camino del Norte – Page 3 – Tash on The Way

Boat Ride!

That’s right, I caught a boat today. I’ll get back to that. I had an early start leaving Irun. The way took me over a bridge and along the river before heading out of the city onto dirt paths and the start of a climb. I looked back onto France and the Pyrenees.

I then walked over rural climbs that lead into the clouds and eventually the heaviest rain I’ve walked in so far. The cloud was heavy at the top of my climb and I missed some coastal views. I then went back down, a long and slippery descent that would lead me to Saia Donibane. From there pilgrims rely on a small pedestrian ferry to move us across the river before we start another big ascent beside coast. It was so fun to be on a boat.

I then headed back down into San Sebastián where I’ll spend the night. One night is not nearly long enough to explore these streets, but I will continue tomorrow. I think I’ll come back one day with some nicer clothes.

By heading north and traversing the Pyrenees I added about 150km to my journey, but that coast has delivered and made the traverse worth it When I left Irun this morning I had 828km to go to Santiago. I’ll get there.

Looking back into France and the Pyrenees

The little boat that ferried me across the river

Pyrenees Day 3

Today was the most physically demanding day of my trek through the Pyrenees. Big climbs followed by steep and slippery descents. But as I’ve learned on the Camino, those days are always the most rewarding. I was given wonderful views of the Pyrenees and also my first look to the see and into Spain.

I was also off the roads on pedestrian tracks. The walking is much more pleasant, it’s so much easier on the feet and I didn’t have to worry about dogs as much.

Tomorrow I will arrive in Spain and officially connect to the Camino del Norte. I should also meet a whole new pilgrim community. Tonight I’m in Ascain, a lovely town in Basque Country. I nice place to spend my last night in France.

Heading north

After some research and chats with the volunteers in the local pilgrim office I’ve decided I’ll head to the Camino del Norte, the path along Spain’s northern coast. This means I will take the Voie Nive Bidassoa and spend the next 3-4 days skirting over and around the foothills of the Pyrenees to get to Irun, the official starting point of the del Norte. This path is not well documented or well traveled. I’ll have to take each day as it comes and accept that this part is likely to be tougher than the well traveled path through France. I did go and find the first Way Marking today so I know how to get out of town. It was nice to get that out of the way without my back pack.

I’m in pretty good shape. I have 10 toenails and 0 blisters I’ve worn through one pair of sox which I was able to replace here in Saint Jean. My boots are in good condition, my shorts are getting a little loose but they should see me through. I’m nervous about the new adventure tomorrow but also looking forward to moving forward to the next stage.

The new Way Marking I’ll follow tomorrow