LIVE from the Camino Starting in Bilbao - a six week Camino

[MilenaS]

Tomorrow I fly to Bilbao to start my 5th stint on the Camino. I did the Frances in three parts (2016, 2017 and 2022). Last year I did the Portuguese from Porto.

I did the first 200 km of the Frances totally untrained, fat and not a walker back in 2016. Started really slow and got hooked. Now I have walked on the camino 4 times. Still fat and slow, but now a walker

Now I have 6 weeks (+ some days) to walk from Bilbao to Santiago. My backpack is 7.3 kg. I am giddy as a kid. I see that the weather is a bit unpredictable But I have enough days to make the rainy days short.

 

[Suzanne S.]

Buen Camino!

 

[Vacajoe]

Enjoy!

 

[CWBuff]

Buen Camino @MilenaS

 

[MilenaS]

Oh, and I have to add the "art work" I made after inspiration from my previous Caminos - looking forward to the new inspiration I get from this one.


Tufted rug
Inspiration from my Camino 2017

 

[nycwalking]

Tomorrow I fly to Bilbao to start my 5th stint on the Camino. I did the Frances in three parts (2016, 2017 and 2022). Last year I did the Portuguese from Porto.

I did the first 200 km of the Frances totally untrained, fat and not a walker back in 2016. Started really slow and got hooked. Now I have walked on the camino 4 times. Still fat and slow, but now a walker

Now I have 6 weeks (+ some days) to walk from Bilbao to Santiago. My backpack is 7.3 kg. I am giddy as a kid. I see that the weather is a bit unpredictable But I have enough days to make the rainy days short.

Fat girls rule!

Have the best time you possibly can.

Do keep us posted with text and pics.

Buen Camino.

 

[NancyZ]

Tomorrow I fly to Bilbao to start my 5th stint on the Camino. I did the Frances in three parts (2016, 2017 and 2022). Last year I did the Portuguese from Porto.

I did the first 200 km of the Frances totally untrained, fat and not a walker back in 2016. Started really slow and got hooked. Now I have walked on the camino 4 times. Still fat and slow, but now a walker

Now I have 6 weeks (+ some days) to walk from Bilbao to Santiago. My backpack is 7.3 kg. I am giddy as a kid. I see that the weather is a bit unpredictable But I have enough days to make the rainy days short.

Buen camino

 

[Walks2way]

Now I have 6 weeks (+ some days) to walk from Bilbao to Santiago. My backpack is 7.3 kg. I am giddy as a kid. I see that the weather is a bit unpredictable But I have enough days to make the rainy days short.

I too am thinking of starting in Bilbao, probably this fall, and am looking at the various routes. The Norte to the Olvidado looks interesting to me. What is your plan?

 

[MilenaS]

I too am thinking of starting in Bilbao, probably this fall, and am looking at the various routes. The Norte to the Olvidado looks interesting to me. What is your plan?

My plan is Bilbao - Santiago on the Norte. But I have not thought to much about alternatives. Will take it as I go. Some shorter days to start with for sure!

 

[MilenaS]

Day 1 - Bilbao to Portugalete
Let’s see if i can get the video to upload. One short and slow day along the river. Not the beautiful boardwalks I remember from the Portuguese. But the “bridge” in the end was worth it. Easing myself into it.
View attachment 2098393521.mov

 

[MilenaS]

Day 2 - Portugalete to Onton
Really nice day. The costal route was closed of by some fences. No match for this tired pilgrim who did not feel for going back…

View attachment 1622978021.mov

 

[Marianne Hansen]

Tomorrow I fly to Bilbao to start my 5th stint on the Camino. I did the Frances in three parts (2016, 2017 and 2022). Last year I did the Portuguese from Porto.

I did the first 200 km of the Frances totally untrained, fat and not a walker back in 2016. Started really slow and got hooked. Now I have walked on the camino 4 times. Still fat and slow, but now a walker

Now I have 6 weeks (+ some days) to walk from Bilbao to Santiago. My backpack is 7.3 kg. I am giddy as a kid. I see that the weather is a bit unpredictable But I have enough days to make the rainy days short.

