Australia and New Zealand Class of 2014

[yellowshoes55]

Hi

Hubby & I are from Sydney & planning to do our first Camino in either May 2014 or 2015, depending on work commitments.

Chris is currently 62 years and I am 57 years.

Any other from Australia planning their walks for the same time??

 

[Blairgowrie]

I am a tad older than you two and from what I have been advised this is a good time to go. I am from the Melbourne area but get to Sydney (Surry Hills area) v often . We could meet up and compare notes.

 

[missmaggie]

I am planning on may 2014 from Le Puy. I hope to get to Santiago for my 40th birthday a week before the feast of St James. Hope to see you on the way

 

[Alan Pearce]

I plan to leave St Jean around the 4th- 5th of May next year. I have done most of this route before, but a long time ago [6 years]. I am looking forward to doing the first section which will be all new to me. By then I will be on an age pension.

Alan

Be brave. Life is joyous.

 

[HelenvE]

Hi all, my husband and I are hoping to walk the Camino Frances in April/May 2014. We are from Adelaide, South Australia and have never done anything like this before. I'm hoping that the Camino will give us an opportunity for reflection on life and to focus ourselves - to have a chance to experience living life truly in the present. I'm sure it will be a physical and mental challenge and both a cultural and spiritual experience for us. I'm starting to learn some Spanish (Coffee Break Spanish is a great online site), and reading and researching as much as I can about the Camino. This site, with all its very experienced and wise participants, continues to provide me with huge amounts of really valuable information for which I am very grateful. We have yet to start getting together the gear we will need, but this site gives masses of information to help us with that. While being a bit apprehensive about some of the things I've been reading about, like the crowds, bedbugs and blisters, I'm really looking forward to our Camino. Buen Camino. Helen

 

[Cejanus]

Gday, I am from WA and walked the Camino Frances in April May this year. I am 64 and loved every day of my journey. I am doing it all again next year (2014) either the Frances or the Via del la Plata. If it is the Camino Frances then I am hoping that my two sisters will come with me. this year i started of alone and then met such wonderful people who walked with me.

 

[goatgirl]

I'm from Geelong and planning to start with my 14year old in early April would love to do it just a few weeks later but school holidays prevail. Wondering which way you are traveling or plan to travel?

 

[gerardcarey]

I don't like the possibility of excess cold, heat or rain. I studied the meteorological charts for northern spain and decided that autumn was the time for me. I left SJPDP on 1st Sept and arrived SDC 14th Oct. Light rain only in the last week, as you'd expect in Galicia, fine days averaging 25deg highs. Couldn't have been better.
Buen Camino
Gerard

 

[Saint Mike II]

Having tried the the VDLP in May this year, but not completing, I am now planning for the Frances with a departure day from Roncesvalles around last week in Aug with the aim of reaching SDC by the end of Sept. This time the backpack will be not more than 10kg plus water.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Oh - one thing I forgot (senior moment!!) - I usually get to the Sydney Saturday gatherings so I hope to see you there on the first Saturday in Oct. Cheers Mike

 

[JennyH94]

Hi Mike, Yellowshoes55 and Chris -
I'll be at the Pilgrims in Sydney lunch on the first Saturday in October too, along with Britta and Janet who I walked with last year. The Spanish Club has moved into its new premises at No.1 Dixon Street (opposite the Ent Cent) and I'm pretty sure this next lunch will be there - check with Sandra Collier to confirm. Maybe we might see you at Thirroul next week too!
Cheers - Jenny

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hi Mike, Yellowshoes55 and Chris -
I'll be at the Pilgrims in Sydney lunch on the first Saturday in October too, along with Britta and Janet who I walked with last year. The Spanish Club has moved into its new premises at No.1 Dixon Street (opposite the Ent Cent) and I'm pretty sure this next lunch will be there - check with Sandra Collier to confirm. Maybe we might see you at Thirroul next week too!
Cheers - Jenny

Hola Jenny - thanks for the advice about Spanish Club - will email Sandra. Whats on at Thirroul? - I live just south of there so can easily attend. Cheers

 

[julie]

Unfortunately, the Spanish Club has not yet opened at its new premises so our next meeting will take place at noon 5 October at the Sir John Young Hotel on the corner of Liverpool and George Streets, Sydney. We will be returning to the Spanish Club when it's open for business.

The meetings are held at 7:00pm on the 1st Wednesday of the odd months (i.e. January, March, May ...) and noon on the 1st Saturday of the even months (i.e. February, April, June ...). I post reminders on the Forum thread "Meetings pilgrims in Sydney" http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/meetings-pilgrims-in-sydney.14655/#post-152713

 

[TravellingSonn]

Hi guys,

I'm from Sydney. I'm planning on walking the Le Puy route (to SJPP) towards the end of May 2014.

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Hi guys,

I'm from Sydney. I'm planning on walking the Le Puy route (to SJPP) towards the end of May 2014.

Buen Camino!!!

