Sweenardo
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Via de la Plata in May of 2017 from Ourense to Santiago. Bilbao to Santander on Camino Norte (2018).
Currently on the Norte in Noja. Gotta say these “little” beach towns are much bigger than I thought they would be!
I would suggest avoiding option 3 in Wise Pilgrim book from Bilbao to Portugalete. Massive construction along east bank much of the way. You are crossing back and forth on temporary routes in close proximity to lots of traffic so lots of exhaust and diesel fumes. (Option 2 looks good in the book as you save some distance and climbing.)
Gronze distance from Castro-Urdiales to Laredo seemed about 10k short according to signs, GPS and my aging body. Not a huge deal but it’s a rugged section for us seniors so perhaps worth noting. The Guggenheim in Bilbao is still outstanding; food is still great when you muster up the courage to belly up to the bar; and the weather is perfect.
Sitting in a Pasteleria in Laredo I was thinking this Camino was not yet feeling like a spiritual journey and pondering some regrets. Guy walks in with a T-shirt that says “The Past is Gone”. Okey Dokey. Sometimes your higher power takes a direct approach.
Buen Camino everybody!
I would suggest avoiding option 3 in Wise Pilgrim book from Bilbao to Portugalete. Massive construction along east bank much of the way. You are crossing back and forth on temporary routes in close proximity to lots of traffic so lots of exhaust and diesel fumes. (Option 2 looks good in the book as you save some distance and climbing.)
Gronze distance from Castro-Urdiales to Laredo seemed about 10k short according to signs, GPS and my aging body. Not a huge deal but it’s a rugged section for us seniors so perhaps worth noting. The Guggenheim in Bilbao is still outstanding; food is still great when you muster up the courage to belly up to the bar; and the weather is perfect.
Sitting in a Pasteleria in Laredo I was thinking this Camino was not yet feeling like a spiritual journey and pondering some regrets. Guy walks in with a T-shirt that says “The Past is Gone”. Okey Dokey. Sometimes your higher power takes a direct approach.
Buen Camino everybody!
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