Spain, Camino Del Norte: Day 17 Laredo to Santona just across the bay

Easter Sunday in Santona I missed the parade for Palm Sunday but the town was so alive with activity I didn’t notice. I took the longer ferry Paseos en Barco across the bay out of Laredo harbor. Most pilgrims take the ferry at the other end of the beach but i was staying in Santona today trying to meet up with a fellow camino forum member. I didn’t find the peregrino so I settled in to my room above a bar in the center of town. I should have researched better…it’s Easter and the night is long and loud.

All the local were walking with tree branches some decorated with ribbons and what looks to be small donuts or cookies and just enjoying the nice weather. A family day. I saw a few pilgrims but not much this Camino defiantly seems more isolated from what some-call the pilgrim family. I saw a pilgrim from Italy this morning who had her dog with her.. she went on to get coffee and I caught the ferry. If you walk the Del Norte be prepared to love your own company unless you are traveling with friends or spouse or partner. Be prepared to stay in pensions, hotels or Casa rural if you are like me and walking slow with injury or just want to take it all in. For Easter week or Semana Santa Be prepared for everyplace being closed or hotels being full. You can push 25-30 km per day or more you will be ok with albergues but I already came on a few that were closed so I accept my fate…increased my daily budget and try to swallow the bitter pill.