Buen Camino

 

[Vacajoe]

Did you walk the route blocked by the fences? Why was it closed? I’m walking behind you next week!

 

[MilenaS]

Did you walk the route blocked by the fences? Why was it closed? I’m walking behind you next week!

There has been a landslide, as I understand. But it looked fixed for me. I did not see the signs before I started and when I got there I really did not feel like going back. One of the fences I crawled through, and on the other side it was possible to go over the railing. Stressful but doable.

These where the signs on the fence when I got there:

 

[Vacajoe]

There has been a landslide, as I understand. But it looked fixed for me. I did not see the signs before I started and when I got there I really did not feel like going back. One of the fences I crawled through, and on the other side it was possible to go over the railing. Stressful but doable.

These where the signs on the fence when I got there:

View attachment 168804

Thanks. We encountered similar on a previous Camino and discovered what you did: an obviously fixed trail with no issues EXCEPT the fences in the way

 

[MilenaS]

Day 3 - Onton to Islares
Beautiful day! Even some paths rather then asphalt (not much, but anything counts). I am staying in the camping in Islares, a cabin of my own (for now) with a heater. After last nights freezing in Onton, I am looking forward to turning on the heat.

I am pushing myself tomorrow (I think) with 22 km to Laredo, but I have a feeling it will work out ok.

View attachment -660468789.mov

 

[Vacajoe]

Thanks for the updates and Relive videos! I’m walking from Bilbao next week and it’s great seeing the path from someone currently walking it.

 

[MilenaS]

Day 4 - Islares to Laredo
Being a long day for me I decided to do the road walk and save some km. Wanted to do the coastal walk into Laredo but with no services I was afraid of running out of water, I hadn’t had my first coffee jet and no food. But as out of the blue, a restaurant appeared and I could refuel. The costal was gorgeous

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[Peterexpatkiwi]

Hope you got down to the beach, it looks beautiful. Enjoying your quick videos, thanks for posting

 

[Kathrina72]

Love seeing the route, thanks for sharing. Would you say that the surface is mostly tarmac/asphalt? I will be doing this route in July and wondering about best shoe options

 

[Simperegrina]

Thanks for posting your Relive videos. Am hoping to hit the Norte next month

 

[Marianne Hansen]

I'm also hoping to hit the Norte next month after the Aragonese

 

[MilenaS]

Love seeing the route, thanks for sharing. Would you say that the surface is mostly tarmac/asphalt? I will be doing this route in July and wondering about best shoe options

Mostly tarmac! But there are options. Yesterday I did the non-tarmac option and loved it. Today I stuck to the road, and it was hard and boring

 

[MilenaS]

Day 5 - Laredo to Noja
Lovely stay with the nuns last night. I cried like a baby when I got the blessing. Still don’t know why, but it did good.

A nice start out of Laredo and a quick boat ride later it was tarmac all the way to Noja.
Will be doing the costal towards Somo tomorrow and staying somewhere along that way.

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[MilenaS]

Day 6 - Noja to Langre
A lot of road walking today. Almost nothing open along the way. And then suddenly the coastal way to Somo makes it all worth it!

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[MilenaS]

Day 7 - Langre to Santander
The beauty of this costal alternative is just wow. Low effort high reward. Definitely a must! After Guemes - go costal!

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[Peterexpatkiwi]

Have you been taking most of the coastal variants, or just picking and choosing?

 

[MilenaS]

@Peterexpatkiwi
Just three since I started in Bilbao - don’t remember if there are more:
- La Arena to Onton - can’t recommend since it involves climbing through fences
- Mollaneda to Laredo - gorgeous, but wouldn’t recommend in bad weather
- Guemes to Somo - think is great no matter what

 

[BeMi]

Thank you so much for sharing your videos, very inspiring! I am also planning to start in Bilbao in the beginning of June. Did you get a pilgrim passport somewhere in Bilbao and if so - where?

