What else do I need?

[JohnLloyd]

I’ve already got my credencial, thanks to Ivar’s super efficient shop and delivery process, as well as a funky waterproof sleeve.

I’ve packed and repacked my bag and it’s pleasingly light.

I’ve got my flight to Biarritz booked, along with an Airbnb there.

I think I just need to pick up a scallop shell and select a place to stay in St Jean Pied de Port.

I’ll visit the Pilgrim Welcome Office to officially start my Camino and await their advice on the choice of route - will I be following in the footsteps of Napoleon or Charlemagne?

Am I missing anything?

PS - recommendations for a place to stay in SJPDP would be welcome...

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Gite Makila is a favorite among many. But there are quite a few good places.

 

[Paul McAmino]

Don’t know if they’re still doing it, but I got my first scallop shell free (well there *was* a donation) at the pilgrim office in SJPP when I signed in as a pilgrim. They had piles of them and some string and a pair of scissors.
Good luck and buen Camino.

Regards,
Paul

 

[scruffy1]

Buen Camino! You have a small pocket knife with a corkscrew? True picnics can be fun with a torn baguette and eaten commando but bread. tomatoes, cheese, and chorizo neatly sliced are even better.

 

[MaryLynn]

PS - recommendations for a place to stay in SJPD
Belairi is also an excellent choice for the first night of your Camino. You will meet others at dinner who you will encounter along the way, sometimes when you least expect it, and some of your fellow-guests may become lifelong friends - it has happened before!

 

[JohnLloyd]

Buen Camino! You have a small pocket knife with a corkscrew? True picnics can be fun with a torn baguette and eaten commando but bread. tomatoes, cheese, and chorizo neatly sliced are even better.

I do indeed...

 

[JohnLloyd]

PS - recommendations for a place to stay in SJPD
Belairi is also an excellent choice for the first night of your Camino. You will meet others at dinner who you will encounter along the way, sometimes when you least expect it, and some of your fellow-guests may become lifelong friends - it has happened before!

Thanks! That sounds ideal.

 

[Former member 49149]

I’ve already got my credencial, thanks to Ivar’s super efficient shop and delivery process, as well as a funky waterproof sleeve.

I’ve packed and repacked my bag and it’s pleasingly light.

I’ve got my flight to Biarritz booked, along with an Airbnb there.

I think I just need to pick up a scallop shell and select a place to stay in St Jean Pied de Port.

I’ll visit the Pilgrim Welcome Office to officially start my Camino and await their advice on the choice of route - will I be following in the footsteps of Napoleon or Charlemagne?

Am I missing anything?

PS - recommendations for a place to stay in SJPDP would be welcome...

You sound fairly well organised, so discard this if you have already thought about it: I got a 30litre dry bag to line my rucksack, and some small cheap net bags for various classes of clothing to keep them tidy and easy to sort. Such a difference! And no rustling of plastic...

 

[nycwalking]

Buen camino.

 

[VNwalking]

Am I missing anything?

Nope.
Buen Camino, peregrino!
(You'll need less than you think, and less planning than you may be used to.)

 

[Albertagirl]

@John Lloyd
You may have noticed postings about medical insurance. If you have not already purchased the appropriate health, and possibly travel insurance, for your situation, I suggest that you consider it.

 

[tomnorth]

Besides the pocket knife, a cork screw and a bandana.

 

[JohnLloyd]

You sound fairly well organised, so discard this if you have already thought about it: I got a 30litre dry bag to line my rucksack, and some small cheap net bags for various classes of clothing to keep them tidy and easy to sort. Such a difference! And no rustling of plastic...

Good idea!

 

[JohnLloyd]

Besides the pocket knife, a cork screw and a bandana.

Yup, my Steve van Zandt impression will be improved over the next few weeks

 

[AlwynWellington]

As always, less is more. Well done so far.

At Saint-Jean, Maison Kaserna, Rue d'Espagne, 43 for accomodation.
(down from the Pilgrrim Office, past the Church, over the bridge and up the hill)
They are known to do an evening communal meal.
And the decision point (Napoleon or Valcarlos) is 50 m ahead

@JohnLloyd , kia kaha (you take care, be strong, get going)

 

[KinkyOne]

Don’t know if they’re still doing it, but I got my first scallop shell free (well there *was* a donation) at the pilgrim office in SJPP when I signed in as a pilgrim. They had piles of them and some string and a pair of scissors.
Good luck and buen Camino.

Regards,
Paul

@Monasp would know this for sure because she's the Head of the Pilgrim Office in SJPdP

 

[David]

pick up some food the day before - is a long trek up and over and sustenance would be good to have -

though, you sound pretty relaxed - I am sure you have it all sorted.

Buen Camino!!

 

[JohnLloyd]

Thanks for the SJPdP accommodation options.

Can I reserve at either in advance of arrival there?

 

[MaryLynn]

You can reserve at Belairi here: www.beilari.info/en
They have an interesting and informative website. Two or three times I have taken their advice and started my Camino in St.Palais, France, as a warm-up to the Pyrenees. It was a nice, gentle two-day start to a very long walk.
I highly recommend reserving a place in St Jean - it relieves the worry of having to find a bed upon arrival. Also, I find everything more expensive in St.Jean and Santiago - the beginning and the end. Otherwise, it can be a very economical trip.

 

[JanelMcB]

If you are traveling alone, you may want to create an "in case of emergency, open this" device. A clear plastic pouch of some sort on the lanyard of your choosing could work well. Inside the pouch you can insert a piece of paper that will identify you, DOB and country of birth, blood type, any allergies or diseases you might have, medications you might take, and the name and contact info for whomever you'd like to have contacted. No one plans to have an accident; that's why they're called accidents; unintended events that result in personal injury or property damage.

 

[JohnLloyd]

If you are traveling alone, you may want to create an "in case of emergency, open this" device. A clear plastic pouch of some sort on the lanyard of your choosing could work well. Inside the pouch you can insert a piece of paper that will identify you, DOB and country of birth, blood type, any allergies or diseases you might have, medications you might take, and the name and contact info for whomever you'd like to have contacted. No one plans to have an accident; that's why they're called accidents; unintended events that result in personal injury or property damage. View attachment 45341View attachment 45342

A good idea!

 

[JohnLloyd]

You can reserve at Belairi here: www.beilari.info/en
They have an interesting and informative website. Two or three times I have taken their advice and started my Camino in St.Palais, France, as a warm-up to the Pyrenees. It was a nice, gentle two-day start to a very long walk.
I highly recommend reserving a place in St Jean - it relieves the worry of having to find a bed upon arrival. Also, I find everything more expensive in St.Jean and Santiago - the beginning and the end. Otherwise, it can be a very economical trip.

I’ve sent a booking request to Beilari - it looks a fine place to commence the journey from!