Hike the Camino

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Hike the Camino I capture content of my adventures using footage from a drone, 360 camera and action camera.

                          Today we hiked from Péon to Gijon and took a train to Aviles, the total distance was just over...
11/02/2024



Today we hiked from Péon to Gijon and took a train to Aviles, the total distance was just over 49km.

We started off in light rain, the first rain since day 3 in Bask country, of course as soon as we donned the ponchos the rain stopped

The day was short and we used it to do a few things in Gijon, the last big city for a while. The hike into Gijon was mostly on the road and not really exiting. Gijon however was a great city with a beautiful beachfront. If you can please consider staying over in Gijon.

We needed to make up some time so that my brother could get to Santiago on the correct day for his flight, so we caught a train from Gijon to Aviles, thereby skipping most of the industrial sections between the 2 cities.

Aviles was ok, the Albergue was special, it had 70 odd beds in one room. So a full house in a jam packed Abergue, which very few restaurants, so a supermarket supper was the only option.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

we hiked from Péon to Gijon and took a ...

                          First of all, apologies for the gap in posting videos, work happened and I have not had as muc...
11/02/2024



First of all, apologies for the gap in posting videos, work happened and I have not had as much time to spend on this, but I will attempt to complete the balance of the journey in the next 2 weeks, happy viewing!!

Today we hiked from Villaviciosa to Péon, the total distance was just over 17km. Although it was half the distance of the previous 2 days it was challenging with a 450m climb right in the middle of the day. We also hit the split to the Camino Primitivo just after Villaviciosa where a few of our now pilgrim friends decided to switch from the Del Norte to The Primitivo. Not us, we were determined to complete the eintre Del Norte and therefore headed right to Gijon.

After the tear jerking climb, I sadly said goodbye to my Altra shoes, having now safely broken in my Merryls for a few days.

One of our best camino moments happened on the way down to Peon where a couple building their own house overlooking the Peon Valey in Asturias invited us in for ice cold water, this was followed by lunch and cider, what amazing people and a truly special Camino experience. So if you are in the areas just before reaching Peon pop in at Rancho Maria and say hi to Wilmar and Maria for us.

We eventually reached the church in Peon and were collected in a buss by the hospitalero and transported a few km to the albergue, which was enormous and very well set up. They served a great supper as well as an early breakfast, a good place to stay.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

of all, apologies for the gap in ...

                          Today we hiked from San Esteban de Leces to Villaviciosa, the total distance was just over 36k...
11/02/2024



Today we hiked from San Esteban de Leces to Villaviciosa, the total distance was just over 36km.

The route started with a scenic farm/woodlands stretch and then it took us onto the some of the most scenic cliffs of the entire camino, truly beautiful.

We then hit some forest areas and made our way along the coast for a bit, with Own setting a good pace upfront.

There were some inetresting sights along the way, including a house with thousands of city names on little wooden signs, someone took the time to do that for the pilgrims!

We saw beautiful beaches along the way. Lunch at Collunga where we managed to wash and dry all our clothes.The last 10km is mostly downhill through forests until we were just outside of Villaviciosa where we hit another climb and skirted the highway into Villaviciosa. The town itself was not taht scenic, but the ALbergue was great and we managed to cook with all the other pilgrims in the small kitchen with lots of laughs after a long day on the camino.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

we hiked from San Esteban d...

                            Today we hiked from Llanes to San Esteban de Leces, the total distance was just over 37km. W...
11/12/2023



Today we hiked from Llanes to San Esteban de Leces, the total distance was just over 37km.

We initially thought we would go as far as Ribadesella, but then heard about a great albergue in San Esteban de Leces, and this turned the day into over 37km. It was a beautiful long stage with some interesting things to see along the way, like the Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows in Barro and the San Antolin Beach.

RIbadesella is a beautiful town on the outlet of the river Sella. The Albergue de Peregrinos de San Esteban is a well appointed establishment, but is not close to any supermarkets, so ensure you have your own supper before you get there. They serve a very meagre breakfast.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

we hiked from Llanes to San Est...

                            Today we hiked from Colombres to Llanes, the total distance was just over 26km. The initial ...
30/11/2023



Today we hiked from Colombres to Llanes, the total distance was just over 26km.

