LIVE from the Camino The Nomad Pack - On the move!

[Nomad Pack]

Spanish boots ??

Honestly don't know, got them on Amazon Spain. Used to have a pair of Dublin river boots which are basically the same but better.

 

[Nomad Pack]

I see Buddah's ears barely peeking out above the donkey. He must really be lounging!

He almost fell off today during a sleep, he likes to dangle his head off the side of the bag so when vannii moves quicker he wakes up suddenly to keep his position, or slides off.

 

[Nomad Pack]

Impressive boots, and if you are happy with them, then they are "a sure thing"!

They're all I have apart from my sandles

 

[Camino Chrissy]

He almost fell off today during a sleep, he likes to dangle his head off the side of the bag so when vannii moves quicker he wakes up suddenly to keep his position, or slides off.

Sounds comical! This is probably a dumb question, but does Buddha jump up on Vanni's back himself or do you help him?

 

[Nomad Pack]

Sounds comical! This is probably a dumb question, but does Buddha jump up on Vanni's back himself or do you help him?

No he's never jumped up. Before we got vannii he used to sit on top of my pack so he got used to the idea early on. In the mornings once vannii is packed I put him on top and he chooses which riding position he wants. I attach him if we're on a busy road just in case but he only jumps of when he realises were stopping for a while. He moves around on top of the bags, sometimes sitting as the front and watching or curled up in the small gap between the saddle and bag. He's camouflaged like that and many people don't even notice he's there. Even two pilgrims today spent 5 mins chatting with me standing right next to vannii and they didn't notice Buddha until he stood up to see who was disturbing his sleep

 

[Camino Chrissy]

No he's never jumped up. Before we got vannii he used to sit on top of my pack so he got used to the idea early on. In the mornings once vannii is packed I put him on top and he chooses which riding position he wants. I attach him if we're on a busy road just in case but he only jumps of when he realises were stopping for a while. He moves around on top of the bags, sometimes sitting as the front and watching or curled up in the small gap between the saddle and bag. He's camouflaged like that and many people don't even notice he's there. Even two pilgrims today spent 5 mins chatting with me standing right next to vannii and they didn't notice Buddha until he stood up to see who was disturbing his sleep

Thanks for the details, NP!

 

[KinkyOne]

This thread is just AWESOME!!!
Thank you once more NP!!!

 

[nycwalking]

NP,

I saw this on FB and thought of you.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

NP, I know you are heading back to get your wagon. Why did you leave it behind in the first place?...You've probably told us before but I can't remember.

 

[Iriebabel]

Hi @Nomad Pack I’m still here I had to make a stop in San Sebastián a couple days to get physio for my Heel spur tommorow off to Zarautz an Albergue Blai Blai... trying to be smart and let the inflammation go down before putting more miles on her. Had no WiFi so this is my first posting in a couple days. Blog updated at omoperc.com and tips updated here for fellow pilgrims under live from the Norte sub forum. Happy to see you and the pack are going well.

 

[Nomad Pack]

NP, I know you are heading back to get your wagon. Why did you leave it behind in the first place?...You've probably told us before but I can't remember.

This thread is getting so long even I can't remember what I've said.
Basically it was because I wanted to scout the terrain first and find the flatest way to make it easier for vannii. That's why I'm walking back mostly on the main road so I know what to expect in terms of traffic and inclines. I have no idea how far uphill vannii will go before needing a rest. She normally picks up the pace on inclines, I guess she just wants to get it over with quickly but she will figure it out and find a pace that suits her. If she wants a rest I just whack the breaks on and give her ten minutes.
We made today the lazy day and were camping next to the iglesia San Pedro, named after me, 2km from santilina. The Latino man looking after the church is very kind and has given me drinks and fruit and prepared a dinner for us at 7 and any pilgrims that might turn up.
Today has been one of those strange days which creates a crossroad in choices. I was walking along the road when a beautiful posh looking woman with big sunglasses pulled up in a new Audi and said that she saw me in llanes a few days back and two months before on my travel there. I put the animals in a field as she did the typical Spanish manoeuvre of parking in the middle of he road with just the hazard lights flashing away. She got out and before I could say anything she put 20 euros in my hand saying how much she loves animals and how wonderful my pack was. After explaining what I was doing all she wanted to do was help, she asked me why I didn't just transport the cart by truck and so said she will see if she can find a friend to do it. She insisted I stay with her family on the way back and told me if I want a job outside she will find me something. So l look forward to meeting her family and to see what possibilities there might be. She was shocked I was alone doing all this but the Spaniards typically have big families all in a local area so know everyone.
The sun should hit are camp early in the morning so we will make an early start to pass through santilina before all the tourists arrive as it will be Saturday.

