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Currently on the Norte in Noja. Gotta say these “little” beach towns are much bigger than I thought they would be!
I would suggest avoiding option 3 in Wise Pilgrim book from Bilbao to Portugalete. Massive construction along east bank much of the way. You are crossing back and forth on...
Leaving from Bilbao on the 25th. I've done a lot of backpacking and find my legs dry faster than pants (if it rains) and temps look pretty moderate. Something to consider though.....
Last year on the Via de la Plata I made sure to bring long pants as I wanted to have them to wear in the cathedral in Santiago and along the way as needed. As many of you know, lots of people wear shorts in the cathedrals and I found myself wearing them also on occasion. I may have...
I agree re: the Pilgrim Museum and going early to Cathedral. Also, fun to watch the student musicians in the restaurants and square after dark (other musicians too of course).
I walked Ourense to Santiago last year and took the right hand route out of Ourense. Lots of uphill but I was so excited to be on the Camino I hardly noticed! Met up with folks who took the left route and after comparing notes it seemed the right was the better option.
Loved Ourense so if you...
These are good questions. It is impossible for me to determine who is a true pilgrim vs someone who is on vacation, and your questions are even more complex. (Many of the folks I met last year who seemed to be on vacation were Spanish citizens. How can we tell them they should not use the...
Jim - I prefer to walk every step between destinations as it feels right if I am able to do it. However, if I decide to take a bus because I'm soaked or I have a medical problem I don't think it is an insult to people who have walked to Santiago in the past. The Catholic Church says you must...
You can also get a credential and get it stamped each day so you will be able to stay in alburgues as needed. (Some require a pilgrim credential in order to stay there).
I start in a few weeks so I'll post what I find out about food. Take a look at Gronze and then booking.com options and you will find plenty of places to stay. Go for it!
Trekking poles a must for me....take 20 to 25% of weight off my aging knees. You can buy an inexpensive pack rain cover that will work better than garbage bags in Spain if you can't find one before you leave.
I am heading back to Bilbao to do the Norte to Santander in late September. Last year I did the Via de la Plata from Ourense to Santiago. I would highly recommend that route for new members who want to get at least 100k to be eligible for the Compostela. Stay at the albergue at the Oseira...
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