 

[camino-david]

Hi all, my husband and I are hoping to walk the Camino Frances in April/May 2014. We are from Adelaide, South Australia and have never done anything like this before. I'm hoping that the Camino will give us an opportunity for reflection on life and to focus ourselves - to have a chance to experience living life truly in the present. I'm sure it will be a physical and mental challenge and both a cultural and spiritual experience for us. I'm starting to learn some Spanish (Coffee Break Spanish is a great online site), and reading and researching as much as I can about the Camino. This site, with all its very experienced and wise participants, continues to provide me with huge amounts of really valuable information for which I am very grateful. We have yet to start getting together the gear we will need, but this site gives masses of information to help us with that. While being a bit apprehensive about some of the things I've been reading about, like the crowds, bedbugs and blisters, I'm really looking forward to our Camino. Buen Camino. Helen

Hi HelenVi,
Are you aware that the Australian Friends of the Camino is based in Adelaide, with the possibility that you could meet many 'Caminoites' who live in your area, to socialise and get advice. Their website is afotc.org and you could contact Janet Leitch. I walked this year in April to June and did not encounter any bedbugs - I suspect they hatch in the summer. Whenever I have walked in September and October I have encountered them, but only in one or two albergues, and have not experienced any bad reaction, just an irritation. Buen Camino. David

 

[HelenvE]

Thanks for your advice David. I didn't know that. I will follow up the Australian Friends of the Camino,
amazing that they are based in Adelaide!

 

[naylorguys]

Hi, my son and I plan to walk the Camino Frances from 9th Jan starting at St.Jean. Oh boy!

 

[jl]

decided that autumn was the time for me

I have walked three Caminos in the autumn, and just like here in Australia, the weather is much more stable than in the spring! I walked the VF in Spring / summer (so that I could go to the Dawn Service at Villers Brettoneux) and it was wet / drizzly / overcast and cold for most of the first 8 weeks that I walked. In contrast, I have had around 5 days of dampish weather over three very long Caminos walking in summer / autumn. I must say that I also love the countryside at this time - grapevines being harvested, sheep amongst the brown stubble, and best of all crocuses in bloom - poking their flowers through the most inhospitable dry cracked soil. Janet

 

[camino-david]

I plan to leave St Jean around the 4th- 5th of May next year. I have done most of this route before, but a long time ago [6 years]. I am looking forward to doing the first section which will be all new to me. By then I will be on an age pension.

Alan

Be brave. Life is joyous.

Hi Alan,
I am an Aussie from Sydney and an aged pensioner. Are you aware of the rule that you have to be physically resident in Australia on the day you become eligible to claim your pension, or else you will not get it until you return to Australia and then claim it. It seems to be of those silly bureaucratic rules. Hopefully you will be in receipt of the aged pension before leaving. Buen Camino David

 

[Magnara]

Hi

Hubby & I are from Sydney & planning to do our first Camino in either May 2014 or 2015, depending on work commitments.

Chris is currently 62 years and I am 57 years.

Any other from Australia planning their walks for the same time??

Hi
There is an active pilgrim group that meets regularly in Sydney for lunch or dinner and chat - great way to get good info, there are always lots of "oldies" and "newbies" there.
Maggie Ramsay
"The Italian Camino" (Amazon)

 

[despina]

Hi yellowshoe
My husband and I are from Sydney and have booked to start on the 17th May 2014 - this is our first Camino we will be 58&55 so have been preparing for our experience - have a great trip - you should come to the Sydney Camino Forum get togethers for a good source of information

 

[JennyH94]

Hi Des and Larry - Great to see you posting on the Forum! See you at the next Pilgrims in Sydney meeting - Julie will post a message about it a little nearer the date.
Cheers -
Jenny

 

[Bodhimind1]

Hi, we did the Frances route in early spring 2011, aged 57 & 60. The weather was perfect : mostly cool, with a few rainy days for variety. Watching the countryside come to life out of its winter torpor was wonderful indeed. In 2014 we intend to walk from Granada to Santiago, beginning in mid-March. We expect there to be more rain this time but, with the right equipment, this shouldn't be too major a problem. Unfortunately we livein northern NSW, so cannot attend any Friends' events, but love reading the newsletter and posts.

 

[Alan Pearce]

Hi David

I am indeed a happy little pensioner. That began in July.

My plans for next year have changed as the guy I was going with has pulled out. I did a 2 week stint last Sept. as an Amigo at the pilgrim office, and hope to do that again inMay 2014 now I have the time to fit it in. I will fit in a little bit of walking while I am there, but nothing lengthy.

Be brave. Life is joyous.

Alan

 

[HelenvE]

Well we have finally done it! We have booked our flights and will be walking the Camino Frances from SJPdP to SdC from the beginning of May 2014. We have allowed for 40 days so that we will not be under time pressure, and we hope to take each day as it comes. We have all our gear - our fully packed backpacks without water or food weigh about 6kg for me and 7kg for my husband. I am really excited and more than a little nervous(!), and just can't wait for May to come around. We are trying to go without expectations and just go with the flow and see where it leads us. This is the year of our Camino! I can't believe it! What a wonderful opportunity. I hope to meet some fellow forum members along the Way.
Helen.

