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After walking the Norte, I headed to Portugal ....both Porto and Lisbon....I found that most Portuguese people speak English very well..and yes, I agree, more speak English in Portugal than in Spain....however, I’m all for encouraging travelers to learn the native language....
Hi Kim....the weather, with few exceptions, was perfect throughout our walk....mostly cloudy, rain, drizzle....there were only maybe 3 days that were intolerable for me so I just left before sunrise with my headlamp in order to get to our next stop by noon....I honestly don’t think I could have...
Lots of bikers....bike and walking paths weave in and out of each other so you’re many times seeing the bikers....met a wonderful Spanish father-son duo....they parked their car in Irún, rented two bikes, one an electric with a small trailer to haul all their stuff....they were not avid bikers...
My son and I walked from Irún to SdC in June/July this year....there were definitely more pilgrims from San Sabastian to Bilbao.....then the numbers tapered off gradually.....until it met up with the Frances...I’m not sure why....people comment that the route is more difficult than the others...
Castro Urdiales was one of my favorites too....along with Deba, Comillas, and Zarautz....more populated areas San Sabastian, Porto (river cruise up the Douro), and Lisbon ....loved them all!!! Happy Anniversary!!!
The kids may love Porto! It’s an awesome place with plenty to do for all ages.....bless you and your friend for doing this! What a wonderful exciting adventure for you all! Ultreia!
I do this too.....it is actually very useful....I was looking for a high speed blender earlier this year and the people who wrote negative views ALL put their hands into the blender where the blades are (after they turned the power off) and of course ended up in the emergency room.....and...
I started in Irún but I think it depends on factors that only you can answer....how much time do you have?....how much is your budget? ....do you want to walk with more pilgrims? (The Norte thins out after Basque Country)....I don’t know where to get a credential since I got mine in...
The slower, smaller local train system that runs across the northern coast....I think it used to be independently owned ...but was at some point acquired by Renfe....someone can correct me though I’d that is incorrect info...
Last thought..... before I headed to Spain in May of this year to walk my first (hopefully not my last) Camino I was unsure if the Camino was going to work for me and/or if physically I would be able to do it....I told my son (we walked together) that if either of those came to pass that I would...
Not sure what route you’re walking but you may want to head to the northern route if you’re not on it.....at the very least you will walk along the beautiful northern coast, eat awesome fresh seafood and other local food, drink good local wine, and have some stops in some happening small...
Enjoy every minute.....take as many coastal diviations you possibly can....you will be rewarded with stunning views, solitary beaches where you can delight in the local wine, cheese, etc that you packed to keep you nourished until you reach your next destination.....stop at the convents and...
I think you articulated the experience perfectly fine! It was mine exactly—-not negative or positive—-just different... no more tranquility, but I had wonderful conversations with many young folks!
That’s what I kept repeating while walking from Irún to SdC!!! Where are the pigs???? There was every other farm animal pretty much everyday—-but no pigs!!!
I don’t think so...I’m 57 and recently walked from Irún to SdC with my son...It’s not that difficult especially if you’re not on a strict schedule....you can walk as long/far as you want each day....we averaged about 22 kilometers a day...weather was great...mostly cloudy days...
Buen Camino
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