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LIVE from the Camino The Weather- Unpredictable & no memory!

Time of past OR future Camino
cycled from Pamplona Sep 2015;Frances, walked from St Jean May/June 2017. Plans to walk Porto 2020
what is about me an Spanish/French weather? In May 2013 it was one of the coldest in 40 years. Today in St Jean we have lots of wind, cloudy and a likelihood of some rain. Up at Orisson it's apparently 100km winds, and some SNOW. Sorry about the shouting. So unless there is an improvement by tomorrow it's the Valcarlos way rather than those wonderful Pyrenees mountain views. Anyone heading out of St Jean tomorrow I'm at the Gite Azkorria. Cheers
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
Transport luggage-passengers.
From airports to SJPP
Luggage from SJPP to Roncevalles
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Thanks for the support! Will now have to contact Orisson to cancel reservation. But check with Pilgrim Office before any rash decisions are made! Cheers

The Valcarlos municipal albergue which is very nice has only 24 places but does accept reservations. You can write to
Luzaide-Valcarlos@wanadoo.es

Better yet have the SJPdP Pilgrim Office telephone for you.

Buen camino!
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Valcarlos is a very nice route, is really not a second choice or plan B. Lots of people prefer to go that way, including me as i think it has its own beauty and character as well as historical significance.

Whichever way you go Buen Camino.
 
Don't you just love those who say you don't need a sleeping bag, or waterproof shoes when walking at this time of the year? I too remember May 2013! :(

Just returned from some hot days on VDLP (upper 20s noon) while I was convinced that by walking in early April I would walk in lower 20 twmps at the most. Ha! And apparently now VDLP is seeing close to 0 temps, with hail amd sleat. Ha!

There is a reason why layering is the way to go, and also a reason why eye balls roll back when people ask "what will the weather be like when I walk". :rolleyes:
 
I am also a member of the Valcarlos Route fan club. It is seriously gorgeous--and yes--with a very different feeling. There is a sense of being held in the landscape, rather than floating above it all. That said, after Valcarlos itself, your quads will definitely get a work-out!
Go on the beautiful path through the beech forest if you can. (Well maybe not...are you on a bike this time, Mike? If so, the road is obviously the way to go.)
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
The Valcarlos municipal albergue which is very nice has only 24 places but does accept reservations. You can write to
Luzaide-Valcarlos@wanadoo.es

Better yet have the SJPdP Pilgrim Office telephone for you.

Buen camino!
Thanks Meredith, again you are a life saver!
 
Hey, Mike! You are there at St Jean! Excellent - look, you can't choose your Camino, there isn't a good or bad Camino .. it just is, so relax old chap and enjoy every moment.

and Hey - switch your bloody phone off!!!!

Buen Camino Mike xx
Ok David. But I still use the iPad to bug you? Cheers
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I am also a member of the Valcarlos Route fan club. It is seriously gorgeous--and yes--with a very different feeling.
Go on the beautiful path through the beech forest if you can. (Well maybe not...are you on a bike this time, Mike? If so, the road is obviously the way to go.)

I was about to put in another plug for the beechwood forest path, but, no, probably not on a bike ....o_O Oh well! Hope the weather improves. Have a wonderful journey!
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
I am also a member of the Valcarlos Route fan club. It is seriously gorgeous--and yes--with a very different feeling. There is a sense of being held in the landscape, rather than floating above it all. That said, after Valcarlos itself, your quads will definitely get a work-out!
Go on the beautiful path through the beech forest if you can. (Well maybe not...are you on a bike this time, Mike? If so, the road is obviously the way to go.)
Hola, no bike this time . Going to walk it. Thanks for the advice.
 
Hi Mike
I see you're having an interesting start !

Ps. Listening to Macca yesterday, I heard him later reference to a call from Mike who had been to VB for Anzac and off on camino. Had to be you !
Buen camino
Annie
Hi Annie, yes that was me, a multi media star. It's now 6 am in St Jean, cold but with some sky to the east. So maybe a good day to start. Cheers Mike
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
A selection of Camino Jewellery
David, I can guaranty that if the old Pilgrims had a way to communicate with their families and friends back home they would have while in the Camino. I totally respect those that want to be incommunicado doing the Camino "The old way" which is commendable but in no way makes that person's experience more or less profound than anyone else's solely base on that fact.

Chris
 
Mike, the Valcarlos route is beautiful and I hope you enjoy it.

Buen Camino and safe travels.
 
You say this but you don't yet understand the difference between a Camino and a Pilgrimage. There is nothing wrong with taking a Camino - par ex: Mike is already connecting through the forum, and also phoning up Australian radio shows - but what this means is that although he is there he is not there. He is experiencing his Camino as an external tourist event. - and that is fine - but all it means is that he is taking a long walk which he will see externally to himself, an external visual event... it will not be an internal process, it will not be 'pilgrimage'. If he keeps on this way it will not change him, in any way at all.

The only way to be on a pilgrimage is to switch off the outside world - for just once in our lives switch off the outside world. Consider - were you to go on retreat to a monastery what would be the very first thing the welcoming monks or friars or nuns would do? They would confiscate all your electronic devices - because you cannot have a genuine retreat and at the same time stay in contact with the outside world. The Camino is the same - if you just want a long and interesting walk then keep your electronics on, but if you want a pilgrimage, switch them off!