 

[Former member 49149]

This thread is getting so long even I can't remember what I've said.
Basically it was because I wanted to scout the terrain first and find the flatest way to make it easier for vannii. That's why I'm walking back mostly on the main road so I know what to expect in terms of traffic and inclines. I have no idea how far uphill vannii will go before needing a rest. She normally picks up the pace on inclines, I guess she just wants to get it over with quickly but she will figure it out and find a pace that suits her. If she wants a rest I just whack the breaks on and give her ten minutes.
We made today the lazy day and were camping next to the iglesia San Pedro, named after me, 2km from santilina. The Latino man looking after the church is very kind and has given me drinks and fruit and prepared a dinner for us at 7 and any pilgrims that might turn up.
Today has been one of those strange days which creates a crossroad in choices. I was walking along the road when a beautiful posh looking woman with big sunglasses pulled up in a new Audi and said that she saw me in llanes a few days back and two months before on my travel there. I put the animals in a field as she did the typical Spanish manoeuvre of parking in the middle of he road with just the hazard lights flashing away. She got out and before I could say anything she put 20 euros in my hand saying how much she loves animals and how wonderful my pack was. After explaining what I was doing all she wanted to do was help, she asked me why I didn't just transport the cart by truck and so said she will see if she can find a friend to do it. She insisted I stay with her family on the way back and told me if I want a job outside she will find me something. So l look forward to meeting her family and to see what possibilities there might be. She was shocked I was alone doing all this but the Spaniards typically have big families all in a local area so know everyone.
The sun should hit are camp early in the morning so we will make an early start to pass through santilina before all the tourists arrive as it will be Saturday.

There is a saying in Spanish that translates poorly thus: the sun shines out of your backside...(tienes una flor en el culo). And where I come from: what is for you don’t go by you. All the best in making your mind up.

 

[Nomad Pack]

Hi @Nomad Pack I’m still here I had to make a stop in San Sebastián a couple days to get physio for my Heel spur tommorow off to Zarautz an Albergue Blai Blai... trying to be smart and let the inflammation go down before putting more miles on her. Had no WiFi so this is my first posting in a couple days. Blog updated at omoperc.com and tips updated here for fellow pilgrims under live from the Norte sub forum. Happy to see you and the pack are going well.

Hey there, take it easy and rest whenever your body tells you. I was in a wheelchair for six months after a motorbike crash and it was 2 years until I could walk any distance without pain in my ankles so I understand the frustration it may cause. I'll be back at my old house probably in 4 or 5 days. I'm more than happy to stay at Noja beach and wait for you so we can walk back to llanes together. Our slow donkey speed may be well matched for you. It's funny that two active members here are walking towards each other on the same Camino, maybe a first.
Keep it up, and take in this amazing spring were having

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Iriebabel]

Hey there, take it easy and rest whenever your body tells you. I was in a wheelchair for six months after a motorbike crash and it was 2 years until I could walk any distance without pain in my ankles so I understand the frustration it may cause. I'll be back at my old house probably in 4 or 5 days. I'm more than happy to stay at Noja beach and wait for you so we can walk back to llanes together. Our slow donkey speed may be well matched for you. It's funny that two active members here are walking towards each other on the same Camino, maybe a first.
Keep it up, and take in this amazing spring were having