Buen Camino!

 

[KiwiJohn]

Thank you, Milena for your videos. Impressive!
That will be me in late August '25.
Go well!

 

[MilenaS]

Thank you so much for sharing your videos, very inspiring! I am also planning to start in Bilbao in the beginning of June. Did you get a pilgrim passport somewhere in Bilbao and if so - where?

Buen Camino!

I ordered it beforehand from my local pilgrim organization. But you can probably get it in Bilbao. You can also order it from Ivar’s store.

 

[Kirkie]

Tomorrow I fly to Bilbao to start my 5th stint on the Camino. I did the Frances in three parts (2016, 2017 and 2022). Last year I did the Portuguese from Porto.

I did the first 200 km of the Frances totally untrained, fat and not a walker back in 2016. Started really slow and got hooked. Now I have walked on the camino 4 times. Still fat and slow, but now a walker

Now I have 6 weeks (+ some days) to walk from Bilbao to Santiago. My backpack is 7.3 kg. I am giddy as a kid. I see that the weather is a bit unpredictable But I have enough days to make the rainy days short.

You have six weeks, lucky you! I know I am late in responding, but looking again at your posts, I am reminded of a pilgrim who did a much longer pilgrimage from his home in Ireland a year or so ago. The high speed videos and photos are excellent for informing prospective pilgrims about what to expect.
The Norte appealed to me when I saw its call in 2006, but it was then and is now beyond my capabilities. I can simply say: enjoy, make the most of it, and thank you for sharing your experience to help other pilgrims looking at planning for their own Norte pilgrimage.

 

[MilenaS]

Day 8 - Mogro to Santillana
I took a train out of Santander.
Today was long, boring, and hard on feet And i ran out of water in the last couple of kilometers.
View attachment -576704907.mp4

 

[BeMi]

I ordered it beforehand from my local pilgrim organization. But you can probably get it in Bilbao. You can also order it from Ivar’s store.

Oh, thank you, very good advice, did not know. Very new to this forum .

 

[Flog]

There has been a landslide, as I understand. But it looked fixed for me. I did not see the signs before I started and when I got there I really did not feel like going back.

Nice videos, and thank you for posting!

This is the short section just after Pobeña as you approach the old mines? Just to point out.. the path is still closed because ongoing buttressing/underpinning work is continuing. The gates are locked and the corner of the fence that was forced open, has been firmly secured with steel mesh.

 

[MilenaS]

Day 9 - Santillana to Comillas

No video today since Relive decided to stop tracking… but lovely walk! But long, and warm, and asphalt! So short day for me tomorrow!

 

[sps1221]

How is the weather?? Is it still rainy and cold?!

 

[MilenaS]

How is the weather?? Is it still rainy and cold?!

The weather has been nice. Just one day with rain. It’s pretty cold at night and I have had some bad sleeps because of that. Especially in old buildings. I have a thermal liner and sleep in wool leggings and long sleeves. But still cold sometimes. Even with blankets. The day temperatures have been pretty perfect hiking temperatures.

 

[Vacajoe]

How’s the crowds were you are? Out of Bilbao tonight was very busy. Many accommodations are “completo” which is shocking for this route this early. Not sure if it’s just a bubble or it’s the same all along the Norte.

 

[Flog]

How’s the crowds were you are? Out of Bilbao tonight was very busy. Many accommodations are “completo” which is shocking for this route this early. Not sure if it’s just a bubble or it’s the same all along the Norte.

It seems quite busy, at least around me and I'm 3two days out of Bilbao.. and supply is much more limited than you would find on the Frances or Portugués. Are you already walking? Pobeña has a lovely municipal (donativo) albergue, about 24km or 30km from Bilbao, depending on the route you walk..

 

[MilenaS]

How’s the crowds were you are? Out of Bilbao tonight was very busy. Many accommodations are “completo” which is shocking for this route this early. Not sure if it’s just a bubble or it’s the same all along the Norte.

