garlicbread
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 05/01/2024
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My advice is to start this way rather than it being the default towards the end.Eventually I didn’t even bother stepping around puddles.
Isn't it? This way is seriously underrated.Plus the scenery on Valcarlos was seriously beautiful
What a first day you had, one you won’t forget. I am hoping your luggage gets delivered soon to take that burden away. Keep us posted. UltreiaHello all. Here to give a brief account of my (and many others) first day on the Camino on May 1.
The trip to Roncesvalles was tough. I went Valcarlos route because napoleon was very ill advised due to the snow storm.
I did not have the proper gear for a day like this-my poncho is super small and I just have a fleece for warmth, and I just have trail runners and no hiking shoes. In fact I almost stayed behind and took the bus to Roncesvalles. I was very nervous.
It drizzled pretty hard all day. I was soaking wet by hour 2. I got to Valcarlos and wrung out all my clothes.
After Valcarlos the incline starts, so things just got more challenging. It was very very muddy, the trail was basically a small river. Eventually I didn’t even bother stepping around puddles.
With about 1/4 of the way left, the drizzle turned into a light snow. It wasn’t sticking on the ground and honestly wasn’t a huge bother. A change up from the rain was nice. It was around 38 degrees at the top. I had no problems with the cold because I was getting hot from the walk. Being soaked was a bother though.
A gentleman had to be taken down to roncesvalles from the peak by the police because he was not well. He said he was too cold.
I finished in 6 hours and arrived around 12:15. I was lucky to have company of other pilgrims to chat with. I never felt alone or stranded.
I was also lucky to have a reservation at roncesvalles but many others werent. Everyone in the waiting room was shivering and panicking about getting a room. The anxiety was palpable. I talked to some folks who said they arrived around 2PM and still got a room, but I’m sure many were tuned away. On a day like today that would be really hard to deal with.
I got my room, took the best shower of my life and had wine and dinner with some people from the albergue.
I spoke with someone who did Nápolean. He showed me pictures and wow, I am glad I didn’t go that route. There was a good amount of snow on the ground and visibility looked very limited.
It’s crazy because the day before yesterday it was beautiful and almost too hot! It shows how quickly the weather can change.
That’s that! I am still having trouble sleeping and having some anxiety due to luggage and SIM card logistics. That’s the worst part. The rest has been quite the satisfying challenge! Plus the scenery on Valcarlos was seriously beautiful, despite the drizzle.
I am happy to read that you got safely to Roncesvalles. If you have a look around in albergues, or ask hospitaleros, you might find some additional clothing left by other pilgrims till you can get some yourself in Decathlon in Pamplona. There is a big shop not far from the railway station, but there is a smaller one near enough to the bullring. There is also a sports shop people recommend near the Cathedral.Hello all. Here to give a brief account of my (and many others) first day on the Camino on May 1.
The trip to Roncesvalles was tough. I went Valcarlos route because napoleon was very ill advised due to the snow storm.
I did not have the proper gear for a day like this-my poncho is super small and I just have a fleece for warmth, and I just have trail runners and no hiking shoes. In fact I almost stayed behind and took the bus to Roncesvalles. I was very nervous.
It drizzled pretty hard all day. I was soaking wet by hour 2. I got to Valcarlos and wrung out all my clothes.
After Valcarlos the incline starts, so things just got more challenging. It was very very muddy, the trail was basically a small river. Eventually I didn’t even bother stepping around puddles.
With about 1/4 of the way left, the drizzle turned into a light snow. It wasn’t sticking on the ground and honestly wasn’t a huge bother. A change up from the rain was nice. It was around 38 degrees at the top. I had no problems with the cold because I was getting hot from the walk. Being soaked was a bother though.
A gentleman had to be taken down to roncesvalles from the peak by the police because he was not well. He said he was too cold.
I finished in 6 hours and arrived around 12:15. I was lucky to have company of other pilgrims to chat with. I never felt alone or stranded.
I was also lucky to have a reservation at roncesvalles but many others werent. Everyone in the waiting room was shivering and panicking about getting a room. The anxiety was palpable. I talked to some folks who said they arrived around 2PM and still got a room, but I’m sure many were tuned away. On a day like today that would be really hard to deal with.
I got my room, took the best shower of my life and had wine and dinner with some people from the albergue.
I spoke with someone who did Nápolean. He showed me pictures and wow, I am glad I didn’t go that route. There was a good amount of snow on the ground and visibility looked very limited.
