The LONG climb on Day 1 of Camino de Santiago Frances | 2023 Huge Camino Day 1

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#caminodesantiago #caminofrances #camino
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I begin my Way to Santiago with the start of the Camino Frances taking a trip over the Pyrenees on the Napoleon Route.
This year will feature 7 different Caminos and the Via Verde del Bidasoa on my way West.
Please join me and my adventures as I see new sights, meet amazing people, my successes and failures, and seeing how the Camino provides for me when I make some mistakes.
This is the gear I use every day, NO more and NO less 😊
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#caminopackinglist #caminodesantiago #caminofrances
If I helped you and you'd like to say thanks, you can now buy me a Coffee! : bmc.link/nickL...
Join my Camino Family : / @nicklivinglife
To help fund my next Camino your kindness will go a long way here : www.buymeacoff...
If you need a few of things I have used on Camino and would recommend from Amazon, I get a small commission if you purchase by following my link below without it costing you a penny extra, so you help support the channel for FREE :)
Backpacks I like :
Men's Exos 38 Backpack : amzn.to/3PVU2AW
Montane Trailblazer 30 : amzn.to/46VMcgQ
Female fit Osprey Tempest 30 : amzn.to/46XgKyL
Gear I have used and would recommend :
To do Laundry - Scrubba Wash Bag : amzn.to/3XVurtE
For sleeping in (over the liner if you sleep cold) - SOL Escape Bivvy : amzn.to/3DjMIHG
For Sleeping in (May-September) - Silk Liner : amzn.to/3DjaBz9
For sleeping in (March-April and October-November) - Warm Liner : amzn.to/3K4w4j1
Bose Sleepbuds are unavailable now but these look very similar (I haven't tried these though so can't recommend them personally) : amzn.to/3NTTicZ
Matador Soap Bag : amzn.to/44TR44h
Dr Bronner Soap : amzn.to/3Dl8Npg
Toothpaste tabs : amzn.to/3K5mOeu
Anti-Chafing Gel (to prevent blisters) : amzn.to/3O0k8A0
Body Glide Anti Blister Stick : amzn.to/3O0kerm
Silk Eye Mask (Inexpensive type) : amzn.to/3Q2aX4U
Darn Tough Socks : amzn.to/3Q3D7fU
Saxx Underwear : amzn.to/43wcKCb
Exofficio Underwear : amzn.to/44vdvNi
Sun Hat : amzn.to/44wmzRX
Buff (50 UPF) : amzn.to/3Dh7x6E
Buff (Camino de Santiago special) : amzn.to/3XYJGC5
Ultralight Fanny Pack/Bum Bag : amzn.to/3K7RXht
Montane Dragon 7" Running Shorts : amzn.to/3OkfE8O
Patagonia Quandary Shorts : amzn.to/44OYtBL
Astra Lone Peak 6 Minimalist shoes, perfect if you have wide feet : amzn.to/44RMTFN
Hoka Speedboat 5 Maximalist shoes : amzn.to/46X0uhg
Moab Vent 2 Shoes : amzn.to/3K130Ja
Sea to Summit Poncho / Tarp in Sil Nylon : amzn.to/3OkhF4P
Montane Short Sleeve Synthetic T shirt : amzn.to/3Q29UC3
Longer Laces for Heel Lock technique : amzn.to/43rtVVr
Emergency Toilet Trowel : amzn.to/43u6Xxa
Katadyn Before Spare Water Bottle and Filter : amzn.to/43urn99
Rubz Plantar Massage Ball : amzn.to/3Olbcqc
Hero Clip Carabiner : amzn.to/3rymb6S
Fast Dry Towel : amzn.to/44vY879
For Making Videos :
Insta 360 Creator Kit for some of the drone like footage : amzn.to/46Rh95F
The big 3 meter pole : amzn.to/46X1jqm
DJI Microphones : amzn.to/3NVwObn
Budget Microphone : amzn.to/46X6wOE
DJI Drone : amzn.to/46Uodyf
Electrical :
Cheap Euro style charging plug : amzn.to/44vACay
Ultralight Powerbank : amzn.to/3NPAUBK
Apple AirTag for security and tracking of your stuff : amzn.to/3JZ0GSX
All in one Charging Cable : amzn.to/44SR6JF
Tiny Torch (the best) : amzn.to/44t8B3l
/ @nicklivinglife

