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Thanks Ernie! I appreciate the spirit of your comment was just pointing out that it isn't the easiest of times to go. For work and the study of my children it is the best time, so whilst I wouldn't ideally choose that time, I'm just thankful that we can go and grateful for any opportunity we have. We will just make the most of the opportunity and focus on the positives. Thanks for sharing about the French family, I'm always encouraged to hear of other families that make it, although I'm not sure about the donkeys! Buen camino!Hi Paul, it wasn't my intention to scared you off the wonderful adventure you going to undertake with your family. To reed in be-twin the line the positive determination is fantastic. (Although is not my business) I just felt right not to point out few fact, like the time of the year and the young children involved.
In my two precedent FC camino from SJPD I saw few bad things happening that's all, but of course you mention bus and taxi, I didn't think of that.
The good thing I can tell you is that the 2012 FC at SJPD on the 20th of May I met a French family coming back from Fisterre and the component of the family was : father, mother, three small children and three donkey, apparently the year before they sold all they possession and (from France)they travel to Fisterre lived in the town for 6 month and they where on the way back to start all over again.
I my self I challenge life in a positive way and next year for me is going to be a very hard one, as I write my next pilgrimage starts in Geneva around 1400 miles 2 and half months (if I get there).So
To you and your family
BUEN CAMINO !!!!!
If you buy an Altus poncho, it serves as a pack cover and a poncho. Drape the poncho over your pack when rain threatens, and slip into it if rain starts. You can find one in Pamplona at CaminoTechnica. Waiting to buy a poncho until you think you need it may entail getting wet! You don't really think you need it until you are soaked. During July it might be quite dry, but that is not certain, particularly in Galicia, where it rains all year. Buen camino!Should I invest in a raincover for my backpack? Can I easily find a rain poncho to purchase along the way if needed
Hello - I'm living in Boise ID and have been planning my first Camino for two years. I decided to wait until both hips were resurfaced so I could walk with no pain. I am leaving mid-September for SJPP to Finisterre. I want to celebrate my 60th birthday on the Camino. This forum has been tremendously helpful. I am grateful.If you buy an Altus poncho, it serves as a pack cover and a poncho. Drape the poncho over your pack when rain threatens, and slip into it if rain starts. You can find one in Pamplona at CaminoTechnica. Waiting to buy a poncho until you think you need it may entail getting wet! You don't really think you need it until you are soaked. During July it might be quite dry, but that is not certain, particularly in Galicia, where it rains all year. Buen camino!
Buen camino!I am leaving mid-September for SJPP to Finisterre.
If you buy an Altus poncho, it serves as a pack cover and a poncho. Drape the poncho over your pack when rain threatens, and slip into it if rain starts. You can find one in Pamplona at CaminoTechnica. Waiting to buy a poncho until you think you need it may entail getting wet! You don't really think you need it until you are soaked. During July it might be quite dry, but that is not certain, particularly in Galicia, where it rains all year. Buen camino!
Walter1407---That sounds amazing!
My husband and I are thinking Geneva to STPP in Aug/Sept.
This past Aug/Sept we walked SJPP to Leon, then bused to Oviedo and walked the Primitivo to SDC and the walked on to Muxia.
Hi all,
Flights booked and in the countdown. We will be doing the Francés starting from SJPP between the 10-13 Feb and have until mid April. We will be the ambitious group with five children from 2-15 years. Can't wait now. Biggest immediate challenge is balancing weight now, with one baby carrier and one large pack as we have to carry extra equipment for the cold between myself and my wife. I have to assume we'll spend a bit of time carrying my little one, who is about 16kg. Can't split that weight up! We can go slow, but will be limited in stops I expect. We're open to the experience guiding us in unpredictable ways. Very exciting times ahead!
Obviously the physical aspect of walking the Camino needs to be taken into account, but to have a really good experience you'll also need to be willing to open yourself up to whatever comes your way. ( if you wanted to stay in your comfort zone you would have stayed home, right?) Try to approach each day and each person without any judgements or preconceived ideas. Say yes more often than no. Be willing to laugh at yourself. Maybe I'll see you there. I'm leaving St. Jean on May 1st.Hello, I am walking the Camino Frances in April 2015. I will depart from St Jean and hope to climb via the Napolean route right through to Finisterre. This is the plan anyway. I have no idea what I am doing, and so will be totally out of my comfort zone. Never walked, hiked, trekked, or stayed in group accommodations before, so am getting right out of my comfort zone. Any good advice for a new walker is welcome. Buen Camino.
