Hiking the Camino del Norte || Islares to Laredo

#caminodelnorte #hiking #spain
Distance: 25.3 KM
Steps: 19,309
Another ground-pounding day featuring steep climbs through a eucalyptus forest and ocean-side cliffs. Nice ending at the monastery of Trinitarian Mothers in Laredo.
I had two conversations with locals that really showed me the way:
Me. Is this bar open?
Woman. No.
Me. Can I use the toilet?
W. No. It's only for customers. Are you going to have a drink?
Me. Oh, you said the bar was closed so how can I have a drink?
Woman: Er, you can use the toilet.
Me. No thanks.
Man 1. That's not the way.
Me. But my map says it is.
Man 2. Most people take another path.
Me. Eh?
Man 1. There's another less challenging way.
Man 2. You can go that way ... The way you're headed.
Me. But Man 1 said I was going the wrong way.
Man 1. Both paths end up at the same place.
Me. [Thinking] Man 1 isn't a hiker.
I was also thinking about losing weight.
And, here are some Camino-related questions that aren't easy to answer--well, at least for me:
What is a shortcut?
What is an easier way?
How far is the last kilometre of the day?
Also, trying to explain what the Camino is to someone who has no real idea. For me, it's something about minimalism and becoming confident in yourself and self-assured without egotism and a sense of entitlement. It could take up to three months to start turning things around.
¡Buen Camino!

[@lukehyland7739]

I am really enjoying your camino vlog Phil. Thank you for taking the time to record and post your journey.

[@PhillipATowndrowHikes]

Thanks. Very rarely does anyone take the trouble to leave a comment so yours means a lot to me!

[@jeremytanmagic]

Loving your journey! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@PhillipATowndrowHikes]

Thanks, so much, for watching!

[@KiwiJohn1951]

I totally agree with your comment regarding listening to other people's opinions. Listen, yes!
The easiest way isn't always the best! 😎

[@ervinslens]

So very atmospheric and scenic, loving the atmosphere here bud!

[@PhillipATowndrowHikes]

Thanks. My aim, as you can see, is to create a Camino atmosphere. I'm delighted that you got that.

[@TarenUlsrud]

Did you do any stretching before/after each day’s trek?

[@PhillipATowndrowHikes]

Sadly, no.

[@KiwiJohn1951]

Being younger, Phillip, you probably got away with it.😂