Hahah im doing well had a fantastic physio session. As I type this I have ice on my foot. I am happy to take it slow I’m in no rush. Starting on Monday I can use Correos Paq Mochila I will read more about it tonight. I will catch you and the pack at some point hahah I promise to keep in touch >

 

[anivid]

View attachment 54063

Buddha meditating - lolol

 

[mariam88]

View attachment 54001

What a beautiful picture

 

[Nomad Pack]

Hahah im doing well had a fantastic physio session. As I type this I have ice on my foot. I am happy to take it slow I’m in no rush. Starting on Monday I can use Correos Paq Mochila I will read more about it tonight. I will catch you and the pack at some point hahah I promise to keep in touch >

Well when you meet us you will be able to give over your pack to vannii, I've got no time constraints so taking every day with however the pack feels.

I've arranged for you an evening having dinner in the bell tower of a very special church overlooking the sea, I'll pm you the details, don't wanna make everyone else here jealous . Let's just say being a locally famous donkey pilgrim has its advantages.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Sounds like everything is going great for you, NP! Wonderful news!
I hope you and @Iriebabel enjoy your meet up together and yes, I wanna have dinner and join the two of you in that bell tower!
I wish!

 

[Anamiri]

Im so jealous. what an awesome pilgrimage

 

[Anamiri]

View attachment 54063

He has the stance of waiting for something to pounce on

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Unie]

Hey there, take it easy and rest whenever your body tells you. I was in a wheelchair for six months after a motorbike crash and it was 2 years until I could walk any distance without pain in my ankles so I understand the frustration it may cause. I'll be back at my old house probably in 4 or 5 days. I'm more than happy to stay at Noja beach and wait for you so we can walk back to llanes together. Our slow donkey speed may be well matched for you. It's funny that two active members here are walking towards each other on the same Camino, maybe a first.
Keep it up, and take in this amazing spring were having

Hi NP, i hope you and pack are well and healthy. I’ve been off the air a bit, recovering from shingles this past few months and feeling a bit miserable. I have a lot of catching up to do on you and the fam.
I too spent a few months in a wheelchair after a motorbike accident, I came off the back of my hubbys. I’m sure that has something to do with wanting to walk because I couldn’t for so long, you’ll understand that. Slainte.

 

[Nomad Pack]

nomad taking a break at the artisan market in santilina

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Anamiri]

View attachment 54104nomad taking a break at the artisan market in santilina

Im sure he's gotten bigger

 

[Nomad Pack]

Im sure he's gotten bigger

I don't really notice his growing, everyone tells me he's very big for ten months but I think it's normal.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

View attachment 54099

Oh, oh. Is this the combination that breeds a mule? Good thing there is a fence between them!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

View attachment 54097View attachment 54097

Vanni looks like a giant compared to that stone albergue!

 

[Nomad Pack]

Yeah

Hi NP, i hope you and pack are well and healthy. I’ve been off the air a bit, recovering from shingles this past few months and feeling a bit miserable. I have a lot of catching up to do on you and the fam.
I too spent a few months in a wheelchair after a motorbike accident, I came off the back of my hubbys. I’m sure that has something to do with wanting to walk because I couldn’t for so long, you’ll understand that. Slainte.

The bike crashed sucked, my whole life back then was about riding. But wouldn't change things, not everyone gets to experience the fun flying downhill in a wheelchair. I broke both ankles in several places, cracked ribs, my left wrist and ripped open my knee. I cried because my bike was totaled when it happened but felt little pain, then I got a helicopter ride to Coventry hospital dosed up on morphine which was awesome.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Yeah

The bike crashed sucked, my whole life back then was about riding. But wouldn't change things, not everyone gets to experience the fun flying downhill in a wheelchair. I broke both ankles in several places, cracked ribs, my left wrist and ripped open my knee. I cried because my bike was totaled when it happened but felt little pain, then I got a helicopter ride to Coventry hospital dosed up on morphine which was awesome.