For us starting in SJPP is symbolically important. We assume that the only option will be via Valcarlos at that time, and from what I've read it sounds very doable. We expect to break the leg up. If it is dangerous, we won't be silly, and will call on other transport if needed. We obviously hope to not have to, but if due to safety we have to head to Roncevalles to start, we will. We will go to SJPP as our intended starting point though. Thanks for your concerns!Just wondering: Have you checked how much snow you'll have to expect when crossing the Pyrenees? According to information on the internet, the average snow line in February is at altitude 1400 metres, i.e. at the altitude at which you'll cross into Spain. But that's an average. I remember skiing in the Pyrenees in June. Will the Camino tracks you want to follow be visible and passable? I wonder. Should there be snow (or melting snow) on your descent to Roncesvalles, expect a difficult and slippery track - with a baby on the back a challenge. Depending on the weather conditions (e.g. fog - things can change rather quickly there) you could run into serious trouble, especially as you will be with kids. Why don't you start in Roncesvalles instead?
Obviously the physical aspect of walking the Camino needs to be taken into account, but to have a really good experience you'll also need to be willing to open yourself up to whatever comes your way. ( if you wanted to stay in your comfort zone you would have stayed home, right?) Try to approach each day and each person without any judgements or preconceived ideas. Say yes more often than no. Be willing to laugh at yourself. Maybe I'll see you there. I'm leaving St. Jean on May 1st.
I took an ALSA bus from Pamplona to Roncesvalles, where I started my pilgrimage, two of my fellow bus passengers ( they met in the bus) then called a taxi that took them from Roncesvalles to St. Jean. I also read somewhere that ALSA is planning to extend the Pamplona-Roncesvalles run to St. Jean but I just checked their website and that leg is not available yet.If any of you have an advise that I can use to get to saint Jean
I WAS planning on my second attempt this year (2014), but decided on September 2015, starting from Vezelay.
F.Y.A., what you say you'll be looking for is exactly what I found on my first Camino and why I feel the need to go back. I remember feeling like I was tossing things overboard (self doubt/anxiety about the future/- all the things in our minds that tend to hold us back) as I walked and talked. I came home with a level of calmness and serenity that I don't think I'd ever had before.I think if I can rediscover resilience, give up caring what others think of me and empty my mind of thoughts, then it's a good outcome. Will this be too much to expect? I hope not. It will be great to be able to laugh at myself again. It's been a long time since I was able to do that. Life is mental for me at the moment, and I mean that quite literally. I wish I could be thought - less, so I can be present in the here and now. Not dwelling in the past in "what should have been", or planning into the future of "what should be". And so yes, I do need to be in a completely unknown environment in order to do this.
F.Y.A., what you say you'll be looking for is exactly what I found on my first Camino and why I feel the need to go back. I remember feeling like I was tossing things overboard (self doubt/anxiety about the future/- all the things in our minds that tend to hold us back) as I walked and talked. I came home with a level of calmness and serenity that I don't think I'd ever had before.
As for being in the here and now- you'll almost have no choice in the matter. You'll run things through your head several times over only to discover you still have hours to walk and that will bring you right back to the here and now.
Good decission to walk the Caminho Portuges. Have a look on our Portugese forum here and find your way. You will love it. Totaly different to the camino Frances. Maybe see you around. Starting May 2015 for the second time our caminho Portuges.My wife (wonder woman) and I are getting ready for el Camino Portugues in May/June starting in Lisbon.
I learned my lesson, last time I passed out before Larrasoaña and spent 3 days in Pamplona on doctors orders because of exhaustion. This time we will spend 2 or 3 days in Lisbon recovering from the long trip and jet lag before we start walking.
I should mention that I am 71 years old and diabetic but we did arrive to Santiago 41 days later.
Um, cause I'm a creature of habit? Actually it's because I'm going with a sister and brother (first timers) and I think this would be the most enjoyable route for them.I am very good at running things through my head over and over again. i hope I will get bored of the things I say to myself by the time I get to SdC. May I ask, why you choose to walk the Camino Frances again, given that there are other Camino routes?
The Class of .. threads were started back in when 2007 Arn had the bright idea of creating a topic for all those planning to go in 2008. His post:
The number of folks making their Camino each year is in the thousands, surely there are more of you out there.
Who among you is willing to acknowledge you're a member of the class of 2015?
Buen Camino
Arn
Albertinho, are you starting from Lisboa? Do you know the date yet?Starting May 2015 for the second time our caminho Portuges.
