Advice for pilgrims Crossing Pyrenees Spring 2014

[Leaningforward]

This thread has been started from a question in the old "IMPORTANT: Advice for Pilgrims starting in APRIL 2013" thread. (Mod edit)

I'm new so please pardon if I am mistaken to revive a topic from last year: the weather and whether (no pun) the path between SJPdP and Pamplona is passable.

I arrive in Bayonne on February 10. While I live in New England and have been preparing with 10 mile walks in snow and rain in temperatures ranging from 5F to 50F, I have no desire to end my Camino (and life) on the first or second day on a snow or fog shrouded mountain top or ice covered highway.

Consequently, I understand from discussion last year that I can check the weather and advisories while in Bayonne, before deciding whether to travel to SJPdP to walk the mountain routes, or take a train/bus to Pamplona (and extend my walk past Santiago to the sea).

My question for you is whether there are new sources -- since last year -- for information about the weather and pilgrim advisories that are more accurate or helpful than those I have bookmarked to use from last year's discussion?

Other advice always welcome too.

 

[Tia Valeria]

This site will give you the weather on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, assuming you have internet access:-
http://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/municipios/

Specifically this is the page for Roncesvalles:-
http://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/municipios/orreaga-roncesvalles-id31211

Taking local advice is still needed as conditions can change and forecasts are not always correct, especially if longer term. It is good to be reminded of the need for care by reviving this thread

 

[vinsman]

I started my Camino on April 3, 2013. It was a sunny day, the Route Napoleon was closed per the staff in the pilgrims office in SJPP so I walked the Valcarlos Route. No problems. I did walk in snow 4 days later just out of Pamplona, and again in O'Cebrerro but that is just what pilgrims do. I will be walking from SJPP again beginning on April 23, 2014 and hope to be able to take the Route Napoleon this time. Buen Camino.

 

[mark steinmeyer]

I started my Camino on April 3, 2013. It was a sunny day, the Route Napoleon was closed per the staff in the pilgrims office in SJPP so I walked the Valcarlos Route. No problems. I did walk in snow 4 days later just out of Pamplona, and again in O'Cebrerro but that is just what pilgrims do. I will be walking from SJPP again beginning on April 23, 2014 and hope to be able to take the Route Napoleon this time. Buen Camino.

Hi my name is Mark! I don't know who this is but I came across your post somehow lol. I will also be starting my Camino on the 23rd of April! I'm coming from Cleveland Ohio. I'm 28 years old and this will be my first time walking the Camino. I'm excited and a bit nervous but I know I've been led to do this walk for a reason! God bless! Buen Camino!!!

 

[clwatkins]

Hi Mark. My husband and I are from the Seattle area. We will be leaving from SJPP April 24th! Maybe we'll see you out there.
Buen Camino,
Cathy

 

[mark steinmeyer]

Hi Mark. My husband and I are from the Seattle area. We will be leaving from SJPP April 24th! Maybe we'll see you out there.
Buen Camino,
Cathy

Sounds good! I'm flying into madrid then I'm assuming I will take a train to pamplona and a bus to SJPP. Have you walked this before? Thanks.

 

[gidivet]

Hi Mark. My husband and I are from the Seattle area. We will be leaving from SJPP April 24th! Maybe we'll see you out there.
Buen Camino,
Cathy

Hi Cathy, I'm also planning to start April 24th. Booked for Orisson that night. Buen Camino!

Gideon

 

[clwatkins]

We are booked at Kayola for the same night. I'm sure we will meet at dinner. Not long now!

 

[Maggie Cech]

Hi my name is Mark! I don't know who this is but I came across your post somehow lol. I will also be starting my Camino on the 23rd of April! I'm coming from Cleveland Ohio. I'm 28 years old and this will be my first time walking the Camino. I'm excited and a bit nervous but I know I've been led to do this walk for a reason! God bless! Buen Camino!!!

Hey Mark! Are you still in Cleveland/the Cleveland area?