to be in too high demand and is happy to
rent us a set. The waves looked gentle enough from a distance but they pack enough punch to knock several youngsters flying. The waters very refreshing nonetheless. We‘ve read that this is one of the most expensive places to live in Spain, so maybe it as too much of a surprise that so many of the poor young ladies here are apparently unable to afford bikini tops.
We head down to the waterfront for our final meal, well for here at least, although that said Ive read some less than glowing reviews about the airline were travelling with tomorrow. Itd be here for the food alone, and tonights offering is no different - squid and scallops washed down with some sangria.
We head off out to the point to watch the sunset, well that was the plan, but it seems that our timing is a bit off. The outline of Mount Igueldo against the orange afterglow is worth seeing nonetheless. It seems we mightnt be the only ones whos timing is a bit off. Its nearly dark, but we can just vaguely make out the outlines of three paddle boarders about a kilometre
offshore out towards France. Its a bit hard to tell but they seem to be trying to make their way into the safety of the bay before it black. Were now very curious as to what theyre up to and where they might from. It seems like a slightly over creative way of importing drugs, but were struggling up with other plausible explanations, well I am at least, but that might just be the beer and sangria. But wait, theres a boat with lights on it following them. Of course, its the Spanish Coast Guard, and theyre about to make the interception before our paddlers are able to make it to shore with their contraband. Hmmm. I think were going to need a new theory; it just cruises casually past them. We wait to see whether the wakes going to help them along or tip them into the drink. I wonder if cocaines still any good if it gets wet.
