I am a new pilgrim...

[mommabear5]

who has never traveled alone and I am scared but excited about walking the camino del norte this spring 2013( mid May to June) or Sept-Oct 2013. I am 51 years old and am an avid hiker in the nw of the USA. I really do not have time constraints other than missing my family and wanting to get home. I had a few questions for those who have walked the northern coast.
1. where in Irun do I get my pilgrims passport?
2. Do I need to make overnight reservations for that first night?
3. I love sleeping in my Kammock (hammock) It's a lightweight backpackers hammock. Is this doable on the camino del norte? All I need are two trees or two posts. Would it be safe to sleep outside?
4. I plan to fly into Irun, then fly home from Santiago de Compostela. Is that how most pilgrims do it? Fly into the beginning town and fly home from the ending town?
5. Can I wait to purchase my ticket home until I am there and decide when to head home? Or does this become too big of a hassel.
6. Did many of you take conversational Spanish classes to prepare? If so, did you find it helpful

That's all for now.
Thank you,
April

 

[Tia Valeria]

Welcome April. We have replied to some of your previous questions, in the Camino del Norte section, on those threads.
Buen Camino
TerryB and Tia Valeria

 

[mommabear5]

Ok. thank you, Teri & Tia. But I am new to forums. How do I find those threads?

I searched camino del norte, but did not find my post with my questions.

Will I need to search through that thread looking for topics similar to my questions? Or are my questions answered specifically?
Thank you for your help...
A

 

[Tia Valeria]

Hola April,
If you cannot remember which thread you have posted a question in then use the 'View your posts' link in the pale blue band near the top of each page. It will show you where you have asked questions etc and then you can go to the thread through your own post.
Once you have been on the forum a while you will find it easier to navigate.
Also when you first log back in check out 'New Posts' and your answers may show there.
Happy planning

 

[skilsaw]

My best guess on where to get a pilgrims passport in Irun would be from a local catholic church.
I haven't done this in Irun, but I know they were available from the Cathedral in Seville, and from the Catholic church right on the camino in Sarria. Irun should be the same.

You might enjoy checking out the American Society of Pilgrims... http://www.americanpilgrims.com/
They might have a local chapter for you to get in touch with.

Buen Camino,
David, Victoria, Canada.