It’s crazy because the day before yesterday it was beautiful and almost too hot! It shows how quickly the weather can change.
That’s that! I am still having trouble sleeping and having some anxiety due to luggage and SIM card logistics. That’s the worst part. The rest has been quite the satisfying challenge! Plus the scenery on Valcarlos was seriously beautiful, despite the drizzle.
Thanks for the update. Stay healthy and safe. It's so easy to get sick in this kind of weather. Buen Camino!Hello all. Here to give a brief account of my (and many others) first day on the Camino on May 1.
The trip to Roncesvalles was tough. I went Valcarlos route because napoleon was very ill advised due to the snow storm.
I did not have the proper gear for a day like this-my poncho is super small and I just have a fleece for warmth, and I just have trail runners and no hiking shoes. In fact I almost stayed behind and took the bus to Roncesvalles. I was very nervous.
It drizzled pretty hard all day. I was soaking wet by hour 2. I got to Valcarlos and wrung out all my clothes.
After Valcarlos the incline starts, so things just got more challenging. It was very very muddy, the trail was basically a small river. Eventually I didn’t even bother stepping around puddles.
With about 1/4 of the way left, the drizzle turned into a light snow. It wasn’t sticking on the ground and honestly wasn’t a huge bother. A change up from the rain was nice. It was around 38 degrees at the top. I had no problems with the cold because I was getting hot from the walk. Being soaked was a bother though.
A gentleman had to be taken down to roncesvalles from the peak by the police because he was not well. He said he was too cold.
I finished in 6 hours and arrived around 12:15. I was lucky to have company of other pilgrims to chat with. I never felt alone or stranded.
I was also lucky to have a reservation at roncesvalles but many others werent. Everyone in the waiting room was shivering and panicking about getting a room. The anxiety was palpable. I talked to some folks who said they arrived around 2PM and still got a room, but I’m sure many were tuned away. On a day like today that would be really hard to deal with.
I got my room, took the best shower of my life and had wine and dinner with some people from the albergue.
I spoke with someone who did Nápolean. He showed me pictures and wow, I am glad I didn’t go that route. There was a good amount of snow on the ground and visibility looked very limited.
It’s crazy because the day before yesterday it was beautiful and almost too hot! It shows how quickly the weather can change.
That’s that! I am still having trouble sleeping and having some anxiety due to luggage and SIM card logistics. That’s the worst part. The rest has been quite the satisfying challenge! Plus the scenery on Valcarlos was seriously beautiful, despite the drizzle.
Yes, and sick of the weather!Thanks for the update. Stay healthy and safe. It's so easy to get sick in this kind of weather. Buen Camino!
So glad you made the most of your first day and it all went as well as can be expected in the difficult conditions. I hope you get the other things sorted and can enjoy and get the most out of what I'm sure will be an amazing experience for you on this beautiful path.Hello all. Here to give a brief account of my (and many others) first day on the Camino on May 1.
The trip to Roncesvalles was tough. I went Valcarlos route because napoleon was very ill advised due to the snow storm.
I did not have the proper gear for a day like this-my poncho is super small and I just have a fleece for warmth, and I just have trail runners and no hiking shoes. In fact I almost stayed behind and took the bus to Roncesvalles. I was very nervous.
It drizzled pretty hard all day. I was soaking wet by hour 2. I got to Valcarlos and wrung out all my clothes.
After Valcarlos the incline starts, so things just got more challenging. It was very very muddy, the trail was basically a small river. Eventually I didn’t even bother stepping around puddles.
With about 1/4 of the way left, the drizzle turned into a light snow. It wasn’t sticking on the ground and honestly wasn’t a huge bother. A change up from the rain was nice. It was around 38 degrees at the top. I had no problems with the cold because I was getting hot from the walk. Being soaked was a bother though.
A gentleman had to be taken down to roncesvalles from the peak by the police because he was not well. He said he was too cold.
I finished in 6 hours and arrived around 12:15. I was lucky to have company of other pilgrims to chat with. I never felt alone or stranded.
I was also lucky to have a reservation at roncesvalles but many others werent. Everyone in the waiting room was shivering and panicking about getting a room. The anxiety was palpable. I talked to some folks who said they arrived around 2PM and still got a room, but I’m sure many were tuned away. On a day like today that would be really hard to deal with.
I got my room, took the best shower of my life and had wine and dinner with some people from the albergue.
