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Doesn't sound like the same Norte that I walked last year.
Hello Marty
I'll be following this thread with interest as we start from Irun on the 4th May and still deciding whether to branch off on the Primitivo. Will have to assess how the feet/legs are going at that time. Would love to do the CF again but keen to try a different Camino. Cheers Lori
And doesn't sound like the Norte comments I have read on this forum either.
Can you provide comments (pro & con) about your walk on Norte?
Thanks
Hi read your comments regarding the Norte on other thread same subject.Doesn't sound like the same Norte that I walked last year.
And doesn't sound like the Norte comments I have read on this forum either.
Can you provide comments (pro & con) about your walk on Norte?
Thanks
Christine Thürmer has made some additional comments on the Camino-pilgrimage hiking experience in Spain and I think it is a fair assessment:Motivation, whether spiritual or not also colours outlook and ths lady just seemed ready to criticise anything that did not fit her ideas of 'how it should be'.
To be honest this seems to reinforce what I posted. Her attitude to the Camino was very different to that of most walking, whether as spiritual or non spiritual pilgrims.Christine Thürmer has made some additional comments on the Camino-pilgrimage hiking experience in Spain and I think it is a fair assessment:
http://christine-on-big-trip.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-pilgrimage-experience-hiking.html
Of course it is very different and she makes no bones about it. That's why my advice would be: Don't read camino blogs/assessments by and for hard-core thru-hikers like Christine Thürmer or Francis Tapon unless you want to bash them. Consult the vlogs and blogs of standard camino pilgrims. There are really plenty of those available online to form an opinion about the Norte, no?To be honest this seems to reinforce what I posted. Her attitude to the Camino was very different to that of most walking, whether as spiritual or non spiritual pilgrims.
I am thinking about either biking the VdlP or walking the Norte this April (2018).
After reading this page about the Norte I have second thoughts about it.
http://christine-on-big-trip.blogspot.com/2012/09/camino-del-norte-conclusion-and-tips.html
Love to hear comments from others.
I was surprised by her comments about the Norte.
I read what she wrote and I thought it had a condescending tone and was amazingly judgmental. Just my humble judgement ☘. I have walked 3 times and have hiked all over North and South America. I have seen spectacular and moving natural landscapes on the Camino as well as my other trekd. But when I am alone and daydreaming the places I go to the most in my head and heart are the moments meeting people, the conversations and lifelong friends I have made along The Way.Christine Thürmer has made some additional comments on the Camino-pilgrimage hiking experience in Spain and I think it is a fair assessment:
http://christine-on-big-trip.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-pilgrimage-experience-hiking.html
Reminds me of the wonderful asado we had in Foz (Camino do Mar) in the restaurant run by an Argentinian family. A mix of various meats with a jamon and melon starter while it cooked.To me the blog looks like a review by someone who eats vegan or vegetarian of an "Argentinian steak grill restaurant".
I haven't walked the Norte, but keep in mind that her blog is for long-distance hikers. It's a different audience.
And doesn't sound like the Norte comments I have read on this forum either.
Can you provide comments (pro & con) about your walk on Norte?
Thanks
Hi, FSP,Hmm, one might think that if someone was going to travel that far and at that expense they might have used a few hours to research the route, the country it passes through and the myriad of well documented and mapped options to take one off the highways and around the industrial areas if one so chooses. But, hey that's just my myopic view point as I count down the weeks to my Sep 2 start on the Norte via every off road and coastal option available.
I read this article in full and he did enjoy it encouraging others to experience it, however he pointed out the 10 negatives he found comparing it to the USA thruhikes.Exactly. There was a similar review on the CdS by a long distance hiker who didn't like his experience.
https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/ten-reasons-to-stay-away-from-the-camino-de-santiago/
Between CF, CP, Norte was my favorite. I will be walking VLDP in 2 weeks, and I know Norte will still come up on top. Can't
I start the Norte from Bilbao on 13 May. I hope that is a good omen.
Couldn't agree more. Even for a long distance hiker, she exaggerates big time. For example about the walks into bigger cities like San Sebastian and Santander. The stage from Irún to San Sebastian is utterly beautiful. On the last few kilometers you get a nice view from the mountain on the bay of San Sebastian. I can't remember any industrial zone at all. You just come down from the mountain and walk into the city. And for Santander it is almost even better, because you take a ferry straight into the city.These comments about the Norte are similar to the critique of the Francés that caused such a ruckus on the forum years ago. They are written from the perspective of someone who is a dedicated wilderness hiker and wild camper, has walked for 6 months on the PCT -- for starters. I think that anyone else who has walked the AT or the PCT and is considering whether they would enjoy any particular camino has to realize that if they go to a camino expecting a long thru-hike, they will be disappointed.