The initial stretch out of Colombres was pretty much on the road until we managed to leave the road and hit the coast, and then everything changed. The drone footage here was very special, showcasing the beauty of the Northern coat of Spain and the core reason for wanting to walk this camino. That is part of the reason for making these stages available to others since it is so easy to miss something special if you do not know.

Llanes is beautiful, we had a great meal at restaurant Amistad with the gang, we stayed in a hotel on the marina, and I managed to buy a replacement pair of shoes, Merryls that I was not so sure about but the options were limited.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

we hiked from Colombres to Llane...

                           Today we hiked from Comillas to Colombres, the total distance was just under 32km. The stage ...
27/11/2023



Today we hiked from Comillas to Colombres, the total distance was just under 32km.

The stage was long, mostly on tar, but yet quite beautiful with a mixture of farmland and beaches. It was amazing crossing the bridge just be fore Colombres, saying goodbye to Cantabria and entering Asturias. I was particularly looking forward to the apple cider I had heard so much about.

Colombres is not much to look forward to, we found one supermarket and a two bar/restaurants that were not open for meals. The municipal albergue is big and rough, if ever you were expecting bedbugs this would be the place. So as a destination Colombres will not blow your hair back, but that will happen sometimes.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

we hiked from Comillas to Colom...

                           Today we hiked from Santillana del Mar to Comillas, the total distance would've been 22.5km. ...
26/11/2023



Today we hiked from Santillana del Mar to Comillas, the total distance would've been 22.5km.

At this stage I was not feeling well and my cold had firmly taken grip, so the shorter day would be welcome. We spent most of the day on tar roads, which took us through beautiful farmlands and even past a beach. The elevation profile would show that there was a fair amount of ups and downs on this stage, but is was beautiful and enjoyable.

Comillas is a great place to stop, and as you can see from the drone footage has a fair amount of history, including the 19th-century El Capricho, a Gaudí-designed chalet. In the old town center, Plaza Corro Campios is full of restaurants and bars.

We managed to find an open restaurant and had a great meal and quality gelato. Alain went exploring and I explored the inside of my bed for a few hours in the afternoon, trying to feel better for the days ahead.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

Filmed on 12 September, 2023. All rights reserved.

we hiked from Santillana...

                          Today we hiked from Santander to Santillana del Mar, the total distance would've been 36-38km ...
20/11/2023



Today we hiked from Santander to Santillana del Mar, the total distance would've been 36-38km be we decided to take a transport out of Santander to Santa Cruz de Bezana to join the route. This would spare us the 8km out of the city as well as reduce a 36km marathon of a day to something that was semi achievable given my health situation.

The day was mostly/all roadbound and took us around a big industrial factory before we got to a more farmland environment. All in all the stage was not that pretty or that memorable, hence the lack of pretty content, but you do get these days on all caminos.

Take the train over the bridge at Boo and save yourself a long detour

The arrival in Santillana del Mar was amazing, and made up for day on the roads. It is an amazing historical town, we stayed in a great hotel, but the albergue in a monestary was apparently a very good option. Just be aware that restaurants close early and you might miss a lunch opportunity if you arrive late.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

Filmed on 11 September, 2023. All rights reserved.

we hiked from Santander ...

                            Today's stage took us from Güemes to Santander on the Camino del Norte for 21km. Today was s...
04/11/2023



Today's stage took us from Güemes to Santander on the Camino del Norte for 21km.

Today was short, easier, cooler and beautiful. The cliffs and beaches were very special and one understands why the Del Norte is a popular route. We met up with a group of pilgrims including Sylvia from Italy walking the camino with her rescue dog, as well as Manu from Madrid, who is a very special character, always making you smile no matter how tough the going is.

We managed to get to Santander, book into a great hotel, go and have some lunch and catch the Springbok/Scotland rugby game in a bar that was kind enough to switch from football.

We also walked about a bit and paid the cathedral a visit. It was a Sunday so not much was open.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

Filmed on 10 September, 2023. All rights reserved.

's stage took us from Güemes to S...

                           Today's stage took us from Laredo to Güemes on the Camino del Norte for 30km. The 5km hike ou...
02/11/2023



Today's stage took us from Laredo to Güemes on the Camino del Norte for 30km.