[@nitindiwanji]

Sir You have witnessed THE WAY MOVE spots But your vidioes are best one We are expering commino

[@NickLivingLife]

Thanks so much 😊

[@RobertBernardoKim]

Thanks a lot for your efforts. I am a South Korean man, who had my walk in May 2022. This has a beautiful scenery and togetgerness with other pilgrims, that encourages me to plan my second trial. Keep going and I will subscribe.

[@NickLivingLife]

Thanks very much for watching and congratulations on your 2022 Camino 😊. The togetherness is one of the things that makes it so special for me too 😊😊

[@DblBlz]

Thanks for the effort you put in to document your journey. I'm starting 29 August but I'm going to start out easy. I'm retired and have nothing but time. Buen Camino

[@NickLivingLife]

Slow is best John. You get to look up, and absorb everything. Buen Camino! 😊

[@joefernandes1359]

Wow, I may meet you along the way. I will start 26 Aug 23. It is my first camino and I am excited, yet, anxious. I just cannot imagine doing at a pace like Nick.

[@DblBlz]

@@joefernandes1359 That would be great. Im a pretty fit 65 yo and this will be my first camino. I'm stopping at Auberge Borda my first day (30 August). Perhaps we'll meet along the way. Cheers

[@Paulsbishop]

Really cool to be in one of your videos - cheers Nick! Amazing to think I had been watching your KZbin videos at home and now I’m actually here. We are almost in Burgos now. Will be keeping in touch.. 🍻

[@NickLivingLife]

Absolutely mate 😊. Stage 2 of the Camino coming your way with the Meseta. The sunrises are amazing if you are up nice and early. 😊

[@nazb33]

I've only just heard about the Camino. My brother just told me he's preparing for it. One day, health permitting, I'll attempt it. Great video. Looking forward to watching the rest. You've just got a new subscriber 🎉

[@NickLivingLife]

Fantastic. Thanks very much! 😊😊

[@youcangofar]

Stunning scenery, great music, lovely personality comes through and I feel the spiritual wonders of the Camino. Thank you for keeping me inspired Buen Camino 🙏🐾👣

[@NickLivingLife]

I want to go and do it again already. 😂🤣

[@youcangofar]

@@NickLivingLife 🤣me too, feel like part of it when you share with us💯🙏

[@NickLivingLife]

Big big hugs. 😊😊

[@liztrollope9762]

Have a great Camino Nick . Thanks for sharing . I will be following you from South Africa

[@NickLivingLife]

That’s fantastic. Thank you Liz 😊. I’m currently in a place where I have a bed for the night but there is no food. If only I had some biltong! 😊😋

[@liztrollope9762]

@@NickLivingLife 8 Where did you get the biltong ! Hope it keeps you from starvation ..and you at least find a glass of good wine

[@NickLivingLife]

@@liztrollope9762 I didn’t. I was just wishing for some 😊. There isn’t even a bar here for 🍷 so I’ll either have nothing and catch up on video editing or hitchhike into the nearest town for food and drinks. 😊

[@riedahlnielsen7592]

❤️ Buen camino and thank for such a lovely day! 🫶

[@NickLivingLife]

Pleasure was all mine. Loved spending the day with you 😊

[@raulmorales5888]

So beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Great video.

[@NickLivingLife]

Thank you Raul 😊

[@alinaleaschewski7097]

Hi Nick, was so much fun meeting you! Buen Camino :)

[@NickLivingLife]

You too. Hope you have an amazing Camino! 😊😊

[@geoffgray641]

Beautiful first day Nick. Brings back great memories.

