Day 23
13 Miles, 20.9 K
Walked & Written On May 15, 2022
Today was a hot, humid walk. Lots of hills and beautiful country side. We are anxious to get to Villaviciosa where we will spend two nights, taking a rest day. We have clothes to wash and plans to make.
Day 22
8.7 Miles, 14.0 K
Walked & Written On 5/14/22
2 of 7 Paintings On A Home On The Way
Today there was a lot to look at and enjoy: the art work, the coast, the hills, the animals and many more Pilgrims. After many miles of walking on the road we decided to take a bus for a couple of miles to our destination. We were ready!
Day 21
9.4 Miles, 15.1 K
Walked on May 13, 2022
Written On May 13th
HALF WAY TO SANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA. We had seen a sign on the way to Nueva de Llanes that marked the halfway point to Santiago! We are making progress!
The weather was on the cooler side, a chance of rain. A great day for walking and lots of beauty on the way! We planned a shorter day today to take care of body, mind and soul❤️
Day 20
13.8 Miles, 22.3 K
Walked on May 12, 2022
Written on May 12th
Yesterday before reaching Llanes, Lisa and Rhonda stopped by Bufones de Arenillas. Read more about these geysers here: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bufones-de-arenillas
I want to mention that for various reasons Vern, Lisa and I have chosen to use a transport service through the Correos (Post Office). This is Rhonda’s first Camino. She has chosen to carry her backpack. It is important to me to emphasize what a huge achievement this is. Not only is walking many miles everyday a challenge, it is more of a challenge with many pounds/kilos on your back. Good job Rhonda!
Thank you to our followers and thank you to Lisa and Rhonda for doing such a great job finding the next affordable beds everyday! This is an incredible journey, thank you for being a part of it❤️
Day 18
8.2 Miles, 13.2 K
Written On May 10, 2022
As we were getting closer to La Franca we saw a Pilgrim walking towards us. I was curious where she was coming from so I asked her. She is walking from Santiago de Compostela to Irun. She started in Santiago due to the crowds of Holy Year. Paulien has walked many Caminos and will continue to do so. Buen Camino Paulien!
The official Holy Year was 2021 but because of Covid it was extended to 2022. Holy Year is determined by the birthday of St. James. If St. James’ July 25th birthday is on a Sunday, that year is declared to be Holy Year.
A Thought: Thank you for following us! We are a team. Lisa and Rhonda take most of the photos. Nancy puts some of the photos into this blog. Lisa & Vern make sure we get to where we think we are going.
Day 17
14.6 Miles, 23.5 K.
Written on May 10, 2022
Many times the photos make it appear that the walk may be easy or mostly on level ground. Not true. So far the Camino del Norte has been very mountainous, a lot of ups and downs. Even though the Camino is not a walk in the park it is worth every step. The coastal walk is priceless and the flora and fauna is infinite. An amazing aspect of the Camino to me is I may be barely dragging myself to that night’s bed and in the morning- ready to go!
Buen Camino!
Day 15
14 Miles, 22.5 K
Written on May 7, 2022
Today started out with a detour to a train station. We happened to read last night that the best way to proceed to Santilliana was with a two minute train ride. We had to bypass the bridge over the river. Other Pilgrims were on the train, as well.
We decided to take the train to Mar, longer than 2 minutes. We went to a bar in Mar. I ordered a coffee with soy milk. When we were ready to leave the owner handed me the soy milk container for no charge! Thanks vern for carrying it!
Day 14
10.6 Miles, 17 K
Written on May 7, 2022
After yesterday’s Magical Mystery Tour Vern and I volunteered to take the backpacks to the next destination to have a rest afternoon. Lisa and Rhonda walked the Camino.
Day 13
23 Miles, 37.0 K
Written On May 6, 2022
Today’s mileage is shown as 23 miles, 37 kilometers. That is the distance shown on the map Apps. What is not shown is the distance deducted for taking the Ferry to Santander. Taking the Ferry is suggested in the Camino del Norte Pilgrim Guides. It took a half hour to get to Santander.
We arrived in Santander a few hours ahead of Lisa and Rhonda and proceeded to look for our reserved rooms….and looked for our rooms……and looked for our rooms. Lisa and Rhonda arrived by Ferry and we were still looking for our rooms. Vern, Lisa and I transported our backpacks through the Post Office Service. We thought if we found our room, we would find our bags. The adventure led us to a Private Hostal which did not have our bags, then to the Correos, (Post office), which did have our bags. Next: find our rooms. The Private Apartment we were looking for was on a main boulevard in Santander and did not have an address number listed on the reservation. Many locals we asked tried to help us find it,
Finally at 8 pm the owners of the Apartment texted me the full address! Great! We can now have dinner .
Day 12
13 Miles, 20.9 K
Written on May 6, 2022
Today while walking we decided to stop for lunch in Santoña after getting off the ferry. Shortly after eating I started to feel lightheaded and sick to my stomach. I walked until we found a place to call for help. We decided to call the next place where we have a reservation: Casona De La Parra. Paula answered the phone and said she would try to find a Taxi to pick us up. No Taxis were available. She called to let us know that her father, Mariano, would pick us up in fifteen minutes! Great!!!
We had reserved a two bedroom apartment at Casona De La Parra. After settling in we decided to go to the town close by and buy groceries. Once again Mariano helped us out. He was going to town and was glad to take us.
When we returned Rhonda started slicing veggies, fruit and bread. We put the food together and had a great meal. Thanks Rhonda for preparation and clean up!
Northern Caminos 2022 