The 5km hike out of Laredo along the beach was pleasant, the short wait for the ferry was no problem, losing my phone on the beach and having to go back on the ferry to retrieve it was left me a bit rattled since my phone was a pretty important part of the whole trip. Thankfully a kind pilgrim from Arizona found my phone and had it waiting for me when I ran off the boat.

The rest of the route after Noja to Güemes was on tar, it was hot and it was uphill. So I preferred the the Laredo to Noja part for obvious reasons, beach etc

Needless to say by the time we arrived at the spectacular Güemes albergue we we finished and destroyed. To add insult to injury my Icebreaker merino wool T Shirt that was pinned to my backpack came loose on the way and I lost it. Brent from Melbourne saw it lying on the road but did not pick it up, which I made sure he did not forget for the balance of the camino :) That left me with one T Shirt to walk in, not ideal.

The albergue is great and you must stay there, Papa Ernesto is entertaining and everyone gathers before support in his round control centre for a trip down memory lane, expertly translated by Alejandro from Mexico. The communal supper was great and we met many pilgrims that we would spend time with for the balance of the camino.

A hard but great day.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

Filmed on 9 September, 2023. All rights reserved.

's stage took us from Laredo to Güeme...

caminodelnorte                           Today's stage took us from Castro Urdiales to Laredo on the Camino del Norte fo...
31/10/2023

caminodelnorte

Today's stage took us from Castro Urdiales to Laredo on the Camino del Norte for 28km.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

Filmed on 8 September, 2023. All rights reserved.

's stage took us from...

                           Today's stage took us from Portugalete to Castro Urdiales on the Camino del Norte for 27km an...
30/10/2023



Today's stage took us from Portugalete to Castro Urdiales on the Camino del Norte for 27km and out of Basque country into Cantabria.

We decided to skip to 20km stage from Bilbao to Portugalete due to the industrial nature of the environment, it would appear to be a wise choice based on conversations we had with fellow pilgrims, ultimately it would be your decision to make based on your available time and need to city walking, for us it was not high on the camino agenda.

The stage was made more difficult by a metro train mishap which cost of 3.5 hours and pushed our hike into the hot afternoon.

Out of Portugalete was pretty boring highway walking, from La Arena we walked along the sea cliffs and it was spectacular.

Between Onton and Castro Urdiales the road into Castro Urdiales was predominately on tar roads and consisted of some serious inclines, no fun in the heat.

We almost made a grave error or taking the mountain route not the tunnel into Castro, it would've been a disaster in the rain.

It was a hard stage, but Castro Urdiales is a great stop, beautiful scenery and great seafood.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

's stage took us from Portugal...

                           Today's stage took us from Pozueta to Bilbao on the Camino del Norte for 25km. There is an in...
21/10/2023



Today's stage took us from Pozueta to Bilbao on the Camino del Norte for 25km. There is an initial gradual climb and then you can expect some great forest paths before heading on the tar road to Lezama. This then takes you into the mountain for a nice 250m climb, and then it's all downhill into Bilbao.

Bilbao is a phenomenal city and there is so much to see and experience, maybe a rest day spot if you are planning it. We had no rest days on the entire Camino so we unfortunately only had time for an external visit to the Guggenheim, which was mind-blowing.

Quite a few of the fellow pilgrims we had met in the first week would stop their camino in Bilbao, thereby ending the first week, and returning in the future to continue. David ended his epic trip in Bilbao after starting here 36 day before, so it was bittersweet saying goodbye on this day, but our camino was only getting started.

We stayed in a hostel which was also inhabited by other pilgrims as well as some bedbugs.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

Filmed on 6 September, 2023. All rights reserved.

's stage took us from Pozueta ...

                            Today I hiked 30km from the Monestario di Ziortza via Gernika to Pozueta, David asked to hik...
21/10/2023



Today I hiked 30km from the Monestario di Ziortza via Gernika to Pozueta, David asked to hike solo today, which is sometimes an important aspect of the camino, to be alone and have the ability to think, contemplate, plan and reminisce.

It was probably one of the most demanding days for me. The first 4 days in basque country had taken its toll on my body, and together with the temperatures rising to the low 30s, muddy underfoot conditions and really high humidity level, it was a perfect storm to make this stage, which would on any other day not be a huge problem, extremely challenging. By the time I reached Gernika I was pretty much out of gas.