[@NickLivingLife]

I’m enjoying the perfect weather while I can. It’s predicting 5 days of rain 🌧️ this week. 🥺

[@nancycompagnie6500]

enjoyed watching, as always ☺...i'm going on my way march 16th 2024, so will have to wait for a while 🙂 starting from my home in Ostend, Belgium, walking 3/4 months until i get to SDC, Muxia and Finisterre...Buen Camino 🍀

[@NickLivingLife]

That great you are also going to “the end of the world” Nancy 😊. Buen Camino, it will come quickly 😊

[@paulmartin7874]

Cracking first day. Good effort

[@NickLivingLife]

Thanks Paul 😊😊😊

[@harrisondeclan]

Hi Nick Great video we met the night before we all set off, Declan and Clare from Belfast, Buen Camino

[@NickLivingLife]

I remember you all even through that strong cider I had 😂😂. How did it go? Did you enjoy it? 😊

[@CoopzOutdoors]

Glad I've found your channel mate, I'm planning my Caminio trek for this year. Thank you and Subscribed! 👍

[@NickLivingLife]

Awesome. If there’s something I haven’t covered in the videos, just ask! You’re going to LOVE it 😊

[@LaurieHammond-cn9lk]

So beautiful! Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@NickLivingLife]

Thanks for watching Laurie. x

[@estellagutierrez4615]

Enjoyed the walk ,Buen Camino...

[@NickLivingLife]

Thanks Estella 😊

[@donnapartow]

Looking forward to following your journey, while I plan my own trip for 2024!

[@NickLivingLife]

Very glad to have you share the journey with me Donna 😊. 2024 will be here before you know it! 😊

[@lindagregory3961]

I started in SJPDP with two of my friends on April 13. Could not go over the top due to bad weather. Thank you for this view that I missed!!

[@NickLivingLife]

I was lucky again with the weather. Congratulations on your Camino Linda 😊. Are you hooked? Will you do another?

[@lindagregory3961]

@@NickLivingLife Yes, I am hooked. I am planning another trip hopefully in the fall. Just got home May 23 and I cannot stop thinking about it.

[@NickLivingLife]

That’s fantastic! It’s easy to combat the post Camino blues if you keep planning what Camino you will do next, keeping everything packed and walking lots to keep in training. 😊

[@darrenhoughton1333]

Nice, I enjoyed that!

[@NickLivingLife]

I really appreciate that. Thanks Darren 😊

[@estellagutierrez4615]

I'm beginning to worry about getting a room coz I'm a slow walk er. Buen Camino

[@NickLivingLife]

@@estellagutierrez4615 the main end stages are very busy at the moment (Ronsesvalles, Zubiri, Pamplona, Puenta La Reina etc but it’s currently easy to find rooms if you sleep in the towns in between 😊

[@LisaAndJosh]

that first day is such a trial by fire :) great video!

[@LisaAndJosh]

and buen camino!!

[@NickLivingLife]

Thanks for watching guys. I’m a big fan of your channel. 😊😊

[@LisaAndJosh]

@@NickLivingLife aww thanks man :)

[@kbhothothot]

Beautiful video, Nick! Well done!

[@NickLivingLife]

That’s really kind. Thanks so much 😊

[@mikehicks55]

Stunning scenery Nick, and a great start to your journey. I see you’ve invested in a helicopter for some of those shots now! 😉

[@NickLivingLife]

I saw Little Nell on a James Bond movie and thought…why not?! 😂

[@mikedevere]

Beautiful 😊

[@NickLivingLife]

That’s kind of you. Thank you.

[@rawadventures2024]

Beautiful scenery and photography. You were blessed with fine weather (we had a wind storm) but to continue in after Rincesvalles, you must be bloody fit!!

[@NickLivingLife]

Lucky for sure. I quite enjoy tough weather too though as it makes memories 😊 I’m certainly not fit right now, just training again for my next Camino in May and currently even finding 4 hours hill walking to be tough. Hopefully by the time May rolls around I’ll be ready, as the first day looks like being about 40km. I hope the weather got better for you after Roncesvalles and thanks very much for watching the video 😊

[@rawadventures2024]

@@NickLivingLife 40km that’s crazy- which Camino?

