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I just used the Arcteryx Aeros 30 L and I really loved the running vest style shoulder straps. Well made, has a structured back panel, lightweight, and very comfortable. If you need more room, there is a larger version as well, but I’d really encourage you to carry the absolute minimum. The...
I just finished this route starting in Oloron Ste Marie and going all the way to Santiago. Of the 900+km, those first few days between Oloron and Somport pass were some of the most scenic. So I would suggest starting in Oloron, enjoying the very warm welcome you will get staying at the monastery...
Hi Laurie,
To navigate from the Camino to Javier, and then on to Leyre I used Gaia GPS, since I have the paid version that allows me to download maps for offline use and they show trails as well as various kinds of roads. But that is just because I’m familiar with using it from my backpacking in...
Yes, I should have clarified Canfranc Pueblo is where the new albergue is— and where you are headed! Heads up— some of the plumbing doesn’t drain very well. They know about, and are making a list of things to get fixed once they close for the winter. Also be sure to ask the cat lady down the...
Yeah, I think that old houses are like old boats…
The hospitalero Jose and his wife were great. They change every 15 days. I remember seeing something else there that wasn’t open, but couldn’t tell you what it was. The bar pulled in a few locals which was nice to see. Can’t imagine how it makes...
I wish I had more time in Arrés, but I got in late, and after cleaning up got a quick tour of the church. I did enjoy watching the France/Spain match in the cozy bar, but the highlight was the communal meal where I got to meet some other pilgrims that would be sharing the same path over the next...
Thanks!
Once I figure it out, I’ll try and post a few pictures. My favorite scenes were of the freshly tilled dark brown earth, already planted with seed and waiting for the rains to begin growing. -Daniel
Hi Scott,
I crossed paths with a very camino experienced Frenchman who was doing a U shaped camino: Starting in Saint Jean Pied de Port, then at Obama’s walking the Aragones backward, and then finishing in Oloron Sainte Marie. He liked that route for the time of year, number of people, and his...
I began in Oloron-Ste-Marie Oct 5th and was so happy that I started there instead of at the top of Somport pass. As others have mentioned, the days in France are wonderful, especially the first night at the monastery in Sarrance and the walk between Bedous and the pass. Very green, pastoral, and...
I see that tricky spot on the map, thanks for your description so I don't follow in your footsteps, precisely. These posts are very helpful. Did you find GPS tracks of the variant through Lumbier? I was just going to use my best guess. Thank you for taking the time to share with those...
Loving Kindness,
Thank you for the pdf of places you stayed in your journey. I'm glad to hear that it is possible to do it in 9 days, but like others have said, it seems that it would be an ambitious schedule. I'm researching shorter options so that I can make a decision depending on how I am...
Thanks Vacajoe,
Your posts have been right on and very helpful, so I’m going to adjust my schedule accordingly, especially those long days. I’m including Javier on my list of sights. I’m going to Leyre primarily for the service, but they also seem to have a schedule of music that features their...
Here is a track and profile I found on Wikiloc.
Great. This was on my to do list to get some gps tracks as backup. I know everyone might have a slightly different route, so this helps to triangulate. Thank you!
Thank you dgallen! I’ll have a few hours at the Canfranc station as I switch from train to bus, and then will walk past it again a few days later. I’m glad I’ll get to see it before it becomes a hotel. I think the taxi is the best way to get to San Juan de la Peña, at least for me. I’ll be...
Th
Thanks David. I think the taxi up to San Juan de la Peña is a good option, since I can let the weather and my energy decide if I want to go there that afternoon on arriving in Jaca or the next morning. Good to hear that you remember it being sunny, I’m picturing cold and rainy so I can be...
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