I was however looking forward to my brother's arrival in Gernika and the fact that he would spend the rest of the trip to Santiago with me.

Gernika itself was not that special, maybe partly due to the fact that it was bombed to smithereens before the second world war and had to be rebuilt, but also because I was dead tired on arrival and therefore could not really appreciate much..

The albergue in Pozueta was a nice surprise, my brother arrived after a long and complicated trip from Australia via the US, Amsterdam, Madrid, San Sebastain, Bilbao, Gernika and eventually at the Albergue just after I arrived there. For the next 25 days to brothers would enjoy this camino together.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

I hiked 30km from the Mone...

                              I set off from Deba to the Monastery of Ziortza on this 33KM on the Camino del Norte. I ca...
18/10/2023



I set off from Deba to the Monastery of Ziortza on this 33KM on the Camino del Norte. I can confidently say that this might have been the most difficult day of the entire camino.

The monastery at Ziortza is an amazing place, unfortunately the facilities are not great, so keep your expectations in check.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

Filmed on 4 September, 2023. All rights reserved.

set off from De...

                            I set off from Getaria to Deba on this 18km hike on the Camino del Norte in Spain, accompani...
16/10/2023



I set off from Getaria to Deba on this 18km hike on the Camino del Norte in Spain, accompanied by David who suggested, very wisely, that we follow the alternative route along the coast, since there were a few very special things to see before arriving in Deba. David was so correct, even though it made my day a muddy, slippery and tiring mess, it was unforgettable and the scenery was almost the best on the entire Del Norte. So do yourself a favour and hit the coastal route on the leg, you will not be sorry.

Deba was a great place to stop and we stayed in the old converted train station for the night. We had already met quite a few pilgrims during the first two days and the camino spirit was already starting to build, we had a good Sunday luch and drinks together while we waited for the albergue to open, Sundays always seems to be a bitty tricky with opening times that vary.

The mud was a mess and would prove to be so for the next few days, but fortunately this would be the final serious rain for the next 32 days on the camino, which is very unusual for both the north coast of Spain as well as Galicia. Little did we know that something much more challenging was just around the corner, and that would make some almost beg for rain.

Deba is a good place to overnight, highly recommended.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

Filmed on 3 September, 2023. All rights reserved.

set off from Getaria to ...

                            I set off from San Sebastian to Getaria on this 27km hike on the Camino del Norte in Spain. ...
14/10/2023



I set off from San Sebastian to Getaria on this 27km hike on the Camino del Norte in Spain. I knew, even before arriving in Spain, that this was going to be one extremely wet day, and the forecast did not disappoint. The footage from today is unfortunately a bit limited and sketchy, but hope will still tell the story about the stage, which was beautiful and takes you through 3 beautiful town, Oreo, Zarautz and Getaria. My initial plan was only to get to Zarautz today, but I bumped into David from New Mexico early on in San Sebastain and he proved to be a great companion for the next few days to Bilbao. Dave had already done Bilbao to Finisterre and has some time and decided to come back and complete the Irun/Bilbao leg in order to complete the entire Del Norte. Suffice to say he was about 430% fitter than I was during these stages and I tried to keep up as much as I could.

This stage was challenging not only because of the weather, but it does present the pilgrim with some additional climbs after the first day from Irun, just to test your resolve and prove that you are worthy of calling yourself a pilgrim.

San Sebastain is a must visit on your trip, and Getaria is a great little fishing village.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

Filmed on 2 September, 2023. All rights reserved.

set off from San Sebastia...

                          I set off from Cape Town via Istanbul and Dusseldorf to Bilbao, then caught a bus to San Sebas...
11/10/2023



I set off from Cape Town via Istanbul and Dusseldorf to Bilbao, then caught a bus to San Sebastian and finally a train to Irun. It is a bit tricky getting to the starting point of the Camino Del Norte, but with a little planning it is very possible. I know that you could approach from Biarritz in France if that works better for you.

The Jakobi albergue in Irun was the obvious place to stay as most of the pilgrims starting the route would possibly start there, they were pretty organized, the breakfast was not much to write home about, climbing mountains on a piece of bread has never been the best idea. Remember water before you start as there is really nothing on the route, don't be like me and dehydrate yourself.