[@NickLivingLife]

@rawadventures2024 I’m starting with the Portuguese from Lisbon and thinking of Villa Franca de Xira as my first sleep stop. 😊 I may take a bus and add a Primitivo on at the end if I’m feeling like it 😊

[@rawadventures2024]

@@NickLivingLife myself and 2 friends arrive in Lisbon 27 Apr and start walking on 29th but trying to start off a LOT easier than you so I’ll say hi when you overtake us 😆 Let’s hope all the rain is gone by then 🤞

[@NickLivingLife]

@rawadventures2024 I’m about 3 weeks behind you so no way I’d catch up 😂. Wishing you a Bom Caminho as they say in Portugal 😊😊

[@proshotgolf]

Well done Nick x

[@NickLivingLife]

Thanks mate. 😊

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Nick, congrats on your channel, it’s growing and growing. Great job on all of your videos. Quick question for you, the 3 meter poles for the insta360, did you have to check that in with your checkin bag or TSA allow carry on?

[@NickLivingLife]

Hey. Thanks very much 😊. I always check selfie sticks, the 3m pole and walking poles if I’m taking them just to make sure. I’ve come across tyrant security personnel before and they have the last word. Going into one country I was eating a sandwich from the plane while going through security and only had 1 bite left. He confiscated the last bite and called a superior to ask what should be done about the rest that I had already eaten 😂. I explained to him that everyone on the plane that is now coming past is also “internally smuggling the plane issued sandwich” but he carried on as his power was undeniable 😂😂. Sometimes security personnel are cool but you never know which you will get so I check the poles 😊 Normally I put them in an Osprey ultralight stuff sack (about 3oz) with some of my clothing for padding but considering getting a box 📦 from the post office next time so I don’t have to carry the little rucksack, then see if I can get another box at the end for the return flight. Hope you have some nice adventures planned for this year. 😊😊

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Thanks Nick. Guess I’ll leave it at home and take the shorter one, the shorter one TSA let me thru as carry on. Any grand adventure coming up Nick? I’m doing an unplanned last min trip, in a few weeks to do the Kumano Kodo trail in Japan. Looking to get the dual pilgrim (Camino + Kumano Kodo = dual pilgrim status). For me 3 Camino are enough, for now. Anyway, excited for this trip. Looking to watch more great video from you. All the best Nick.

[@NickLivingLife]

@Gettinglostonthetrail That’s awesome. I’ve never been to Japan but hope to do the Japanese Caminos one day. My next is going to be the West Highland Way in a few weeks followed almost immediately by the Portuguese Camino from Lisbon and possibly some Norte or Primitivo after. Considering another Frances in September too. I want to get back out and do Trans Catalina Trail properly (with cameras) next year. That was a fun walk. Hope you have an incredible time in Japan and I look forward to watching your adventures 😊

[@Gettinglostonthetrail]

Trans Catalina Trail, fun hike but so exposed. I was over in Catalina last week with my kids. Not much to do there except rent a bike and ride around. NICK, Camino after Camino, bet you don’t have a cholesterol issue. Good on you, strong and healthy. Because the Camino and Kumano Kodo are unesco they have what they called dual pilgrim, which is any Camino + Kumano Kodo and you’ll consider as a dual pilgrim. You get a certificate, pin, and a chance to beat the taiko drum to express your emotions for your journey. The kumano Kodo trail looks amazing from KZbin video. Look into it Nick.

[@estellagutierrez4615]

Buen Camino.. I start mine August ( know it will be hot)...

[@NickLivingLife]

It will be hot. Made sure you have a good hat 😊

[@joefernandes1359]

Love it, beautiful music with each of your videos. Thank you again.

[@NickLivingLife]

Thanks again Joe 😊

[@LadyKankoora]

Thank you so much for the lovely work you've dedicated on your videos. Im getting ready to do my 1st Camino in September. What equipment did you use for the arial shots and filming you as you walk?

