The first day...

[KFor7007]

Hello
My first post here. I'm starting the Camino in September from SJPDP and I'll arrive there about 1930 with the intention of starting early the next morning. My question is this: do I need to have my Pilgrim's Passport stamped in St Jean before I start? If so, do I need to wait before setting off until the office opens? Will my hotel stamp it, or can I wait for my first stamp until Roncevalles?

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, KFor, welcome to the forum. And lucky you, there's no camino like your first camino!

You can get stamps in your credencial (passport) in any number of places -- hotels, bars, cafes, stores (I have a couple from some pharmacies where I got particularly important and good advice on my first camino). I think most of us find that the credencial is a nice remembrance of our walk and try to get stamps every day. And for the last 100 km, you should get stamps twice a day, though that rule is applied more strictly to those who walk only the last 100 km. In fact, I've never seen anyone who walked from afar being grilled about the lack of stamps in the last 100 km. But I digress... just get enough stamps to fill up your credencial and you will be fine.

Buen camino! Laurie

 

[cher99840]

I think the pilgrims office stays open until after that 1930 train arrival but not sure.

 

[mspath]

In Saint-Jean the Pilgrim Office of the Amis du Chemin de Saint Jacques at 39 rue de la Citadelle usually stays open for the arrival of the last train; hours generally are from 7h30 to 12h30 and then from 13h30 to 22h. Their telephone is 05 59 37 05 09. Many pilgrims do go there to get their first stamps and their Credential. However as Laurie notes you can get your first stamp anywhere, for example wherever you stay your first night.

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[KFor7007]

In Saint-Jean the Pilgrim Office of the Amis du Chemin de Saint Jacques at 39 rue de la Citadelle usually stays open for the arrival of the last train; hours generally are from 7h30 to 12h30 and then from 13h30 to 22h. Their telephone is 05 59 37 05 09. Many pilgrims do go there to get their first stamps and their Credential. However as Laurie notes you can get your first stamp anywhere, for example wherever you stay your first night.

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

Many thanks for all your helpful replies. Really looking forward to the experience (with just a little trepidation).

 

[josway2015]

Hello
My first post here. I'm starting the Camino in September from SJPDP and I'll arrive there about 1930 with the intention of starting early the next morning. My question is this: do I need to have my Pilgrim's Passport stamped in St Jean before I start? If so, do I need to wait before setting off until the office opens? Will my hotel stamp it, or can I wait for my first stamp until Roncevalles?

A big welcome hug KFor!

 

[titasanz]

Hello
My first post here. I'm starting the Camino in September from SJPDP and I'll arrive there about 1930 with the intention of starting early the next morning. My question is this: do I need to have my Pilgrim's Passport stamped in St Jean before I start? If so, do I need to wait before setting off until the office opens? Will my hotel stamp it, or can I wait for my first stamp until Roncevalles?

The office of SJPP is opened until 10 pm, no problem there.

 

[Don Ebbs]

I'm not going to be any help on the passport issue, I just wanted to say that I to am starting my first Camino in September on the 10th, are you as excited as I am? Maybe our "paths" shall cross.... Good luck with your journey!

 

[SkuDah]

I'm not going to be any help on the passport issue, I just wanted to say that I to am starting my first Camino in September on the 10th, are you as excited as I am? Maybe our "paths" shall cross.... Good luck with your journey!

We are heading off from SJPDP on 1 September - but we'll be slow so we may well see you along the way. Di & George.

 

[KFor7007]

Thanks again for your helpful, friendly replies. Looking forward to making new friends and helping each other along the Way.

 

[KFor7007]

Di and George - I doubt you'll be as slow as I am, especially with a 9-10 day start, but I wish you a Buen Camino and a fantastic experience.

Keith