Well, what a positive attitude you had...or is it only in hindsight!

 

[Nomad Pack]

Oh, oh. Is this the combination that breeds a mule? Good thing there is a fence between them!

Almost, a mula is male donkey, female horse, the opposite is called a hinny and looks more donkey like useally.

 

[Nomad Pack]

Vanni looks like a giant compared to that stone albergue!

It's my rubbish phone, that's nomad next to a wall

 

[Nomad Pack]

Well, what a positive attitude you had...or is it only in hindsight!

I generally enjoyed the experience, gave me time to study my interests high on liquid morphine they sent me home with, even though I didn't need it

 

[Camino Chrissy]

It's my rubbish phone, that's nomad next to a wall

So let me get this straight..it's Vanni who carries all the gear?

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Almost, a mula is male donkey, female horse, the opposite is called a hinny and looks more donkey like useally.

Hmmm, I learn something new every day...never heard of a hinny before! I thought a mule was a mule was a mule!
As you can see, I like to add humour when I find opportunity!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I generally enjoyed the experience, gave me time to study my interests high on liquid morphine they sent me home with, even though I didn't need it

Glad you had such a good time following your motorcycle crash!
My hubby once had a baby deer dart out of the woods into the side of his motorcycle, getting a leg caught. He drug it for a quarter mile before being able to stop due to traffic. That really shook him up for awhile, but he never stopped riding...I, however, stopped riding on the back.

 

[anivid]

Well when you meet us you will be able to give over your pack to vannii, I've got no time constraints so taking every day with however the pack feels.

I've arranged for you an evening having dinner in the bell tower of a very special church overlooking the sea, I'll pm you the details, don't wanna make everyone else here jealous . Let's just say being a locally famous donkey pilgrim has its advantages.

Hi NP - hope you take some photos of the bell tower - from the outside - and the view from the inside - and may be the dinner too you'll be having together
That way we can feel we've been there with you, and will not be jealous

 

[Iriebabel]

Sounds like everything is going great for you, NP! Wonderful news!
I hope you and @Iriebabel enjoy your meet up together and yes, I wanna have dinner and join the two of you in that bell tower!
I wish!

Sounds like a ball .. I’m in zarautz today

 

[Anamiri]

is that some kind of martial arts on the beach

 

[Camino Chrissy]

is that some kind of martial arts on the beach

Yes, I'm sure it is! We saw a soccer game on the same beach in 2016...only we were watching from up on top of that big hill in the background of this photo!

 

[Unie]

Yeah

The bike crashed sucked, my whole life back then was about riding. But wouldn't change things, not everyone gets to experience the fun flying downhill in a wheelchair. I broke both ankles in several places, cracked ribs, my left wrist and ripped open my knee. I cried because my bike was totaled when it happened but felt little pain, then I got a helicopter ride to Coventry hospital dosed up on morphine which was awesome.

Motorbike to wheelchair isn’t the best thing...I just threw up on morphine so no free trip there either!

 

[chinacat]

is that some kind of martial arts on the beach

It might be kick-boxing ... they seem to be wearing boxing gloves ... or Taekwondo?
Locally, kick-boxers wear track bottoms and t-shirts; White suits are worn for Taekwondo ...
Confusing ...

Motorbike to wheelchair isn’t the best thing...I just threw up on morphine so no free trip there either!

Some of us just can’t tolerate pain killers.
I was once prescribed dihydrocodeine and valium together, because my back wouldn’t let go of a spasm which had rendered me immobile (and in a lot of pain). The combination gave me an unbearable headache and severe nausea ... I find it almost impossible to throw up, unfortunately ...
I didn’t take a second dose ....

@Nomad Pack ... (my ‘autocarrot’ tried to put “Not mad” there ... Indeed!!)
keep on truckin’ ...
You are one of a growing number of human beings who are a ‘balance’ in/to our linear, acquisitive, progress(?) driven world ... I wonder how you preserved your-Self throughout your UK education?
You are received by (almost) all you meet, with interest and warmth ... hardly surprising, as you are living a life that follows your own inner integrity. You found your path-with-a-heart ... and you chose to do it ...
(Anyone who envies you can make the same, or a similar, choice themselves ... though there are few who would be genuinely comfortable with your way of living.)

