First Camino, September - October 2015

[Kev]

I am planning to head out on my first pilgrimage on the Camino Frances this September (current planned departure from the states, Sep 3rd). My children are both adults now and it is time to put my energy into my list of things I want to do.
Taking the necessary time off is proving to be a challenge, luckily, I have a very supportive supervisor who is helping me make this a reality and believes as I do that work is to provide for one's life and one does not provide a life to work .
I'll be travelling solo, taking in the experience, and plan to continue to Muxia then to Fisterra where I fully expect to be ready to travel back home at the end of October (planned for Oct 22nd).

Kevin

 

[NualaOC]

Buen Camino Kevin, what a lovely plan.

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

I am planning to head out on my first pilgrimage on the Camino Frances this September (current planned departure from the states, Sep 3rd). My children are both adults now and it is time to put my energy into my list of things I want to do.
Taking the necessary time off is proving to be a challenge, luckily, I have a very supportive supervisor who is helping me make this a reality and believes as I do that work is to provide for one's life and one does not provide a life to work .
I'll be travelling solo, taking in the experience, and plan to continue to Muxia then to Fisterra where I fully expect to be ready to travel back home at the end of October (planned for Oct 22nd).

Kevin

Buen Camino!

 

[dougfitz]

Buen Camino.

 

[wayfarer]

Welcome Kevin.
Buen Camino.

 

[pilgrim b]

Buen Camino Kevin

 

[fraluchi]

I am planning to head out on my first pilgrimage on the Camino Frances this September (current planned departure from the states, Sep 3rd).

A good time in the year to enjoy the oncoming autumn. The atmosphere is usually stable, the colours warm, the fruit delectable. Ultreya!

 

[petitewalker]

Buen Camino Kevin,
My hubby and I walked the same time last year leaving just a week after you. It is a great time to walk and aren't you lucky to have a supervisor who is letting you make this journey come true.

 

[Kev]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I first learned about the Camino 4 years ago while getting my daughter setup for college - They have a program where they walk from Paris to Santiago. After that "wetting of the appetite", my wife and I stumbled up on "The Way" which we happened to watch on demand by pure luck. Watching the movie settled my mind once and for all on the subject. Since then I have been counting the days (with less and less patience) till I leave.
I joined a gym exactly a year ago with the express goal of prepping myself for my Camino trip, and with support from them I will be starting to work on my distance walking as soon as the snow stops pounding New England.
I have been watching this forum for quite a while reading everything I can about the Camino (When to go, what to pack, etc) and have had several debates with myself over walking vs cycling (I'm a big boy, but I love biking!), but walking won (at least for my first Camino) because I do not want to short-cycle the experience that can only be had by walking for 6 weeks vs biking 2.
Any words of wisdom related to my early fall Camino, I am all ears

 

[Liz L]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I first learned about the Camino 4 years ago while getting my daughter setup for college - They have a program where they walk from Paris to Santiago. After that "wetting of the appetite", my wife and I stumbled up on "The Way" which we happened to watch on demand by pure luck. Watching the movie settled my mind once and for all on the subject. Since then I have been counting the days (with less and less patience) till I leave.
I joined a gym exactly a year ago with the express goal of prepping myself for my Camino trip, and with support from them I will be starting to work on my distance walking as soon as the snow stops pounding New England.
I have been watching this forum for quite a while reading everything I can about the Camino (When to go, what to pack, etc) and have had several debates with myself over walking vs cycling (I'm a big boy, but I love biking!), but walking won (at least for my first Camino) because I do not want to short-cycle the experience that can only be had by walking for 6 weeks vs biking 2.
Any words of wisdom related to my early fall Camino, I am all ears

Hi Kev- I'm looking to start walking about Aug 22 and taking it slow- meeting a friend in Leon mid-Sept and finishing early Oct so maybe our paths will cross. Are you leaving from the US? I'm still working on my flights- if US, where are you flying from and what kind of routes/connections are you making from the states to starting point? Thanks- Liz

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

I am planning to head out on my first pilgrimage on the Camino Frances this September (current planned departure from the states, Sep 3rd). My children are both adults now and it is time to put my energy into my list of things I want to do.
Taking the necessary time off is proving to be a challenge, luckily, I have a very supportive supervisor who is helping me make this a reality and believes as I do that work is to provide for one's life and one does not provide a life to work .
I'll be travelling solo, taking in the experience, and plan to continue to Muxia then to Fisterra where I fully expect to be ready to travel back home at the end of October (planned for Oct 22nd).