 

[Jose Abalo]

Hi

Hubby & I are from Sydney & planning to do our first Camino in either May 2014 or 2015, depending on work commitments.

Chris is currently 62 years and I am 57 years.

Any other from Australia planning their walks for the same time??

Hi

My friend Lawrence and I - both from Melbourne - will be starting the Camino adventure on 23rd April 2014 from St Jean Pie de Port...

 

[Larry from Sydney]

Yellowshoe my wife and I live in Sydney and are starting our walk on 16th May 2014 so may see you Larry

 

[Jim Carmichael]

Hi

Hubby & I are from Sydney & planning to do our first Camino in either May 2014 or 2015, depending on work commitments.

Chris is currently 62 years and I am 57 years.

Any other from Australia planning their walks for the same time??

Hi there. We are traveling to France from Brisbane on May 3 this year and planning to start the camino from St Jean on 17 May. Have been planning this (at least talking about it) for about three years and our commencement date is rushing toward us. We are 49 and 54.
Jim and Don

 

[colinPeter]

Hi Jim,
Welcome to the forum,

We are 49 and 54

Just a couple of "youngsters".
May is usually a beautiful time to be walking from SJPP, hope you have a great walk.
Buen Camino
Colin

 

[Maggie Arundell]

Hi, I'm from Melbourne and am planning to start my camino in Roncesvalles on April 9th 2014. I have a lung condition and have decided to skip the 1st day from SJPP. I'm travelling from Barcelona to Pamplona the day before and wonder if anyone would like to share a taxi from Pamplona to Roncesvalles? The only bus leaves Pamplona at 6pm and arrives in Roncesvalles at 7.10 pm. I'd like to get there a little earlier.

 

[Darryle]

Hello two fellows from Sydney looking to start from Pamplona about ANZAC day I'm 62 and mate is 57. First timers

 

[Mary Power]

Hi

Hubby & I are from Sydney & planning to do our first Camino in either May 2014 or 2015, depending on work commitments.

Chris is currently 62 years and I am 57 years.

Any other from Australia planning their walks for the same time??

HI I am Mary 55yo.
I will be travelling the Camino on my own from sydney in late May 2014. I intend to finish the walk by the end of June the latest. Is there a group I could tag along with, I would feel more comfortable if I could tag along with a group until I get familiar with the ways of the camino. I intend to fly into Pau and get bus/train to SJDP.
Any offers

 

[Mary Power]

Hi guys,

I'm from Sydney. I'm planning on walking the Le Puy route (to SJPP) towards the end of May 2014.

HI I am Mary 55yo.
I will be travelling the Camino on my own from sydney in late May 2014. I intend to finish the walk by the end of June the latest. Are there any others from Aussie (BTW I am Irish) I could tag along with, I would feel more comfortable if I could tag along with others until I get familiar with the ways of the camino. I intend to fly into Pau and get bus/train to SJDP.
Any offers

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

HI I am Mary 55yo.
I will be travelling the Camino on my own from sydney in late May 2014. I intend to finish the walk by the end of June the latest. Are there any others from Aussie (BTW I am Irish) I could tag along with, I would feel more comfortable if I could tag along with others until I get familiar with the ways of the camino. I intend to fly into Pau and get bus/train to SJDP.
Any offers

Hola Mary, Check out the calendar at the top of the forum to see who else is leaving SJPDP when you plan to leave. There may be someone else depending on your date and if they have posted on the Calendar. It is located when you click on the "Events" link at top of page. Put May 2014 in the box then click go. Buena Suerta.
Ed

 

[CaminoKris2013]

Is this class of 2014 just for Aussies? I am from the US and will be walking in late May.

I had hoped o do this last year but finances did not permit. Super excited and when I share my plan, they tell me I glow!

I am blog hungry right now, so if anyone has a blog, throw it my way!

Kris

 

[Larry from Sydney]

HI I am Mary 55yo.
I will be travelling the Camino on my own from sydney in late May 2014. I intend to finish the walk by the end of June the latest. Are there any others from Aussie (BTW I am Irish) I could tag along with, I would feel more comfortable if I could tag along with others until I get familiar with the ways of the camino. I intend to fly into Pau and get bus/train to SJDP.
Any offers

Mary
My wife and I will be leaving SJPDP on the 16th May if you want to walk with us though we are walking via Valcarlos on the first day not via Napoleons way - anyway I am sure there are others also going - you should come to the Camino lunch on the 1st Saturday of February in Sydney

 

[Mary Power]

Mary
My wife and I will be leaving SJPDP on the 16th May if you want to walk with us though we are walking via Valcarlos on the first day not via Napoleons way - anyway I am sure there are others also going - you should come to the Camino lunch on the 1st Saturday of February in Sydney

Thank you Larry. I will attend the Lunch Meet in Sydney on the !st of FEb

 

[julie]

Mary
My wife and I will be leaving SJPDP on the 16th May if you want to walk with us though we are walking via Valcarlos on the first day not via Napoleons way - anyway I am sure there are others also going - you should come to the Camino lunch on the 1st Saturday of February in Sydney

Hi Larry + wife, Mary and any others from Sydney,
Just a reminder to check the website www.pilgrimsinsydney.org for the location of the meeting. It will be at noon on Saturday 1 February but the location may change as we will be moving to the Spanish Club's new premises as soon as they are open for business.