Basque country is beautiful, you will not understand the alphabet. This first day is a humdinger of climbing, and I found the route-markings challenging at times, got myself nice and lost and added about 4-5km to my day. Consult your Buen Camino/Camino Ninja app constantly on this leg to ensure that you do not stray off the path, it could cost you dearly.

In total I climbed 1050m on the day, the 1000 steps after the water crossing in Pasajes is a challenge.

Entering into San Sebastian from above is a sight to behold, this city is really something special and I would recommend spending some time there if possible. Architecture, the beaches and the food are incredible. Choose your accommodation carefully, youth hostels could contain 18 old drunk partygoers that are not in tune with the pilgrim clock.

I would suggest including this as your first day of the Del Norte, as hard as the stage was, it really is breathtaking and not to be missed.

Lastly, ensure that you do some mountain hikes as you prepare for this camino, otherwise the first day/week will have you in tears.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 14

Filmed on 31 August and 1 September, 2023. All rights reserved.

set off from Cape Town via Istanbul a...

Getting ready.....the final countdown
23/08/2023

Getting ready.....the final countdown

Today we started the Via Francigena in Italy in La Storta and hiked the final 18km to Rome. The final stretch from La St...
25/07/2023

Today we started the Via Francigena in Italy in La Storta and hiked the final 18km to Rome.

The final stretch from La Storta into Rome is either on tar next to busy traffic, or in a thorn infested park, or on a cobbled roman road coming down from Monte Mario. As far as rating the hike, it does not feature at all, it is not a great hike, but what is very special is finally reaching our end destination of St Peter's Square.

The anticipation starts building on top of Monte Maria when you catch the first glimpse of the ancient city and then start making you way down to the activity below.

Our journey on the Via Francigena was everything I had hoped for, we spent a month together with ourselves and each other, we saw the most amazing places, ate great food and met some very special people. It have us time to think and to plan, to reminisce and to disconnect.

This type of journey teaches you about yourself like nothing else you will do in your life, it was difficult, it was long, it was simply amazing.

Stay tuned for my hike along the Camino del Norte in Spain this September.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 12

we started the ...

Today we started the Via Francigena in Italy in Campagnano di Roma and hiked 22km to La Storta. The route was mostly on ...
24/07/2023

Today we started the Via Francigena in Italy in Campagnano di Roma and hiked 22km to La Storta.

The route was mostly on tar and travel and provided some serious climbs just to keep our cardio going. The Sanctuary del Sorbo provided a welcome stop. From there we passed through the rest of the national park forest and were greeted by many locals asking us for directions?

The last section look us through an established hiking trial that locals use that snakes along a river, with some additional benefits of having snakes on the path as well. We met the true peregrino Holger Baatz from Paris on this stretch, he is a legend having hiked all the way from Paris to Rome in a kilt. It was an honour sir and hope to see you on more adventures soon.

Another serious climb into La Storta, we arrived worn out, hot and tired. Nothing much was open but we found a takeaway pizza joint with some ice cold beer. Our room at SPA B&B Roma D'Autore Il Nido d'Amore had a whirlpool bath in the room, I booked it because I thought it might be romantic, Amanda was quick to point out other obvious factors....enough said, but it was a lot of fun for two weary pilgrims.

La Storta itself is pretty much the outskirts of Rome and not as picturesque as previous towns on the route. It is a small town located in the Lazio region of Italy. Its history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of settlements from the Etruscan period. Over the centuries, it witnessed the rise and fall of various civilizations, including the Roman Empire, which greatly influenced the region.

During medieval times, La Storta was part of the Papal States and played a strategic role in the defense of Rome. The town's name itself comes from a bend (la storta in Italian) in the ancient Roman road, the Via Cassia, which passed through the area.

In more recent history, La Storta saw significant changes during the Italian unification process in the 19th century. Like many other Italian towns, it became part of the unified Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

Today, La Storta maintains its charm with historical landmarks, scenic landscapes, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a delightful place for visitors to explore and experience the rich history of the region.

We snuggled in our love den in anticipation for tomorrow and the last day to Rome.

Gear:
Insta360 One X2 - 360 Camera
DJI Action 3 - Action Camera
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
IPhone 12

Filmed on May 28, 2023. All rights reserved.

we started the ...

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