Kevin

Welcome Kevin , wish you well and a Buen Camino , Peter .

 

[Kev]

Hi Kev- I'm looking to start walking about Aug 22 and taking it slow- meeting a friend in Leon mid-Sept and finishing early Oct so maybe our paths will cross. Are you leaving from the US? I'm still working on my flights- if US, where are you flying from and what kind of routes/connections are you making from the states to starting point? Thanks- Liz

I am flying out of Boston on Iberia Air to Madrid on the 3rd of September, two hour layover and a puddle jumper to San Sebastian. Taxi to the French bus station and a 1+ hour ride to Bayonne and hop the train to SJPdP. I'll arrive at the start late afternoon Friday the 4th.

 

[Jola Dvr]

Hi Kev- I'm looking to start walking about Aug 22 and taking it slow- meeting a friend in Leon mid-Sept and finishing early Oct so maybe our paths will cross. Are you leaving from the US? I'm still working on my flights- if US, where are you flying from and what kind of routes/connections are you making from the states to starting point? Thanks- Liz

Hi Liz, I am flying from Denver, US Aug 23rd so I might bump into you as well at some point. I booked my flight separately to Europe and back. The prices were much lower this way. Great destination to fly in and out is Paris.
DEN-> Paris costs right now only about $600. From there I will be taking a train to Bayonne (the express train TGV) and then a local train to ST Jean which, as I hear, is coordinated with the express one. You can buy the ticket for about $30 right now.
On a way back from Santiago I will take a train to Madrid (RENFE), then fly to Paris for about $80 and then fly back to Denver for about $460.

 

[Waka]

Hi Kev

I will be starting my first Camino around the same time as you from SJPDP, I'm still in there planning stage (getting all the gear).
Maybe we'll meet on the route.

Should have mentioned I'll be travelling from the UK.

Buen Camino

 

[Kev]

Hi Kev

I will be starting my first Camino around the same time as you from SJPDP, I'm still in there planning stage (getting all the gear).
Maybe we'll meet on the route.

Should have mentioned I'll be travelling from the UK.

Buen Camino

I would like that, hopefully our paths cross at some point.

 

[Matthew B]

I plan to leave Ireland late August, stay in my sister's house in Northern France for a couple of days, then go down to San Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances. I could be walking along the route at a similar time. If so, I hope our paths will cross!

 

[CaminoRay]

Hi Kev

I will be starting my first Camino around the same time as you from SJPDP, I'm still in there planning stage (getting all the gear).
Maybe we'll meet on the route.

Should have mentioned I'll be travelling from the UK.

Buen Camino

I will be starting my Camino first week in September as well. I'm trying to get all my equipment together so I can start some training. I just joined this forum and really like it.

 

[Griffin57]

I will be starting my Camino first week in September as well. I'm trying to get all my equipment together so I can start some training. I just joined this forum and really like it.

Welcome CaminoRay! This is a great place to help with your planning, great resources and many of the questions you may have will probably already been answered, check out the files.
You early Septemberers look like a great group wish I could meet some of you but sadly I'll be behind you not leaving till the 19th, September for me has been a great month x2 warmer and sunnier than I expected, packing Factor 50 and a good sunhat this time!

Buen Camino everyone!
Sarah

 

[Evie Baca]

I am planning to head out on my first pilgrimage on the Camino Frances this September (current planned departure from the states, Sep 3rd). My children are both adults now and it is time to put my energy into my list of things I want to do.
Taking the necessary time off is proving to be a challenge, luckily, I have a very supportive supervisor who is helping me make this a reality and believes as I do that work is to provide for one's life and one does not provide a life to work .
I'll be travelling solo, taking in the experience, and plan to continue to Muxia then to Fisterra where I fully expect to be ready to travel back home at the end of October (planned for Oct 22nd).

