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All, Thank you everyone for your replies
Peregrina2000 - Um, I think maybe sorta you might have planned my trip from Leon to Oviedo and then to Santiago last year. I am fairly sure I used your posts to assemble an awesome trip - or at least links you posted. Honored you would respond to my query. The Primitivo was a physical challenge unlike the others, but is my favorite to date. I had the single toughest day in my Peregrino experience on San Salvador. I walked from Day 2 - Pola de Gordon to Pajares, in a storm. Can I expect tougher?
...now I am left with eyes swelling up as I am totally convinced this Camino is for me.
With all respect I know I am posting this as a reply, but can someone tell me how to post an original question? Start a thread, as it were? Somehow I'm missing the place to click... Thanks in advance. Pig Face Boy
There was a diversion when we walked last year that brought us out to the road again near La Franca, right opposite the twin bufone. We would have missed seeing it if we had been walking along the road, or on the original trail. It was spectacular, even from a distance. Next day we walked past Arenillas when the tide was still low and the sea fairly calm. The blow hole was 'growling', but no spray or stones being thrown up. With care it was possible to hold the camera out over a large rock and take a photo - not to be attempted if the bufone is blowing through the 'split'. There is tremendous power behind that water spout with the water, sand and stones being flung several metres into the air! if it is blowing then do pass with great care.Neve
The Bufones de Arenillas are about 9km before Llanes where the camino and the E-9 run together (in the Cicerone guide p123-5) - the guide says 'Proceed with caution through the bufones and remain on the trail'.. which makes it sound more adventuresome than I remember! I think I missed them because the sea was flat calm - and I hadn't done my homework
I have been reading this thread with interest because I want to do another walk this fall or late summer. I'm thinking about the Norte and/or the Primativo. Is there really that much pavement on the Norte? And what is the E9? I would much rather a pleasant slow journey through rich countryside or coast on footpaths and 2 tracks than zoom along on pavement.
Any information would be helpful...
Thank you
...now I am left with eyes swelling up as I am totally convinced this Camino is for me.
I have read through the thread and just note...
Stop in Markina for refreshment but go on to the Monastery Ziortza-a wonderful place, dinner and breakfast with a Monk. Leaves you right on path for next day. As a group we took 3 different paths into Gernika-signposting not easy here, I took a lovely river path but no one else took it? There is a German guide, one of our group had it and we took some short options using road map. We got badly lost trying to find Guemes. We did not stop In Santander, walked on to BOO dont stay there! nice beds but no food, no bar. Beyond St Vincente there is an alberque in Serdio, recommended (by me). I loved the coast, took all coast option, went to Sobrado, took Camino Viejo ? to Santa Irene that day (bring food).
Enjoy.
I walked 40kms a couple of days, I nearly died! ha.
Ok, again... Thanks for all the info. I hereby present option #4, based on the feedback thus far received. Option 3 was a stretch as I have already done the Muxia & Fisterre thing a few times and I like new places better.
Many of you have expressed your admiration for cities I would be passing through on the Norte with the other options, so this itinerary has significant adjustments to allow me to spend some time in some significant places. This also means some bad ass long days to make the schedule.
I am very grateful for all the input. What do you think?
Option 4 (Norte, Start in San Sebastion, hit some cities)
Day Walking Date From To Distance (K) Distance (M)
1 Friday, August 29, 2014 San Sebastion Zumaia 31.6 19.75
2 Saturday, August 30, 2014 Zumaia Markina 36.4 22.75
3 Sunday, August 31, 2014 Markina Hostel Eskerika 32.8 20.5
4 Monday, September 01, 2014 Hostel Eskerika Portugalete 35.8 22.375 River Route after Bilbao
5 Tuesday, September 02, 2014 Portugalete Castro Urdiales 27.6 17.25 Short route from Onton to Castro
6 Wednesday, September 03, 2014 Castro Urdiales Laredo 25 15.625 Short route from Pontarron to Hazas, if long route add 6.2k
7 Thursday, September 04, 2014 Laredo Guermes 29 18.125
8 Friday, September 05, 2014 Guermes Santander 15.4 9.625
9 Saturday, September 06, 2014 Santander Santillana del Mar 37 23.125
10 Sunday, September 07, 2014 Santillana del Mar San Vicente de la Barquera 33.6 21
11 Monday, September 08, 2014 San Vicente de la Barquera Llanes 40 25
12 Tuesday, September 09, 2014 Llanes Ribadesella 31.4 19.625
13 Wednesday, September 10, 2014 Ribadesella Sebrayo 31.6 19.75
14 Thursday, September 11, 2014 Sebrayo Gijon 35.8 22.375
15 Friday, September 12, 2014 Gijon Muros de Nalón 47.6 29.75
16 Saturday, September 13, 2014 Muros de Nalón Cadavedo 39 24.375
17 Sunday, September 14, 2014 Cadavedo La Caridad 45.4 28.375
18 Monday, September 15, 2014 La Caridad Lourenzá 50 31.25
19 Tuesday, September 16, 2014 Lourenzá Gontan 25.2 15.75
20 Wednesday, September 17, 2014 Gontan Baamonde 39.2 24.5
21 Thursday, September 18, 2014 Baamonde Sobrado dos Monxes 41.2 25.75
22 Friday, September 19, 2014 Sobrado dos Monxes Sta. Irene 38 23.75
23 Saturday, September 20, 2014 Sta. Irene Santiago 26 16.25
794.6 496.625
you keep posting and I will keep reading! I like this thread too! Thanks for sharing!Greetings from Deba! I am attempting the craziness and finished today day 2. It's been a blast! You can check out my blog at surfcityperegrino.tumblr.com if you want... Thanks all again for the advice...
