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  1. Michael Mattalo

    Backpack Replacement Recos?

    Looking to replace our packs for our upcoming Camino. Primary motivation is something lighter, especially for my wife. Currently I have Gregory Stout 35L at 1,550g (3.4 pounds) and my wife has Gregory Amber 34L at 1,450g (3.2 pounds). Size and feature wise, both are perfect. Any suggestions /...
  2. Michael Mattalo

    Travel Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon

    Despite being a seasoned traveller, I can’t for the life of me find a fast / convenient way to travel from SdC to Lisbon. I would consider rail but there is a pending strike … and the direct bus is 9 hours! Any suggestions are very much appreciated. Thanks.
  3. Michael Mattalo

    5 “Unproven” Facts About Norte

    Here are my “unproven” thoughts about the Camino Norte … just for fun (somewhat): 1. There is not one square meter of flat land in northern Spain. Nowhere, nada, don’t even try to look. 2. When the weather forecast suggests a 20% chance of rain, they really mean there is a 90% certainty it will...
  4. Michael Mattalo

    Path at Sanctuario de Guadalupe Closed

    Peregrinos please note: the main path is closed today by authorities. Beer to the left after the church to head to San Sebastián
  5. Michael Mattalo

    Well … this is an interesting start …

    Overnight flight from Toronto to Madrid last night … took the 16:00 Iberia flight to San Sebastián. Well … after two aborted landings due to weather, we landed in Bilbao … now on a bus to San Sebastián (Irun) … yes the Camino always provides … but it can also throw some things your way to deal...
  6. Michael Mattalo

    Last Minute Footwear Change

    I’ve packed crocs on my last Caminos for end of day foot relief. This time I have a few things planned (cooking one evening in San Sebastián with a gastronomy society, Guggenheim visit in Bilbao) … so I ditched the crocs for a pair of Allbird loungers. Very lightweight, closed toe slip-ons, very...
  7. Michael Mattalo

    Camino Ball Cap

    Well … I left this one way too late. Today I was thinking of dumping my traditional hiking hat in favour of a Camino emblem ball cap … but I left it too late and even Amazon can’t get one here before I leave for Irun on Monday. Any suggestions?
  8. Michael Mattalo

    Credencial in Irun

    My apologies if this has been answered but I cannot seem to find an answer on the forum. Where may I get my credencial in Irun if arriving later in the day. My flight lands at 17:15 on May 9. Thank you.
  9. Michael Mattalo

    Suggestions Please: Baamonde -> Sobrado dos Monxes -> Arzua

    Good morning. I've been looking at routing options and accommodation using Gronze between these three stops along Norte. I can't seem to match a route and accommodation for the dates I plan to be there (June 14-17 roughly) either via Monxes or via As Cruzes. I am now considering skipping Sobrado...
  10. Michael Mattalo

    Travel Route, Toronto Canada to Irun

    Good morning. I’ve searched the forum with no success. Please, suggestions for travel route from Toronto to Irun. Starting the Camino del Norte in early May. Thank you.
  11. Michael Mattalo

    Suggestions Please - Starting Point for VF?

    Planning to walk VF in mid-August. I am trying to find a suitable starting point for VF putting a total distance of around 700-800km to Rome. I find that the most common starting points of St. Bernard's Pass (or Lusuanne) too long and Lucca too short. Any and all suggestions are welcomed. Thank...
  12. Michael Mattalo

    Backpack transfer along Norte - September 2022

    Good evening fellow peregrinos. My apologies if I am repeating a post that has already been answered but I have searched the site without any answer. I was to walk Norte in autumn 2020, but COVID did a number on that, I am now looking to walk in Aug/Sep 2022 and would love my bride of 38 years...
  13. Michael Mattalo

    Camino del Norte - Stages of 20-30km

    Hi everyone. I have perused the many existing threads on this forum about routes and stops and have been researching the many itineraries online for the Camino Norte. Does anyone have an itinerary that would keep the stages less than 30km . . . ideally topping out at 25km? I am very fit, but I...
  14. Michael Mattalo

    Painting - Finding Your Way

    I just completed my latest painting, this one inspired by the various arrows, shells, and signs marking the Camino routes. The collage of markers is laid out to signify that while the Camino route is marked, every Camino is unique to the individual and sometimes our way is not logical or...
  15. Michael Mattalo

    Camino Cycling Jersey

    I thought cycling jerseys with Camino shell and arrow designs would be more popular. I managed to find just one store in Santiago de Compostela that had a limited number of designs and sizes for sale. Luckily, they had my size of one I liked. This morning, I had my first opportunity to venture...
  16. Michael Mattalo

    Brierley Guide - Misguided? Caminha to Valenca / Tui

    So ... we left Caminha this morning seeking the route along the Minho River. We followed the Brierley guide precisely getting to the way markers. BUT, the markers did not take us to or along the river at all but rather on a wild adventure leading east over the N13 and winding up and down 100m...
  17. Michael Mattalo

    DANGER - Forest Fires - Coimbra and North

    My wife and I just arrived in Coimbra to learn that the route to Mealhada is closed because of forest fires. I understand an airplane is flying a banner emblazons with FOGO to alert pilgrims and travellers of the danger. You can visit this site www.fogos.pt to see a map of fire locations and...
  18. Michael Mattalo

    Ideal Time of Year for Camino de Norte

    I plan to walk the Camino de Norte in 2020 and would appreciate any insights regarding the best time of year for this route. My wife and walked the St. James route beginning late April 2017 and enjoyed the spring like walk. I initially thought the same timing for the Camino Norte, but wonder if...
  19. Michael Mattalo

    Camino de Santiago - Poppies Towards Carrion (Painting)

    Good morning fellow Peregrinos. I want to share my latest painting from our spring 2017 walk. This piece is inspired by a photo taken on our way from Fromista to Carrion de los Condes. Walking past this portion of a farm lined with these beautiful red poppies brought some brightness to an...
  20. Michael Mattalo

    Painting - Camino de Santiago - Onwards to Molinaseca

    My wife and I walked the St. James way this past spring from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela. The walk was, as expected of course, a life rewarding experience. We captured many of the beautiful sites and vistas we saw and experienced in 1,600+ photos and 50+ videos. These have...

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