Camino del Norte

Well folks I can't believe all that was 4 years ago.  The camino walked us out of the old life to where we are now - very busy 'retirement' with no opportunity to take 3 months out to pursue a personal development programme!

However, every year since then, we have met up with Bernt, a dear friend from Sweden whom we met on the camino, and we have walked somewhere. We have been joined by Bernt's friend Peter, our good friends Richard and Jude, sometimes Ruth from New Zealand and various othe chums. I only wish I had documented our adventures during Refuges des Arts (Andy Goldsworthy trail) in 2011, the Cathar Castles in 2012,  a section of le Chenin d'Arles taking us over le Col de Somport in 2013 and  also in 2013,  our fantastic opportunity  as guests of Bernt  to experience Sweden in all it's picked herring glory!

But this year  our travels have a bitter sweet poignancy. Bernt has ALWAYS wanted to do the Camino del Norte - the route to Santiago via the North coast of Spain.  Ever year he puts a plug in for it and every year we take him somewhere else!  When we walked the conventional Camino Frances, the tales of the wild and windy northern route that reached us suggested it was hardcore.  Accomodation sparse, shops even sparser, weather unpredictable, routes difficult and dangerous.   This is a route for proper ramblers with proper gear, emergency food supplies and bivvy bags.  We will see!

The sad news is that Richard, having put x number of hours in planning, is now unable to join us due to last minute hospital treatment. We will SO miss him for his skills in managing a disparate group of 'never readys' and we will probably get lost.  So this is for you you Rich .....

My old school friend Anna is joining us this year and we have shared the usual agonies about what priorities to put in the pack and what to leave behind. Last year I was constantly wet and cold in the south if Franxe in June so this year I am taking no chances. The Paramos are coming. These days, wimps that we are, we try to get our luggage carried but there is a vague uncertainty surrounding this impending trip. Jude, Anna and I are having 3/4 days in Paris ( leaving by Eurostar tomorrow) before getting the night train to Irun on Monday night.  If all goes according to plan, we should be meeting Bernt, Peter, Mo and Derek in Irun ready to start walking on Wednesday. Watch this space .....