Weather warnings and first day queery!

[rosiexamanda]

Evening all! I leave England net Tuesday so will begin my camingofrom SJPDP that week, could anyone tell me how the weather is looking at the moment? Iv seen a lot of rain and storms!? Would wou recommend more substantial waterproof clothing if so? And I have hear also that there are several routes possible from SJPDP to my next town could anyone explain this ir can I just figure it out when I am there? Thanks all

 

[whariwharangi]

Raingear ... There is no way to predict what the weather will bring next week or even later on today. You will be walking in mountains and that means weather is unpredictable. So you have a choice ... bring good rain gear or not. The consequences of not bringing rain gear could mean you get soaked ... and get cold ... and suffer hypothermia. Its pretty rare that people die on the camino due to exposure to bad weather but odds are that when it does it happens on route Napoleon and the ultimate cause is hypothermia even as the primary cause is lack of preparedness.

... Anyone can be uncomfortable on the camino ...

There are two routes from SJPdP to Roncesvalles.

One is route Napoleon and goes over the height of land at Col Lepoeder. There are no services after Refuge Orisson 8km from SJPdP. It is the recommended route if weather is good.

The other is route Valcarlos. It mainly follows the main road (with some off road sections) and passes through Valcarlos (where there is an albergue and other services) at about the half way mark. It is said to be less strenuous and less exposed to weather. It is the recommended route in the event of bad weather.

Both routes are liberally marked with yellow arrows and other markings. You just need to pay attention on leaving SJPdP and at any subsequent intersections.

It is suggested that you visit the Pilgrims Office just up the hill from the gateway to the Camino. They will provide better advice than can be provided here about the weather forecast and route finding.

And, oh yeah, you can do a map recce of the camino by walking virtually using google earth.

 

[SYates]

Bring a poncho to cover your backpack and yourself down to the knees and you should be fine. Buen Camino, SY

 

[Deleted member 36903]

I second SYates suggestion. The Ferrino poncho is long with sleeves, covers my backpack and has been so useful. I pre-ordered from the the boutique du pelerin - www.boutique-du-pelerin.com Buen Camino!

 

[SYates]

I have the Ferrino poncho, but use it only during the coldish season as it keeps you quite warm/sweaty. Buen Camino, SY

 

[Irish Bernie]

I have the Ferrino poncho, but use it only during the coldish season as it keeps you quite warm/sweaty. Buen Camino, SY

What poncho would you recommend ?

 

[SYates]

Lol, that is at the moment precisely my $5 Million question. My old summer no-name/Decathlon ponchos have died and I am busy looking for a new one ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[Garfield]

We had a wet day today near Astorga (3/4 through). Our first proper rainy day I drained the water from my 'waterproof' shoes. Rang out my socks, my poor prune feet....Throughout the day heard about waterproof socks? Wearing plastic bags between socks and shoes.. Wet feet and blisters, try to keep your feet dry. Expensive shoes, gaiters....good luck, may the sun shine but not too much!