I spoke with someone who did Nápolean. He showed me pictures and wow, I am glad I didn’t go that route. There was a good amount of snow on the ground and visibility looked very limited.
It’s crazy because the day before yesterday it was beautiful and almost too hot! It shows how quickly the weather can change.
That’s that! I am still having trouble sleeping and having some anxiety due to luggage and SIM card logistics. That’s the worst part. The rest has been quite the satisfying challenge! Plus the scenery on Valcarlos was seriously beautiful, despite the drizzle.
I believe Valcarlos is actually the original route, so you walked in the footsteps of Charlemagne:Hello all. Here to give a brief account of my (and many others) first day on the Camino on May 1.
The trip to Roncesvalles was tough. I went Valcarlos route because napoleon was very ill advised due to the snow storm.
I did not have the proper gear for a day like this-my poncho is super small and I just have a fleece for warmth, and I just have trail runners and no hiking shoes. In fact I almost stayed behind and took the bus to Roncesvalles. I was very nervous.
It drizzled pretty hard all day. I was soaking wet by hour 2. I got to Valcarlos and wrung out all my clothes.
After Valcarlos the incline starts, so things just got more challenging. It was very very muddy, the trail was basically a small river. Eventually I didn’t even bother stepping around puddles.
With about 1/4 of the way left, the drizzle turned into a light snow. It wasn’t sticking on the ground and honestly wasn’t a huge bother. A change up from the rain was nice. It was around 38 degrees at the top. I had no problems with the cold because I was getting hot from the walk. Being soaked was a bother though.
A gentleman had to be taken down to roncesvalles from the peak by the police because he was not well. He said he was too cold.
I finished in 6 hours and arrived around 12:15. I was lucky to have company of other pilgrims to chat with. I never felt alone or stranded.
I was also lucky to have a reservation at roncesvalles but many others werent. Everyone in the waiting room was shivering and panicking about getting a room. The anxiety was palpable. I talked to some folks who said they arrived around 2PM and still got a room, but I’m sure many were tuned away. On a day like today that would be really hard to deal with.
I got my room, took the best shower of my life and had wine and dinner with some people from the albergue.
I spoke with someone who did Nápolean. He showed me pictures and wow, I am glad I didn’t go that route. There was a good amount of snow on the ground and visibility looked very limited.
It’s crazy because the day before yesterday it was beautiful and almost too hot! It shows how quickly the weather can change.
That’s that! I am still having trouble sleeping and having some anxiety due to luggage and SIM card logistics. That’s the worst part. The rest has been quite the satisfying challenge! Plus the scenery on Valcarlos was seriously beautiful, despite the drizzle.
First, I am so glad you went the safe route and arrived safely. I also so appreciate your post on weather. I am a first time senior pilgram starting May 5 from STJP. and have booked thru Pamplona. To cut back weight, I was just bringing an Atlus poncho and a light fleece and one long sleeve and short sleeve to layer and was going to leave my waterproof jacket to save weight..but I think I need to bring it now...I didn't realize it might be so cold in these first few days. Thank you again for sharing, and I pray the weather gets better for you...safe travels...and buen camino:^)
Ummm...not according to @Monasp who cites Codex Calistinus nonethelessI believe Valcarlos is actually the original route, so you walked in the footsteps of Charlemagne:
"The Valcarlos route, also known as the Valley of Carlos, is named after Charlemagne, whose name is Spanish for Charles. The name comes from an event that took place in 778 AD when Charlemagne was crossing the Pyrenees after finishing a campaign in Spain. While playing chess in the Valcarlos valley, Charlemagne's rear guard was killed at Roncesvalles, which translates to "Valley of the Thorns". "
I think Charlemagne predates the Codex Calixtinus by a few centuries.Ummm...not according to @Monasp who cites Codex Calistinus nonetheless
Post in thread 'They are recommending the Valcarlos route tomorrow, how foolish would it be to go Napoleon?' https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...would-it-be-to-go-napoleon.86604/post-1251448
Yes, but @Monasp was specifically referring to the route pilgrims took, referred to in the Codex. It was news to me, too, TBH.I think Charlemagne predates the Codex Calixtinus by a few centuries.
True. But that was the route when the Codex was written, several centuries after the pilgrimage started, which was closer to the time of Charlemagne. The Codex may be the first Pilgrim Guide, but the pilgrimage had been around for quite some time before that. If the Valcarlos route was more commonly used in the earlier middle ages, who is to say that it wasn't used then by pilgrims. And heaven knows (and the Codex attests), the stories of Charlemagne and the stories of the early Camino are closely intertwined.Yes, but @Monasp was specifically referring to the route pilgrims took, referred to in the Codex. It was news to me, too, TBH.
