Plan to walk the El Camino beginning mid-Apr 2015.

[joe g texas aggies]

Hi, I am from California and a newbie to this forum. I plan to walk the El Camino starting from SJPP in mid April 2015.

A few items:

• Anyone leaving SJPP in mid-April 2015? I am looking for a partner or partners for a day or two until I feel confident on my own.
• Is Orrison or Roncevalles a reasonable destination on the first leg of the El Camino?
• How risky and variable is the weather in the Pyrenees that time of year?

 

[wayfarer]

Welcome to the forum Joe, there will be loads of pilgrims leaving St Jean every day so you will have plenty company. Orrison is eight kilometers from St Jean, Roncevalles is about twenty five, its nearly all uphill so it depends on how fit you are. The weather in mid April can be mixed. It can be nice, wet, snow on the passes but the pilgrim office in St Jean will give you up to date advice before you leave. If weather conditions are bad on the Napoleon route you can always walk the lower Valcarlos route which is also very beautiful.
Happy planning and Buen Camino.

 

[joe g texas aggies]

Welcome to the forum Joe, there will be loads of pilgrims leaving St Jean every day so you will have plenty company. Orrison is eight kilometers from St Jean, Roncevalles is about twenty five, its nearly all uphill so it depends on how fit you are. The weather in mid April can be mixed. It can be nice, wet, snow on the passes but the pilgrim office in St Jean will give you up to date advice before you leave. If weather conditions are bad on the Napoleon route you can always walk the lower Valcarlos route which is also very beautiful.
Happy planning and Buen Camino.

Thanks, Way. After posting my question, I found the discussion on the weather and Pyrenees and I see that it will be a game-day decision as to the route. I don't hike a lot, but I do put five or six days per week at the gym. I am hoping that regimen translates into an acceptable fitness level for an 800 km walk.

 

[wayfarer]

Thanks, Way. After posting my question, I found the discussion on the weather and Pyrenees and I see that it will be a game-day decision as to the route. I don't hike a lot, but I do put five or six days per week at the gym. I am hoping that regimen translates into an acceptable fitness level for an 800 km walk.

You will still need to do some walking to break in your boots/shoes and to get used to your pack. If you can walk four to eight miles a few times a week you will be able to walk the Camino. Hiking is different to gym work as you know, a lot more varied and uses different muscles sometimes especially the up and downhill sections. You have loads of time to prepare and get your kit. Enjoy it all.

 

[dandagenais]

Hi, I am from California and a newbie to this forum. I plan to walk the El Camino starting from SJPP in mid April 2015.

A few items:

• Anyone leaving SJPP in mid-April 2015? I am looking for a partner or partners for a day or two until I feel confident on my own.
• Is Orrison or Roncevalles a reasonable destination on the first leg of the El Camino?
• How risky and variable is the weather in the Pyrenees that time of year?

Hi Joe,

If you are fit and young, I recommend going to Roncevalles. It is a complete day, but take your time and plan snack and plenty water. I went last November and it was cold and hard rain all day. When we arrived in Roncevalles , it was a beautiful sun... nice reward - you can see below one image about half way up, and then the beer on the Roncevalles terrase!! This is a group of people I meet the first day wjile walking. In fact the best thing is to arrive at SJPDP one day before you start to have a night to sleep and leave early in the morning. You will be able to meet people at the refuge/albergue the evening before... and leave with them. You will walk with people same fitness level as you and just join naturally a group. Three of the people I meet the first day became my best friends for 26 days!

Also, the nice thing about doing Roncevalles the first day is that you get the nice Pilgrim Mass at the Roncevalles Chapel at 18h00 (I think that's the time).... Don't miss this, it is one of the nicest experience I have experienced. It is the kickoff to your Camino. The will present you and your country. One pilgrim from each country will read a prayer in their language. Then .... I won't tell you too much, but must do.

One thing for that time of year... good walking boots!!! I was so happy to have them. My Salomon were awesome (image below). Some had running shoes, some said sandals are ok.... ha! I was never wet once, just a small blister and was rock solid going through some rocky part all along the Way. Minimal packing so you are light, but just a bit of everything (plan for a good rain parka an pants). My plan was perfect. If you want more info on what I took, or you have questions, please do not hesitate!

I am also going back in April 2015, but will be doing a part of the Portuguese Camino this time.

buen Camino mon ami!

Dan

 

[Felipe]

Mid April is an excellent date for walking in Spain. After Pyrinees, you may have still some cold, windy and rainy days, with muddy paths, but May (very generally speaking) is warmer, and it may be even hot, as the season advances.
Gym is good, but you will need a lot of cardio workouts. Besides, some long walks with your backpack is very advisable; with a backpack your body's gravity center changes, so your steps are not the same than ever. I think some pilgrim's physical problems come from this simple fact, especially after trying the first day a very challenging stage, as SJPP-Roncesvalles.
Buen camino!