Ok, plan hit a little snag today that at the time seemed serious but now seems silly. Stupid me expected to walk from Ziortza to Lezama, show up at 6:30 pm and have their 20 bed donativo alburgue still have a spot left. Ummmmm... No. Darn, I'm exhausted, what do I do now? Well, luckily Hotel Matsa down the street is happy to take my credit card. I did not want, probably couldn't handle anything further today...
Well again I was turned away from my intended destination, this time at the alburgue in Pobena. It was full by the time I arrived at 430 pm. I saw a lot of other pilgrims scrambling for solutions as the local hotel was closed for August vacation.
I think you are right that the longer days may lead to more changes of plans...
Well again I was turned away from my intended destination, this time at the alburgue in Pobena. It was full by the time I arrived at 430 pm. I saw a lot of other pilgrims scrambling for solutions as the local hotel was closed for August vacation.
I think you are right that the longer days may lead to more changes of plans...
Hi Damien, where did you stay if the hotel was shut and the albergue was full?Well again I was turned away from my intended destination, this time at the alburgue in Pobena. It was full by the time I arrived at 430 pm. I saw a lot of other pilgrims scrambling for solutions as the local hotel was closed for August vacation.
I think you are right that the longer days may lead to more changes of plans...
Just curious about a few things Damien if you don't mind sharing.
Is the trail well marked enough for the average person to follow?
You seem to be walking 40km per day. How long does it take you to walk this distance?
are you using the cicerone or some other source of guidebook/ plan?
Thanks for sharing and I am watching your blog and really enjoy it.
Buen Camino Dude!
Hi Damien, where did you stay if the hotel was shut and the albergue was full?
Alan
I walked up the road and stayed at Hotel de Haya in between Pobena and Onton.
Ok, so after a whirlwind day yesterday I find myself in my Delta seat bound for Atl and the Lax. I did make it as planned, and walking the longer distances became quite routine. I have to admit that on this Camino I was more of a hotelegrino than I ever have been before. The long distances made for later arrival times and the norte's alburgue infrastructure just doesn't appear able to handle its traffic completely. Also, in general, the alburgues that were available just didn't appeal to me as much, though maybe I was spoiled by the hotel clean sheets and privacy and that affected my opinion.
The first half along the coast was especially beautiful, but after Gijon it was a bit of a let down. I would recommend walkers cross over to the primitivo and complete their Camino that way, having done both routes now.
At first I didn't understand why people complain about the asphalt walking, but by about day 6 or 7 it was fairly clear that there certainly was more road touring than I am used to.
The food was great, enjoyed seafood, sandwiches, and of course bacon and eggs.
I only modified my original plan slightly, as I found spreading the path out over rather equidistant days preferable to super long and short days made to reach particular destinations. I will put together a list of the destinations and where I stayed and include it in this thread.
Like usual, the best part of the trip was the people. I love the generally friendly and enthusiastic attitude shared by most peregrinos.
Anyhow... Thanks for anyone who came along and for the encouragement.
Damien
Way to go Damian!Ok, so after a whirlwind day yesterday I find myself in my Delta seat bound for Atl and the Lax. I did make it as planned, and walking the longer distances became quite routine. I have to admit that on this Camino I was more of a hotelegrino than I ever have been before. The long distances made for later arrival times and the norte's alburgue infrastructure just doesn't appear able to handle its traffic completely. Also, in general, the alburgues that were available just didn't appeal to me as much, though maybe I was spoiled by the hotel clean sheets and privacy and that affected my opinion.
The first half along the coast was especially beautiful, but after Gijon it was a bit of a let down. I would recommend walkers cross over to the primitivo and complete their Camino that way, having done both routes now.
At first I didn't understand why people complain about the asphalt walking, but by about day 6 or 7 it was fairly clear that there certainly was more road touring than I am used to.
The food was great, enjoyed seafood, sandwiches, and of course bacon and eggs.
I only modified my original plan slightly, as I found spreading the path out over rather equidistant days preferable to super long and short days made to reach particular destinations. I will put together a list of the destinations and where I stayed and include it in this thread.
Like usual, the best part of the trip was the people. I love the generally friendly and enthusiastic attitude shared by most peregrinos.
Anyhow... Thanks for anyone who came along and for the encouragement.
Damien
Damien,This will be my 6th time on the Camino de Santiago. I am looking forward to new unexplored areas, and I have not yet been on El Camino del Norte.
I have a good bit of experience on the camino (Frances, San Salvador, Primitivo, Finisterre, Muxia,..).
I can walk fast and far. Because of my work life, I have had to.
For anyone familiar with the Norte route, does this itinerary work? Do you see anything you'd advise against?
Can't wait to be walking again.
Damien
Damien,
I really look forward to following your journey as I am trying to decide between doing the Francés again or doing the Norte for the first next summer. Buen Camino!
Fantastic! I can't wait to read about it!Alyssa - I've gone and come back already! Read about it at surfcityperegrino.tumblr.com
I really enjoyed reading your blog Damien. Funny stories (strangegrino, cows...) and I particularly loved the breakfast of champions. I hope you don't mind answering a few questions.
Did you feel there was more pavement walking on the Norte than the Francés? If you hadn't been doing such long days, do you think it would have been easier to get a bed at the albergues? (I'm constrained by work as to when I can go; I will have to start around June 20). From the pics, I got the impression that there might not be as many cute, old little towns and villages on the Norte than the Francés; would you say that is the case? (One of the things I enjoyed most about the Francés was walking through the pueblos; I'm not a huge fan of cities and felt relieved every time I left them on the Francés).
Earlier in this thread you mentioned that the Primitivo was your favorite Camino. Do you still feel that way after walking the Norte and if so, why?
Thank you!
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