Portugalete is part of the extended Bilbao urban area.
I’ve started to get a sore throat so I went into a pharmacy to get some Strepsils. They had just about everything a pilgrim could need on display!
However the route isn’t entirely urban as it cuts across a mountain area with a stiff climb of over 500m.
There was a great view of the Gugenheim Museum building with tbe reflected morning sun.
I met Pascale from France early on and we walked today’s 20km together.
Part of the walk was along a 17th century stone pathway.
There was a bit of animal life along the way.
All too soon we were back into the urban area.
At lunch I finally realised why you’re given lemonade at lunchtime. The Spanish mix lemonade with their red wine to make ‘Tinto de Verano’ or summer red. I never saw this on my last walk on the Via de la Plata.
Here’s Jesus with a TV aerial.
The albergue is right next door to the World Heritage listed transporter bridge, built in 1893. It was the first of these type of bridges ever built.
A gondola carries vehicles across the waterway. The bridge is very high, allowing ships to pass through.
Here’s what a €9 pilgrims special looks like.
Tomorrow it’s a 26km walk to Castro-Urdiales where I’ll be back on the coast.
That museum is a wonder of architecture.
The transporter bridge is a wonder of engineering. I’ve seen photos of others but never seen how they actually work. Amazing.
Happy travels xx
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Oh, and that meal is a test of your digestion!!
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Paul,
If you are interested, my Camino partner wrote a blog of our Norte experience last fall. You may find his detailed albergue list helpful, particularly a few very special ones as well as one to be avoided at all costs! Due to an injury he suffered on day 1, we had to drastically alter our ambitious schedule and were forced to use occasional bus/train transport. I was also along on his 2014 Camino from Burgos to Santiago.
When you reach Asturias, I have two words for you: Fabada Asturiana!
Yum. We bought ingredients in Santiago and brought them home to make it upon our return.
Here is a link to Dan’s blog:
danscaminotravels.wordpress.com
Buen Camino,
Judy
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Judy, I used to love this dish when I lived in Malaga many years ago. I had forgotten the name. Thank you- I googled and there it was.
Vicki
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Thanks so much Judy, I’m sure it will be very useful and informative.
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Theres some good tips in there thanks.
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How amazing is the Guggenheim Museum. Fabulous photo Paul! The view of the bridge from your albergue astounding! What a great Camino. Thank you for sharing. That meal fit for a hungry pilgrim.
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Thanks for being such an enthusiastic reader!
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I look forward every day to your blog Paul! And it’s good to see you have company along the way but it’s not overcrowded. Take care of those toenails of yours!!!! ❤️
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Yes its strange though that last nightingale the albergue there were mainly young people. I was the only old fart
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