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Only had one week did Irun to Bilbao. I loved the climbing and totally agree with you that the flats are few and far between. I also found that when I was on the flats I was craving the climbs. Oh yeah, lots of fresh veggies to be had at the local markets but if you want an ensalada at a...
I love the Deba story. I took the long steep alternative route just to find that there were No beds in Deba. I was suspicious of all the so called pilgrims given that I only saw a small handful since I left Irun. This was back in early May. As I have mentioned in my other posts the solution was...
Not nearly enough information in your description to really offer advice. If it’s your Achilles I would recommend a heel lift in your shoes. If it’s more of a strain/sprain the ibuprofen and possibly an ace wrap or a stretchy ankle support. If it’s blisters then treat the blisters. If you have...
Don’t forget you can pick up your camino passport at the church near the plaza mayor. Check website for the hours. For €1 you can buy a plastic sleeve protector. BC
Took a private room in the monastery for €30. Worth it! The monks were very appreciative. I got there around 12 noon? Had to wait till 2 or 230 (can’t remember) to actually secure the room but was first in queue. If Mary is still there she will help you. BTW all the rooms in Deba were booked...
I’m currently on the Norte and already got shut out once at Deba on a Thursday!! Note that there are not many rooms in Deba to begin with but it surprised me given the scant number of pilgrims I saw on the trails. The solution was fairly easy since the train station is directly next to the...
I am currently on the camino del Norte. Lots of climbing and once you leave Zarautz, accommodations become scarce until Bilbao. I did part of the Francis last year. Way different. Way easier in so many ways. I agree for first time out try to stick with Francis.
I did about 5 days last year with the large mountainsmith lumbar pack. It was HORRIBLE!!!! First of all I couldn’t cinch it tight enough (I’m a petite female and the OS that could fit the jolly green giant was too big for me) so I wrapped the sleeves of a t-shirt in an effort to get it closer...
I would also advise that you take a couple days off to relax and regroup. Maybe decrease your daily mileage. Also you may have a medical condition that needs to be evaluated. If this is atypical for you and your not taking any meds that could cause lethargy then I STRONGLY advised you have a...
I started in Leon and am currently licking my wounds in Triacastela.
Things I’ve learned on the El Camino so far;
the Spanish people the Spanish culture and the Spanish country are extraordinary.
There are no less than 383 ways to get lost on the El Camino but at the end of the day you will...
Those traveling from Madrid to starting point please be advised you can obtain your Camino passport in Madrid. I was getting a bit anxious about the logistics of obtaining my Camino Passport prior to departing Leon especially given my train arrives past 6 p. After a quick internet search and an...
Does anyone know if there is a hotel or a place in Leon that I can store a roller bag while I am walking to Santiago? I might be a little too optimistic about how far I am walking per day, but I don‘t want to have to be hindered by a destination in the morning to send my bag. I will be walking...
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