Camino Pilgrim

Landed at Biarritz airport, France. Right next to the small airport there was a bus station for local regional buses. I could already feel the ocean being not too far away.

Bus number 3 took me all the way to Hendaye train station. It was a slow ride, but also a cheap one. From there, crossing on foot into Spain was easy.

The bridge between Hendaye and Irun is the so-called official starting point of Camino Norte. In reality, you start walking wherever you want and it’s all part of the journey.

For me there were three main goals for the day:

1) Find a pilgrim dinner meal combo

2) Get a bed in the Irun albergue

3) Buy hiking sticks

Everything was a success. I even managed to avoid rain for today, but I am certain to get a lot of it in the next few days.

There are hills and mountains all around me. I already saw the morning elevation challenge for tomorrow before I can see the ocean. I will do a supermarket run today to find fresh fruit and some other small stuff.

I can already feel in my heels that this trail with all its hard walking surface will be quite a challenge. Two thirds of Norte will be on asphalt and/or concrete if I am not mistaken.

The donation-based albergue I am staying at even offers free breakfast tomorrow. A warm cup of tea and some toast will make the mind feel good before stepping out into the cold pouring rain.