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  1. J

    León Restaurant Recommendations

    Have read good things about La Casa del Cocido. They serve hearty local fare and their specialty is the local stew (cocido) made with beef shanks. I liked La Piccola Stanza, however they focus on Italian food (only place in Spain I've ever gotten a headache from the wine and that had to do...
  2. J

    Accommodation worries — Camino Francés

    Sooo ... I amend my earlier post. If you look at the current reports from the first section of the Camino, there seems to be many more pilgrims than even in just the past couple of years. This year, I would recommend booking through Pamplona. I look forward to seeing the numbers for 2024 from...
  3. J

    Accommodation worries — Camino Francés

    Make a reservation in Roncevalles. After that, it's personal preference and tolerance for risk. You will not sleep out in the cold if you do not make reservations after Roncevalles. However, you may see your preferred albergue with a 'completo' sign out front. Remember that you do not need...
  4. J

    Astorga to Santiago in May

    Drink before you get thirsty. Take the time to smell the roses. May is my favorite time on the Camino. Barring unforeseen changes in weather patterns, you will be much more comfortable walking during the day and sleeping at night than in July. Buen Camino!
  5. J

    A few quick questions before departing on the Francés

    Hi, my name is Jarrad and I am a recovering overthinker. You booked the first couple of nights -- you are good to go. You can always find someone to reaffirm your fears, boost your anxiety, and detract from your Camino. You'll be fine. Now about those bed bugs ...
  6. J

    Walking partner wanted

    Exactly why I never walk with family members. 😂
  7. J

    Re: My First Camino

    You have some significantly complicating factors there. This forum is loaded with well-meaning and highly supportive people and it is fantastic for general footwear advice. But given your conditions I'd not likely take advice from the internet on whether to wear shoes or boots. I recommend...
  8. J

    What would you change about the CF - if you could?

    If I could change just one thing, it would be to see more Masses available on weekday evenings. And to attend Mass in a church where it's been held for close to a millennium? Just awesome. On those days on the Camino when I've had some time to be alone with my thoughts, made a great...
  9. J

    Ages - Albergue el Pajar

    It's quite a nice property, especially since the 2020 remodel. I'm hoping someone snaps it up soon and reopens. There is good information on the albergue and the potential for purchase here.
  10. J

    If you had to choose to skip a part of the route. What would be your choice?

    Barring any injuries, you have more than enough time to make it to Muxia and even stop for a few rest days. Another pilgrim tried to talk me into skipping the meseta and taking the bus with him. I declined and am glad I did. I ran into some heavy rain for a day (and the mud that comes with...
  11. J

    Too late for dinner in SJPP?

    Oh my -- just looked at their website and it looks lovely! Enjoy!
  12. J

    February Start: SJPP, Roncesvalles, or Pamplona?

    If the weather is agreeable, then I personally would shoot for SJPdP, but you can't go wrong with Roncevalles either. SJPdP elling points for me are that it's a charming village with a lot of history that is tangible and that it has unique character. Roncevalles seems built to receive weary...
  13. J

    SJPDP-SDC in 32 days-is this realistic?

    As many others have said, that's totally do-able. Just prepare to be flexible. Here are a few thoughts for consideration: - You might want to include one or even more recovery days on the front end to get over jet lag. Some people can hit the ground running right after a transatlantic...
  14. J

    Travel by train from Paris to St Jean Pied de Port.

    The train system in France is a great way to go. That said, if flying from Paris is not out of the question, I recommend checking out current costs. Last I checked, you could get direct flights out of either Paris airport to Biarritz for about 140 USD. Flight time is about 90 minutes. Train...
  15. J

    We made our first reservation for our Camino

    Tip from an inveterate bag rustler: an early morning walk out of Orisson can be beautiful and incredibly peaceful. Pick a spot where you can eat a bocadillo while enjoying the view of the landscape you will walk across over the coming days. Rolling into Roncesvalles ahead of the crowd is...
  16. J

    More people the closer to Santiago?

    I started about a week after your planned start date. Just one person's experience from starting at that time several years ago, but for what it's worth (maybe not much) I did not notice any increase in numbers of pilgrims until I got to Leon. Yes, there are a few choke points where you will...
  17. J

    Planning My Camino on the French Way: May 2025

    I've got to tell you that May is my absolute favorite. You will be pretty much out of the cold weather. If you don't mind a little crowding in some places, you'll be OK -- you're still outside the window of European holiday walkers. You will rarely be hiking out of sight of other pilgrims...
  18. J

    Snow at Roncesvalles

    I hiked the Napoleon route from Orisson to Roncevalles on May 9, 2014 and there was still some snow in the mountains, especially near the top. No, there was no snow on the road. A hospitalero at Roncesvalles told me that they had a wet snow toward the end of April that year that caused a lot...
  19. J

    Is mid-April a good time to start the Camino Francés? Thank you.

    Indeed! It can be a bit cool for my preference, so I personally lean toward late April or early May for a start, but you would be fine. There's some good info on average temps and precipitation at SJPdP here. Lots of services and accommodations will be open. You also would be getting a bit...
  20. J

    Need some advice.. leaving in a week

    Grace, First, let go of the fear. Some anxiety is OK, but there is nothing to fear on the Camino. If ending your Camino in Santiago is important, then all of the previous advice is excellent. If you think you might return to do the remainder of the Frances route at some point in the future...

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