The Journey Begins

Why I Chose the Camino del Norte

For two and a half years after my first Camino in 2013 I yearned to return to Spain. I nearly did in 2014, but was hesitant. I didn’t feel ready, so instead I ventured to South America and backpacked for four months. Finally, last spring, it was time. Little did I know back then that this journey would encompass parts of three Camino routes beginning with the Camino del Norte.

This new journey, I logically knew, would be different from my first life-changing experience along the Camino Frances. Even if I wanted to, I could never re-experience the magic of my first Camino, so “different” became the theme for planning my new one. I would walk in a different season, spring as opposed to fall, and on a different route, along the coastal and mountainous Camino del Norte instead of the expansive and flatter Frances. There would be different people and I would have different experiences. Besides, the Camino del Norte route looked beautiful with rugged coast lines, expansive ocean views, sandy beaches and bustling port cities. Plus it would be less crowded.

On May 6th, 2016 my new journey began and as with any journey there would be exploration of self and an important lesson to learn.

Mailing My Suitcase to Santiago

First, I found the nearest Correos (post office) and mailed my suitcase to Santiago. It was surprisingly easy and inexpensive at only 23 Euro. I had been advised not to mail it from France which reminds me of my ordeal on my first Camino. I had sent a three-kilo box of unnecessary supplies from St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Logroño in Spain – a seven-day walk. Unfortunately, it never arrived. It was in limbo somewhere between the two places and I never got it back. This time the outcome would hopefully be different.

Instead of mailing my suitcase to the Santiago post office, I chose to mail it to Ivar, the founder of the Camino forum. He has a storage service in Santiago for pilgrims who are walking the Camino. My plan was to pick up my suitcase five weeks later when I arrived on foot, although I wouldn’t reach Santiago that way.

My First Yellow Arrow

Calm permeated my body when I spotted my first yellow arrow in Irún. My shoulders relaxed under the 8 kilo weight of my backpack.

My heart suddenly felt full of familiarity. The Camino began pulsing through my veins. I walked with the certainty of knowing my way. “Just follow the yellow arrows,” I told myself as I continued through the city and towards the coastal country-side.

The Landscape and Scenery

The country landscape outside of Irún reminded me of the outskirts of St. Jean Pied de Port with quiet country roads and farmland.

The climb along the alpinist route to the top was strenuous, but I’m used to that. My happy place has always been in the mountains and my efforts always rewarded. This was no different.

The views from higher up were spectacular. The vast sea spread out as far as my eye could see. Irún, Spain and Hendaye, France spread out below. It was so pretty in daylight compared to the previous night when I made my midnight border crossing.

A herd of horses, including two nuzzling foals, grazed on the Camino trail.

Ahhh…the peace of it. It was kind of like the Pyrenees in that way except with the sea on my right.

I was feeling good – happy to be walking through this beautiful landscape – and ecstatic to be back on the Camino following yellow arrows.

Along with mostly high ocean views, there was also a short section through the forest. It was peaceful and beautiful.

There was also a more sketchy section along a road with no shoulder. It was imperative to be cautious of traffic here; however the road wasn’t busy.

The Day’s Destination

My goal for the day was to reach Pasajes de San Juan, a fishing port located 16 kilometers from Irún. I thought it best to start off easy on this hilly route rather than power straight through to San Sebastian, 26 kilometers, on my first day. There was no sense pushing too hard and potentially injuring myself early on.

Other Pilgrims and Language

I didn’t encounter many ‘walking’ pilgrims, however there were quite a few cyclists. Most didn’t speak English, but rather French and Spanish. However, when I arrived in Pasajes de San Juan I met Ivan from Quebec, a fellow Canadian, who did speak English.

Pasajes de San Juan

Pasajes de San Juan is a beautiful fishing port which, for centuries, was a base for the Spanish navy. Residences and businesses lined the edge of the water. Ivan said the place reminded him of Italy.

The view of the harbour from the Albergue de Peregrinos Santa Ana is spectacular.

There is much activity in the harbour from large ships to fishing boats and rowing crews.

Ivan and I sat by the water with a glass of wine and chatted about our journeys thus far.

He had actually started walking from Biarritz and was planning to walk to Santiago possibly via the Primitivo route once he got to Oviedo. Back home, he and his partner were taking a break. He was walking to figure some things out although he hoped she would join him on his walk at some point.

The Seafood

Ivan and I continued to sit by the harbour until the rain started. Then we ventured inside and paired a bottle of white wine with seafood tapas including pulpo (octapus) and sardines. What better place to try seafood than in a quaint Spanish fishing port. It was spectacular! The pulpo was perfectly done at this restaurant – not chewy at all.

The Albergue de Peregrinos Santa Ana

The  Albergue de Peregrinos Santa Ana, is ‘donativo’ meaning it is operated by donations.

It’s not often you get this kind of view from an albergue. Well, of socks hanging from a line, yes, but the view behind them, not usually. This was luxury!

It is a lovely albergue, but small – only 14 beds. Unfortunately, the snoring this night was horrific. It sounded like three snarling dogs at a standoff in the small room. My bunk was the last one on the left – top. I was thankful to have included ear plugs on my packing list!

What I Recommend

Day one felt great! The walk was strenuous, but beautiful. It was well worth starting from Irún, but I do recommend dividing the first stage between Irún and San Sebastian into two days. The walk between Pasajes de San Juan and San Sebastian is equally as beautiful. I was happy to have the time to enjoy it. Plus, Pasajes de San Juan is a beautiful and worthwhile place to spend the evening.

If you’ve walked this stage along the Norte from Irún, what was your experience on day one? Did you walk the lower route or the alpinist route? Did you walk the full stage to San Sebastian or break it into two days?