Kevin

Hola Kevin I will be heading out the 1st of september. I'm very short so I don't walk fast but I'm also a determined person who is retired so I'm planning to enjoy the journey. I live in New Mexico thanks to the other person sharing the info on flying out from Denver to Paris. Hope to meet you Buen camino. Evie

 

[Kev]

I hope to at least cross paths with each of you at least once on my Camino.

My plans so far, September 3-4 travel from home to SJPdP, September 5th a short day to Orisson, September 6th will probably be Roncesvalles, beyond that it is whatever the trail happens to deal me that day. I'm not flying back home till October 22nd, so I am in no rush and can take in more of what the Camino has to offer.
Time permitting, I'm heading to Finisterre and Muxia. I figure all I have to do is average 20 km per day (12 miles), anything else is a bonus .

 

[Bobbi]

This is great to read. I too am planning my first casino to begin first week of September after we get our youngest son started off to university. Very recently retired (somewhat early), travelling solo and excited but also a little nervous hoping that there will be others I can hike with or at least see on the path. Planning to go the distance from SJPP to Santiago. Trying not to over plan (my thing) and instead let things happen (not my thing!). Still deliberating over sleeping liner vs bag, and more importantly whether or not I am crazy to take this on!

 

[Waka]

This is great to read. I too am planning my first casino to begin first week of September after we get our youngest son started off to university. Very recently retired (somewhat early), travelling solo and excited but also a little nervous hoping that there will be others I can hike with or at least see on the path. Planning to go the distance from SJPP to Santiago. Trying not to over plan (my thing) and instead let things happen (not my thing!). Still deliberating over sleeping liner vs bag, and more importantly whether or not I am crazy to take this on!

Bobbi

Welcome to the world of the "first timers" great fun planning etc.
Regarding the liner versus the sleeping bag, I had a lot of thought on this and a lot of forum reading, as you can imagine there is no clear cut answer. So to keep the weight down I've gone for the liner, if I find this to be inadequate then I'll but a sleeping bag along the way,, or sleep inside my rucksack .

My only planning has been a hotel for the first night in nSJPdP and Orisson, after that it's pot luck, all very exciting not planning the future.
As pilgrims on the forum keep reminding us, let the camino decide. I think that's very wise.
I'm leaving SJPdp on the 6th Sept, probably late morning for Orisson, nice lazy start.
Are we crazy for taking this on, everyone does this for a different reason, I think my wife and daughters think I've got the odd screw loose, but ha ho can't wait to start.

Hopefully we'll meet on the journey, I'll be the one going very slow first thing in the mornings.

 

[Cliff175]

Hola Kev,
I'm leaving the beginning of Sept. also. From Fall River MA. ( retiref FR firefighter ) we are Almost neighbors. You are in for a great experience, my guess is there nothing muchelse like it on the planet.
Gets in your blood, kind of like a salmons desire and intuition to swim upstream. third time in three years for me. I'm thinking of walking the Camino Baztan from Bayonne to Pomplona then the frances to Santiago. So I'll keep an ear out for the " Boston Accent " , ( no doubt you'll know the Fall River accent too) . Take your time, easier on the mind and body, remember the Turtle won!
You'll forever be a Perigrino, Vay con Dios
Cliff

 

[Kev]

This is great to read. I too am planning my first casino to begin first week of September after we get our youngest son started off to university. Very recently retired (somewhat early), travelling solo and excited but also a little nervous hoping that there will be others I can hike with or at least see on the path. Planning to go the distance from SJPP to Santiago. Trying not to over plan (my thing) and instead let things happen (not my thing!). Still deliberating over sleeping liner vs bag, and more importantly whether or not I am crazy to take this on!

I went back and forth many times on the sleeping bag issue and finally settled on bringing a light-weight one (http://www.fcsurplus.ca/shopping/pr...orth-49-Micra-Lite-Rectangular-Sleeping-Bags/)
And if you are crazy, I'm crazy as well - And yes, I keep asking myself that... More and more as the clock ticks closer , but at least I know even if I am crazy there will be other crazy people there to keep me company.

