Camino Frances August 2008

[Ginny]

All going well I plan to leave Sydney, Australia on Sunday August 24 (19 more sleeps)to do the Camino Frances. My daughter was to be doing the walk with me, unfortunatley she has not been well and will be undergoing surgery to have her gall bladder removed on August 11, which means she will not be able to travel and do the walk. Needless to say I am very disappointed that I would not be able to share this wonderful experience with my daughter. However, after a great deal of thought I decided to do the walk on my own. I intend starting the walk from St Jean Pied de Paul. I am flying to Paris and hope to get the TGV from the airport to Bayonne, I believe they run every hour, and I'm guessing it's not necessary to book a fare. Once in Bayonne I need to travel to SJPDP and I assume I get a train! Once there I hope to get a good night's sleep and start the walk on August 26.

I'd appreciate any input regarding the TGV and travel to SJPDP. I am a little hesitant as I have not travelled alone before, though I'm sure I will meet lots of friendly helpful people. I've really enjoyed reading the interesting topics posted.

Cheers to all
Ginny

 

[sillydoll]

Hi Ginny,
I am going to try to attach a bus timetable for you from Bayonne to St Jean. It looks as though the last bus leaves at 21h06.

You will find a nice little map of St Jean on the Esprit du Chemin albergue website: http://www.espritduchemin.org./engels_index_main.htm
You could reserve a bed by email: hubertarno@espritduchemin.org

When you get to St Jean, visit the Accueil des pelerins de St-Jacques (pilgrim office) at 39 rue de la Citadelle to collect a credential. They are open from 7h30 to 12h30 and then from 13h30 to 22h. The albergue is next door at 40 rue de la Citadelle.

If you intend staying at Orisson - 10kms up the hill from St Jean - you should book a bed ahead.
Either online at their website or by email: http://www.refuge-orisson.com/
Jean-jacques,etchandy@wanadoo.fr They charge about 30 euro for dinner, bed and breakfast.

Happy planning peregrina,
Hugs,