No we donot start in Lisbon next year.we started in Lisbon last year.Albertinho, are you starting from Lisboa? Do you know the date yet?
Hee haw ! Branden. Welcome on this great forum.Hello Classmates of 2015. The information here is so wonderful and exciting! I have only 2 short weeks in Spain but intend to make every second amazing.
I definitely want to walk from Santiago to Fisterra and Muxia (4-5 days)- the coast calls, but I am torn between the Via La Plata, Portuges, Camino Frances, and now the Primitivo. I understand that whichever of these routes I choose I will only be able to walk the last 120KMs or so due to time constraints. ANyway- hope to see some of you along the way. I will be there in late May -early June. Buen Camino!
My pack, sleep sack, and sleeping bag arrived today! I got both excited and a bit nervous at the same time. Also, my cat is wondering how she is going to get into the bag and go with me. Looking forward to April 25th!!
Those feelings are what make planning for Camino so fun! Just wait until you have the pack loaded and on your back and the thought "am I crazy??" runs through your mind.
I censorsed my self earlier . I Got excited and then said "oh sh#! ..this is real now!" And proceeded to feel nervous.
But you're right, putting the pack on for first time gave me a reality check - 500 miles?! With these shoes and that pack only?! What have I gotten myself into?
An hour later, after messing with the parts and wearing it around a bit, I am back to feeling excitement.
Every time I find myself in the middle of a casino I say the same thing. And usually its after I lose my money. Sorry couldnt help myself with your typo. LOL.Many time in the middle of the casinos, in all sort of bad situation, I asked myself what was I doing here, .
Hello!
My name is Ariel and I plan to walk the Camino del Norte in April of 2015. See you on the trail! Any other solo walkers heading out around the same time?
Buen Camino!
Ariel
My pack, sleep sack, and sleeping bag arrived today! I got both excited and a bit nervous at the same time. Also, my cat is wondering how she is going to get into the bag and go with me. Looking forward to April 25th!!
My pack, sleeping bag , rain jacket came in last week while I was visiting grandchildren in Montana. Today I bought my air tickets, I will arrive CDG on the 28th of April and get a train to SJPP. I hope to be on the trail by the 1st of May. Maybe we will run into each other on the journey. Buen Camino !
Hello Classmates of 2015. The information here is so wonderful and exciting! I have only 2 short weeks in Spain but intend to make every second amazing.
I definitely want to walk from Santiago to Fisterra and Muxia (4-5 days)- the coast calls, but I am torn between the Via La Plata, Portuges, Camino Frances, and now the Primitivo. I understand that whichever of these routes I choose I will only be able to walk the last 120KMs or so due to time constraints. ANyway- hope to see some of you along the way. I will be there in late May -early June. Buen Camino!
Hello Branden,
Welcome to the forum.
I was wondering if you had picked up from the information here that if you walk to Muxia first, the bus service back to SDC from Finisterre is more regular than that from Muxia? There's a thread about that bus timetable on the forum.
Oh! - by the way, please stop balancing on cliff edges you're making me nervous
Buen Camino
Oh yeah Beale street blues. Blue suede shoes. Graceland. Sun StudioAlbertinho- No I live in the other Music capital- Memphis! Home of the true Blues!!!! But Nashville rocks too!
Portugues Camino calls me ...I need lots of beauty adn fresh air- not lots of people although people are wonderful thank you for the tips!
I arrive at CDG on the morning of the 28th and hope to be in SJPP that evening if I can figure out the trains. I don't know how the flight will leave me, I have not been bothered with jet lag much in the past as I can almost sleep standing. I want to take the Napoleon route leaving St Jean so I am leaving time to catch good weather. At this point I am not making reservations and want to see where the journey leads. I hope this isn't just one of those crazy things men do because we don't always use our whole brain. Lol. I feel like I have become a part of many journeys through the forum and hope I can match faces to stories as we progress on the road. I get more excited every day about the journey and have received so much help through the forum that whatever the need I feel the answer will come at the right time.I think I will depart SJPP around the 28th and take it easy the first few days - I bet we will cross paths @SRM.
Happy planning to you as well.
I too am using the "Go with the flow" method. Im a real dot the "I`s" and cross the "T`s" kinda person when it comes to trips. This one Im just going to take every day as it was intended to land.At this point I am not making reservations and want to see where the journey leads. I hope this isn't just one of those crazy things men do because we don't always use our whole brain..
The Class of .. threads were started back in when 2007 Arn had the bright idea of creating a topic for all those planning to go in 2008. His post:
The number of folks making their Camino each year is in the thousands, surely there are more of you out there.
