LIVE from the Camino Krause on the Camino del Norte

[krause]

Yesterday from Irún to Pasajes de San Juan. Today to San Sebastián to enjoy a lighter day of walking to enjoy the city.

 

[dromoreboy]

Nice pics. Good weather?

 

[krause]

Yesterday there was a two-hour downpour and today’s walking was muddy because of it. But the skies are blue and the walking is fantastic!

 

[Happyinharrogate]

Yesterday there was a two-hour downpour and today’s walking was muddy because of it. But the skies are blue and the walking is fantastic!

I am bringing my hiking sandals with me for my walk as well as my hiking shoes, do you think the route on your leg from Irun would be too muddy for me to consider my sandals and should I stick to hiking shoes?

 

[trecile]

I am bringing my hiking sandals with me for my walk as well as my hiking shoes, do you think the route on your leg from Irun would be too muddy for me to consider my sandals and should I stick to hiking shoes?

I wore hiking sandals for my entire Camino del Norte and Primitivo this year. They worked great in the mud because I could just hose them down at the end of the day and they dried much faster than shoes.

 

[krause]

@Happyinharrogate I’ve worn my sandals half the time and and grateful for them during the rain and mud!

 

[krause]

From Zarautz to Deba. A long day with amazing scenery.

 

[Happyinharrogate]

From Zarautz to Deba. A long day with amazing scenery.

I see you’ve got the very same Chaco sandals that I have bought specifically for this trip, that gives me a lot of reassurance as I’m still testing them out. Been wearing them a couple of weeks. Took a while to get the strapping in the right places ( and had a toe rub) but think they’re right now. Like you I was intending to wear socks with them. Hope you’re not getting too much rain. I start Tuesday. Photos look great

 

[FootlooseAgain]

These are lovely photos, thank you. What camera / phone did you use for these photos?

 

[krause]

Hi @FootlooseAgain. I have an iPhone 14 - but not the fancier three lens version. I swear it’s the scenery, not the camera!

 

[krause]

From Markina-Xemein to Mendata, Sunday, day 6.

 

[krause]

At the end of the walk today in Mendata.

 

[donalomahony]

At the end of the walk today in Mendata.

Oh my God! Was there last week in the sunshine, but did have a very wet day walking earlier. That descent into Markina must have been something else.

Stay dry and keep that camera in a plastic bag!

 

[Happyinharrogate]

At the end of the walk today in Mendata.

damn that looks fierce!

 

[krause]

Day 7 from Mendata to Pozueta, after the big storm.

 

[krause]

Day 8, from Pozueta to Bilbao.

 

[krause]

From Castro Urdiales to Laredo - 34km/21 miles.

 

[Shazzza]

From Castro Urdiales to Laredo - 34km/21 miles.

No photos?

 

[krause]

There were! They must not have uploaded while at the convent. I’ll try again. Thanks for letting me know @Shazzza.

 

[krause]

After Pobeña to Castro Urdiales, a day of torrential rain - I forgot to post, brain was waterlogged.

 

[krause]

From Güemes to Santander by way of the ocean.

 

[Shazzza]

After Pobeña to Castro Urdiales, a day of torrential rain - I forgot to post, brain was waterlogged.

Wow! Amazing shots.

 

[Shazzza]

There were! They must not have uploaded while at the convent. I’ll try again. Thanks for letting me know @Shazzza.

love your photos! Makes me excited for my trip next year!

 

[krause]

@Shazzza I am thrilled for you to do the Norte. I won’t lie - the first 8 days are tough (the up and down wears on your feet in a way that training didn’t prepare me for), but I have been deeply gratified. And continually amazed at the goodness and kindness of the locals and the other pilgrims.

 

[Shazzza]

Thanks for the advance warning! I’ll be ready. Hopefully.

 

[krause]

From Santander to Boo, along the coast. @peregrina2000 said, it is long, but absolutely

 

[Shazzza]

Beautiful!!!!

 

[Happyinharrogate]

Where is your next stopping point? I’m now heading for Santalina del Mar. Was a Nice Albeurge in Boo de Piélagos Hope so agsin tonight

 

[krause]

We are also on our way to Santillana Del Mar. We hope to stay at the convent, you?

 

[krause]

We are also on our way to Santillana Del Mar. We hope to stay at the convent, are you?