It’s quite busy. I have been doing fine with not booking where there is a large albergue (Laredo, Santillana), and I have been booking a day ahead on the others. I think Comillas was full tonight, but there is only a small, very nice albergue in town.

 

[sps1221]

Thank you, Milena for posting and all the others (Flog, etc) for contributing. If anyone has a list of the "bigger" cities or smaller ones where I should book ahead, do you mind sending them across? Trying to do my due diligence now, but even from Google maps, it is sometimes hard to tell Thanks so much and Buen Camino to everyone here!

 

[MilenaS]

Thank you, Milena for posting and all the others (Flog, etc) for contributing. If anyone has a list of the "bigger" cities or smaller ones where I should book ahead, do you mind sending them across? Trying to do my due diligence now, but even from Google maps, it is sometimes hard to tell Thanks so much and Buen Camino to everyone here!

The way I am doing it is that I in the evening, or when I get to town, go to Gronze and Wise pilgrim and look at the towns ahead. If there is a big albergue ahead at a distance I feel is good for me, I will go for it. If it looks like there are just smaller places I will try to book. Sometimes I will look two days ahead (especially on weekends). Since it is such a long walk I don’t feel the need to think more than 1 or 2 days ahead. That way I keep my flexibility.

 

[Simperegrina]

The way I am doing it is that I in the evening, or when I get to town, go to Gronze and Wise pilgrim and look at the towns ahead. If there is a big albergue ahead at a distance I feel is good for me, I will go for it. If it looks like there are just smaller places I will try to book. Sometimes I will look two days ahead (especially on weekends). Since it is such a long walk I don’t feel the need to think more than 1 or 2 days ahead. That way I keep my flexibility.

Seems a good way of going about it. Similar for me when I start out week after next. Good reminder re weekends.

 

[MilenaS]

Day 10 - Comillas to San Vincente

Short day today. Wonderful views of both the beaches and the mountains. My heal is acting up a little bit, and remembering how bad it got on the Portuguese last year I will have to pay attention. Rolling and stretching.
View attachment 1963014643.mp4

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

I'm a real sucker for the beach photos, thanks for sharing!

 

[MilenaS]

I'm a real sucker for the beach photos, thanks for sharing!

I have put some photos on my instagram as well if you are on there, more are coming - https://www.instagram.com/milena_outandabout

 

[MilenaS]

Day 11 - San Vincente to La Franca
I felt stronger and the walk was good. Lovely views and some nice towns. Even though it rained big parts of the day.


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[Peterexpatkiwi]

I have put some photos on my instagram as well if you are on there, more are coming - https://www.instagram.com/milena_outandabout

Unfortunately not, thanks anyway

 

[MilenaS]

Unfortunately not, thanks anyway

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Beautiful!

 

[MilenaS]

Day 12 - La Franca to Llan s
Long day today! For me, others will often find it on the shorter side. It is for sure a lesson to learn that the Norte has less possibilities for playing with distances than the Frances. But some stunning views and some soft ground under my feet made it lovely.

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[Peterexpatkiwi]

Some great photos as always. You've certainly got fantastic weather!

 

[MilenaS]

Some great photos as always. You've certainly got fantastic weather!

So lucky with the weather!!! I am so aware of that luxury, especially after yesterdays rain

 

[billC]

Love the videos as I prep for Norte in three weeks. Did you take the alternate routes on this segment and how well was it marked. Thanks.

 

[MilenaS]

Love the videos as I prep for Norte in three weeks. Did you take the alternate routes on this segment and how well was it marked. Thanks.

I did the first half of the first costal path. It was not marked at all but was still worth it. The views were great. We vent wrong and got stuck but found a way out. Than I took the road for the second half of that first one
.
And the second one I stayed on the coastal the whole way. And it was well marked.

 

[MilenaS]

Day 13 - Llanes to Pineres

Lot of roads again

I had a private room last night. I love it, it does both the body and mind good. But it disconnects me from the Camino.
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[Peterexpatkiwi]

Sometimes it's good to disconnect a little, even if just for an evening. I found it made me appreciate the camino even more the next day.

