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  1. J.Patrick

    5 “Unproven” Facts About Norte

    My companion on the Portuguese route asked me if the Norte was anything like it. I asked him if he remembered that one day on the Portuguese, where we crawled up that "mountain" that nearly defeated us? He remembered it vividly. I told him, "That's every day on the Norte." But the beauty, and...
  2. J.Patrick

    Pilgrim Office in Irun?

    My intention was to start in Irun. When I was there, on a lark, I decided to have dinner in France, so I walked across the river from Irun into France, went to Mass there, and got my first stamp in the church of Notre Dame de la Bidassoa there in Hendaye. It was not a long walk, all things...
  3. J.Patrick

    Closure of holy buildings

    I walked the Norte in 2017, and happily discovered that almost every town had one church with Mass in the evening, usually, but not always, around 7:00 or 7:30 pm. The church would open before then, and remain open briefly after as well. The time was usually posted. As for what the church...
  4. J.Patrick

    Weather

    It’s “green Spain” for a reason. Your going at a very pleasant time, but I remember glorious downpours. If you have a good waterproof covering for yourself and your pack, walking in the rain can be a sweet pleasure. Enjoy!
  5. J.Patrick

    Starting points for the Northern camino!

    Yes, the walk from Irun to Bilbao was tough. I was so exhausted on the day I walked into Bilbao, that I took a rest day. BUT, that first week was so worth it. The harbors and the bay towns, and the beautiful mountain sides of the Basque country were stunning. As a side note, I arrived early in...
  6. J.Patrick

    Starting stamp

    In 2017 I took the train to Irun, just south of Hondarribia. I arrived in the afternoon, left my possessions in my room, and crossed the Bidasoa River into France, hoping to get a French dinner. I was too early, so while walking around I saw the church, Église Sainte-Anne, on 15-25 rue des...
  7. J.Patrick

    Del Norte advice

    I agree! A beautiful hike with lots of room!
  8. J.Patrick

    Online Camino Presentation

    Hi friends, I gave a talk at my parish about my camino experiences as a Catholic priest on the Camino. It was recorded and I’d like to offer it to anyone considering the Camino. It can be found at All the best, and warm thanks to all on this forum who helped me make my own preparations for...
  9. J.Patrick

    Camino norte

    I'll be starting in Irun on August 19th, but taking rest stops, so we may meet. Buen Camino!
  10. J.Patrick

    Quality of Waymarking

    Oh Kanga, thank you! I'm planning my first solo Camino on the Norte this next August and irections have been a concern for me. I can get all caught up in my thoughts and forget to pay attention. I lose my way so easily. It's been a worry for me. I followed your directions and now have a way to...
  11. J.Patrick

    Pyrenees?

    The rich enthusiasm people have for the various different ways leads me to want to do them all. My life in the parish puts that beyond my reach, but the encouragement from those of you who have done the CTSNBN really encourages me. I'll pass on your thoughts to my brother. Thank you!
  12. J.Patrick

    Pyrenees?

    My brother's an avid hiker with love for the exotic, so "foothills of the Pyrenees" it is. Thanks for the insights!
  13. J.Patrick

    Pyrenees?

    Thank you, SYates and Smallest Sparrow, and it's here that things get vague. I know that Wikipedia isn't always accurate, but in their entry on Montes Vascos we get this: "The Basque Mountains (of which Montes Vascos is a part, apparently) are a transitional range between two major ones, the...
  14. J.Patrick

    Pyrenees?

    I'm finding conflicting info on the internet: Is the high path from Irun to San Sebastián / Donastia in the Pyrenees? some other range? I'd like to accurately tell my brother what my plan is as I encourage him to join me next August. Thanks in advance.
  15. J.Patrick

    Haunted by the Camino...in a good way

    Thank you! And buen Camino to you too, brother!
  16. J.Patrick

    Places to pause on the Camino del Norte

    I had no idea! I just Googled it and it's a wonder. I've got the address in my planner. It's a definite must.
  17. J.Patrick

    Places to pause on the Camino del Norte

    I LOVE Modernisme! Thanks for the tip!
  18. J.Patrick

    Places to pause on the Camino del Norte

    My current plan is to to go down the Primitivo, so I think that I'll miss Ribadeo. If I changed my mind, I would be in Ribadeo somewhere in mid-September. Do you think there will still be crowds at the beaches then?
  19. J.Patrick

    Haunted by the Camino...in a good way

    I appreciate the welcome! It's very comfortable! Et suseïa!
  20. J.Patrick

    Places to pause on the Camino del Norte

    Great tips! They sound very satisfying. I thank you.

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