 

[Happyinharrogate]

Apologies I only just saw your reply. I was too busy last night immersing myself in the beauty of Santillana del Mar. Had a good few hours exploring and walking up and down. I’m next in San Vicente de La Barquera. We may meet along the way as I say hi to everybody! Buen Camino and hope you’re having a good one

 

[Corned Beef]

Great pics and they illustrate why the Spanish flock to the Norte coast. More great beaches to come though.

 

[Former member 104756]

Apologies I only just saw your reply. I was too busy last night immersing myself in the beauty of Santillana del Mar. Had a good few hours exploring and walking up and down. I’m next in San Vicente de La Barquera. We may meet along the way as I say hi to everybody! Buen Camino and hope you’re having a good one

Hola Happy ... by any chance have you met two Australian brothers on the Norte - I think they are also in San Vincente tonight. One of their photos looked like someone that resembled your avatar photo. If you have met Michael and Terry - they are my brothers.

 

[Happyinharrogate]

I’m hooking up with them tonight in fact!

 

[Former member 104756]

I’m hooking up with them tonight in fact!

Oh, I love that. Please let them know I made the connection! They are two fabulous fellas. Or maybe I'll tell them myself.

 

[krause]

Santillana Del Mar to Cóbreces.

 

[Former member 104756]

I’m hooking up with them tonight in fact!

I've just heard that you are sitting with them right now. Buen camino to you all.

 

[Richmond Gardner]

Santillana Del Mar to Cóbreces.

That’s a beautiful section! I started in Sanillana Del Mar two years ago. Lots of beauty still in front of you. Take coastal rural tract options off the pavement, for some spectacular walking and views

 

[Former member 21738]

Yesterday from Irún to Pasajes de San Juan. Today to San Sebastián to enjoy a lighter day of walking to enjoy the city.

Great pics! I’m doing the del Norte next April. Where did you stay in Irun?

 

[Former member 21738]

@Shazzza I am thrilled for you to do the Norte. I won’t lie - the first 8 days are tough (the up and down wears on your feet in a way that training didn’t prepare me for), but I have been deeply gratified. And continually amazed at the goodness and kindness of the locals and the other pilgrims.

What would you have done differently to better prepare you for the up and down in the del Norte?

 

[Former member 21738]

That’s a beautiful section! I started in Sanillana Del Mar two years ago. Lots of beauty still in front of you. Take coastal rural tract options off the pavement, for some spectacular walking and views

Where do you get the info or app in taking the rural tract options?

 

[Richmond Gardner]

Where do you get the info or app in taking the rural tract options?

I used Buen Camino, which shows those options.

 

[krause]

I used Buen Camino, which shows those options.

Also, @peregrina2000 has a post from when she charted the tracks along the national coast trails in 2017. You can search for that thread “Santander to Boo” and I think all the options are listed in that. She posted a PDF, which was also very helpful. And as @Richmond Gardner said, Buen Camino app is very good.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have walked the Norte a few years ago, and your lovely photos remind me of how much I enjoyed it; def worth the "hard work" and I would love to do a repeat.

 

[krause]

@Camino Chrissy I hope that you are able to!

 

[krause]

A couple of days from Santillana Del Mar to Colombres. By the way, I can highly recommend the Casa de Peregrinos Colombres - Matej is an excellent host. You will be fortunate to stay here!

 

[Happyinharrogate]

Hope your Camino going well. Not sure where you have been/ are staying in next few days but from what I’ve seen last few days I thought San Vincente, Llanes, and Ribadesella are particularly worth spending time in if you can. Hope all going well. I have been pushing myself too hard with mileage last 3 days so am dropping back to more manageable 14/15 mile stages from hereon.

 

[krause]

Good morning, @Happyinharrogate. I am just leaving Colombres, as I wanted to take it more slowly and enjoy the towns and coastline. I’m only going to Pendueles today, as the coast is supposed to be worth the slow walk. Take care of yourself! Buen Camino!

 

[Happyinharrogate]

Enjoy

 

[krause]

Photos from over the last few days. On Monday, I backtracked on the Camino from Colombres and walked the E9 to Pendueles to see some ancient ruins and more of the coast. It was a fabulous walk. Other photos are from Pendueles to Ribadesella.