But come on, some of the criticisms are really unfair. Anyone who complains about having to walk in and out of cities must not have looked at a map. And here is more evidence that she didn't do her homework at all -- if she was looking for more of a wilderness walk, the gorgeous coastal alternatives are about 2 km away! I agree that the endless pavement on the Norte is hard on the feet and unappealing, but there is an easy workaround if you are willing to leave the camino and strike out for the coast.
Maybe she was teleported to the costa del sol.Yes, what is the stuff about the coastal tourism all about? No high rise buildings that I recall.
Yes I have gone through your posts and the attached PDF, which is now in my smart ph as well. Also plotted them into my Cicerone and Wise Pilgrim guide. You and others on the forum have provided some great options to make this a great Camino. Thank you!Hi, FSP,
That should be a great time to walk. High tourist season will be down, but weather should be good.
If by chance you have looked at my post on the coastal alternatives, it would be great if you would report back with your opinions on the different options, so there are more opinions than just mine. Thanks and buen camino, Laurie
Yea. Me too. Loved it all. Even the industrial bits and huge concrete bridges were interesting. In August the coast was lovely. Of course beaches aren't going to be deserted.Doesn't sound like the same Norte that I walked last year.
I walked Del Norte and Primitivo spring of 2017. The coastline is spectacular and worth every step, be they on pavement, beaches or trail. If you do your homework plus ask at albergues you'll discover there is about one third of each, but you have to find the entry point for each of these three options. If it is as bad as she says, the majority of reports would support her claim. For crying out loud, there is no conspiracy about what the trail is. The Primitivo trail is mostly dirt and some gravel, plus lots of mountains. You'll like it. I never once met someone that complained about either trail .. except those who complained about blisters.I am thinking about either biking the VdlP or walking the Norte this April (2018).
After reading this page about the Norte I have second thoughts about it.
http://christine-on-big-trip.blogspot.com/2012/09/camino-del-norte-conclusion-and-tips.html
Love to hear comments from others.
I was surprised by hear comments about the Norte.
I am thinking about either biking the VdlP or walking the Norte this April (2018).
After reading this page about the Norte I have second thoughts about it.
http://christine-on-big-trip.blogspot.com/2012/09/camino-del-norte-conclusion-and-tips.html
Love to hear comments from others.
I was surprised by her comments about the Norte
Totally disagree with her comments. She seems to have an agenda or preconceived notions or unhelpful comparisons. The norte is beautiful.I am thinking about either biking the VdlP or walking the Norte this April (2018).
After reading this page about the Norte I have second thoughts about it.
http://christine-on-big-trip.blogspot.com/2012/09/camino-del-norte-conclusion-and-tips.html
Love to hear comments from others.
I was surprised by her comments about the Norte.
I did the Norte from San Sebastian to Ribaldesea and thought it was wonderful. The coastline was beautiful, paths great, no garbage that I saw and not too many people. Yes, many parts were along the highway but there were some detours one could take. Because of blisters I did take a bus from Bilbao to Santander but both are cities worth checking out and San Sebastian is great. I then went down to the Frances and didn't like it at all. Very boring, drab parts like from Leon to Astorga. In fact I thought that stretch was God awful, and too many people even in October. I'd take the Norte over the Frances any day. In fact, I would never do the Frances again. I'l be doing the San Salvador and Primitivo this SeptemberI am thinking about either biking the VdlP or walking the Norte this April (2018).
After reading this page about the Norte I have second thoughts about it.
http://christine-on-big-trip.blogspot.com/2012/09/camino-del-norte-conclusion-and-tips.html
Love to hear comments from others.
I was surprised by her comments about the Norte.
I walked the Norte in 2015 and absolutely loved it. The scenery was fantastic. There was some road walking but it certainly wasn't a problem. I'd definitely go back and do it again. Don't let that blog put up off.I am thinking about either biking the VdlP or walking the Norte this April (2018).
After reading this page about the Norte I have second thoughts about it.
http://christine-on-big-trip.blogspot.com/2012/09/camino-del-norte-conclusion-and-tips.html
Love to hear comments from others.
I was surprised by her comments about the Norte.
I am thinking about either biking the VdlP or walking the Norte this April (2018).
