For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
Having thought further overnight.....I am treating my Mexican sister-in-law to this Camino.
Hello everyone & Happy New Year!
First, let me begin by apologizing if this post seems to have already been discussed ad nauseam, but I need some help in determining which Camino to walk this May. I had pretty much decided upon the Frances, but the Norte keeps beckoning me. Here’s my dilemma:
My preference is the Norte. I grew up on the beach in Southern California and love vistas of the ocean, plus the possibility of dipping my toes in the water from time to time. I also like the idea that we can start walking right out of the Bayonne train station. My concerns are the amount of paved surfaces, the distances between services and I’ve heard it is more difficult than the Frances. I am also worried about finding vegetarian meals on the Norte – I have done a bit of research on the Frances and I feel that I got that problem worked out.
I am treating my Mexican sister-in-law to this Camino. She has never done any long distance walking. In fact, we’ve started walking together in the mornings, doing 6 kms that includes going up and down a couple pretty steep hills. She said the other day that she has never exercised this much in her life. (uh oh). I figured that on the Frances, we both would have more social opportunities (my Spanish sucks – thank heavens for circumlocution), more reasonable distances and the possibility to hop on public transportation at almost any given moment to meet me at the next stop, if necessary. Also, I feel that everyone needs to do the Frances at least once in their lifetime. As this is probably her only Camino, (unless I show favoritism and invite her again) So, as of now, I have chosen the Frances for her sake. I just wish I felt more motivated to do it…
Any opinions?
Thanks!
Hi Mary. I wasn't sure how to post a general question to everyone and I spotted your post about the Camino del Norte. I was planning to do the French Way again (did it 4 years ago) but the growing number of pilgrims concern me. I would appreciate it if you could answer my questions about the northern route. Here goes -I walked the Camino del Norte in 6 weeks, taking my time to enjoy the many opportunities for local cuisine, celebrations and culture. It's the camino that beckons me back because of what I found along the way was so much more than I anticipated! It was the journey of a lifetime and the sense of spiritual fulfillment, strength, and courage were extraordinary and with me along the way like never before. It is physically challenging, - especially the first few stages, but if you're in decent shape you'll love it. The only section that I did not enjoy at all was the last 2 days on the Camino Francés; it was so crowded, and when I was walking I felt like I was in a herd surrounded by so many people the entire time. If solitude, an incredible variety of scenery, of traditions, of customs, local celebrations and cuisine appeal to you, you won't regret doing CDN, at all! Also, on CDN there are so many villages along the way that have a bar where you can stop for a refreshment or a bocadillo, or if you're tired it's fairly easy to find a pension if there is no albergue.
This past summer I did part of Via de la Plata and the Camino Sanabrés. Though I had wonderful weather, the journey was not the same, many paved roads, long distances between villages that offered services, and not challenging enough, other than the long kilometers on hard asphalt roads.
I am planning on doing the CDN again! No hesitation at all, because I know that the Francés is not what I need!!
May you enjoy your journey!
Ultreïa!
Mary
Hi Mary. I wasn't sure how to post a general question to everyone and I spotted your post about the Camino del Norte. I was planning to do the French Way again (did it 4 years ago) but the growing number of pilgrims concern me. I would appreciate it if you could answer my questions about the northern route. Here goes -
1. How did you travel to the beginning point (I think it's Irun).
2. Is there a backpack transport service? If so, do you know the cost?
3. Do you know anything about hotel / pension availability along the route? Cost?
4. Is the trail well marked?
5. I'm planning to begin my journey Sep 1. Any comment regarding timing?
Thanks in advance
Bob
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?