LIVE from the Camino From Lourdes to Irun: vamos a Santiago!

[Satírico]

12 days since my arrival in France and, at last, SPAIN!

The Camino del Norte, overcast and rainy though it may be, begins tomorrow. Passing through SJPDP was a day of joy and melancholy, the latter because I wasn´t set to join the happy band of pilgrims heading to Roncesvalles. I took the opportunity to dump my 65 (+5) litre rucksack and send my wool-lined raincoat home. When the assistant announced the grand total for a new lightweight rainjacket and Osprey 48 rucksack, I justblocked my ears and handed over the credit card.

For anyone interested in the chemin de piedmont,all I can say is that from Lourdes (in April) it´s rather lonely and also quite dangerous. The thick mud sliding down the hill and also the narrow track descending fast and sheer better suited to mountain goats. I met 3 pilgrims at accommodation but never saw anyone walkingmy way. I´d say it is harder than anything on the CF.

But, what scenery!

Oloron Saint Marie is a lovely town and Bidarray offers a superb panorama of the Basque Country. One other thing: Pays Basque is the land of no people and lots of angry, barking dogs. Be sure to carry trekking poles. if not a tranquilizer gun. Also, French villages often have no amenities and don´t expect to see any fuentes.

I must sign out before Itime out!

Buen Camino,

Phil

 

[NualaOC]

That sounds like an interesting start to your Camino! Good luck on the Norte and Primitivo - hopefully it will be a little less challenging.

 

[Satírico]

That sounds like an interesting start to your Camino! Good luck on the Norte and Primitivo - hopefully it will be a little less challenging.

Thank you.