[@NickLivingLife]

Hi 👋. Thanks so much for the kind words. First Camino in just a few months, I’m excited for you. You are going to LOVE it 😍 I do all my filming with just my iPhone, an Insta 360 x3 on a long pole, and I have a DJI mini 3 pro drone. Buen Camino 😊😊

[@aussierogue6782]

Who sings the song, I think it's called "something ain't right" but I could be totally wrong lol

[@NickLivingLife]

I have to admit I have no idea 😂. I grabbed it from a royalty free database 😊

[@CaminoMark2024]

Hi Nick. Thanks for sharing. I think I noticed you were wearing Altra trail runners? I am walking starting April 19. I am trying to decide between Altra or Norh Face low cut hiking shoes. I am concrete Altra winter gold up for 800km. How did your shoes endure?

[@NickLivingLife]

I did about 1600km last year. The Lone Peak 6 for me had lost most of their cushion support by about 900km and at that point I could feel small stones etc too much and I changed to Hoka Speedgoat 5 for the remainder. Altra 6 are my favourite overall shoe for hiking unless it’s something like the Norte which has more asphalt in which case zero drop minimalist shoes are better swapped for something with more shock absorption. It’s a different style of walking too in Lonepeak using smaller strides and not landing on the heel with the front foot, but they are so agile off road, and they dry super fast that I love them. Depending on how you walk, they should easily last a full Camino but not much more than that 😊

[@CaminoMark2024]

@@NickLivingLife thank you. Go to know. I have the Timp 4 and like them. I have put about 50-60 km and have no issues. I saw some bad press on some KZbin videos where they were breaking down after 300-400km which caused me some concern. Thanks for your feedback. Makes me feel better if I decide to go with them. Do you have any knowledge on the Timp 4?

[@NickLivingLife]

I’ve not tried those. I’ve stocked up and still have 2 pairs of Lonepeak 6 and 4 pairs of Lonepeak 7 in boxes waiting their turn to do a Camino (there was a sale on so got them all at half price)

[@Kate_Pilgrim]

Thanks for the video. Do you have a drone?

[@NickLivingLife]

Yes, I have a mini drone. Nice and quiet so people don’t notice it 😊

[@ianto8823]

This brings back some memories from last year. I stayed with a 90 y/o nun who yelled at me and kicked me out next morning because I was downstairs at 6:15am and not 6:00am like she asked. Terrifying lol

[@NickLivingLife]

Hahaha. Terrifying is right!! 😂😂😂

[@ianto8823]

@@NickLivingLife It was my first night in St Jean and no beds available. I'm liking the soundtrack too fits really well with the videos.

[@NickLivingLife]

@@ianto8823 thanks mate. Learning as I go 😊

[@nirish25]

hi, what camera and drone and editing software did you use? buen camino

[@NickLivingLife]

I do most filming and editing with my iPhone. I have a DJI mini 3 drone. 😊

[@ChristineJuillet-cl9fj]

Is it possible that I just saw you at the cathedral in Santiago.

[@NickLivingLife]

I’m here 😊. Come say hello. I’m taking shelter in the square 😊😊

[@NickLivingLife]

I’ve moved on now but congratulations Christine 😊😊

[@ChristineJuillet-cl9fj]

@@NickLivingLife we had lunch with some friends. I’m sure you were gone when we finished. I waved at you when you walk back. You were carrying a long stick. We saw you talking with other people, so we did not go. I was too shy. But will I see you in the finestere way tomorrow?

[@NickLivingLife]

@@ChristineJuillet-cl9fj I’m heading to Oviedo tomorrow to start walking Primitivo 😊. I’m just off for food now (grey rain jacket on though now so more in disguise 😂😂). If you waved, I’ll make sure you are on the video I put out. 😊😊

[@ChristineJuillet-cl9fj]

@@NickLivingLife camino tellers are also doing the primitivo and san Salvador. I have seen you in a live with them last year

[@estellagutierrez4615]

How long on first day

[@NickLivingLife]

I did longer than the traditional day. 31.4km but that put me out of the bed race. Had a nice stop at Roncesvalles for a rest and to say goodbye to my new friends then walked 1 more hour.

[@joefernandes1359]

@@NickLivingLife Thats a great idea