 

[Kev]

Bobbi

Welcome to the world of the "first timers" great fun planning etc.
Regarding the liner versus the sleeping bag, I had a lot of thought on this and a lot of forum reading, as you can imagine there is no clear cut answer. So to keep the weight down I've gone for the liner, if I find this to be inadequate then I'll but a sleeping bag along the way,, or sleep inside my rucksack .

My only planning has been a hotel for the first night in nSJPdP and Orisson, after that it's pot luck, all very exciting not planning the future.
As pilgrims on the forum keep reminding us, let the camino decide. I think that's very wise.
I'm leaving SJPdp on the 6th Sept, probably late morning for Orisson, nice lazy start.
Are we crazy for taking this on, everyone does this for a different reason, I think my wife and daughters think I've got the odd screw loose, but ha ho can't wait to start.

Hopefully we'll meet on the journey, I'll be the one going very slow first thing in the mornings.

You won't be the only slow one in the morning

 

[Jiffie]

This is great to read. I too am planning my first casino to begin first week of September after we get our youngest son started off to university. Very recently retired (somewhat early), travelling solo and excited but also a little nervous hoping that there will be others I can hike with or at least see on the path. Planning to go the distance from SJPP to Santiago. Trying not to over plan (my thing) and instead let things happen (not my thing!). Still deliberating over sleeping liner vs bag, and more importantly whether or not I am crazy to take this on!

Bobbi, I'm also got my baby off to college (he's actually doing a gap mission year but the same idea) and my oldest gets married on 8/29. I leave St. Jean on 9/10. I also am trying to NOT over plan (my thing also!). We'll I'd love to say we can plan to meet, but then we'd be planning! Buen Camino!

 

[Bobbi]

Bobbi, I'm also got my baby off to college (he's actually doing a gap mission year but the same idea) and my oldest gets married on 8/29. I leave St. Jean on 9/10. I also am trying to NOT over plan (my thing also!). We'll I'd love to say we can plan to meet, but then we'd be planning! Buen Camino!

Well I will certainly remember your name and will look out for you. Cheers.

 

[Waka]

Looks like a bunch of us all leaving within a few days of each other, I'm sure you'll all catch me up at some point.

 

[Kev]

Looks like a bunch of us all leaving within a few days of each other, I'm sure you'll all catch me up at some point.

If we don't cross paths along the way, perhaps we'll see each other in Santiago .

 

[mamodavis]

Hi guys, My Husband and I are also doing our first Camino this September, we are starting in Sarria on the 8th of September so maybe we will all pass paths along the way. We decided we would do something different for our 30th wedding Anniversary. Are we mad???

 

[Kev]

Hi guys, My Husband and I are also doing our first Camino this September, we are starting in Sarria on the 8th of September so maybe we will all pass paths along the way. We decided we would do something different for our 30th wedding Anniversary. Are we mad???

As mad or crazy as the rest of us, you'll be in good company

 

[Waka]

Now its down to a couple of months before lift off I'm beginning to think I'm a little crazy.

Been packing my rucksack this afternoon in preparation for rucksack training, I've gone slightly over the travelling weight to help build up some stamina. Walking without the rucksack has been no problem on the distances, lets hope that taking my life with me in the backpack will be the same.

 

[Shurolla]

I am planning to head out on my first pilgrimage on the Camino Frances this September (current planned departure from the states, Sep 3rd). My children are both adults now and it is time to put my energy into my list of things I want to do.
Taking the necessary time off is proving to be a challenge, luckily, I have a very supportive supervisor who is helping me make this a reality and believes as I do that work is to provide for one's life and one does not provide a life to work .
I'll be travelling solo, taking in the experience, and plan to continue to Muxia then to Fisterra where I fully expect to be ready to travel back home at the end of October (planned for Oct 22nd).

Kevin

I agree about the work thing! I'm taking off two weeks to camino and am a first timer with a similar time frame. I cannot do the whole trek, but am so excited! Best to you and perhaps we shall run into each other at some point.

