Orrison is full Sept. 9th

[Shawnasong]

I just heard back from the folks at the refuge that it is full on Friday the 9th.

I am planning to leave SJPdP on the 9th and was hoping to stay there. But now, I plan to walk the whole way across the mountains. Anyone else doing this that day?

Also, I arrive in Madrid on the 8th around 8:00 in the morning and then will travel that day to St. Jean. Again, anyone here doing that as well? Maybe a shared taxi part of the way?

Pura vida and Buen Camino!
Shawna

 

[MegH]

I just heard back from the folks at the refuge that it is full on Friday the 9th.

I am planning to leave SJPdP on the 9th and was hoping to stay there. But now, I plan to walk the whole way across the mountains. Anyone else doing this that day?

Also, I arrive in Madrid on the 8th around 8:00 in the morning and then will travel that day to St. Jean. Again, anyone here doing that as well? Maybe a shared taxi part of the way?

Pura vida and Buen Camino!
Shawna

 

[MegH]

Have you tried booking direct? I mistakenly tried booking through anoth webpage, which told me thre was no space but then managed to book direct for mid September. All good wishes

 

[SYates]

And the other possibility would be the albergue in Huntto, see http://www.gites-de-france-64.com/ferme-ithurburia/ it is only a few kilometers after SJPdP. Buen Camino, SY

 

[Shawnasong]

Have you tried booking direct? I mistakenly tried booking through anoth webpage, which told me thre was no space but then managed to book direct for mid September. All good wishes

I tried directly with the refuge itself and heard back from the proprietor.

SY, thanks for the information about Huntto. I will look into it.

Buen Camino,
Shawna

 

[KristinK]

I say try again closer to your date. I booked 4 days out and several people were there with no reservation at all. This was earlier this week and last week, so definitely try again...I almost gave up my bed to keep going as it's either a very easy 2 days or one incredibly hard single day (relatively speaking of course)!

Buen Camino,

Kristin

 

[Shawnasong]

Thanks, Kristin.
Buen Camino,
Shawna

 

[Tincatinker]

Orisson offers 28 beds; with the other two possibilities that escape the hype Orisson / Hunto combined provide some 70 odd beds; Valcarlos provides 24, plus 20 odd in various hotel / Hostal accommodations. While we see frequently see reports of Orrison being booked-out we never seem to see reports of similar conditions at Valcarlos. It would seem that most of the hundreds that depart StJdP every morning in peak season are walking to Roncevalles (or wild camping or very, very lost).

Most people, if reasonably fit and prepared, can walk 25k in a leisurely day.

 

[Albertagirl]

I tried directly with the refuge itself and heard back from the proprietor.

SY, thanks for the information about Huntto. I will look into it.

Buen Camino,
Shawna

@Shawnasong
Are you familiar with Kayola? It is a basic albergue about .8 km. before Orisson and run by Orisson. There is a kitchen, but pilgrims who stay there can also book their meals at Orisson. I am not sure if you asked about space at Orisson and didn't mention Kayola if it would necessarily also be full.

 

[Felipe]

I just heard back from the folks at the refuge that it is full on Friday the 9th.
Maybe a shared taxi part of the way?
Pura vida and Buen Camino!
Shawna

Don't let yourself be overwhelmed by the "should stay in Orisson" mantra. As mentioned above, this convenient albergue has only 28 beds. That is just a tiny fraction of all people doing this stage in summer. I saw walkers of every age and fitness condition doing it without particular problems. Exhausting? yes. Doable? Definitely.
Liked very much your "Pura vida!" It is a kind of untranslatable, very emotional expression.
Buen camino!

 

[Shawnasong]

I am grateful for all of the input that you folks so generously offer up. I have no anxiety whatsoever about this journey. I trust that everything will unfold exactly as it is meant to. Maybe I will stay somewhere in the Pyrenees the first night, maybe not. Your suggestions give me peace in knowing that there are so many possibilities. Thank you for being part of my journey, and helping me to just let go.
Yes, indeed, Pura vida!
Shawna

 

[Scarlet Fez]

Shawna I was in the same position and tried to book the Orrison for the 15/09 but alas it was full. They did however offer me the Kayola which I have decided to take so as to not over do it at the beginning. Then it's go with the flow!!

 

[Shawnasong]

Hmm, they didn't mention anything to me about Kayola, and I forgot to inquire. I am leaving it up to fate.
Buen Camino!
Shawna

 

[Sandra Ashby]

I just heard back from the folks at the refuge that it is full on Friday the 9th.

I am planning to leave SJPdP on the 9th and was hoping to stay there. But now, I plan to walk the whole way across the mountains. Anyone else doing this that day?

Also, I arrive in Madrid on the 8th around 8:00 in the morning and then will travel that day to St. Jean. Again, anyone here doing that as well? Maybe a shared taxi part of the way?

Pura vida and Buen Camino!
Shawna

Hi Shawna, I will be arriving in SJPP on the 9th from Biarritz. I have not decided yet whether to stay the night there or to take a taxi to Roncevalles. Perhaps we could share a taxi for part of the way.

 

[Shawnasong]

Hi Sandra,
Thank you for the idea. I remain open to possibilities. At this point, I feel determined to walk the whole way, whether in one day or in stages. If I decide not to cross the Pyrenees, then I will just start in Roncesvalles, since that is where I go first from Madrid. See you along the way.
Buen Camino!
Shawna

 

[Sandra Ashby]

Hi Sandra,
Thank you for the idea. I remain open to possibilities. At this point, I feel determined to walk the whole way, whether in one day or in stages. If I decide not to cross the Pyrenees, then I will just start in Roncesvalles, since that is where I go first from Madrid. See you along the way.
Buen Camino!
Shawna

No worries...I am open to what may happen...I may walk part of the distance but I doubt I will walk the whole way to Roncevalles......I hope to see you on the way....Buen Camino!