I'll also post a Forum message a few days before the meeting to confirm the location.

 

[Larry from Sydney]

Thanks Julie - the new page is starting to look good - are you going to post your recommended list of what you pack - would b good to have a page where we can share our blogs and travel plans etc so like on the forum we have a way to contact people who are travelling to give clues on airline tickets etc if there is a cheap sale we see etc
See you on the 1st February
Larry

 

[Macs]

Hello Helenv

we are couple in our sixties leaving in March to walk from montserrat to Santiago, arriving late May

We are from Brisbane, but will be in Adelaide for few weeks in feb

Would love to catch up if possible to compare rucksacks

Don't want to post personal contact info here. Is there private messaging facility on this site?

Regards

bob and Anne

 

[colinPeter]

Hola Bob & Anne
Welcome to the forum.

Is there private messaging facility on this site?

Have send you a private message so you can get the hang of it.
Just click on the persons name (left hand under their avatar) & you can start a private conversation.
Buen Camino
Colin

 

[angelafinnigan]

Hi

Hubby & I are from Sydney & planning to do our first Camino in either May 2014 or 2015, depending on work commitments.

Chris is currently 62 years and I am 57 years.

Any other from Australia planning their walks for the same time??

 

[billbennettoz]

I'll be walking from Porto to Santiago on April 7th.

I should add that I'm from Mudgee, in Central NSW.

 

[Susannafromsweden]

I have moved a number of posts about equipment to a new thread which can be found here:
My pack list
Please continue the equipment discussion there.
Thank you,
Susanna/Mod.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Is this class of 2014 just for Aussies? I am from the US and will be walking in late May.

I had hoped o do this last year but finances did not permit. Super excited and when I share my plan, they tell me I glow!

I am blog hungry right now, so if anyone has a blog, throw it my way!

Kris

No Kris - " it's not just for Aussies" - but it is more Down Under orientated. Being in the opposite hemisphere we often feel ignored or forgotten. Our travelling times from Sydney or Auckland (for Kiwi's) are so much longer - 25-29 hours to Paris or Madrid. So the various " local" groups get together to share experiences, future plans, advice for new walkers over a glass or two of vino tinto and some Spanish food. There is a full Camino calendar for ALL future pilgrims elsewhere on this site. However if you or any pilgrims you know are going to be in Sydney you and they will always be welcome to join us. Buen Camino.

 

[SusanMB]

Hi Kris our blog is www.caminopilgrims.com We are about 86 days off from starting our 2nd camino. You will love it. Fully understand the glow aspect

 

[JoanneK]

Hi

My friend Lawrence and I - both from Melbourne - will be starting the Camino adventure on 23rd April 2014 from St Jean Pie de Port...

Hi. My husband Bronek and I leave Sydney on 20 April and with connections etc we also hope to leave on 23 April. Will look out for you. Joanne

 

[Roger and Jackey]

I am planning on may 2014 from Le Puy. I hope to get to Santiago for my 40th birthday a week before the feast of St James. Hope to see you on the way

My wife and I are both 60 and have booked to leave from Le Puy in mid May. Never done this much walking but looking forward to it, albiet with some trepidation. May see you on the track. From what we read there are not that many Australians doing the Camino from Le Puy so maybe we'll meet along the way. Cheers

 

[julie]

My wife and I are both 60 and have booked to leave from Le Puy in mid May. Never done this much walking but looking forward to it, albiet with some trepidation. May see you on the track. From what we read there are not that many Australians doing the Camino from Le Puy so maybe we'll meet along the way. Cheers

I walked from Le Puy at the end of May, 2007 and didn't expect to meet any other Australians. At the end of the Mass in Le Puy, the priest invited all the pilgrims to come forward. He proceeded to speak to us and asked where we had come from. To my surprise, the couple standing next to me were from Melbourne.

A reminder to all you Sydneysiders that our next meeting is at noon this Saturday, 1 February at the Sir John Young Hotel on the corner of George and Liverpool Streets, Sydney. You can find a location map on our website http://www.pilgrimsinsydney.org/

 

[julie]

Thanks Julie - the new page is starting to look good - are you going to post your recommended list of what you pack - would b good to have a page where we can share our blogs and travel plans etc so like on the forum we have a way to contact people who are travelling to give clues on airline tickets etc if there is a cheap sale we see etc
See you on the 1st February
Larry

Thanks for your suggestions Larry. I'm sorry for not responding to this earlier, I just saw it.

