Sitting in Dublin airport....

[Roddy McC]

Well I've done everything I could. Left my job, said goodbye and got a pretty full back pack on my shoulders. (like everyone's I'm sure, probably too full)

Im waiting in Dublin Airport for my flight to Bordeaux where I'm gonna stay for the night and then I'll get the train to SJDPP on Thursday.

Here's a question. Is there anything to do in St Jean? By the time I get there (lunch time/mid afternoon) it'll probably be too late to start walking so is there any thing worth seeing/ doing? Or will I just be waiting around in the hostel waiting to start on Friday?

Thanks guys. Any other last minute advice?

 

[cher99840]

SJPP is a beautiful old town. I don't think you will be disappointed to spend the afternoon there.

 

[VNwalking]

Walk around, enjoy the castle, the views, the river. Look at the mountains you'll be in the next day and feel what you feel, doing that. Get your first stamp (and map and list of albergues) in the Pilgrim's Office. Check out La Boutique du Pelerin for last minute needs, chat with the proprietors who have both walked the way. Sit in the beautiful old church...maybe light a candle...let your heart catch up to where your body is.
There's LOTS to do!
And above all have a grand Camino!

 

[donalomahony]

Once sorted at the pilgrim office and with accommodation, walk back the French Way a kilometer or two, turn around and walk into SJPP, taking in an experience of pilgrims who walk from many points in Europe.

Buen Camino!

 

[VNwalking]

What a good idea! Why didn't I think about doing that??

 

[wayfarer]

Take it nice and slow the first few days Roddy especially if you are carrying a heavy pack, let your body adjust. Its gets easier after the first day.
Buen Camino.

 

[Bernard duffy]

Grab food for the next day,walk about the town then sit and relax with a beer,do it proper Irish styleee )

 

[Al the optimist]

Lots of good advice above about how to pass an afternoon in St Jean. Make sure you get share time with other pilgrims and don't be shy at asking if you can join them. You may not walk with them but you will see them often along the way, losing and gaining them back. They and others will become part of your daily routine. Above all though don't try to keep up with others when walking. If you exceed your pace (especially if your pack is as heavy as intimated) the Camino will bite! You can always arrange a place to meet up later.

 

[Roddy McC]

Awesome. Thanks so much guys!

Also, are the shells available pretty much everywhere?

 

[wayfarer]

Awesome. Thanks so much guys!

Also, are the shells available pretty much everywhere?

Yes.

 

[ManyMiles2Go]

You can get shells right in the Pilgrim's office. Also, check with the tourist booth to see what's going on in St. Jean that night. When we went, there was some festival going on. . . and on. . . and on into the wee hours of the night Great music to listen to, but not very good for the beauty sleep I so desperately need There are a lot of things to see in St. Jean. Have a Buen Camino

 

[Roddy McC]

My God you guys. It's beautiful.

I have just walked around this little old town and am back in my hotel (hey one night of comfort...) and I'm astounded by its beauty! I got the bus from Bayonne (which was packed with pilgrims) and the scenery was stunning. What a journey already! Gotta head out later and get some last minute things though for now I'm just gonna relax. Though I have a few writing loose ends to tie up! I want to get a pen knife in case of emergency, a pilgrim shell and I need some toothpaste! (you always forget something!). Lets hope I find them.

Also do I need to go to the Pilgrim Office if I already have a passport? Do they give you a stamp? stupid question?

 

[SimLin]

Grab food for the next day,walk about the town then sit and relax with a beer,do it proper Irish styleee )

As a Canadian...totally agree, CHEERS!

 

[ranthr]

You have probably already found out that they give you a stamp, buen camino!

 

[nellpilgrim]

Yes Roddy go to the Pilgrims office and they'll stamp your credential/passport for you-nice to get the 1st one done (or if you've already got one from St James Gate Dublin then the 2nd)

 

[VNwalking]

Good morning Roddy...and it IS a good morning. Today you will walk! UP. Ultreia and Buen Camino!!
Thanks for the photo. Beautiful! And no doubt many of us are nostalgic as a result!

 

[molly1952]

Good luck Roddy - enjoy every step of the way! - Let us know how it goes. Hopefully I'll be in Dublin Airport in Sept heading off to Bilbao to start where I stopped last year, walking from Logrono to Leon

 

[Roddy McC]

Thanks everyone.

Currently in Zubiri after a walk from Ronsavalles. We suspect a fellow Pilgrim had sunstroke so I went back to help her and we got an ambulance for her in the afternoon. Very concerning experience and it could happen to anyone.

I kinda wanted to make it to Laurisonne so the journey to Pamplona would be a kinda short day tomorrow but that's not a complaint. Someone was in trouble and everyone helps each other out. Im struck by people's kindness and openness. The way is beautiful and I'm falling in love quite quickly.

Was woken up at 6 by a guitar playing man that worked in the albergue at Roncesvalles so I'm ready for anything now.

After Pamplona I will have to go a bit faster if I am to make it to Santiago on time. Thinking of sending a few things ahead to Santiago so I am lighter and can go faster. What are my options?

 

[jdpiguet]

Hi Roddy,

Ivar is providing exactly what you need:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/luggage-storage-in-santiago-de-compostela/
Simply note the address, stop to the next post office and send!

Buen Camino,
Jacques-D.

 

[mspath]

Roddy,
For sending your parcel to Ivar the main post office/Correos in Pamplona is at ave Sanchos El Fuerte 69.

MM