Who among you is willing to acknowledge you're a member of the class of 2015?
Buen Camino
Arn
My friend and I will be arriving in Paris on the 15th April and will begin from SJPP on the 17th. I just can't believe how close it is!
Hello Kanga: I am also returning to Spain on June 23 to walk the Norte from Irun. I am uncertain at this time whether I will take the Primativo route at Oviedo or continue on the Norte. Perhaps that is part of the 'magic of the journey' or the not knowing part and taking each day on the Camino as it comes. I am curious if you have walked the Norte before and are returning to walk the Norte/Primativo now. If the latter is true, what made you decide to go the Primativo route instead of walking the Norte? I am purchasing the new Northern Caminos guidebook when it is on sale in two weeks and plan on looking in detail at both. JohnFlights booked. Ian and I will be arriving in Irun on the 7th or 8th May, to start walking El Norte and Primitivo. Hooray!
I censorsed my self earlier . I Got excited and then said "oh sh#! ..this is real now!" And proceeded to feel nervous.
But you're right, putting the pack on for first time gave me a reality check - 500 miles?! With these shoes and that pack only?! What have I gotten myself into?
An hour later, after messing with the parts and wearing it around a bit, I am back to feeling excitement.
The Class of .. threads were started back in when 2007 Arn had the bright idea of creating a topic for all those planning to go in 2008. His post:
The number of folks making their Camino each year is in the thousands, surely there are more of you out there.
Who among you is willing to acknowledge you're a member of the class of 2015?
Buen Camino
Arn
I will be walking from St Jean Port de Pied to Santiago in May/June/July, 2015. Have been contemplating this journey for several years. Have started collecting information, advice and equipment through the amazing generocity of the experienced pilgrims found here. I will be 65 this fall and will celebrate for the entire year following I have begun walking/hiking to prepare. I'm pretty sure it will be the highlight of my wonderful life!!
Buen Camino!
1st March SJPP we are heading off and nice to read your comments about best gear etc,Hi all, I'm Angela from Manchester, UK, and am delighted to be a member of the Class of 2015. I will be starting my 2nd Camino Frances pilgrimage from SJPP on 8th March. It will be four years since I last did it and I can hardly wait. I'm going to be using the same shoes and backpack (I bought well last time!) but will be taking a poncho this time round to help cope with the inevitable rain in early March - I'm not as vain as I was 4 years ago when I had a top of the range waterproof that was far too fiddly to keep getting in and out of! I'm happy to say one of my very good friends that I made on my last Camino is going to be doing the Camino Norte totally coincidentally at the same time so we plan to meet in Santiago and walk to Finisterre together. Anyone else starting early March feel free to get in touch - if it's anything like last time we will be a small and select bunch (we all fit in one dorm in one albergue last time!)
plan on doing Camino Norte again did it in 2010.The Class of .. threads were started back in when 2007 Arn had the bright idea of creating a topic for all those planning to go in 2008. His post:
The number of folks making their Camino each year is in the thousands, surely there are more of you out there.
Who among you is willing to acknowledge you're a member of the class of 2015?
Buen Camino
Arn
Hi Eileen..Hello from the Jurassic Coast in East Devon, England. I'm putting my name down for the class of 2015 to give me time to get prepared, although I'd really love to do it sooner if possible.
My inspiration came, as for many others, from the film The Way, which I saw sometime last year. I've had fibromyalgia for many years, which I overcame and held at bay with exercise, but which later was compounded by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. So when I saw the film I felt it wasn't something I could do, although I've always loved walking and wanted to do this. Unfortunately I put my back out severely before christmas, and have been hobbling around with a walking stick since and healing has been very slow. But for some reason I recently remembered the film and suddenly had the calling to go. I've been reading up as much as I could then found this fab site today.
I have absolutely no idea how I think I'm going to walk that far but I've got to do it. It's taken me over and is something I need to do. And the more I read, the more I realise how possible it will be once I get my walking ability back...and meanwhile it's given me the impetus to be able to. I don't even know much about the different routes yet, but I'd prefer to do a route that's less popular and during a less touristy or hot time of the year, so if anyone's got any suggestions I'd be very grateful.
I can't wait to be able to say Buen Camino for real on the way, but until then, Buen Camino to you all.
Hello,
I am turning 50 this January 2015 and plan to walk the Camino for Sarria to Santiago August 2015. I am from Toronto and so far none of my friends want to join me. Looks like I may do a solo Camino and catch up with my friends in Barcelona I am not in shape but I plan to get is shape by then it is giving me an incentive to get fit. I am looking forward to the Camino and meeting pilgrims.