The purpose of the website is really just to let people know we exist and to tell them where and when we meet. We work primarily face-to-face though we also help people via email. It's not my intention to re-invent the wheel (thereby making work for myself) so I'm reticent to double up on information that is readily available elsewhere. That's why there is only a map but no information about various Camino routes. Having said that, of course, the website is a work in progress and we will have to wait and see how it shapes up. The next page will be for Links and it would be easy to have a section for blog links. It would also be useful to put on those things that we're always handing out e.g. a pack list.

 

[marjude]

Hi, I'm planning on leaving Lisbon on the 31st March, all my plans are ready to go, all I've got to do is just keep on training ... Is anybody else going to be leaving Lisbon around the same time?
I have previously walked from Seville to Salamanca on the VdlP route.
Buen Camino you all, Judy.

 

[Maggie Arundell]

Is there a Melbourne Camino Group I could meet with?

 

[colinPeter]

My wife and I are both 60 and have booked to leave from Le Puy in mid May. Never done this much walking but looking forward to it, albiet with some trepidation. May see you on the track. From what we read there are not that many Australians doing the Camino from Le Puy so maybe we'll meet along the way. Cheers

Bonjour Roger et Jackey,
Welcome to the forum.
I remember well the "trepidation" when setting off for our first Camino, I was also 60 at the time (Helen 57), everyone thought we were mad.
It was one of life's most wonderful experiences, that was the Camino Frances. We've since returned a walked it again and enjoyed it just as much.
This year we will be ahead of you as we plan to walk from Le Puy at Easter.
Hope all goes well with your plans and preparations.
Bon Chemin
Colin

 

[julie]

Is there a Melbourne Camino Group I could meet with?

Hi Maggie,

The thread http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/victoria-pilgrims.23606/ gives contact details for a Melbourne Camino group.

 

[Jose Abalo]

Hi. My husband Bronek and I leave Sydney on 20 April and with connections etc we also hope to leave on 23 April. Will look out for you. Joanne

Hi Joanne , looking forward to seeing you both then.

Regards
Jose

 

[HelenB]

Hi

Hubby & I are from Sydney & planning to do our first Camino in either May 2014 or 2015, depending on work commitments.

Chris is currently 62 years and I am 57 years.

Any other from Australia planning their walks for the same time??

My husband and I are starting from SJPP on May 1 2014. Finalised our flight bookings this morning. Now it is real, before I was training for a dream!

 

[colinPeter]

My husband and I are starting from SJPP on May 1 2014. Finalised our flight bookings this morning. Now it is real, before I was training for a dream!

Hola Helen,
Welcome to the forum. May the 1st, not far away now.
Hope all goes well with your planning.
Buen Camino
Colin

 

[sriyantra]

Well we have finally done it! We have booked our flights and will be walking the Camino Frances from SJPdP to SdC from the beginning of May 2014. We have allowed for 40 days so that we will not be under time pressure, and we hope to take each day as it comes. We have all our gear - our fully packed backpacks without water or food weigh about 6kg for me and 7kg for my husband. I am really excited and more than a little nervous(!), and just can't wait for May to come around. We are trying to go without expectations and just go with the flow and see where it leads us. This is the year of our Camino! I can't believe it! What a wonderful opportunity. I hope to meet some fellow forum members along the Way.
Helen.

Which airline did you book with. Are you going via Dubai, London or Paris? I am thinking from Brisbane going to Dubai/Madrid and on return Santiago/Barcelona/Singapore/Brisbane.

Thanks Sonia

 

[Jose Abalo]

Which airline did you book with. Are you going via Dubai, London or Paris? I am thinking from Brisbane going to Dubai/Madrid and on return Santiago/Barcelona/Singapore/Brisbane.

Thanks Sonia

We are travelling with Qantas to Paris - then we have booked Air France flight from Orly airport to Biarritz. From there we have a taxi to St Jean Pied de Port.

 

[Mary Power]

Which airline did you book with. Are you going via Dubai, London or Paris? I am thinking from Brisbane going to Dubai/Madrid and on return Santiago/Barcelona/Singapore/Brisbane.

Thanks Sonia

I am flying with Singapore Airlines from sydney to CDG and then flying from Orly to Biarritz and then catching train/bus/taxi to SJDP.
Flying from madrid to Ireland(I am Irish) for a week and then from LHR back to sydney with singapore.
I have booked the night of the 2oth at Orrison. I have sent an email to SJDP to book accommodation for the night of the 19th. As I am on my own I feel more secure if I have booked these nights accommodation before leaving.
Flights paid for. Mixed emotions excitement and nervous but I have a great feeling about it!!!!

 

[HelenB]

Which airline did you book with. Are you going via Dubai, London or Paris? I am thinking from Brisbane going to Dubai/Madrid and on return Santiago/Barcelona/Singapore/Brisbane.

Thanks Sonia

We are travelling with Emerits, Brisbane- Dubai -Paris, then the train to Bayonne.

