12th March 2013

[Gsyway]

Hi,
I'm starting my first Camino from St Jean PDP on March 12th. I've found this forum has been really useful. I was wondering whether anybody else was starting then? If so message me here

 

[sergeantmajormammy]

Sign up for the Calendar at the bottom of the page and you can see who else is around at that time. Internet Explorer not recognising the calendar - try a different browser.

 

[reg2450]

Hi! I'll be there around 21st March, but I reckon you should check out other forums on or around your dates, there are some serious weather issues happening between SJPP and Rocensvalles - in fact, through to Pamplona (I think). But I suggest you have a plan B... and maybe C... Hope to see you there,
Bien Camino
Gina & Georgia

 

[lorrainemc]

Hi, I am hoping to leave around March 18th - a few days after you. Echo the concerns about the weather and thinking of travelling to start from Pamplona instead of St Jean. Disappointed!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Disappointed!

Facing one of the great adventures of a lifetime, and you will start disappointed?

Attitude is everything. Be joyous...

 

[lorrainemc]

Thank you! What you say is true and a timely reminder. Muchisamas gracias.

 

[Kiwi_Duindam]

Starting on the 12th of March as well. Thats if the weather is good enough to cross the first day. Arriving in from Bayonne the night before. Maybe see you on the track then!

 

[Stuart79]

Il be starting from Pamplona on the 15th March. I can't wait.

Stu

 

[Gsyway]

Starting on the 12th of March as well. Thats if the weather is good enough to cross the first day. Arriving in from Bayonne the night before. Maybe see you on the track then!

Hi!

I'm in bayonne the night of the 10th-11th, taking the slow train to St Jeanne the afternoon of the 11th. Setting out bright and early on the 12th to be in Rocensvalles that evening.

Is that a similiar plan to yours? I'll PM you also.

 

[Dcgrannell]

Starting the March 10th weather dependent may wait a few days to see if it clears or start from Pamploma....Buen Camino. Cant wait...

 

[Rellrog]

My wife and I will be starting on March 15th from St. Jean. We also hope that the weather is agreeable. If not, we'll roll with the punches.

 

[tpmchugh]

My son and I are starting from St Jean on St Patricks Day, 17th March, my first his second. Also concerned about the weather. Forecast is rain Monday 11th turning to prolonged snow for Tuesday accumulating 3 to 6cm around St Jean 6 to 12 Roncevalles and 1 to 3 around Pamplona. Seriously considering transport to Pamplona and start from there as the weather from there on does not look bad at all. As a veteran told me this morning, the Pyrenees have been there a long time and he who fights and runs away lives to fight another day, so might leave the Route Napolean until a warmer month next year. If anyone in St Jean around 17th we could if necessary organise a taxi share to split the costs

 

[Deleted member 3000]

If anyone in St Jean around 17th we could if necessary organise a taxi share to split the costs

I suspect that the Pilgrim Office will be very helpful in doing that. They do not want to see pilgrims take risks, and like minded persons will be hanging around there. Talk to a volunteer, or just start asking other pilgrims if they would like to share a taxi. You will be meeting a lot of strangers over the next few days, so start being bold at first opportunity. I don't think I have ever experienced rejection when approaching others. Everyone has the same trepidation that you may have!

Buen camino!

 

[tpmchugh]

Thanks Falcon, good advice that I will bear in mind

Buen Camino

 

[tpmchugh]

The weather forecast has changed for week starting 10th March not great but better than previously. No snow in St Jean and the 6 to 12cm for Roncevalles down to 1 to 3. Temperatures have also increased

 

[Gsyway]

Wow - delighted by all the responses, Good luck to all. The weather forecast for St J PDP is improving - no longer showing snow nor -ve Degrees for the 12th!

If the weather does turn and the pilgrim office says not to try either route i'll probably try and share a taxi to Roncevalles or travel to Pamplona.

 

[CJ Williams]

Wow - delighted by all the responses, Good luck to all. The weather forecast for St J PDP is improving - no longer showing snow nor -ve Degrees for the 12th!

If the weather does turn and the pilgrim office says not to try either route i'll probably try and share a taxi to Roncevalles or travel to Pamplona.

Hi Gsyway,

I don't know whether or not you've been following a thread I started about the weather and information on conditions on the Camino from St. Jean Pied-de-Port or not. I have been trying to keep folks updated on the weather and walking conditions from St. Jean to Zubiri. You can find it in this forum under the title IMPORTANT: Advice for pilgrims setting off in March 2013 but just in case, I'll repost here. This is the latest info, from yesterday evening. I will be in touch with the Guardia Civil in the valley again over the weekend:

Hello everyone,

I have just been on the telephone once more with both the Guardia Civil and the Colegiata de Roncesvalles about the situation in the valley. Here's the latest for folks arriving this weekend.

From St. Jean Pied-de-Port: Under no circumstances should you follow the Route Napoleon over the mountains. There is still snow there and the weather is still very unstable up top. There have been two helicopter rescues this week! If you begin in St. Jean Pied-de-Port, take the Valcarlos route and stay on the asphalted (metalled) highway. That is what they are advising. There are points where the Camino leaves the highway and goes off into the forest. Don't do that, stay on the highway. Yes, that will make for a longer journey, but it's what the Guardia Civil is advising.

And wear the yellow or orange safety vests that were discussed on this thread previously as you will be walking on the highway. Spanish law requires this and you could be fined if you don't. You should be able to buy reflective safety vests in St. Jean Pied-de-Port if you can't get them before leaving home, but do remember that you need to be visible from front and back, so a reflective yellow or orange rain poncho large enough to cover you and your pack might be a better option.

From Roncesvalles to Zubiri: The snow has melted off for the most part. There's lots of mud, so be careful on some of the ascents and descents on the trail, especially at the passes of Mezkiritz and Mt. Erro (I'm thinking particularly of the descent from Erro into Zubiri). The Camino intersects the asphalted highway at several points, so if you find it too hard a slog with the mud and water, you can always rejoin the road. If you do wear the safety vests/ponchos. Exercise caution in all cases on slick trails.

Weather forecast:It is currently 13ºC (56ºF) and raining in Roncesvalles. There will be more rain and cool to mild temps over the next five days. The weather forecast for the next five days is as follows:

- Friday 8 March: cloudy and chilly with showers throughout the day. A high of 9ºC (48ºF)
- Saturday 9 March: partly sunny with showers throughout the day. A high of 11ºC (52ºF)
- Sunday 10 March: chilly with rain and drizzle all day. A high of 9ºC (49ºF)
- Monday 11 March: some showers throughout the morning. A high of 9ºC (48ºF)
- Tuesday 12 March: colder with snow. A high of 1ºC (35ºF)

As always, be prudent, stay safe and I'll keep posting updates as needed. God bless!