And Budda ... ... he’s just wonderful! We used to have a black cat who hitched with us, all over the south of the UK, keeping our necks warm in the cold
We had to wait decades for another like her ... she comes to greet me, when she comes home, even before going to eat

When I first started reading your thread, John Martyn’s “May You Never” started ‘playing’ in my head ... so go well, and all your Pack with you.

 

[Iriebabel]

is that some kind of martial arts on the beach

Yes they were practicing .. I swear I walked into a scene from a Bruce Lee movie enter the dragon

 

[Nomad Pack]

It might be kick-boxing ... they seem to be wearing boxing gloves ... or Taekwondo?
Locally, kick-boxers wear track bottoms and t-shirts; White suits are worn for Taekwondo ...
Confusing ...




Some of us just can’t tolerate pain killers.
I was once prescribed dihydrocodeine and valium together, because my back wouldn’t let go of a spasm which had rendered me immobile (and in a lot of pain). The combination gave me an unbearable headache and severe nausea ... I find it almost impossible to throw up, unfortunately ...
I didn’t take a second dose ....

@Nomad Pack ... (my ‘autocarrot’ tried to put “Not mad” there ... Indeed!!)
keep on truckin’ ...
You are one of a growing number of human beings who are a ‘balance’ in/to our linear, acquisitive, progress(?) driven world ... I wonder how you preserved your-Self throughout your UK education?
You are received by (almost) all you meet, with interest and warmth ... hardly surprising, as you are living a life that follows your own inner integrity. You found your path-with-a-heart ... and you chose to do it ...
(Anyone who envies you can make the same, or a similar, choice themselves ... though there are few who would be genuinely comfortable with your way of living.)

And Budda ... ... he’s just wonderful! We used to have a black cat who hitched with us, all over the south of the UK, keeping our necks warm in the cold
We had to wait decades for another like her ... she comes to greet me, when she comes home, even before going to eat ❤

When I first started reading your thread, John Martyn’s “May You Never” started ‘playing’ in my head ... so go well, and all your Pack with you.

I didn't have a normal education, I was sent to boarding school near Banbury for austic children when I was 11. The experts surely do know how to make things worse. I tried living the normal life but was homeless after leaving school so the council gave me a horrible flat surrounded by strangers. I had no idea how to live in the "normal" world and tried working different jobs in town but could never make any friend's or tolerate people at work acting like they had authority over me. So my father bought me an old canal boat and I got baissier and travelled around England and Wales in that working in a couple of marina's whilst training baissier. 2 years later at 23 I sold the boat, moved to Egypt with baissier during the build up to the military coup and got a job working with baissier in Cairo. Another 2 years later we flew back to England, stayed with my father on the sofa for a few weeks to get used to the weather then set of walking across France to the Pyrenees to look at some mountains. Been wondering around since...

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Former member 49149]

Now, Nomad Pack, you know who or what baissier is. I don’t. I looked it up and find a figurative reference, but maybe also a bear like animal. So was it a big fluffy dog? I care not for your spelling, but in case you would like to know: you wrote that you have been wondering around. I believe you. Also, you have been wandering. Both are gifts. Keep doing both.

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

Now, Nomad Pack, you know who or what baissier is. I don’t. I looked it up and find a figurative reference, but maybe also a bear like animal. So was it a big fluffy dog? I care not for your spelling, but in case you would like to know: you wrote that you have been wondering around. I believe you. Also, you have been wandering. Both are gifts. Keep doing both.