 

[HelenvE]

Which airline did you book with. Are you going via Dubai, London or Paris? I am thinking from Brisbane going to Dubai/Madrid and on return Santiago/Barcelona/Singapore/Brisbane.

Thanks Sonia

We are flying Emirates via Dubai to Amsterdam for a few days (family reasons), train to Paris and some time there before we fly from Orly airport to Biarritz, then take the train to SJPdP. And from then it's all open and we're walking and trusting to the Camino - exciting and scary! We haven't booked Orrison because we don't know which route we will take, Napoleon or Valcarlos. I'm not sure if that is wise or not for the beginning of May, but I guess we'll work it out as we go. I'd like to start the way we intend to continue and not worry about beds or forward plans, just take it as it comes.

 

[Mary Power]

We are travelling with Emerits, Brisbane- Dubai -Paris, then the train to Bayonne.

What date are you both arriving in SJDP

 

[HelenB]

What date are you both arriving in SJDP

We get to Bayonne on 30 April, not sure if we will stay there or go on to SJPP that night..hoping to spend the night of May 1 in Orrison

 

[colinPeter]

We get to Bayonne on 30 April, not sure if we will stay there or go on to SJPP that night..hoping to spend the night of May 1 in Orrison

Hola Helen,
You might consider booking ahead for May 1st (even if going via Valcarlos), major public holiday in France & Spain.
Buen Camino
Colin

 

[HelenB]

Hola Helen,
You might consider booking ahead for May 1st (even if going via Valcarlos), major public holiday in France & Spain.
Buen Camino
Colin

I was hesitant to book in case the weather prevented us from getting to Orrison. Thank you for your advice. I will follow it up

 

[colinPeter]

I was hesitant to book in case the weather prevented us from getting to Orrison. Thank you for your advice. I will follow it up

Hola Helen,
It is usually not a problem getting to Orrison, weather problems are more likely the pass from Orrison to Roncesvalles.
The arrangement used to be, if the weather was to bad to cross the pass, the owner would drive you back around to a "similar" location on the lower (Valcarlos) route.
If the conditions were a bit mediocre weather he would guide everyone to were it was save to continue alone.
I don't know if this is still the arrangement, but you could ask.
Buen Camino
Colin

 

[HelenB]

Hola Helen,
It is usually not a problem getting to Orrison, weather problems are more likely the pass from Orrison to Roncesvalles.
The arrangement used to be, if the weather was to bad to cross the pass, the owner would drive you back around to a "similar" location on the lower (Valcarlos) route.
If the conditions were a bit mediocre weather he would guide everyone to were it was save to continue alone.
I don't know if this is still the arrangement, but you could ask.
Buen Camino
Colin

Thank you, that sounds wonderful, takes a lot of the worry out of planning. I have sent a message to the Contact part of their web page. ( I realise it is the middle of the night there at the moment) so hope to hear from them later in the day. Is this still the best way to contact them, or is there a direct email address that I have missed on their web page.
Helen

 

[colinPeter]

Thank you, that sounds wonderful, takes a lot of the worry out of planning. I have sent a message to the Contact part of their web page. ( I realise it is the middle of the night there at the moment) so hope to hear from them later in the day. Is this still the best way to contact them, or is there a direct email address that I have missed on their web page.
Helen

The email link on their webpage is the only way I've made contact.

 

[HelenB]

Hola Helen,
You might consider booking ahead for May 1st (even if going via Valcarlos), major public holiday in France & Spain.
Buen Camino
Colin

Will businesses and shops be shut?
Does this mean we will have difficulty doing last minute shopping etc in SJPP?

 

[colinPeter]

Will businesses and shops be shut?
Does this mean we will have difficulty doing last minute shopping etc in SJPP?

I've been at various places along the Camino twice on May 1st and never noticed any disruption.
However, I'm not doing "shopping" in general.
My understanding is that Post offices, banks, stores and other businesses are closed.
SJPP is a tourist town so I imagine the cafes & bars will be open but probably not shops in general.
However, if you don't need "gear" for the walk, SJPP and surrounds is a lovely place to just relax, wander & get over any jet lag.
Someone whose been there on May 1st might chime in with more info.

 

[HelenB]

I've been at various places along the Camino twice on May 1st and never noticed any disruption.
However, I'm not doing "shopping" in general.
My understanding is that Post offices, banks, stores and other businesses are closed.
SJPP is a tourist town so I imagine the cafes & bars will be open but probably not shops in general.
However, if you don't need "gear" for the walk, SJPP and surrounds is a lovely place to just relax, wander & get over any jet lag.
Someone whose been there on May 1st might chime in with more info.

Just thinking of getting credential, and snack foods for travelling the next couple of days. I read somewhere else that everything shuts down on public holidays and if the public holiday is a Thursday, often the Friday is also taken.

 

[colinPeter]

Just thinking of getting credential, and snack foods for travelling the next couple of days. I read somewhere else that everything shuts down on public holidays and if the public holiday is a Thursday, often the Friday is also taken.

