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  1. Sr.Bigote

    GR20 -- French

    It was on my "bucket list", but I said I needed to do it before age 70 (the first day climb going south is a tough one!). . . . then Covid came and in the meantime I just turned 71. In my many years of hiking, it has been THE most recommended hike that I have heard about; but unfortunately, it...
  2. Sr.Bigote

    What experience have people had with waterproof socks?

    After 20 years of hearing various discussions on footwear and socks, and definitely experiencing things myself . . . I find that the vast, vast number of experienced hikers and backpackers do not use "waterproof" footwear or socks -- except perhaps in the very depth of winter hiking in snow. I...
  3. Sr.Bigote

    Need input on Northern Route

    I did Irun to Bilbao and then took a bus to Oviedo and hiked the primitivo into SDC during April. In that way you get a taste of the Norte and can complete the Primitivo. Obviously, I can speak to anything west of Bilbao, but after a week or so on the Norte, I found it beautiful but lacking...
  4. Sr.Bigote

    Dolomites harder?

    Also interested in this topic! I will be following any comments!
  5. Sr.Bigote

    Gear advice for base, mid and top layers for mid April start

    It looks like you are getting some excellent advice. I started on April 1 in SJPP on two trips and was fine with those items. You need the layers in the Pyrenees, but then things get warmer and warmer by the end of April. I waited until Pamplona and then shipped some things to SJPP (Ivar will...
  6. Sr.Bigote

    Pros and cons early April central from Porto

    I have walked three Caminos (but not Portuguese) in April and found that time of year delightful. I am scheduled for Porto to SdC the last two weeks of April 2023. I will miss Easter this year, but (although it is busier), I really enjoyed the local celebrations, parades, and church services...
  7. Sr.Bigote

    Camino del Norte May 2023

    In 2017, I wanted to hike over the Pyrenees on the Frances (because I winter trekked the Frances in 2016 and Pyrenees were snow-closed and I had to take the valley). I walked "reverse" from Pamplona to SJPP (a fantastic experience -- daily stories of people telling me I was "going the wrong...
  8. Sr.Bigote

    Danger for pilgrims walking between Roncesvalles & Zubiri

    I just completed a reverse walk back from Pamplona to SJPP. Rivers are all back in banks, mud has dried, and snow is clear on Camino. No problems any more.
  9. Sr.Bigote

    Reversing The Camino To SJPP

    I walked from Pamplona to Zubiri today. Interesting looks on people's faces. Heard these comments multiple times: (1) Sir, do you know you are lost and going the wrong way?, (2) Did you lose or forget something?, (3) Look of surprise, followed by - Am I lost (from Peregrino)?, and (4) It just...
  10. Sr.Bigote

    weather on the napoleon

    I walked from Pamplona to Zubiri today. Almost totally dry (hardly any mud). I believe the Camino closures are no issue for now.
  11. Sr.Bigote

    Danger for pilgrims walking between Roncesvalles & Zubiri

    Walked from Pamplona to Zubiri today. Everything is open and almost totally dry. Bright, sunny day. I do not think anyone will have any more problems from the recent rains.
  12. Sr.Bigote

    Danger for pilgrims walking between Roncesvalles & Zubiri

    This is a great link! Thank you!
  13. Sr.Bigote

    Reversing The Camino To SJPP

    Keep an eye out for "me" if you are heading: (a) between Zubiri and Pamplona next Thursday or Roncevalles and Zubiri on Friday. I am heading toward SJPP. "Reverse Pilgrims" are rare, so see one and it is likely me, "Sr. Bigote". I appreciate your detour and washout updates -- so do stop and chat!
  14. Sr.Bigote

    Danger for pilgrims walking between Roncesvalles & Zubiri

    I am trekking in reverse from Pamplona to SJPP starting Tuesday. I would appreciate it if this thread stays active with those reporting who are arriving in Pamplona from SJPP. Did anyone come through Zubiri today? I am eager to know what to expect.
  15. Sr.Bigote

    LIVE from the Camino Guidance & thoughts on how to proceed please

    So many people get shin splints -- it is a very typical complaint. One night I arrived at a hostel and there were 6 or 8 people who could hardly walk. I only had one small flare up -- and that was following a 35KM day with lots of pavement. The best warning that I received was to be really...
  16. Sr.Bigote

    Walking from Irun

    My rough schedule has me arriving in Irun about the 21st. There are buses that run regularly between Bilbao and Oviedo: Alsa and Ouibus. The latter company seems to be "direct" and faster, but I have never used it before. Alsa must have a layover with a bad connection because it is a longer...
  17. Sr.Bigote

    Walking from Irun

    I am heading that direction next week and plan to start in Pamplona and hike in reverse to SJPP then jump to IRUN and do the Norte for eight days (at least Irun to Bilboa) and then jump to the Primativo. I chose those three sections after a ton of reading and communication to pick the best...
  18. Sr.Bigote

    Three Weeks - Three Caminos

    Reverse - Pamplona to SJPP (April 18 - 22). Hope to cross paths with you walking to the east!
  19. Sr.Bigote

    Three Weeks - Three Caminos

    I return for second camino (completed SJPP to Santiago in 2017). Mixing it up a bit: April 19 - April 22: FRANCES - Pamplona to SJPP (yes, in reverse, as snow restricted me from going over the Napolean last year). April 23 - April 30: NORTE - Irun to Bilboa April 30 - May 9: PRIMATIVO - Oviedo...
  20. Sr.Bigote

    CF - Albergue Kitchen Etiquette?

    I found evening meals as some of the most enjoyable events on the camino. There seemed to be more "cooking" happening in municipal albergues because they were attracting people on a more limited budget (younger folks?). Private albergues tended to have meals prepared by the albergue (good, but...

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