just saying hi and looking for some advice..

[newbie;frenchway]

hi guys. , Im in my 30's and im averagly fit but in a gym way and not in a walking or hiking way by any means... BUT ive decided I need a bit of a challenge/time out/something different and for years ive wanted to do some of the French way but always found a reason not to.
im going in October. im thinking the 3rd week. SJPDP to Logrono and maybe a day or 2 onto that if I love it ill plan to go back and do it all.
im nervous as hell of gettting super bad blisters or some injury that ruins it all!!
Im not staying in Alberge - sorry but not my bag Im super happy to stay in a little hotel and get a good night sleep (I dont feel any need to torture myself any further lol) I may also get my bag transported and again totally fine with that!

**my concern is day 1 ... I keep going back and over the decision about going to Roncessvalles directly or stopping at the Orrison refuge and Im litererally changing my mind daily.....
** another thing on my mind is how the weather will be on that part of the french way if I leave it until week 3 of Oct ... since Im a newbie I really dont think walking in the bad ain is a good idea....
** my last one for now is getting the right trail shoes im not going with boots... i know its diff for everyone but is there any sort of 'go to' shoe that most ppl reccommed maybe??

excited to hear from you all....

 

[Chaz351]

Hi,
I guess it would determine when you arrive at St. Jean. I decided to stop at Orrison the first day. I am flying out of JFK on Tuesday night 8/21. I will be arriving at St. Jean late in the day on 8/22. I figured that with some sort of jet lag and having to register in the am, it would be better to take it easy the first day and set out early on 8/23. I am 64 years old and I plan on going as far as my legs can carry me. I have been preparing for this for a couple of years, but I know there will be a tremendous toll on my body.
My hiking books are "Vasque" 2.0 GTX's. These are perfect for me.
Chaz

 

[newbie;frenchway]

Hi,
I guess it would determine when you arrive at St. Jean. I decided to stop at Orrison the first day. I am flying out of JFK on Tuesday night 8/21. I will be arriving at St. Jean late in the day on 8/22. I figured that with some sort of jet lag and having to register in the am, it would be better to take it easy the first day and set out early on 8/23. I am 64 years old and I plan on going as far as my legs can carry me. I have been preparing for this for a couple of years, but I know there will be a tremendous toll on my body.
My hiking books are "Vasque" 2.0 GTX's. These are perfect for me.
Chaz

thanks Chaz. I have zero prep done...yikes...... scared now but still want to do it!! I believe if I go slow and really pace myself I can do it!!

 

[nycwalking]

Go.

If you can book Orisson. Many folks cheer it. If not, remember most people walk to Roncesvalles in one go.

If you sleep cold take a bag. Nights are chilly in November go prepared.

Summer/fall caminos I walked in Nike running shoes. I am not a boot fan. However, winter camino I had to use boots due to mud and more mud. Make certain your trail shoes have plenty of traction.

Buen camino.

 

[countycork]

We stayed in Htl Ramuntcho, St Jean, started walking at 7 am next morning all the way to Roncesvalles (stayed in Htl Roncesvalles) weather mixture of sunshine/rain/hailstones......got our bags transported......we were both aged 63 & 66 at the time. no bother at all. We used Jacotrans all the way & stayed in Hostels following the Brierley stages/book!

 

[caminoheros]

We stayed in Htl Ramuntcho, St Jean, started walking at 7 am next morning all the way to Roncesvalles (stayed in Htl Roncesvalles) weather mixture of sunshine/rain/hailstones......got our bags transported......we were both aged 63 & 66 at the time. no bother at all. We used Jacotrans all the way & stayed in Hostels following the Brierley stages/book!

Thank you so much .ok I think I'll just go for it... Pace myself take it all in and just enjoy as much as I can !!