The Camino is probably the only one time in a human's life where they can step out of this world and into a different but very very real world, one not encountered before - so electronic communication with the world left behind has to be switched off - there is no choice, no argument - it is either a long tourist walk or a pilgrimage.

We are 'drawn', 'called' to Camino and if we choose to surrender to that which we do not understand, and never will, then we just may be blessed enough to experience pilgrimage and will be changed by it - or, we can be tourists, chat with our pals at home, and just go on a long walk.

You would have seen, on social platforms such as Facebook, people posting photographs of their meals, or dates, or holidays? Saying what a wonderful time they were having? Well, it isn't true, because at the exact moment that they were beginning to experience something utterly genuine they withdrew, separated themselves from the experience to post online ... got on to their smart phone, and utterly lost that moment forever - can you not see this?

This is true - it has been true for hundreds of thousands of years and is true today - Camino or Pilgrimage - your choice!

So, No! I know Mike and know him to be a good man - but he has no concept yet of immersing himself within and experiencing his Camino and processing his loneliness until he comes out the other side into something wonderfully genuine .. and that is why, as a friend, I told him to "turn the bloody phone off mate"

Buen Camino

Hi David,
I know what you are saying but I don't think I agree.

I think you can find time to live in the moment and find peace even if it is only for an hour a day. That way you learn a whole lot more.

“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no trouble, no noise, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of all these things and still be calm in your heart.” - Unknown
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Mike, the Valcarlos route is beautiful and I hope you enjoy it. Buen Camino and safe travels.
Hola Mike , the walk on Monday morning was enjoyable. Cool but no rain. This morning to Roncesvalles was ok at the start but by the two km mark the drizzle was just to heavy so it was on with the rain coats. So I was wet on the inside from the perspiration. Anyone who thinks that the Val/Roncesvalles track is any easier than via Orisson, well without seeing the other its tough. I have to admit I cheated today. Arrived in Roncesvalles, cold, wet, tired, hungry so after lunch and two coffees I shared a taxi with to girls going to Burgette for medicals and carried on the Espinal. Better decisión, now showered, and warm. Tomorrow is hopefully a drier and warmer day.
Cheers to all and thanks for your support and special comments.
 
Have a wonderful Walk this time Mike...stay safe and just enjoy all that 'The Way' has to offer you....Sending Warmer weather vibes over to you as well...:)
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
What a great place to spend a couple days!

Buen Camino!
 
Hi Mike -

I hope that all's going well for you in Pamplona and that you've been enjoying some delicious tapas, perhaps at the bar featured in The Way? Along with 'our' Susan from WA, I wish you good vibes for beautiful weather - weather that's perfect for walking.

Don't forget to slip, slop, slap that sunscreen!

Cheers from Oz.
 
Or maybe enjoy some pintxos? ;)
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Hi Mike -

I hope that all's going well for you in Pamplona and that you've been enjoying some delicious tapas, perhaps at the bar featured in The Way?

Cheers from Oz.
Hey Jenny, tapas in Navarra? No tapas in Navarra, is pinchos! I was at the cafe earlier today, going back for lunch! Cheers
 
Hey Jenny, tapas in Navarra? No tapas in Navarra, is pinchos! I was at the cafe earlier today, going back for lunch! Cheers
Of course Mike! Aarrgh! I forgot one of the most-often-quoted lines in The Way! Will Martin Sheen and all The Way tragics ever forgive me??? ... Time for another viewing!
Enjoy Pamplona and particularly the cafe.
Cheers to you too - Buen Camino and happy days.
 
Jenny have you seen my FB post? So you will know where I am staying. Had lunch at Tom & Joosts cafe. On the road again tomorrow. Cheers
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
what is about me an Spanish/French weather? In May 2013 it was one of the coldest in 40 years. Today in St Jean we have lots of wind, cloudy and a likelihood of some rain. Up at Orisson it's apparently 100km winds, and some SNOW. Sorry about the shouting. So unless there is an improvement by tomorrow it's the Valcarlos way rather than those wonderful Pyrenees mountain views. Anyone heading out of St Jean tomorrow I'm at the Gite Azkorria. Cheers

The Valcarlos route is beautiful. I've walked both ways and I would not be able to choose one or the other as being "better." I will be walking the Valcarlos route starting Tuesday, May 9. I would appreciate reading about the road and forest conditions down there.
 
Do you know the name of "Tom and Joost's cafe"? I'll be passing through Pamplona in early June and would not want to miss it.
 
Do you know the name of "Tom and Joost's cafe"? I'll be passing through Pamplona in early June and would not want to miss it.
I had lunch there on Friday. It's up near the cathedral. From the cathedral ( facing it) take the path/road through the square to the left and into a short lane and about 50 meters later it's on you right. It has shade umbrellas up at this time. Go for one of their salads well worth for lunch! If I can find a name in my photos I will update! Cheers
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
From the cathedral ( facing it) take the path/road through the square to the left and into a short lane and about 50 meters later it's on you right. It has shade umbrellas up at this time. Go for one of their salads well worth for lunch! If I can find a name in my photos I will update! Cheers

Many thanks for the directions!
 
I just found another thread that say also says it is Meson del Caballo Blanco on Calle Redin, so I think this is correct. Many thanks to all.
 
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