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Wow, @Dan S. what an awesome reply! I haven’t read the million replies to this post, I just scrolled to the bottom to read the latest replies and your’s really spoke to me. Empathy and emotional intelligence is the greatest gift you can offer on the Camino and indeed life, bravo to you. I think...
Oh by the way, I’m not sure if you know there is a days walk before San Sebastián which you might consider if you’re arriving by air because the airport is closer to this starting point (Irún) than San Sebastián. You could fly to San Sebastián (which is really more or less Irún) but walk to a...
Like others have said, we opted to bypass Zarautz and stayed in Getaria, it’s a really cute town with 2 beautiful beaches either side. We stayed in a very nice little hotel that I’d recommend called Saiaz Getaria, details are under this town on the Buen Camino app.
Lezama there is nothing to...
I wish I had followed you and avoided the Sobrado-Arzúa-Pedrouzo path as walking from Arzúa to SDC once all the Caminos merged was a rude shock after the peace of El Norte, you were very smart. It’s sad to say but for me the last stretch from Arzúa to SDC was the worst part of my Camino.
Aaah, that’s so interesting, yes the owners in Parga are super hospitable and have created a really beautiful, clean, comfortable and welcoming space. I really hope they get great support from the Peregrinos because they deserve it.
Noted your thoughts on Vilalba, I must admit we cheated and...
Yes, I was freaking out a little too, especially when Buen Camino suggested the daily stage Vilalba to Baamonde (19km) then the next day Baamonde to Sobrado (40km) or stopping via Miraz to make it three short days. I was so happy to get this map from my peregrino buddy. I’m glad you see how...
The route from San Sebastián to Bilbao is definitely the hardest part of the whole El Norte, with lots of up and down, that said it is also the most beautiful part. I found it challenging at times, especially with the temperatures in the low 30 degrees C, making it hot and sticky, but never did...
Hi @ciotime
I’ve just finished the whole of El Norte from Irún to SDC, so the first week that you want to do is about a month ago now when I started on 14/5.
We also only stayed in hotels and private rooms in pensions and didn’t book anything in advance and had no problem getting...
Hi Guys
I’ve just finished my first Camino on El Norte, 5 weeks and 830km from Irún to SDC - it’s definitely been one of the most unexpectedly amazing experiences of my life.
Towards the end, when my feet were really beginning to hurt, a guy I’d walked with and who had since gone ahead of me by...
Thanks @Audtrekker 1, after a couple more unsuccessful pharmacy visits today I’m quite sure it’s not widely available here. Never mind, I’ll make do with what I have and if I encounter more French peregrinos maybe I’ll try my luck at buying them a beer in exchange for some patches 😂
Thanks @anamcara, I didn’t think of getting some Osteo tape to tape it up. I’ve got a bandage but I think Osteo tape would be better. I’m going to head out now to try and get some. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Hi guys
I’m currently resting up after experiencing sudden sharp pain in my lower shin going down a hill 2 days ago, fortunately at the end of the day. I gave it a massage and stretch and then walked 31km yesterday - it constantly felt like someone had kicked me in the shin. I met another...
Thanks guys for your replies, it seems decided, a lightweight sleeping bag with a comfort level down to 10 degrees Celsius, silk liner and no sleep mat.
Hi Guys
I’ll finally be starting my first Camino on El Norte this May, which like for so many others has been postponed since 2020.
Back then I had originally planned to take a silk liner only and assumed I’d be sleeping on an albergue mattress and grabbing a blanket there too if needed and...
Hi Steve, what a shame. With the US Europe travel ban, US returning citizens are still permitted entry into the USA. It’s the same in Australia with the current travel ban in place for China, South Korea, Iran and Italy, where returning Aussie residents are permitted entry however must self...
I do the same, except here in Australia I use the momondo app to check flights, but ALWAYS book directly through the airlines website for the same reasons as @Bradypus.
Hi Nora, I’ll be doing my first Camino at the start of May and I chose el Norte as I’ve traveled through some of the countryside of both el Francés and el Norte in the past and I just loved the countryside of el Norte. The coastal scenery, the greenery, the greater physical challenge and less...
Thanks Dave, I’ve had a couple of days to digest your reply and have further queries which makes me wonder how you ever get anything done with the constant messages you must receive ;)
I love the idea of one pair of shoes but I was wondering how do you get on when you’ve walked all day in the...
Thanks Dave! I’ll be doing el Norte end April this year so I read your packing list with great interest. I have a couple of questions regarding your closet section.
You’re packing 1 short and 1 tee - so you’re washing at the end of each day? Are they always dry by morning?
At the end of the...
The bag is interesting but the Dr Bronners interests me more as I normally travel with way too many toiletries and the idea of a soap that works for face, body, shave and laundry really appeals to me. From your experience how long does a bar last? If I’m doing 35 days will I need to pack a...
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