October start for Del Norte

[sharon w]

We will start walking the del Norte on 1st October. We will have a credential already from France but our friend is starting in Irun. Can he pick up a credential in Irun if the albergue is shut?
Also, some suggestions please for best place to stay either in Irun or Hendaye. Is the albergue near Hondaribbia much off the track? Is it open in October?
Thanks
Sharon

 

[jpflavin1]

We will start walking the del Norte on 1st October. We will have a credential already from France but our friend is starting in Irun. Can he pick up a credential in Irun if the albergue is shut?
Also, some suggestions please for best place to stay either in Irun or Hendaye. Is the albergue near Hondaribbia much off the track? Is it open in October?
Thanks
Sharon

Sharon:

Why not just order one here from the forum for your friend?

The online Gronze.com guide is a great source for information on accommodations along the route. It will have the information you seek.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[jayree]

Here's my experience from 2013 ...

In Irun I met two guys, Jack and Joe, from South Wales. Together we found the Albergue de Peregrinos only to discover it does not open until 4PM. ("We have to clean up sometime.") Now, this is how the Camino works. Jack and Joe say they need to get a pilgrim passport because they are leaving Irun before 4PM. There is a sign on the Albergue door in five languages that says one can get passports until 12:30 PM at the Passionistas Church on Estación street. Jack says, "I think we were just at that church, but it was called San Gabriel. And, it's closed." I say,"Lets try again, maybe there is a side door." So we return to the Church, which apparently goes by both names, although "it's really not a church," according to one local. Both the main door and side door are closed. Just then I see a priest getting into a car and ask him when the church is open. He sees that we are pilgrims and explains that we have to ring a bell on a side building. We do. Five minutes later another priest opens the side building door, issues passports to Jack and Joe, and stamps my American issued pilgrim passport, which is no way as pretty as the Spanish one.

 

[sharon w]

Thanks Joe and Jayree for your replies. Will pass on the credential info to my friend and he can decide.
Sharon