Issues with a late March start

jbear · Mar 6, 2015

I thought I had a solid plan A, as well as a back up plan B. Once I decided to fly into MAD I planed to use Corazón Puro, unfortunately they emailed me saying they don't open until the 27. That's three days after I land, I was disappointed to say the least.

So after I got over that I moved to my far less enticing back up plan- ALSA. But as I look on the 'net it seems they don't start service to SJPP until 1 April.

Am I missing something? Do I need to switch my flight to CDG? Did I totally screw up by adding a week to my trip? How are all these winter pilgrems getting to their starting point? Why did Corazón Puro have to foil my plan?

naplesdon · Mar 6, 2015

It's snow, snow and more snow. One never knows about the weather but late March can still be winter-ish in the Pyrenees which means everywhere between SJPdP to Pamplona. A plane to CDG, train to SJPdP might get you there but then heed the advice you get from the pilgrim's office before you start walking. On 6 march 2015 you would be walking in some lovely sunshine as the recent heavy snowfall melts.

Kathy F. · Mar 7, 2015

I was discouraged from walking the Napoleon from SJPdP to Roncevalles because of snow, ice, and fog in late MAY. I agree with Don.
And having to spend three extra days in Madrid doesn't exactly sound like a hardship to me. Treat yourself. Maybe use the time to get over jet lag?
Buen Camino

jbear · Mar 7, 2015

While I do enjoy Madrid, taking another week off work so I didn't have to rush would be kind of a waste if spent half of it before I start. At this point I'll probably just get myself to Pamplona and spend a day there before I start. It's disappointing, but nothing I can do will change it, so on to plan C. I just need to decide what plan C is

Yes, of course, Don nailed it- snow/ice is what it is. I'll see how things look when I get there. At this point I'm pretty much committed to MAD over CDG. Hoping & praying for clear skys and sunshine, but preparing for fog, snow, and cold.

Just over two weeks until I leave. I am so excited and a little nervous, too.

naplesdon · Mar 7, 2015

If you were living under our wonderful sunshine today, it would be no problem. So good luck, I'll update my forecast when it looks like a change is in the winds but for the time being it is smooth sailing for the next 10 day.

scruffy1 · Mar 7, 2015

Shalom jbear and Greetings from Jerusalem!
CDG might get you to Saint Jean and snow or not , God willing, you will make it to Santiago -ah-what then? You will have to return to Paris to get home! Not the best of plannning at all.

SYates · Mar 7, 2015

scruffy1 said:
Shalom jbear and Greetings from Jerusalem!
CDG might get you to Saint Jean and snow or not , God willing, you will mherever home is atake it to Santiago -ah-what then? You will have to return to Paris to get home! Not the best of plannning at all.

We all have to go home after the Camino, wherever home is during that stage of our lives. SY

Anniesantiago · Mar 7, 2015

jbear said:
While I do enjoy Madrid, taking another week off work so I didn't have to rush would be kind of a waste if spent half of it before I start. At this point I'll probably just get myself to Pamplona and spend a day there before I start. It's disappointing, but nothing I can do will change it, so on to plan C. I just need to decide what plan C is

Yes, of course, Don nailed it- snow/ice is what it is. I'll see how things look when I get there. At this point I'm pretty much committed to MAD over CDG. Hoping & praying for clear skys and sunshine, but preparing for fog, snow, and cold.

Just over two weeks until I leave. I am so excited and a little nervous, too.

From Pamplona, you can catch a bus to Roncesvalles. And I bet there are other pilgrims wanting to get to Roncesvalles also. You might consider putting a post up here to share a taxi?

jbear · Mar 7, 2015

Anniesantiago said:
From Pamplona, you can catch a bus to Roncesvalles. And I bet there are other pilgrims wanting to get to Roncesvalles also. You might consider putting a post up here to share a taxi?

Yes! Plan C is coming into focus. I need to double check the time tables and make a post over in the ride share area. Hoping I don't need plan D, because that will most likely be to start in Roncesvalles.