 

[MilenaS]

Day 14 - Pineres to Priesca (20 km walking + 20 km by bus)

Such lovely landscapes! And the bus service works like a charm. The Alsa app is useful.

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[MilenaS]

And some photos for those not on instagram
View attachment IMG_3578.mov

 

[Marianne Hansen]

Tomorrow I fly to Bilbao to start my 5th stint on the Camino. I did the Frances in three parts (2016, 2017 and 2022). Last year I did the Portuguese from Porto.

I did the first 200 km of the Frances totally untrained, fat and not a walker back in 2016. Started really slow and got hooked. Now I have walked on the camino 4 times. Still fat and slow, but now a walker

Now I have 6 weeks (+ some days) to walk from Bilbao to Santiago. My backpack is 7.3 kg. I am giddy as a kid. I see that the weather is a bit unpredictable But I have enough days to make the rainy days short.

Where are you now and has been easy to get accommodation?

 

[MilenaS]

Day 15 - Priesca to Villaviciosa

Short day today! Did my feet very good. Pretty boring walk today, but nice views at the top.

I think I will bus to Gijón tomorrow. And take two days of. The Achilles will thank me I think.

View attachment 794619105.mp4

 

[MilenaS]

Where are you now and has been easy to get accommodation?

I am in Villaviciosa and still booking a day ahead with no issues. I have booked the next two days in Gijón since I need some rest.

 

[Marianne Hansen]

I am in Villaviciosa and still booking a day ahead with no issues. I have booked the next two days in Gijón since I need some rest.

 

[MilenaS]

Two days rest in Gijón, some “soul searching” and a bus = I will be back at it from Luarca tomorrow.



View attachment IMG_3633.mov

 

[MilenaS]

Day 19 - Luarca to Navia
Uneventful day! Nothing spectacular to see. And my feet did not like the walking. The first couple of kilometers are painful, next 7-10 nice and the final kilometers feel like being stabbed in the heal with every step… just like it was on the Portuguese last year. Will do two more days and then reevaluate.

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[MilenaS]

Day 20 - Navia to Tapia
Rain, rain and more rain. The last 7 km my feet screamed no with every step. So new plan. Tomorrow a short day to Ribadeo, stay there an extra night. Than buss to Villalba and just short 10-15 km stages to Santiago. Hope this works…

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[MilenaS]

Day 21 - Tapia to Ribadeo
Nice and easy day today - short and flat with some lovely views. 14 km worked fine and my feet did not try to kill me in the end. So, some rest days now, and than of on a snail Camino the last 9-10 days.

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[MilenaS]

Day 22 - rest day in Ribadeo - visit to Cathedral beach

Nice adventure with hostel roomies

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[MilenaS]

Day 24 - Vilalba to Baamonde

So wet! We missed a marker and got lost… but then decided to stay “lost” and follow the N-634 all the way since the rain was coming down hard and the trail was very muddy.
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[MilenaS]

Day 25 - Baamonde to Miraz

Nice walking day. Rain again but the trail was not too muddy. Now staying at the lovely CSJ donativo albergue.

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[MilenaS]

Day 26 - Miraz to A Roxica

Turns out 10 km is too short of a day for me. Doesn’t help that there is absolutely nothing between these two places But it was dry and a lot was on trails, which I thoroughly enjoyed. So, I have reorganized my days so I get to Santiago with days between 14 and 20 km. Hopefully the feet will respect my decision.

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[MilenaS]

It’s been raining again. And there has been angry dogs. And my feet hurt so much that I cry while I walk… but not much left. And in a week or two I will just remember the good things
Day 27 - A Roxica to Sobrado


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Day 28 - Sobrado to Arzua

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[Peterexpatkiwi]

Wow, what a great breakfast - I can't believe you managed to get Fried eggs!