Baissier is my German shepherd and don't worry about my spelling, it's this shit phone I'm using which is very hard to press the right letter

 

[Former member 49149]

Baissier is my German shepherd and don't worry about my spelling, it's this shit phone I'm using which is very hard to press the right letter

Sorry, I should have said this: your spelling or your phone’s choice of letters is not a concern at all. I just found the replacement of wander for wonder a lovely happenchance.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Sorry, I should have said this: your spelling or your phone’s choice of letters is not a concern at all. I just found the replacement of wander for wonder a lovely happenchance.

It was a great happenchance! And I'm still not fully awake yet cuz I thought "bassier" was some kind of boat! (My excuse anyway)!

 

[Annette london]

Sorry, I should have said this: your spelling or your phone’s choice of letters is not a concern at all. I just found the replacement of wander for wonder a lovely happenchance.

Wander And Wonder....lovely play on words here ..love it
You are a clever girl Kirkie

 

[Annette london]

I didn't have a normal education, I was sent to boarding school near Banbury for austic children when I was 11. The experts surely do know how to make things worse. I tried living the normal life but was homeless after leaving school so the council gave me a horrible flat surrounded by strangers. I had no idea how to live in the "normal" world and tried working different jobs in town but could never make any friend's or tolerate people at work acting like they had authority over me. So my father bought me an old canal boat and I got baissier and travelled around England and Wales in that working in a couple of marina's whilst training baissier. 2 years later at 23 I sold the boat, moved to Egypt with baissier during the build up to the military coup and got a job working with baissier in Cairo. Another 2 years later we flew back to England, stayed with my father on the sofa for a few weeks to get used to the weather then set of walking across France to the Pyrenees to look at some mountains. Been wondering around since...

NP
You have done and achieved more with your life than many people with so called "settled" lives
You should be proud of yourself so build on that

 

[chinacat]

Quote:
“The experts surely do know how to make things worse.”
Don’t they just ....
I read your first sentence, thought ‘oh, no’ ... and then read the one I’ve quoted above.

Your father’s gift of the boat allowed you to escape a life that must have been very alien to you.
When we follow our true ‘inner voice’, it can be trusted ... we just have to be conscious .... and consciousness can be difficult to sustain in the busy lives we seem unable, or unwilling, to look up from. (note to self ... this is the Camino forum )
And what better than to seek out mountains?

 

[anivid]

View attachment 54160

Hey - what's this ??
It's not one of those Lamas we saw in another pic - but what ??
An Albino Ass ??

 

[Nomad Pack]

Hey - what's this ??
It's not one of those Lamas we saw in another pic - but what ??
An Albino Ass ??

That was a very horney donkey that after this pic, jumped the fence and followed us down the road for 200 meters with only baissier to block his way to Vannii

 

[Nomad Pack]

Walking again now, the past three days i can't seem to open my money bag. Free beers bought for me at a bar yesterday. Then passing another bar a lady ran out to give me 5 euros. This morning I stopped at the first cafe for cafe which is my only routine and a guy there bought me it. Then stopped at a bar for lunch today and farmer with three donkeys told me everything I want is on him and invited me to a night at his house on the way back. The sun is obviously a big motivater for hospitality but I think my pack are the reason.

 

[Nomad Pack]

Passing Santander 20km north of me and turned a corner to see my mountain about 50km away. Got to climb it and drop back down the other side to my old house

 

[Iriebabel]

Passing Santander 20km north of me and turned a corner to see my mountain about 50km away. Got to climb it and drop back down the other side to my old house

Wonderful ...tomorrow I’m off to Zumaria and an eco farm albergue . Today I walked to getaria and back to zuarutz was a nice day but too much concrete ...heel spur is] swollen a bit but a little massage and stretch it will be ok tomorrow. Enjoy the mountain Nomad. I’m slow but at least I’m moving forward hahhha

 

[anivid]

That was a very horney donkey that after this pic, jumped the fence and followed us down the road for 200 meters with only baissier to block his way to Vannii

How was the german ... dog blocking the way ??