I would be surprised if the pilgrim office was closed, so credential shouldn't be a problem. I would think you'd get snacks OK or maybe have buy something the night before. Do you have a reservation at Orrison?

 

[HelenB]

I have sent an email requesting accommodation at Orrison but have not yet received a reply. Due to it being the weekend , I will wait another day or so before I try again or start to stress about it. Thank you for your guidance. Plans are made to be changed, so we may need to look at other options if we are not meant to stay on Orrison.
Helen

 

[HelenB]

We are flying Emirates via Dubai to Amsterdam for a few days (family reasons), train to Paris and some time there before we fly from Orly airport to Biarritz, then take the train to SJPdP. And from then it's all open and we're walking and trusting to the Camino - exciting and scary! We haven't booked Orrison because we don't know which route we will take, Napoleon or Valcarlos. I'm not sure if that is wise or not for the beginning of May, but I guess we'll work it out as we go. I'd like to start the way we intend to continue and not worry about beds or forward plans, just take it as it comes.

Just letting you know, we attempted to book Orisson for 1st May (I see you mentioned you would be starting early May) and found they were full, but they offered places for us at their other place approx 15 minutes away at Gite Kayola with the option of having meals at Orisson.

 

[colinPeter]

...Gite Kayola ....

A thread with some info on Gite Kayola
http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/anyone-stayed-in-gite-kayola-before-orisson.14868/

 

[HelenB]

A thread with some info on Gite Kayola
http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/anyone-stayed-in-gite-kayola-before-orisson.14868/

Thank you for that and all your other guidance. There were a couple of links to photos which I didn't find when I Googled it, I should have thought to look here on the forum! Silly me! We will have our meals at Orisson, so looks like we are organised. Just got to wait for Easter and ANZAC Day and we are off!! So exciting!

 

[ecarey77]

Well we have finally done it! We have booked our flights and will be walking the Camino Frances from SJPdP to SdC from the beginning of May 2014. We have allowed for 40 days so that we will not be under time pressure, and we hope to take each day as it comes. We have all our gear - our fully packed backpacks without water or food weigh about 6kg for me and 7kg for my husband. I am really excited and more than a little nervous(!), and just can't wait for May to come around. We are trying to go without expectations and just go with the flow and see where it leads us. This is the year of our Camino! I can't believe it! What a wonderful opportunity. I hope to meet some fellow forum members along the Way.
Helen.

Hi Helen,
How exciting! I will be walking around the same time. It's going to be such a fantastic experience! Maybe we'll meet up. Buen Camino!

 

[Larry from Sydney]

Congratulations Helen I hope you enjoy the Camino my wife and I start from SJPDP on the 16th May and have allowed ourselves 40 days as well so if we do better we will get down to Muxia as well - safe walking
Larry

 

[Deanna]

So happy for you. I am booked in June but hurt my foot with too much walking in prep. Do you believe it. Fingers crossed that it gets better and I can do it this year. Otherwise next year it is. Happy walking!

 

[Larry from Sydney]

So happy for you. I am booked in June but hurt my foot with too much walking in prep. Do you believe it. Fingers crossed that it gets better and I can do it this year. Otherwise next year it is. Happy walking!

Take it easy with your feet as they are really important when you are walking

 

[Roger and Jackey]

T

Bonjour Roger et Jackey,
Welcome to the forum.
I remember well the "trepidation" when setting off for our first Camino, I was also 60 at the time (Helen 57), everyone thought we were mad.
It was one of life's most wonderful experiences, that was the Camino Frances. We've since returned a walked it again and enjoyed it just as much.
This year we will be ahead of you as we plan to walk from Le Puy at Easter.
Hope all goes well with your plans and preparations.
Bon Chemin
Colin

Thanks for your reply Colin. We both wish you and Helen a wonderful walk. Cheers

 

[Father Nicholas Pearce]

Just a note to let people know that I will be walking with a small group of young Catholics from across Australia this June/July. After a visit to Lourdes we are planning to start from St Jean on 5th June 2014. Look forward to hearing of any other aussies who will be walking the way of St James at this time.

 

[colinPeter]

Just a note to let people know that I will be walking with a small group of young Catholics from across Australia this June/July. After a visit to Lourdes we are planning to start from St Jean on 5th June 2014. Look forward to hearing of any other aussies who will be walking the way of St James at this time.

Hi Father,
Welcome to the forum.
Hope all goes well with your planning, feel free to ask for any advice.
Buen Camino
Colin

 

[Kanga]

Just a note to let people know that I will be walking with a small group of young Catholics from across Australia this June/July. After a visit to Lourdes we are planning to start from St Jean on 5th June 2014. Look forward to hearing of any other aussies who will be walking the way of St James at this time.