You have this, tomorrow is another day..thanks for the brief, enjoyable. We start in Sept..making lists of vegetarian choices prior to starting..sort of dirty vegetarian, just dont eat red meat..dont think there will be issues..will take what we can find.Hello all. Here to give a brief account of my (and many others) first day on the Camino on May 1.
The trip to Roncesvalles was tough. I went Valcarlos route because napoleon was very ill advised due to the snow storm.
I did not have the proper gear for a day like this-my poncho is super small and I just have a fleece for warmth, and I just have trail runners and no hiking shoes. In fact I almost stayed behind and took the bus to Roncesvalles. I was very nervous.
It drizzled pretty hard all day. I was soaking wet by hour 2. I got to Valcarlos and wrung out all my clothes.
After Valcarlos the incline starts, so things just got more challenging. It was very very muddy, the trail was basically a small river. Eventually I didn’t even bother stepping around puddles.
With about 1/4 of the way left, the drizzle turned into a light snow. It wasn’t sticking on the ground and honestly wasn’t a huge bother. A change up from the rain was nice. It was around 38 degrees at the top. I had no problems with the cold because I was getting hot from the walk. Being soaked was a bother though.
A gentleman had to be taken down to roncesvalles from the peak by the police because he was not well. He said he was too cold.
I finished in 6 hours and arrived around 12:15. I was lucky to have company of other pilgrims to chat with. I never felt alone or stranded.
I was also lucky to have a reservation at roncesvalles but many others werent. Everyone in the waiting room was shivering and panicking about getting a room. The anxiety was palpable. I talked to some folks who said they arrived around 2PM and still got a room, but I’m sure many were tuned away. On a day like today that would be really hard to deal with.
I got my room, took the best shower of my life and had wine and dinner with some people from the albergue.
I spoke with someone who did Nápolean. He showed me pictures and wow, I am glad I didn’t go that route. There was a good amount of snow on the ground and visibility looked very limited.
It’s crazy because the day before yesterday it was beautiful and almost too hot! It shows how quickly the weather can change.
That’s that! I am still having trouble sleeping and having some anxiety due to luggage and SIM card logistics. That’s the worst part. The rest has been quite the satisfying challenge! Plus the scenery on Valcarlos was seriously beautiful, despite the drizzle.
Good idea, I’m vegetarian and struggling. Not a lot of protein options except cheese and eggs.You have this, tomorrow is another day..thanks for the brief, enjoyable. We start in Sept..making lists of vegetarian choices prior to starting..sort of dirty vegetarian, just dont eat red meat..dont think there will be issues..will take what we can find.
Valcarlos is clearly an ancient route, predating the pilgrimage to Santiago.Point I am trying to make is that even if
Ibanetta Pass and Roncesvalles and hence the route known now as Valcarlos were used by him and his troops it does NOT make it "the original way".
True. Especially for vegans.I’m vegetarian and struggling. Not a lot of protein options except cheese and egeggs.
I was amazed by how difficult it was to get vegetables, especially in Spain. They eat carbohydrates and meat and seafood (some of which I wouldn't eat like octopus, squid and other). Vegetables are hard to come by, I was happy to get back home to my daily allotments of veggies. I still don't really understand why.You have this, tomorrow is another day..thanks for the brief, enjoyable. We start in Sept..making lists of vegetarian choices prior to starting..sort of dirty vegetarian, just dont eat red meat..dont think there will be issues..will take what we can find.
I suspect it's because vegetables--right or wrong--are considered "poor people's food." During the dictatorship years, the division between poor and rich was very stark, and the poor had little access to protein other than eggs and dairy.I was amazed by how difficult it was to get vegetables, especially in Spain. They eat carbohydrates and meat and seafood (some of which I wouldn't eat like octopus, squid and other). Vegetables are hard to come by, I was happy to get back home to my daily allotments of veggies. I still don't really understand why.
That makes sense!I suspect it's because vegetables--right or wrong--are considered "poor people's food." During the dictatorship years, the division between poor and rich was very stark, and the poor had little access to protein other than eggs and dairy.
The legacy from those hard years is a strong preference for animal protein, with vegetables just as garnishes.
I've seen this first-hand in Portugal and imagine Spain is the same.
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