 

[anivid]

Walking again now, the past three days i can't seem to open my money bag. Free beers bought for me at a bar yesterday. Then passing another bar a lady ran out to give me 5 euros. This morning I stopped at the first cafe for cafe which is my only routine and a guy there bought me it. Then stopped at a bar for lunch today and farmer with three donkeys told me everything I want is on him and invited me to a night at his house on the way back. The sun is obviously a big motivater for hospitality but I think my pack are the reason.

Just great
ENJOY it !!

 

[Nomad Pack]

Hey, an eco albergue sounds awesome. Sounds like your matching my 15km per day. I'm suffering only from dry lips, but finally passed an pharmacy today so now it's ok. So far I've got two invites on the way back which your more than welcome to join me for. Gives you a chance to meet some true cantabrian locals. I'll try my best to translate but one family speak English anyway. At the rate all this hospitality is going it's dawning on me that I might just continue on after llanes and head to Portugal for the summer. And who knows, my grand adventure might just come into play and I'll set off for Greece, alone is nessecary. But first ive got to get my eagle which is an egg at the moment in the Pyrenees but hopefully by august will be feeding the dogs and flying along with the wagon.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

That was a very horney donkey that after this pic, jumped the fence and followed us down the road for 200 meters with only baissier to block his way to Vannii

So are you saying bassier steps in the way and fills in for having to get vanni spayed?☺

 

[Nomad Pack]

How was the german ... dog blocking the way ??

By standing in the way and barking ferrously. The donkey had no dangly balls and vannii isn't in heat yet so I'm lucky, a jack donkey would be hard for me to stop if running free. Think horney wild stallions are dangerous? I'd be more afraid of a Jack.

 

[Iriebabel]

Hey, an eco albergue sounds awesome. Sounds like your matching my 15km per day. I'm suffering only from dry lips, but finally passed an pharmacy today so now it's ok. So far I've got two invites on the way back which your more than welcome to join me for. Gives you a chance to meet some true cantabrian locals. I'll try my best to translate but one family speak English anyway. At the rate all this hospitality is going it's dawning on me that I might just continue on after llanes and head to Portugal for the summer. And who knows, my grand adventure might just come into play and I'll set off for Greece, alone is nessecary. But first ive got to get my eagle which is an egg at the moment in the Pyrenees but hopefully by august will be feeding the dogs and flying along with the wagon.

Ye im looking forward to it. Will take some pictures for you. Thanks I can understand some spanish, not too well when speaking though.. with a head injury it’s hard for my brain to keep up sometimes. Wow did you say eagle in the Pyrenees. You are a man of many talents you amaze me.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Walking again now, the past three days i can't seem to open my money bag. Free beers bought for me at a bar yesterday. Then passing another bar a lady ran out to give me 5 euros. This morning I stopped at the first cafe for cafe which is my only routine and a guy there bought me it. Then stopped at a bar for lunch today and farmer with three donkeys told me everything I want is on him and invited me to a night at his house on the way back. The sun is obviously a big motivater for hospitality but I think my pack are the reason.

I think I need to get myself a donkey for my next camino!

 

[anivid]

I think I need to get myself a donkey for my next camino!

Vannie can probably make one for you - lolol

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Vannie can probably make one for you - lolol

Good one...very funny!

 

[Nomad Pack]

Ye im looking forward to it. Will take some pictures for you. Thanks I can understand some spanish, not too well when speaking though.. with a head injury it’s hard for my brain to keep up sometimes. Wow did you say eagle in the Pyrenees. You are a man of many talents you amaze me.

Yeah, an aguiler de Harris (Harris hawk) native to the USA but loved here in Spain for hunting. Some people I know breed them and other birds in the Pyrenees. I need a way to feed my dogs when on the great travel and an eagle will do the job nicely.

 

[alexwalker]

Artic Norway.. wow now that's certainly the place to put my camping skills to the test. Its almost too easy this far south, even camping here in winter is like summer camping back in England. Funny that the forums anti campers don't try telling me it's illegal anymore, I always tried explaining the things written on paper isn't the reality so if I can achieve one thing with this thread it would be to inspire more pilgrims to embrace reality.

