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Alan-try emailing Orisson. I did a few years ago (persistently) and they finally answered me with a yes.
Very nice people...and explain your son-in-law has a reservation.
Hello, Henrik.
You have chose a wonderful path! Please be assured, we have all had pre-Camino jitters...so many unknowns..until you start out. Then, you will be happily amazed at how simple life can be and with the gradual bonds you'll form with others along the route.
It is an amazing...
I agree with others.
Book Orrison in way advance.
Stay in SJPDP and enjoy the hike up (as in REALLY UP) to Orrison and relax on their balcony overlooking the “mountains “.
Or…keep on from SJPDP over the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles. Beautiful route!
Here's what I wrote upon completing the CF (with special attention to the Meseta):
How strange to ride in a car! I'm done walking miles. I took a cab to the Santiago train station. It felt false and very confining.
As the countryside passed my window, I realized I had walked the mountains...
Did the CF at the same time in 2018. Wore a good fleece vest, coupled with a windbreaker and long sleeved tech shirts. Was very comfortable, even in mid October. You'll encounter a few frosty mornings in October. Take a beanie cap and gloves as well.
At 73, it took me 34 days walking from SJPDP to Santiago, plus one rest day in Logorno and one rest day in Leon=36 days.
I had allowed 40 days for my flight home. It worked out fine and allowed me to spend a little time in Santiago with friends, a leisurely trip to Madrid and flight home. Don’t...
I agree with some suggestions above to stop at Orrison. That climb out of SJPDP is steep, plus dinner at Orrison is an experience. So much fun that first dinner with lots of other pilgrims at the long tables. And, they have good beer. You'll probably find your a"family", if not there, then...
most definitely a hot shower without one of those annoying timer buttons and a space outside the shower with a bench and hooks for clothes...and a shelf in the shower for soap and stuff.
a great front porch where you can sit and talk and take off your shoes.
4 bunkbed beds per cubicle, with a...
A silk liner weighs next to nothing...take one.
A good, lightweight sleeping bag (search this forum for the best ideas) isn't a whole lot of weight either...take one.
There are so many really good choices for light weight sleepers, you should be able to find both that will work.
The worst thing...
I agree with the others. Start with the Frances. It has good trails, plentiful albergues, is very scenic in this section and you will meet more lovely people along this route.
Always remember, it's your feet that will get you there! Wear good socks and shoes and change your socks at mid-day.
One...
Congratulations on your very wise and courageous decision, Mary.
You chose wisely!
The Camino will be ready when you are.
When you do take that first step, you will do so knowing this is your time.
You will rejoice and be joy filled!
If I had a bad knee, I'd wait those 10-14 days at home and then strike out. However,
I agree with those above, do the Meseta and skip the hills at either end if you have to make a choice. It's much flatter and contrary to some tales, quite beautiful, and the comraderie at the albergues along...
I'm in the "stop at Orisson " crowd. I'm a very solitary walker, as a rule. I love my quiet. But...I did enjoy Orisson. Yes, the dinner was a bit tight, but I met some very nice people there. And, most that stood up to say why they were doing the Camino, just said, "I really have no idea!"...
I'm reading of flash flooding in Navarra near Pamplona. Praying pilgrims are doing ok! Looks like residents are having a tough time along rivers from flooding. Anyone there that can report?
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