So sorry to hear that your feet are hurting so much, I presume it has to do with the sheer amount of tarmac? (Not having walked the Norte yet I'm going purely on what I have heard and the little that I experienced when I cut over from Lugo to Sobrado)

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Actually I just re-watched your videos and I have footage from some of the same places as you do. I remember being very grateful for the sunken path in your video for example (day 27). Having seen only two pilgrims in two days walking the Verde, coming across the crowds on the Norte was a rather large shock...

 

[MilenaS]

Wow, what a great breakfast - I can't believe you managed to get Fried eggs!

So sorry to hear that your feet are hurting so much, I presume it has to do with the sheer amount of tarmac? (Not having walked the Norte yet I'm going purely on what I have heard and the little that I experienced when I cut over from Lugo to Sobrado)

I could not believe my luck with those eggs! Albergue Lecer sells the breakfast for the restaurant Meson just across the street. 3 euros for coffee, tostada with queso and EGGS! One lucky girl!

I had issues with my feet on the Portuguese too, but not on Frances. So I think the hard surfaces are atleast to some degree responsible. I have tried strengthening my feet in advance but it did not help. So, will have to do some more research before the next one.

And yes! I have been marveling in all softer tracks, except when they are just mud

 

[Vacajoe]

Hey, I’ve been following your adventures since you started because I was beginning the Norte just after you (I’ve commented before), but here’s a weird question: did you have pizza in Sobrado?

 

[MilenaS]

Hey, I’ve been following your adventures since you started because I was beginning the Norte just after you (I’ve commented before), but here’s a weird question: did you have pizza in Sobrado?

Yeeees! Are you my lunch companion?

 

[MilenaS]

Day 29 - Arzua to A Rua
Not as much rain today. But boy oh boy - there were so many pilgrims. I think I have seen more people today than on the whole 4 weeks on the Norte - including the locals

View attachment 1019356161.mp4

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Oh my goodness, that’s - well, maybe not my worst nightmare, but horrific! I think if I saw a crowd like that in front of me I’d take the first bus to somewhere else…

 

[MilenaS]

Oh my goodness, that’s - well, maybe not my worst nightmare, but horrific! I think if I saw a crowd like that in front of me I’d take the first bus to somewhere else…

It has been like that all day. I am totally amused. Luckily it’s just for two days, but oh my gosh.

 

[Vacajoe]

Yeeees! Are you my lunch companion?

CRAZY!!!! Hahaha! What an amazing coincidence! Yes! When you mentioned the camping hut and being from Norway, it took me about 5kms before I put it all together. Small world. Buen Camino

 

[MilenaS]

CRAZY!!!! Hahaha! What an amazing coincidence! Yes! When you mentioned the camping hut and being from Norway, it took me about 5kms before I put it all together. Small world. Buen Camino

So fun! Hope you made it to Santiago in time!

 

[davejsy]

Day 22 - rest day in Ribadeo - visit to Cathedral beach

Nice adventure with hostel roomies

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What cool skies!

 

[davejsy]

I could not believe my luck with those eggs! Albergue Lecer sells the breakfast for the restaurant Meson just across the street. 3 euros for coffee, tostada with queso and EGGS! One lucky girl!

I had issues with my feet on the Portuguese too, but not on Frances. So I think the hard surfaces are atleast to some degree responsible. I have tried strengthening my feet in advance but it did not help. So, will have to do some more research before the next one.

And yes! I have been marveling in all softer tracks, except when they are just mud

I have no idea what footwear you have, but I think thick-soled trail runners probably help if there is a lot of tarmac/hard surfaces.

 

[MilenaS]

I have no idea what footwear you have, but I think thick-soled trail runners probably help if there is a lot of tarmac/hard surfaces.

I have used Topo ultraventures. Not the most cushioned shoes. So will have to do some research when I get back. I did not like how wobbly the Hoka’s felt. And love the wide fit of the Topo’s.

