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  1. A

    Coastal alternatives to the Norte's asphalt

    This is one of the most beautiful coastal hikes I did, but beware, there are parts that are very steep and with loose terrain that is easy to slip going down. Anyone with a heavy backpack should reconsider, even with poles. But if you have a lighter (or no) backpack, and poles, and are in decent...
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    LIVE from the Camino Bed racing on the Norte - thoughts after 1,5 weeks here

    Places with just one Albergue may fill up fast even on the Norte. Towns with multiple will be better luck. Walked into Colombres today at 3pm and the only albergue a completo sign up. But, if you can’t walk any farther, pensions can be reasonable in small towns. Stayed at Ponzueta like a week...
  3. A

    The culture has changed...sadly

    Many comments are from much more experienced pilgrims than me, so I defer. But I will say, this is my 8th camino hike and a few things remain the same that I love and brings me back year after year using my entire holiday time for the year - meeting new like-minded interesting people + the sense...
  4. A

    Following the coast from Santander to Boo

    Plus I don’t think Santander was anything to write home about compared to Bilbao or San Sebastián.
  5. A

    Bed San Juan De Ortega

    If not, Ages is not much farther, flat/downhill and has several good accommodations
  6. A

    Packing for the Norte vs Frances

    On the Norte now. I think it’s been a warm start to June. But even so, I have one long sleeve that has come in handy. But I would bring that on the frances too. Other than that, not much. Can’t rely on frequent cafes so plan for more snacks/lunches based on what you pack. Also, from Irun to...
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    Hoka Alternatives with Similar Padding and heel-to-toe Drop?

    Love the Brooks caldera. Used last 4 Caminos. Great cushion. So comfortable.
  8. A

    Coastal alternatives to the Norte's asphalt

    Zumaia to Deba Fair warning here. Beautiful hike, but one of the scariest I’ve done from a steepness standpoint. There is a section that is steeper than any section I’ve ever done on the Fances or Portugues, where if I didn’t hold on to the fence I would have slid down the cliff.
  9. A

    5 “Unproven” Facts About Norte

    Just did the pur Did the purgatorio route today. Wow. I’ve done both Frances and Portugues and I think this little stretch was the steepest. They are not lying when they say you can crawl up it. I used my hands. Face maybe 2 feet from the ground. But beautiful views and like the Napoleon way...
  10. A

    Just realized I'm starting w/o a scallop shell...oops

    Have never felt the need to walk with one, but I know from being in the sjpp pilgrims office they have the real authentic ones from the ocean, where each looks unique. Rather than the mass produced, super white versions.
  11. A

    What gear should I cut?

    Als For first aid, there are farmacias everywhere. Although doesn’t help in the middle of the trail.
  12. A

    San Juan de Ortega or Atapuerca?

    I’d say Ages, have stayed a few times and good albergue with restaurant down stairs. Have never stayed in San Juan but have hear bad reviews. And I passed through Atapuerca and the albergue looked nice, but it was randomly closed that day. I can’t remember the day of week. Not sure why, but it...
  13. A

    Municipal Albergue Ages

    CERTAINLY worth the short downhill walk from San Juan. Not sure if I’ve stayed at this particular albergue but agree that the town is very friendly.
  14. A

    30 days - from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago - is it possible without stress?

    To get your credential they will only look at the last few days from Sarria (barely). So your credential can have hiked from Porto, sjpp, Burgos, with any series of random stamps. As long as you have the last 100k. Not sure they care too much… at least that has been my personal experience in...
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    30 days - from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago - is it possible without stress?

    I’m sure you received lots of wisdom from the 39 replies on this thread and listen and read all of them. I hiked the full French way four years ago at age 36 in 27 days. I’ll admit, it was an aggressive hike. Some days I just didn’t feel like stopping at 2pm and just hiked 2-3 more hours. So...
  16. A

    LIVE from the Camino running short on time where to cut?

    Love to vila Franca - one of my favorite stops. And includes hospital, Astorga and Cruz de ferro. But also that next step includes the amazing hike to O cebreiro. Tough. After you come down the o cebreiro mountain. Maybe that you can skip.
  17. A

    OBSOLETE COVID THREAD COVID Test Timing Question from US (Flying Boston > Porto)

    The at home test is a convenience. It it’s not good, there are tests at pharmacies and the airports.
  18. A

    OBSOLETE COVID THREAD COVID Test Timing Question from US (Flying Boston > Porto)

    For the at home test going back to US, you have to keep it under 85 f. Last August I kept mine near the bottom of my pack and was fine. Just need to be careful not to crush it
  19. A

    Peregrina bitten by snake near Lintzoain

    For anyone researching their first pilgrimage, I assure you this is a zero to not common situation. I’ve seen one small grass snake in all my times. Not minimizing the situation, but I would not plan for snakes.
  20. A

    OBSOLETE COVID THREAD COVID Test Timing Question from US (Flying Boston > Porto)

    I believe this is only a option for flying home to US which I’m doing on June. Put in bottom of pack so it doesn’t overheat. Did this last august. Flying into Portugal the site says a laboratory test is required. This is what I am doing next week as I fly into Lisbon.

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