 

[wendyrose]

I'm another one who should be there in September. I'm leaving from Australia in mid August for Paris, then plan to start the Camino in Pamplona in late August or early September. I want to start with shorter walks at the beginning, gradually building up the distances as my fitness improves - I hope! I'd like to reach Santiago by early to mid October.

Maybe I'll run into some of you somewhere along the way.

Wendy

 

[Bypass]

I am planning to head out on my first pilgrimage on the Camino Frances this September (current planned departure from the states, Sep 3rd). My children are both adults now and it is time to put my energy into my list of things I want to do.
Taking the necessary time off is proving to be a challenge, luckily, I have a very supportive supervisor who is helping me make this a reality and believes as I do that work is to provide for one's life and one does not provide a life to work .
I'll be travelling solo, taking in the experience, and plan to continue to Muxia then to Fisterra where I fully expect to be ready to travel back home at the end of October (planned for Oct 22nd).

Kevin

My wife and I will start probably the last week in September.

 

[jennie]

This is great to read. I too am planning my first casino to begin first week of September after we get our youngest son started off to university. Very recently retired (somewhat early), travelling solo and excited but also a little nervous hoping that there will be others I can hike with or at least see on the path. Planning to go the distance from SJPP to Santiago. Trying not to over plan (my thing) and instead let things happen (not my thing!). Still deliberating over sleeping liner vs bag, and more importantly whether or not I am crazy to take this on!

you are not crazy,,it will be wonderful and unless you go out of your way to be alone you will meet plenty of great people to chat with ,walk with and dine with if you wish !rest assured this is the best place in the world to just smile and it will be returned a hundred fold !

 

[El Gallo]

I am planning to head out on my first pilgrimage on the Camino Frances this September (current planned departure from the states, Sep 3rd). My children are both adults now and it is time to put my energy into my list of things I want to do.
Taking the necessary time off is proving to be a challenge, luckily, I have a very supportive supervisor who is helping me make this a reality and believes as I do that work is to provide for one's life and one does not provide a life to work .
I'll be travelling solo, taking in the experience, and plan to continue to Muxia then to Fisterra where I fully expect to be ready to travel back home at the end of October (planned for Oct 22nd).

Kevin

Hey Kevin, I too do my first Camino this September. I leave South Florida September 5th arriving in Madrid on the 6th. On to Pamplona the next day and I am still debating whether to start from there or catch a train/taxi to SJPDP to begin. My concern is time.
I hope our paths may cross, even if briefly.
Buen camino,
Raoul

 

[Celestemesser]

Hi Kev- I'm looking to start walking about Aug 22 and taking it slow- meeting a friend in Leon mid-Sept and finishing early Oct so maybe our paths will cross. Are you leaving from the US? I'm still working on my flights- if US, where are you flying from and what kind of routes/connections are you making from the states to starting point? Thanks- Liz

Hi there,
what flight/train/bus arrangements did you decide on? My daughter and I are thinking of going late september and trying to figure out the best way to get to SJPP. I'll look around forum to see if there is a thread. I'm curious what people did.
celeste

 

[Kev]

Hi there,
what flight/train/bus arrangements did you decide on? My daughter and I are thinking of going late september and trying to figure out the best way to get to SJPP. I'll look around forum to see if there is a thread. I'm curious what people did.
celeste

The arrangement that worked out best for me was a flight from Boston-Madrid-San Sebastian. Taxi to Biarritz airport to hook up with Express Buricott for the final leg into SJPdP. There are many other options, including direct flights into Biarritz France, flying into Pamplona an catching transport to SJPdP, etc.
My advice is to check out flights.google.com and use that to compare flights/cost/convenience as it will allow you to check multiple destination airports.

 

[movinmaggie]

I can see many of us September/Octoberites are getting quite excited as we get closer to departure dates. As I had mentioned in another thread, it is my favourite time of year. I too will be walking solo, but I certainly hope to share time with others. Buen Camino

 

[Kev]

I can see many of us September/Octoberites are getting quite excited as we get closer to departure dates. As I had mentioned in another thread, it is my favourite time of year. I too will be walking solo, but I certainly hope to share time with others. Buen Camino

With one week to go, the words that best describe everything is Nervous and Excited - At the same time .
Ready or not, in one week I depart for my journey.