After reading this page about the Norte I have second thoughts about it.
http://christine-on-big-trip.blogspot.com/2012/09/camino-del-norte-conclusion-and-tips.html
Love to hear comments from others.
I was surprised by her comments about the Norte.
I walked the Norte in 2015 and absolutely loved it. The scenery was fantastic. There was some road walking but it certainly wasn't a problem. I'd definitely go back and do it again. Don't let that blog put up off.
I've written a blog too if you'd like to read it the address is.
kayfuzzcamino2.blogspot.com
Buen Camino
Many thanks for reply (working out the Coastal distances has been tricky for me).As this looks to be about half-way between Santander and Boo via the coast then probably 'yes'. It is about 14kms following the direct Camino route from Santander to Boo so 'wandering' round the coast could be about 30kms.
Hello Marty
I'll be following this thread with interest as we start from Irun on the 4th May and still deciding whether to branch off on the Primitivo. Will have to assess how the feet/legs are going at that time. Would love to do the CF again but keen to try a different Camino. Cheers Lori
In reading her blogs, I was wondering what the 'filter' was in her assessment of Norte, and Caminos in general. Almost immediately into my read, it was obvious that her 'filter' is backpacking on wild trails. No biggie at that point; as a PCT thru-hiker, and having thousands of wilderness backpacking miles under my feet, this is not really a disqualifier to providing an objective critique.
For me, this quote sums up the nexus for my evaluation of her evaluation: "Bottom line: If you are a new to hiking the Caminos might be a good and easy way for you to get started. But if you have already hiked other more nature oriented long distance trails you will most probably be very much disappointed with the Caminos."
Bovine poop.
She appears to not be willing to separate Camino walking from wilderness backpacking as unique and different experiences. She judges these two different experiences as one generic activity, using the same set of criteria for both. As such, her critique is worthless in terms of meaning, quality, experience, and guidance as to whether or not to do a Camino. Viewing her concerns from the perspective of my backpacking background, hers are only valid if these issues occur on a wilderness backpacking trip. As a pilgrim, I cannot fathom her attitude and sense of superiority and elitism as a partaker of the "pure" wilderness backpacking experience vs her view of the Camino as being slightly higher in quality than a slum walk.
I can tell you, that is not an attitude that the hardcore backpackers within my sphere of influence hold. They might not choose to go on Camino, but they would never judge it based on wilderness filters.
I'm shaking my head. She just doesn't get it.
Bit of advise . Look at date 2012 nearly 8 years, camino changes every week and I never ever take advise more than month oldI am thinking about either biking the VdlP or walking the Norte this April (2018).
After reading this page about the Norte I have second thoughts about it.
http://christine-on-big-trip.blogspot.com/2012/09/camino-del-norte-conclusion-and-tips.html
Love to hear comments from others.
I was surprised by her comments about the Norte.
Well, if the part about the high rise buildings and tourism would have been true, it would only have become worse by now. I walked there in the summer of 2017. And yes, there were tourists (90% Spanish) and people on the beaches. But she makes it sound like Brighton, Salou or Torremolinos.Bit of advise . Look at date 2012 nearly 8 years, camino changes every week and I never ever take advise more than month old
Yikes...that scares me a bit. I plan on taking a lot of coastal alternatives, if I can figure it out.I am thinking about either biking the VdlP or walking the Norte this April (2018).
After reading this page about the Norte I have second thoughts about it.
http://christine-on-big-trip.blogspot.com/2012/09/camino-del-norte-conclusion-and-tips.html
Love to hear comments from others.
I was surprised by her comments about the Norte.
I am sure you are aware that the European Rugby Cup Final is being played at Athletico Bilbao football Stadiuum on the 12 May. The City and surrounding area and Towns will be heaving that weekendI start the Norte from Bilbao on 13 May. I hope that is a good omen.
Yikes...that scares me a bit. I plan on taking a lot of coastal alternatives, if I can figure it out.
I believe the coastal route is one of the most impressive and food exceptional .Wonderful if she took the coastal alternatives?
Luka, I'd love to hear more about your summer Camino on the Norte. Did you have enough pilgrims to walk/socialize with? Any problems finding beds?Well, if the part about the high rise buildings and tourism would have been true, it would only have become worse by now. I walked there in the summer of 2017. And yes, there were tourists (90% Spanish) and people on the beaches. But she makes it sound like Brighton, Salou or Torremolinos.
To me the blog looks like a review by someone who eats vegan or vegetarian of an "Argentinian steak grill restaurant".
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