I was wondering however... when I pick up the wagon, am I still camping or becoming a caravaner?
And the tourists... I try to remain hopeful...

I know. When in the Norwegian Army, I was camping in mountains in a small tent on border patrols against Finland and Russia (former Soviet Union) in winter. That was cold... Camping in Spain is good/easy, whatever season..

 

[Nomad Pack]

I know. When in the Norwegian Army, I was camping in mountains in a small tent on border patrols against Finland and Russia (former Soviet Union) in winter. That was cold... Camping in Spain is good/easy, whatever season..

That's extreme, you are certainly someone I'd like to meet. The wilderness there must be truly wild?

 

[Nomad Pack]

wash day

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[alexwalker]

That's extreme, you are certainly someone I'd like to meet. The wilderness there must be truly wild?

Today's weather: 1.60 m. snow deep. complete chaos in town:

 

[alexwalker]

https://www.arcticlightphoto.no/

In the vicinity of my town: (maximise video & turn up sound):

 

[anivid]

Today's weather: 1.60 m. snow deep. complete chaos in town:

View attachment 54228

Wow - do you have any ski stations up there ??
(here in the Pyrenees they just closed - season ended)

 

[alexwalker]

Wow - do you have any ski stations up there ??
(here in the Pyrenees they just closed - season ended)

Plenty. They are all open right now...

 

[chinacat]

https://www.arcticlightphoto.no/

In the vicinity of my town: (maximise video & turn up sound):

So utterly beautiful ...
It’s a wonder anything ever gets done ... how would you tear your eyes away?

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

Sorry no battery to write much, phone is useless. Almost home, met more people today, only been asked twice today if I will sell nomad, 300euros from one guy another 500euros... I Keep telling them 10000euros plus a good horse. Someone offered me his Hispanic/Breton for 1000Euros, beautiful horse, perfect for a wagon. would have bought him if I had enough, unfortunately he will be sold as meat soon.

 

[nycwalking]

NP,

I love your intrepid nature.

Thanks for sharing your way.

 

[anivid]

View attachment 54238

IF it's Vannie with the white muzzle, and Nomade with the brown one - it seems Nomad has grown to be bigger than Vannie - right ??

 

[laineylainey]

NP, I am sure you are exactly as you write, true to yourself and without a need to be anything more than you are. Self contained.

 

[KinkyOne]

I know. When in the Norwegian Army, I was camping in mountains in a small tent on border patrols against Finland and Russia (former Soviet Union) in winter. That was cold... Camping in Spain is good/easy, whatever season..

I can imagine that sleeping outside and even upright (actually almost standing - not really a sleep) in the walls in my climbing years!!!

 

[alexwalker]

Going to Athens; tired of snow;

 

[anivid]

Going to Athens; tired of snow;

View attachment 54247

So-o-o, you need a little cityscape & sun - after Tromsö

 

[Unie]

View attachment 54226

A focused pair and the boyo back there yarning with the nosey cows....

 

[Nomad Pack]

IF it's Vannie with the white muzzle, and Nomade with the brown one - it seems Nomad has grown to be bigger than Vannie - right ??

Everyone is suprised he is only ten months, he isn't as tall as vannii yet but getting there. His muzzle should be white like both parents so either it will turn that colour in time or the grand parents gave him the genes

 

[Iriebabel]

Hi @Nomad Pack i will be in Markena for a rest day or 2.. today was hard on my feet . I took the GR from Zumara and I am exhausted . Will keep you updated. Hope you and the pack are doing well . No WiFi everyday so I will post when I can

 

[RumAndChupacabras]

If you see any 'habitable' places for sale, please let me know.

 

[chinacat]

Hi @Nomad Pack i will be in Markena for a rest day or 2.. today was hard on my feet . I took the GR from Zumara and I am exhausted . Will keep you updated. Hope you and the pack are doing well . No WiFi everyday so I will post when I can

Put your feet up and enjoy the rest