Arrival day on the Norte...a late March start 2014

[shefollowsshells]

OOOOPS trying to edit my post and it sent while I was typing up the subject line....
Anywho has written a message of love to my brothers and sisters of the Norte last night while at NYC airport....just noticing it did not send. I can't altet the subject line here that sent when my Ipad slipped from my hands, but meant to say,
"Brothers and Sisters of the Norte a HUGE thank you!!!!"
I landed in Irun. Today and not a pilgrim in sight....four at the airport heading to the Frances.
I would not be here if it were not for you all!
Last year on the Frances my only fear was if there would be ice in my drink...must admit not really certain what to expect out there on the NORTE , but I do know I will experience beauty!!!!!

Thank you all for your wonderful advice and encouragement!
Neve

 

[shefollowsshells]

I am having computer issues if you can not tell...and it could be lack of sleep.
I'm starting a thread to share today's experience since there are several questions about these early Spring Norte Caminos.

I arrived in Biarritz today, gorgeous weather, perfect Camino weather, sun and cool enough to work up a sweat. The bus to Hendaye was right outside as I collected my bag from the belt. I thought I was going to miss it and if I had there would have been an hour And twenty minute wait for another.

There were four other pilgrims heading to the Frances.
The walk from Hendaye's train terminal to Irun was very short and I would totally advise this.

Once in Irun I got a little turned around BUT did make it to the tourist office just as she was opening for her 1530 start.... She confirmed that the Irun auberge was closed till April 1st, it did open earlier last year but as expected it sounds like it was due to an earlier Easter. The gal in the information office said there are way fewer pilgrims this year then kast and had not seen one (todayy?????).

We completed our conversation at about 1550 and decided to go on to the next town, and to the auberge that is an old mill....it had called to me when researching, and though I had decided not to do it so I could bond with pilgrims in Irun I so THRILLED that circumstances led me here today. This is where Hobbit Bilbo Baggins would live if on Earth in Spain! It exceeded all expectation and is a dream to relax at. A yiung gal overseas it and her father took this uninhabitable old mill and has made a wonderful oasis for pilgrims. water flows under the building, a huge deck is built over a stream that sings to you, and his architect eye cut out rectangles in the deck surrounded by railing so you can look down into the stream. He has maintained a garage of old tools that you can see from the auberge stone walls for he has put up a wall of glass/ plexiglass to view it from inside.
Wine is served by her brother and there are nature paths radiating out from the auberge.
So calm.
Simple breakfast included for 17 euros.
It's 1910 and I outside listening to birds chirp and water flowing.
Two other pilgrims are here, rumor is two more are coming.
This is 150 meters off trail ( think large driveway), and just a super special place.
I think I was here in about an hour from the tourist office, a splendid walk thru woods, pastures....hilly but very doable!

 

[Biaggi]

Hey you! Get some sleep and post up where you are so we can track your stages.

 

[griff]

YAHOOOOOOO,,,, Hi Neve, delighted to see you have arrived and are safely settled forthe night . It sounds beautiful and a great bit of luck that you found that little oasis.
I hope that I am as lucky .....good night and sleep well
Griff

 

[peregrino_tom]

Neve, nice one! I'm hoping the sunshine stays with you.

 

[unadara]

Great post, maybe we can have a "live from the Norte", can relive my Camino through you Neve though am heading on VdeLP soon myself. We had to get a bus to Biarritz train station and train to Irun, but train trip around the coast was amazing, views of crashin waves, big surfing seas. Auberge ? sounds great find. We look forward to posts and photos.Your walk for the next few days are spectacular, hope weather holds for you.

 

[grayland]

Looking forward to your live posts....I am walking the Norte in August, so will be very interested in your discoveries and accommodations along the way.
Hopefully, the Norte will be a bit cooler this August than the VdlP was last August.

 

[unadara]

Lots of lovely Monasteries, Convents and Coasts...

 

[TioRay]

Sure would like to know the name of the old mill hobbit house..... Really sounds like fun..

 

[unadara]

• On Eroski site this looks like it, near Guadalupe shrine
• Address: Barrio Jaizubia, 14
• Location: Hondarribia / Hondarribia
• Phone: 943 64 38 84
• Email: info@capitantximista.com
• Website: www.capitantximista.com
• Hostel Property: Private

 

[TioRay]

Thank you, Unadara

 

[shefollowsshells]

Sure would like to know the name of the old mill hobbit house..... Really sounds like fun..

I promise....I'll get detailed information. It was mentioned s few months ago here, maybe even in a post by me....

• On Eroski site this looks like it, near Guadalupe shrine
• Address: Barrio Jaizubia, 14
• Location: Hondarribia / Hondarribia
• Phone: 943 64 38 84
• Email: info@capitantximista.com
• Website: www.capitantximista.com
• Hostel Property: Private

yes!!!!
I was going to sniff out exact spellings etc.... Post rest, but that is it!
Thank you!

 

[mralisn]

You see? I told you. Soon it will be ME asking YOU questions.

Extremely happy to read this today.

Keep a smile,
Simeon

 

[Eli_marie]

I arrive in Irun Tuesday at around 1:30, my first camino! Thinking maybe I should just head straight to this cool little alberque you have stubled upon? Worth it?

Looking forward to reading about more of your adventures!!

 

[Kennedy1]

I plan on walking the Norte next Spring so I will be reading your posts with great interest. Save travels

 

[shefollowsshells]

Quick update to to last nights stay, and yes the above reference is the place.
it ended up just being myself and two really nice gals from Germany who have about 12 days and are just hiking along with glee. There was no one overseeing is the morning, which we were told....breakfastwas put out for us the night before and was a simple choice of toast, cereal , coffee and tea...

i was so tired last night that I heard the owner's daughter cooking below me and I heard her knock on the door the German ladies were staying at...I assumed a dinner was confirmed, nothing would have gotten me out of bed ( multiple flights to get me here from the States), so I didn't stir.

Today I ran into the gals at lunch and they confirmed they had a great dinner for 8. Euros, a salad, pork, potato and onion dish...and vino. When I had arrived the gal was busy washing her dogs so I guess she didn't mention it to me...but all was great.

To the pilgrim who asked was yesterdays small trek worth it there I clearly say, "yes"!!!!

 

[Eli_marie]

Then this pilgrim is making the small treck on Tuesday! Thanks!

 

[griff]

Quick update to to last nights stay, and yes the above reference is the place.
it ended up just being myself and two really nice gals from Germany who have about 12 days and are just hiking along with glee. There was no one overseeing is the morning, which we were told....breakfastwas put out for us the night before and was a simple choice of toast, cereal , coffee and tea...

i was so tired last night that I heard the owner's daughter cooking below me and I heard her knock on the door the German ladies were staying at...I assumed a dinner was confirmed, nothing would have gotten me out of bed ( multiple flights to get me here from the States), so I didn't stir.

Today I ran into the gals at lunch and they confirmed they had a great dinner for 8. Euros, a salad, pork, potato and onion dish...and vino. When I had arrived the gal was busy washing her dogs so I guess she didn't mention it to me...but all was great.

To the pilgrim who asked was yesterdays small trek worth it there I clearly say, "yes"!!!!

Where have you arrived today Neve and what is the weather like? I started my holidays today so I am getting excited about arriving next Tuesday
Buen Camino

Ger

 

[shefollowsshells]

Buen Camino!
You might like where I am tonight at Rogers House in San Sebastian, young, nice, respectful crowd.