First Journey

[ConnieJ]

Hey! After 20 years of talking about this I am starting next week! Time is not an issue.. however, where would be the best place for me to start right now being that it is mid Oct? I am getting ready to book my flight and not sure if starting at the beginning in St Jean-Pied is wise?( mid Oct) But I will be walking over my 50th Bday What apps do I need to download for albergues to see what is open or to book ahead of time? Is it busy out there now? Where can I pick up my credential since it is too late for the mail. Thanks and look forward to meeting some fascinating pilgrims. Buen Camino!

 

[alexwalker]

Wise Pilgrim apps.

This time of year, I would (weather wise) have a look at the Via de la Plata.

No point in going to SJpdP: Start in Pamplona if you want to go the Camino Frances.

Buen Camino!

 

[ConnieJ]

Wise Pilgrim apps.

This time of year, I would (weather wise) have a look at the Via de la Plata.

No point in going to SJpdP: Start in Pamplona if you want to go the Camino Frances.

Buen Camino!

Thank you so much!

 

[steve 217]

Wow i really envy you on my 50th i walked into Santiago in company with my wife daughter and mother and father in law ,it was a magic way to mark a birthday.
October in the pyrenees ? Im with Alex Walker as ever ,great advice Via de la plata or Pamplona start .
If you Do start in Pamplona Trinidad de Arre 5km outside the City became my favourite Albergue on my last Camino due mainly to the wonderful Hospitalero .
Either way can i wish you ,a great adventure ,a happy Birthday and Buen camino

 

[ConnieJ]

Wow i really envy you on my 50th i walked into Santiago in company with my wife daughter and mother and father in law ,it was a magic way to mark a birthday.
October in the pyrenees ? Im with Alex Walker as ever ,great advice Via de la plata or Pamplona start .
If you Do start in Pamplona Trinidad de Arre 5km outside the City became my favourite Albergue on my last Camino due mainly to the wonderful Hospitalero .
Either way can i wish you ,a great adventure ,a happy Birthday and Buen camino

I appreciate this advice! My husband has to stay behind on this one unfortunately. Thank you for the recommendations.. I will decide by this evening where to fly in and begin. Looking at weather etc. Wanting to hang with some people and not be totally solo- I'm in it for the experience with no expectations and hoping my body holds up! lol

 

[McNickj]

Hi Connie, Also try Gronze... Via Google browser.. And auto translate if you don't have Spanish. Lots of information and honest reviews of Hostels & Albergues.. All for free.. Just sign up for an account for extra features. No cost. J.

 

[C clearly]

I will decide by this evening where to fly in and begin. Looking at weather etc. Wanting to hang with some people and not be totally solo- I'm in it for the experience with no expectations and hoping my body hold up! lol

I have walked the Camino Frances several times in October and November, and would wholeheartedly recommend it to you. Rain is almost guaranteed in Galicia, but that is true whether you come on the Frances or on the VDLP/Sanabres.

As to where to start the Camino Frances, I agree that it isn't necessary to go to SJPP, especially if the transportation to get there is complicated. Also, if the weather is bad in the Pyrenees on your starting date, the Napoleon would will be closed. Even if not closed, the views will be limited. Starting in Pamplona is an excellent idea - it is a convenient place for transportation, getting last minute supplies, and meeting other pilgrims. Or even in Roncesvalles, if you can find out how to get there easily. (I just don't happen to have the answer.)

 

[EL LECHERO]

Hey! After 20 years of talking about this I am starting next week! Time is not an issue.. however, where would be the best place for me to start right now being that it is mid Oct? I am getting ready to book my flight and not sure if starting at the beginning in St Jean-Pied is wise?( mid Oct) But I will be walking over my 50th Bday What apps do I need to download for albergues to see what is open or to book ahead of time? Is it busy out there now? Where can I pick up my credential since it is too late for the mail. Thanks and look forward to meeting some fascinating pilgrims. Buen Camino!

Wherever you decide to start, flying into Madrid would be the easiest.......

 

[domigee]

Or even in Roncesvalles, if you can find out how to get there easily. (I just don't happen to have the answer.)

There is a bus (I think) but this year, as everything was so complicated anyway, I chose the easy way and started from Pamplona. Thoroughly recommended

 

[ConnieJ]

I am narrowing down tonight! Right now as we speak.. My husband wants me to go to Porto and up from there. I just don't know how busy it is now and don't want to be alone. I also have the option of going with someone I met on here the Primivito way, but having had a tumor in my knee etc that may be the hardest way physically (ups and downs) and maybe not so much socializing and choices along the way. The other option is as you stated- Pamplona or somewhere starting along the Frances Way. Choices....