Arriving at St Jean Pied de Port on 11-Oct

[josephleaf]

Hi!

After much consideration I've decided to walk Camino Frances from St Jean to Santiago.

I'm coming from Hong Kong and will be landing in Paris at 6am. I'll then catch the TGV to Bayonne, and upon arrival, ran to the next platform within 7 minutes to catch the TER to St Jean Pied de Port and hopefully arrive at St Jean around 5pm.

I'll definitely stay the night at St Jean, after 24 hours of continuous travelling.

I have some questions:
- How long does it take for the walk between St Jean to Orisson? I plan to start as late as possible and would like to stay over at Orisson. I'm 30+, have not trained specifically for the walk but hike occasionally.

- Lista de Correos:
miscellaneous-topics/topic3992.html
Is this service still available? Can I send stuff from overseas and expect the package to be there for me when I show up?

- November:
I would be arriving at Santiago in mid-Nov, most probably. Would the refugios still be opened towards the last stretch on the camino? I'm taking a leave-it-up-to-God approach, but some extra info would be greatly appreciated.

- Also, any comment with regard to the weather? I seem to be packing everything I have from spring to winter and having a little problem to keep the pack light.

Buen Camino,
Joseph

 

[Anniesantiago]

Joseph, it would be helpful to see a list of what you're packing so we can give comments?
Even though the weather may be chilly, when you will really be cold will be AFTER walking, so in my opinion, I'd go for clothes you can layer and peel off. Even when it's cold out, once you begin walking, you warm up quickly and soon find you don't need heavy clothing.

Honestly, when packing, "less is more." There is nothing you might need that you can't buy in Spain or find in the "Free Box" along the way!

For me, in the coldest weather, I found a lightweight rainsuit/windsuit over a few layers to be more efficient than a heavy jacket, which I never even took out of my pack.

Regarding your trip, you will love the train ride from Paris... it's spectacular! And don't stress if you don't make the 7 minute connection. You will find lodging and can head out next morning.

Also, I'm glad to see you're stopping at Orisson. Did you make reservations? It fills up fast. It is only a few kilometers from SJPP, but to me, makes the difference between that first day being "hell day" or "manageable" so kudos to you for making this decision.

 

[sillydoll]

Remember that Esprit du Chemin closes at the end of September.
There are other albergues to stay in though.

Orisson might not be open - it is only open from April to October - email them to find out before planning to stay there.
You might be able to stay at Huntto instead, about 8km up the hill.
I have a winter packing list on my blog - you can check it out here.

http://amawalker.blogspot.com/2009/10/w ... inter.html

 

[sillydoll]

The last pilgrim evening at Orisson is the 22nd October. It was close then until April 2011

 

[josephleaf]

Thanks for the pointers.

I also just realised (10 minutes ago...) that Esprit du Chemin is already closed. I'm trying to get in touch with this as they have taken my reservation online all the way until i'm required to make payment:
http://www.aubergedupelerin.com/

This is the only other Auberge on the Brierley guide, so i'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Jean-Jacques (of Orisson) has replied and space is available. I'm just wait a confirmation of my flight and i'll confirm the reservation with them. Really looking forward to the stay there in the mountain!

My list:
3 x quick-dry hiking t-shirt
3 x pants (2 x summer, 1 x winter)
1 x merino wool
1 x winter running 'shell' (don't really know how to describe it...)
1 x vest, shell type
1 x wind breaker
1 x poncho
1 x sleeping bag, with a silk inner lining
1 x hiking pole
gloves, scarf, medications, toiletries, camera, mini-tripod, sleeping clothes

So far the weight is about 7kg, without toiletries, camera and tripod (200g). I'm quite tempted to bring only 2 pairs of pants but i thought it's always good to have a pair of spare consider the possibility of rain.

I'm quite worried about the high-mountain stage on the 3rd/4th week, as i'm not used to single-digit kind of temperature. I'd just wear everything i've got if i need to go out in the evening, instead of carrying a thick jacket all the way. Or i'd just stay in my sleep bag.

 

[josephleaf]

@annie: i could not get a window seat on TGV while i made the booking last week, so i'll have to try my luck when i finally got onto it.
i'm looking forward to the TER to SJPDP, though, as it seems very ancient:
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/7751696

 

[sillydoll]

You could stay at the new albergue -
http://www.aubergedupelerin.com/fr/sain ... t-t87.html

 

[skilsaw]

Hello and Welcome to the forum Joseph.

The only suggestion i would make is to take 2 t-shirts and one long sleeve shirt.

Good luck, and God bless.
David, Victoria, Canada

 

[josephleaf]

Finally leaving tonight!

The flight to Paris will be delayed and would only arrive at 7am. Will then need to find my way to Montparanesse Gare, have my ticket problem sorted out and find the platform by 9.45am!

So I do not know exactly where i would be on the first night in France, but i've booked 2 nights' stay with Orisson to slow myself down and purge all the 'city-ness' inside before starting the walk on 14-Oct.

Joseph