 

[MilenaS]

Day 30 - A Rua to Monte de Gozo
The sun is out! Oh my. And all the cafees! I forgot how much it helps to split the day up. 5k left tomorrow

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[MilenaS]

Day 31 - Monte to Santiago

Made it! No gorgeous sunrise since it was cloudy. But still marvelous. I was number 5 in line so got the “golden ticket” for lunch at the restaurant next to Parador


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[Peterexpatkiwi]

Well done, congratulations on finishing your Camino. Goodness you must have been early for the streets and square to be that empty!

 

[billC]

Thanks a lot for sharing your camino. I tuned in everyday as I prepare for my Norte Camino next week. Enjoy your rest!

 

[MilenaS]

Well done, congratulations on finishing your Camino. Goodness you must have been early for the streets and square to be that empty!

I started 6:30 from Monte de Gozo so I i was at the cathedral around 7:30. Think we were three in total on the Plaza. It has become my tradition to stop just before Santiago and have an early walk in.

Thanks a lot for sharing your camino. I tuned in everyday as I prepare for my Norte Camino next week. Enjoy your rest!

Buen camino! I hope it brings you what you wish for/need!

 

[BeMi]

I ordered it beforehand from my local pilgrim organization. But you can probably get it in Bilbao. You can also order it from Ivar’s store.

Love the videos as I prep for Norte in three weeks. Did you take the alternate routes on this segment and how well was it marked. Thanks.

Fully agree, I am starting out fråm Bilbao next week and this thread is just so informative. Thank you MilenaS for sharing!

 

[BeMi]

View attachment 171201


Day 31 - Monte to Santiago

Made it! No gorgeous sunrise since it was cloudy. But still marvelous. I was number 5 in line so got the “golden ticket” for lunch at the restaurant next to Parador


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Congratulations on finishing your Camino! This thread is so valuable, thanks for sharing. I have walked two different stretches on the Frances in the past and next week I am setting out from Bilbao. The previous times have been early May and mid October, where I have carried a sleeoping bag. Given that it will be June this time I am thinking about just a liner. Do you have any advice here? Again, warm congratulations on finishing your Camino.

 

[MilenaS]

Congratulations on finishing your Camino! This thread is so valuable, thanks for sharing. I have walked two different stretches on the Frances in the past and next week I am setting out from Bilbao. The previous times have been early May and mid October, where I have carried a sleeoping bag. Given that it will be June this time I am thinking about just a liner. Do you have any advice here? Again, warm congratulations on finishing your Camino.

Thank you so much!

I only had a liner, but a thermal one. I think it is from Sea to summit, the red one. I have been cold some nights. I had had the same one on the Frances and Portuguese. And at that time I was fine. So I don’t dare say…. And June is warmer.

 

[BeMi]

Thanks anyway, it is a fine balance between weight and comfort I guess

 

[Kirkie]

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Day 31 - Monte to Santiago

Made it! No gorgeous sunrise since it was cloudy. But still marvelous. I was number 5 in line so got the “golden ticket” for lunch at the restaurant next to Parador


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I am sorry I was not free to keep daily checkins, but just want to say thanks for the effort you made to keep others on the forum up to date with your daily progress. Felicitaciones, chica! Safe trip home.

 

[grdemedeiros]

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Day 31 - Monte to Santiago

Made it! No gorgeous sunrise since it was cloudy. But still marvelous. I was number 5 in line so got the “golden ticket” for lunch at the restaurant next to Parador


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Golden ticket?! That sounds exciting. Is it a free lunch or just a reservation? (I assume the Parador is crowded every day.)

 

[peregrina2000]

Golden ticket?! That sounds exciting. Is it a free lunch or just a reservation? (I assume the Parador is crowded every day.)

The parador offers a free meal to the first ten pilgrims to get a compostela in the pilgrim’s office every day. More info here.

 

[MilenaS]

Golden ticket?! That sounds exciting. Is it a free lunch or just a reservation? (I assume the Parador is crowded every day.)

The parador offers a free meal to the first ten pilgrims to get a compostela in the pilgrim’s office every day. More info here.

As @peregrina2000 says, it was a full lunch at the restaurant in the basement of the Parador. It was simple, but very good, and in amazing company. Such a lovely tradition.