Buen Camino!
Julie
It's probably best to plan to take the train from CDG to either Bordeaux or Bayonne and stay the night there before heading off to St Jean PdP. You can check the train timetable on line for the train from Bayonne to St Jean as that is the section of line with the fewest number of trains per day. You have to allow at least a couple of hours for transferring from plane arrival to train (TGV) station at CDG and then some more, to allow for late plane arrival. It is quite a hike from plane arrivals to train departures even though it is all within the same building/complex. It is also cheaper to buy your train ticket before leaving home ie: outside Europe. This can be done online with you printing your own ticket. Also a good idea to book your albergue in St Jean a few weeks prior. Can highly recommend Beilari (formerly l'Esprit du Chemin) www.beilari.info, which is right opposite the Pilgrim Office. Their website also has some really useful information and great links. Buen CaminoI arrive at CDG on the morning of the 28th and hope to be in SJPP that evening if I can figure out the trains. I don't know how the flight will leave me, I have not been bothered with jet lag much in the past as I can almost sleep standing. I want to take the Napoleon route leaving St Jean so I am leaving time to catch good weather. At this point I am not making reservations and want to see where the journey leads. I hope this isn't just one of those crazy things men do because we don't always use our whole brain. Lol. I feel like I have become a part of many journeys through the forum and hope I can match faces to stories as we progress on the road. I get more excited every day about the journey and have received so much help through the forum that whatever the need I feel the answer will come at the right time.
Thank you NolaVulling, I arrive at CDG at 6:00 am on the 28th. I was hoping to get a train to Bayonne and then to SJPDP by that evening. I went ahead and booked a room at Chambres d'Hotes Maison E.Bernat for the 28th and 29th. I am starting to look seriously at train schedules now and try and book my tickets. Thank you for information on CDG and times needed, I havent been sure about how long to allow for transfers. It is great to have all the help I have found on this site and the willingness of everyone to pass along information. Happy New Year ! StephenIt's probably best to plan to take the train from CDG to either Bordeaux or Bayonne and stay the night there before heading off to St Jean PdP. You can check the train timetable on line for the train from Bayonne to St Jean as that is the section of line with the fewest number of trains per day. You have to allow at least a couple of hours for transferring from plane arrival to train (TGV) station at CDG and then some more, to allow for late plane arrival. It is quite a hike from plane arrivals to train departures even though it is all within the same building/complex. It is also cheaper to buy your train ticket before leaving home ie: outside Europe. This can be done online with you printing your own ticket. Also a good idea to book your albergue in St Jean a few weeks prior. Can highly recommend Beilari (formerly l'Esprit du Chemin) www.beilari.info, which is right opposite the Pilgrim Office. Their website also has some really useful information and great links. Buen Camino
HiThe Class of .. threads were started back in when 2007 Arn had the bright idea of creating a topic for all those planning to go in 2008. His post:
The number of folks making their Camino each year is in the thousands, surely there are more of you out there.
Who among you is willing to acknowledge you're a member of the class of 2015?
Buen Camino
Arn
Some folks advise taking only two sets of everything, one set worn and one set for the next day. But this assumes the sun always shines and you never lose anything along the way. Personally, I consider that over-optimistic.
Join the obsessional club!the research and planning, what to take with and where to start etc. is now receiving all my energy.
Hi Meryl -- I am in the process of making my travel arrangements this week. Looks like I'll be departing st. jean pied de port on Saturday, May 30. I made reservations at Refuge Orrison that night. Have fun preparing and anticipating your walk!!Hi Andrea
We have walked the Portuguese camino from Porto to Santiago in September, 2014.
Hubby & I are from Sydney, Australia & plan to walk to camino Frances from st jean pied de port starting on May, 20th.
We have been researching & training for approx 2 years.
Finishing this Camino will be our greatest achievement & we are both excited & full of anticipation.
Meryl
Hi Andrea.Hi Meryl -- I am in the process of making my travel arrangements this week. Looks like I'll be departing st. jean pied de port on Saturday, May 30. I made reservations at Refuge Orrison that night. Have fun preparing and anticipating your walk!!
Andrea
Is it me you are asking?Al:
We are all looking forward to hearing of your new, minimalist approach. There are many approaches to packing clothing for a Camino. There is no "right" method. In the end, the likely optimal solution is the one that works well for you.
I wish you well on your pilgrimage.