 

[Bypass]

I can see many of us September/Octoberites are getting quite excited as we get closer to departure dates. As I had mentioned in another thread, it is my favourite time of year. I too will be walking solo, but I certainly hope to share time with others. Buen Camino

We hope to see you along the way. Buen Camino.

 

[Celestemesser]

With one week to go, the words that best describe everything is Nervous and Excited - At the same time .
Ready or not, in one week I depart for my journey.

Best of luck!!! We're a few weeks away from our start and I'm getting more nervous the closer we get so I totally get it. By the time we start you'll be over half way through!!!! Enjoy.

 

[movinmaggie]

With one week to go, the words that best describe everything is Nervous and Excited - At the same time .
Ready or not, in one week I depart for my journey.

Buen Camino Kev

 

[NualaOC]

Buen Camino Kev. Enjoy the excitement and the pre-Camino nerves - all part of the experience

 

[Kev]

Buen Camino Kev. Enjoy the excitement and the pre-Camino nerves - all part of the experience

Thank you,
It's funny, you KNOW the nerves are going to come and you try to steady yourself, but it still get's you.
But like you said, it's all part of the experience.
I have had many people tell me to prepare for many states
Pre-departure - Nerves!
1st week - Physically challenging
2nd week - Mentally challenging
3rd week - The Spiritually awakening week.
Don't ask me what happens with the remaining weeks, I guess by then I'm solidly in a routine.

Kevin

 

[gerardcarey]

You'll be right cobber.
Way you go!
Buen Camino.
Gerard

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Thank you,
It's funny, you KNOW the nerves are going to come and you try to steady yourself, but it still get's you.
But like you said, it's all part of the experience.
I have had many people tell me to prepare for many states
Pre-departure - Nerves!
1st week - Physically challenging
2nd week - Mentally challenging
3rd week - The Spiritually awakening week.
Don't ask me what happens with the remaining weeks, I guess by then I'm solidly in a routine.

Kevin

Hi Kev, let it come over you and enjoy yourself and the scenery.
Wish you well and a Buen Camino, Peter.

 

[Kev]

Hi Kev, let it come over you and enjoy yourself and the scenery.
Wish you well and a Buen Camino, Peter.

That is my plan, and thank you very much.

 

[Evie Baca]

Hola made it to Madrid, Pamplona tomorrow. Called Orission they were full they said call tomorrow. Time I have. Look forward to meeting everyone. Buen camino. Evie

 

[Kev]

Hola made it to Madrid, Pamplona tomorrow. Called Orission they were full they said call tomorrow. Time I have. Look forward to meeting everyone. Buen camino. Evie

That is awesome. Enjoy the Camino and all it provides.

Buen Camino.

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Have not heard from you in awhile Kev. Hope that all is well with you (skinny). Ed

 

[Kev]

Have not heard from you in awhile Kev. Hope that all is well with you (skinny). Ed

WOW! It is hard to believe it has been two weeks since I last saw you! Camino had been great, some ups and downs but the Camino family supports each other. Hard to believe that Santiago is right around the corner. Less then 200km to go.

Kevin

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Great to hear back from you again. Two weeks has gone by quick. Santiago will come to you soon my friend just keep the push going!

Ed

 

[Joodle]

Welcome CaminoRay! This is a great place to help with your planning, great resources and many of the questions you may have will probably already been answered, check out the files.
You early Septemberers look like a great group wish I could meet some of you but sadly I'll be behind you not leaving till the 19th, September for me has been a great month x2 warmer and sunnier than I expected, packing Factor 50 and a good sunhat this time!

Buen Camino everyone!
Sarah

My daughter and I will be flying from the States to start our Camino in SJPP on the 20th of September. We may see you there in SJPP! My daughter is a red head with blue eyes who speaks Spanish like a native. She went on a church mission to Venezuela for 18 months. She will be very handy to have along. I can stand there looking stupid!!