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LIVE from the Camino From Lourdes to Irun: vamos a Santiago!

S

Satírico

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12 days since my arrival in France and, at last, SPAIN!

The Camino del Norte, overcast and rainy though it may be, begins tomorrow. Passing through SJPDP was a day of joy and melancholy, the latter because I wasn´t set to join the happy band of pilgrims heading to Roncesvalles. I took the opportunity to dump my 65 (+5) litre rucksack and send my wool-lined raincoat home. When the assistant announced the grand total for a new lightweight rainjacket and Osprey 48 rucksack, I justblocked my ears and handed over the credit card.

For anyone interested in the chemin de piedmont,all I can say is that from Lourdes (in April) it´s rather lonely and also quite dangerous. The thick mud sliding down the hill and also the narrow track descending fast and sheer better suited to mountain goats. I met 3 pilgrims at accommodation but never saw anyone walkingmy way. I´d say it is harder than anything on the CF.

But, what scenery!

Oloron Saint Marie is a lovely town and Bidarray offers a superb panorama of the Basque Country. One other thing: Pays Basque is the land of no people and lots of angry, barking dogs. Be sure to carry trekking poles. if not a tranquilizer gun. Also, French villages often have no amenities and don´t expect to see any fuentes.

I must sign out before Itime out!

Buen Camino,

Phil
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
That sounds like an interesting start to your Camino! Good luck on the Norte and Primitivo - hopefully it will be a little less challenging.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.

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