The Basque countryside is a beautiful green with steep rolling pastures dotted with cattle and sheep. Vineyards and woodlots are also common. The coast is dramatic and reminds me of Newfoundland. In fact I was telling Mark that a particular view was similar to one I saw just outside of Port aux Basques, Nfld. Only after I said it did I make the name connection. Of course!
Gary is from British Columbia, but originally from Sarnia, a town a few hours from my home. He is a retired Civil Servant for the Ontario government. He and his wife walked the Portuguese Camino using a luggage transport service previously, but was enjoying the challenge of carrying his own gear on the Camino Del Norte.
Anavah and Saadah at the Pilgrim’s Corner, a cafe just before Orio, serving pilgrims coffee, tea, and baked goodies for donations. The Pilgrim’s Corner is run by the Twelve Tribes religion. They were both very friendly and took interest in where all the pilgrims were from. The Twelve Tribes also runs the Yellow Deli in Vermont on the Appalachian Trail.
Dudley, 70 years old, is from Virginia, USA. Educated as an electrical engineer, he spent his career working for US Intelligence. He now teaches at a Virginia University. Over 2018 and 2019, he hiked the Appalachian Trail in sections. He is walking the Camino with a friend, Richard, who he met on the Appalachian Trail.
Richard, 78 years old, is from Tennessee, USA. After a career in finance, he and his wife operated two “Nothing Bundt Cakes” franchises. Now he is travelling the world at a fevered pace.
Mark is one of my oldest friends. He and I taught together, led high school students on backpacking trips together, and have gone on adventures together for over 30 years. Having recently retired, he was able to join me this year on yet another adventure.
Dudley, Richard, Mark, and I became a fast trail family, spending many night at the same albergues and finishing in Santiago de Compostela on day apart. This night Mark and I secured the last two available beds at Albergue Aundi Abode in Askizu, a farm tavern offering a bed, a pilgrim dinner, and breakfast for 35 Euros. It was Easter weekend so many Spanish and Germans were walking for a week or so. Complicating things further, many albergues didn’t open for the season until April 1. Dudley and Richard had to move in to the next town.