LIVE from the Camino Mera on the Norte

[Caminogoat]

Arrived in San Sebastián last night. Unlike in 2021, it was difficult to find a lodging. All the places I stayed and liked before were fully booked (they said until 10/15). Found a room at Casa Nicolasa, in old town, at a “discounted price” of $156.66; the bed was very comfortable but the bathroom was not so clean. I am not sure if they have cleaned anything since the photos they posted on Booking.com were taken. The tiny room was cramped with everything together. I admit a well stocked store next door is a great plus. The weather is warm but still pleasant. I am waiting to start my first day of Camino, since 3:00 am this morning due to the time adjustment issue. Have a great day everyone.

 

[J Willhaus]

Hope it gets cheaper! Buen Camino!

 

[ELHS220]

Arrived in San Sebastián last night. Unlike in 2021, it was difficult to find a lodging. All the places I stayed and liked before were fully booked (they said until 10/15). Found a room at Casa Nicolasa, in old town, at a “discounted price” of $156.66; the bed was very comfortable but the bathroom was not so clean. I am not sure if they have cleaned anything since the photos they posted on Booking.com were taken. The tiny room was cramped with everything together. I admit a well stocked store next door is a great plus. The weather is warm but still pleasant. I am waiting to start my first day of Camino, since 3:00 am this morning due to the time adjustment issue. Have a great day everyone.

That’s weird because BOOKING shows several albergue type accommodations available for tonight (Oct 5).

 

[Renee Frankhuizen]

All municipal albergue beds taken? Buen camino today!

 

[Caminogoat]

I hadn’t tried any albergues. I cherish my privacy and a private bathroom so I always try to find something that has both.

 

[Caminogoat]

Started walking along the La Concha very early. Some people were already out; walking and jogging. I saw a cafe named La Concha and thought it would be nice to get their stamp. Not open yet and only the cleaning people were there. After a polite smile and greetings I timidly asked for it. One of the ladies went to the counter area and found it after searching everywhere. How nice of her!

 

[Caminogoat]

The weather is beautiful. The trail is beautiful all the way from San Sebastián to Zarautz but about 5 miles of rocky downhill is a bit cumbersome to navigate.

 

[Caminogoat]

You need a bid of fighting spirit like this to soldier on.

 

[Caminogoat]

The highlight of today is this lunch at Berazadi Berri. I love their food so much I think about it all year long. The one that looks like a naked chicken in an elegant pose is actually a monkfish!

 

[Caminogoat]

When arrived in Zarauz, I decided to stay here and explore a little. I normally continue to Grtaria but the temperature keep increasing dangerously high. Also there is no shaded route between Zarauz and Getaria. Staying here today. The room has a huge private balcony where I can dry my laundry.

 

[Caminogoat]

I saw quite a few topless or completely naked swimmers. Men and women both. Looked natural and free. A dog was digging to China. There are trails to go back up to where I had lunch. It leads to a campground next to the restaurant. It’s all stairs and going up was quite difficult but arriving to Zarauz this way will shorten the route quite a bid. Plus you will come down to the beach straight, very famous for surfing.

 

[Caminogoat]

Today started with drying my socks. No, I am not drying it by wearing it. A hairdryer (a.k.a. Camino Dryer) is wearing it. I walked Zarauz to Deba. I always find this segment irresistible yet most challenging. I took the coastal alternative, which leads me through Xaconeta. I had spent a half day checking out each one the last time. This time I just kept walking while admiring the views but it still took me 9 hours to reach Deba. I had sweated so much that two donkeys came near me started smelling me eagerly, perhaps thinking I am one of their relatives.

 

[Caminogoat]

After seeing a sign that showed an angry cow, I soon faced a locked gate that I couldn’t manage to jump over. After searching some time I found a spot where someone before me endeavored to break through. Thank you so much whoever you are!

 

[Caminogoat]

By the way, does anyone understand what these signs say? It’s in Basque? I heard that Basque is so difficult it was used in military communications during the World War One.

 

[Caminogoat]

I am not seeing many pilgrims, less than10 a day. Here is the handsome one I met this morning.

 

[peregrino_tom]

Today started with drying my socks. No, I am not drying it by wearing it. A hairdryer (a.k.a. Camino Dryer) is wearing it. I walked Zarauz to Deba. I always find this segment irresistible yet most challenging. I took the coastal alternative, which leads me through Xaconeta. I had spent a half day checking out each one the last time. This time I just kept walking while admiring the views but it still took me 9 hours to reach Deba. I had sweated so much that two donkeys came near me started smelling me eagerly, perhaps thinking I am one of their relatives.

Hi Mera, thanks for posting these pics. I've not walked the coastal alternative so it's great to see what it looks like. Those rock formations are crazy and wonderful. And what weather!
Buen camino

 

[peregrina2000]

Just seeing this thread now, and will watch for more! Yes, the coastal route after Zumaia (Ruta del Flysch) is one of the most spectacular walks, just a short hop off the camino. You are so lucky to have great weather, @Mera! Buen camino.

 

[Caminogoat]

I don’t like inland walking between Deba and Bilbao, especially walking down the seemingly endless wooden stairs before Munitibar. I enjoy visiting Guernica but not enough to endure going over the Markina Xemein. An arduous walk is worth it only when there is something enticing like Xaconeta. Plus the Simon Bolívar Museum had always been closed whenever I passed it by. It appears they are using it as a village parking spot. This is an attempt to explain why I hopped on a train to Bilbao, jumping over some 80 miles. Not only my sins were forgiven many times over, I haven’t done anything so terrible that I would end up in Dante’s ninth hell since my last Camino. This is my personal and partial opinion. This is Deba train station. A 2-hour slow train to Bilbao. I walked Bilbao to Castro Uridiales and came in very late. I will continue tomorrow.

 

[Caminogoat]

Woke up to post a few things and get ready. Saw news about the war in Israel. My heart goes out to all civilians suffering regardless of which country they belong to. Out of respect and sadness, I am only going to post one thing about the safety related. I found out today that the coastal trail after La Arena is closed by the Guardia Civil. Indeed I was thinking the trail was not maintained well enough to be safe to everyone. It was quite crowded with locals and I didn’t see any sign when I was entering. I only saw the sign as I was exiting on the other side The possibility of getting injured by falling rock(s), broken rails, etc. is real especially when it rains. They closed the gate and posted a sign not to use the trail but it was forced open by someone and locals were free roaming. There were so many people today I never suspected anything was amiss. Perhaps locals have their way but I think we pilgrims should never knowingly disrespect what local/national authorities tell people. Here I am posting the photos for your information as well as your safety.

 

[Caminogoat]

Here is the dangerous section. The blue Camino.

 

[Renee Frankhuizen]

I hadn’t tried any albergues. I cherish my privacy and a private bathroom so I always try to find something that has both.

Ah ok thanks fpr reply ultreya