Father, I walked with my daughter during June/July - the university holidays in Oz was the only time she had available. I'd already walked the Camino twice, once in September/October, once in April/May. The weather was very different in June/July and it did get very hot. 38* plus hot. We eventually joined up with a group of youngsters - lovely kids but not altogether sensible about the heat. They were hopeless about getting up early so were always having to walk in the hottest part of the day. The inevitable happened and I finished up translating for one girl who let herself get dehydrated, and had to be hospitalised and put on a drip for 24 hours.
Australians are good about sun protection so that is one issue you, hopefully, won't have to worry about.
I know the Camino will be all and more than you hope for.

 

[trevorcc]

Hi to all the Australian and New Zealand pilgrims,

I am from Melbourne did the walk last September and going back around the 2nd September this year again, starting from SJPDP again as I enjoyed the trip and I have so much more to see. Hope to see you out there.

Trevor

 

[Larry from Sydney]

The countdown continues - only 5 weeks to go before we fly out for Paris and then the train to SJPDP to start our walk on the 16th May - now the days will be precious as we still have some last minute shopping to do - reweighing our packs to get rid of extra items we don't need - and just reading more about what to expect and see - as I have said before we will send our bags forward from SJPDP to R for teh first day just to break ourselves in and not to break our spirits - but right now our spirits are high as we get closer to our departure date - happy walking all

 

[yellowshoes55]

I am a tad older than you two and from what I have been advised this is a good time to go. I am from the Melbourne area but get to Sydney (Surry Hills area) v often . We could meet up and compare notes.

Hi,
We have deferred our Camino until 2015, but will be doing the Portuguese Camino in Sept/October of this year as a trial run.
Buen Camino

 

[Millie]

We are from Newcastle and are booked to fly out on the 2nd october and starting from SJPP on 6th. We plan on taking around 45 days and spending some extra time looking around afterwards. We are 57 @ 56 and are really looking forward to our walk.

 

[Larry from Sydney]

Hello Millie - we leave on the 12th May starting from SJPDP on the 16th - if you are interested there is a forum group that meets monthly in Sydney = next meeting is on the 7th May - have a good walk and Buen Camino

 

[Larry from Sydney]

Hey Meripng how are you see you in SJPDP just found out that the baggage company does not have a loan bag when they take our bags to roncesvalles so we are bringing a disposable bag for the day that we will leave in roncesvalles


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum mobile app

 

[Perejil]

Hi all
My wife and I been considering the walking the Cameno either this year or next.
We have relatives in Galicia and have traveled many times as tourists sound the area.

 

[Angelo]

Hello to All,

After several postponements (3 years!), I am finally going on my first Camino pilgrimage. I have the airline ticket from Sydney to Paris (arriving 24/08/14), TGV ticket and an overnight stay in Bayonne (as I will arrive there at 2300). I have also booked a place at Refuge Orisson on the night of 25/08. The excitement is building up, my gear is ready and I can't wait.

For those who have walked in September, what's the weather like? Apart form the heat, will I expect a lot of rain?

 

[Kanga]

Hello to All,

After several postponements (3 years!), I am finally going on my first Camino pilgrimage. I have the airline ticket from Sydney to Paris (arriving 24/08/14), TGV ticket and an overnight stay in Bayonne (as I will arrive there at 2300). I have also booked a place at Refuge Orisson on the night of 25/08. The excitement is building up, my gear is ready and I can't wait.

For those who have walked in September, what's the weather like? Apart form the heat, will I expect a lot of rain?

September is usually great weather.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola Angelo, if you happen to be in Sydney on Saturday 7 June or 2 Aug the Sydney Pilgrims meet at the City of Sydney RSL club (up to 2nd story - its in George St just down from Liverpool St). We start around 12.00 for lunch and drinks. You will be more than welcome - just be prepared to meet a group of Camino Nuts. Here is a link to the web site
http://www.pilgrimsinsydney.org/
Buen Camino

 

[Angelo]

Hola Angelo, if you happen to be in Sydney on Saturday 7 June or 2 Aug the Sydney Pilgrims meet at the City of Sydney RSL club (up to 2nd story - its in George St just down from Liverpool St). We start around 12.00 for lunch and drinks. You will be more than welcome - just be prepared to meet a group of Camino Nuts. Here is a link to the web site
http://www.pilgrimsinsydney.org/
Buen Camino

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the invitation. I will try and see if I can drive from Mid Coast to be able to attend next Saturday. It would be good to meet the group and hear about their experiences.

Angelo

 

[Angelo]

September is usually great weather.

Thanks for the information, Kanga!

I should have directed my question to you seeing that you have done the Camino between September/October.

Angelo

 

[Kanga]

Thanks for the information, Kanga!

I should have directed my question to you seeing that you have done the Camino between September/October.

Angelo

And April/May and June/July! Every season has it's pleasures. Margaret Meredith has me seriously considering a winter Camino.

 

[Angelo]

Hi Kanga,

I know of a young family who commenced their Camino at SJPdP on New Year's day. The only issue was the limited number of Albergues that were open along the Way. But if there's a will there's a way, I suppose