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Staying at Orrisson is definitively not a must if you start from StJean.So based on your comment, it sounds like staying at Orrison is not necessarily a "must" (and weather may not permit it any way --- though I hope I won't have to face a bad weather on the get-go)?
So if the weather is dicey...go the other way! The pilgrim's office will advise one way or another.Weather is luck of the draw.
Crossing the Pyrenees....
1 October, beautiful sunny weather--which I views while at Orisson.
2 October, very harsh and cold weather, with clouds moving in and sideways rain. I was crossing the Pyrenees, and arrived at Roncesvalles SOAKED to the skin.
3 October, rather intense wind storm so I understand from others I met later on. Some had to be rescued, I understand.
Forest Gump would say you never know what you're going to get!
Just relax about things. It is understandable to feel a little anxious the first time out. Trust us, it soon disappears when the Camino spirit grabs you. You sound seriously fit compared to many of us and we survive!Just remember that you will meet, lose, regain and find new friends many times probably. Rarely do people find themselves with the same companions all the way. When you feel you do need someone then just ask. You won't be refused - people understand and care for each other. You will never find anywhere where strangers are so not strangers. Buen Camino
Not sure how many days weeks you have allowed but if you are getting short of time you could take a bus or train for a small section and gain a bit of time. Main thing is to walk the last 100 km into Santiago. Alternatively do as much as you can this time and return to complete the last 100 km or more another time.
The vast majority of pilgrims do SJPP-Roncesvalles in one stage -and do well. As you report your fitness condition, to you it will be easy. Anyway, be cautious with weather and follow the pilgrim's bureau advices.
I walked this stage in late September -and I always had other pilgrims in sight, even in short distances.
View attachment 36022
In SJPP, I recommend the albergue Kaserna.
Staying at Orrisson is definitively not a must if you start from StJean.
It's perfectly feasible (weather permitting) to walk to Roncesvalles in one go. Really.
@moonyfish hi
Depending on weather on the day getting to Orisson is possible.
But I would not attempt further than that given your ETA at Saint-Jean. Especially as sun set will be about an hour earlier than at present.
Given your fitness level you could expect to get beyond Roncesvalles on an early start from Saint-Jean.
I re-start from Estella-Lizarra on Tuesday, 3 October with a reasoable fitness level. In case our paths cross, I wont always have a glass of cranberry juice to my mouth.
Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going)
Do not be afraid of being alone in October. From middle of October to beginning of November last year there were a lot of pilgrims on teir way.
I walked in October 2015. Weather very good (a few rain days but not many) and plenty of other pilgrims about. Enjoy!
I walked from SJPP to Orisson on 1 October, and spent the night--but wished that I had continued walking to Roncesvalles! Weather is luck of the draw.
Crossing the Pyrenees....
1 October, beautiful sunny weather--which I views while at Orisson.
2 October, very harsh and cold weather, with clouds moving in and sideways rain. I was crossing the Pyrenees, and arrived at Roncesvalles SOAKED to the skin.
3 October, rather intense wind storm so I understand from others I met later on. Some had to be rescued, I understand.
Forest Gump would say you never know what you're going to get!
So if the weather is dicey...go the other way! The pilgrim's office will advise one way or another.
Even if the weather is fine - you might consider it. The Valcarlos way is underrated, and very beautiful. And if you're looking for 'authenticity,' it is the older of the 2 crossings, regardless of what Hollywood might have said.
Edit - Given your fitness, if you left at noon you'd probably have no trouble to get to Valcarlos, and the albergue there, by dark. Which would give you a shorter day the next day to get to Roncesvalles, or beyond than if you had started in Orisson.
You might be able to do the walk from SJPP to Orisson in 1-2 hours, but you would be rushing past all those other pilgrims that you wanted to interact with!The reason why I'd like to meet other pilgrims is that I'd like to find some people with whom I can walk good part of my way...
I have walked the route twice in mid-late October. First time was so windy in the open section that I couldn't wear a hat and my poles were blown around. Otherwise the walk was great! Second time I stayed in Orisson, and the morning was beautiful but very cold (ice on puddles) cold, so gloves and a wool buff were really essential.After I schedule my dates for this journey, I read that October ~ is low season with possibly very harsh weather (strong wind, rain, etc.). So I'm getting a bit worried about being all alone in the path (e.g. getting injured due to weather, etc. while being by myself)...
Hi CaminoDebrita. thank you very much for sharing your experience. I guess mountain weather as well as one's life are just unpredictable as you and ForestG have pointed out. The best I can do is to recognize and accept it, which hopefully be able to master through my camino experience.
You might be able to do the walk from SJPP to Orisson in 1-2 hours, but you would be rushing past all those other pilgrims that you wanted to interact with!
If you are walking up to Orisson in the afternoon, there will not be so many people on the path. Also, you should do that only if you have a reservation in Orisson, and you should call them that day to confirm your expected arrival time. The albergue is likely to be full most nights until it closes in mid-October, and you do not want to be up on the mountain at dusk, trying to get to Roncesvalles because Orisson had no bed for you!
In my opinion, the best way to meet other people at the start is to stay the night in SJPP at an albergue such as Beilari, where there is a communal meal and a deliberate effort to help people get to know each other. You should have no problem walking to Roncesvalles the next day, so I'd suggest you relax in SJPP, stay the night, and set off in the morning with people you have met. Make a point of chatting with others on the path and at the albergue in Roncesvalles
I have walked the route twice in mid-late October. First time was so windy in the open section that I couldn't wear a hat and my poles were blown around. Otherwise the walk was great! Second time I stayed in Orisson, and the morning was beautiful but very cold (ice on puddles) cold, so gloves and a wool buff were really essential.
There are only a few places on the Camino where there is likely to be "harsh" weather but in October you must be prepared for all conditions from freezing-and-snow to hot-and-dry. Overall, in October the weather is excellent for walking, and there will be plenty of other pilgrims, especially if you leave in the morning at 7 or 8 a.m. (soon after it is light in October). If you want to walk alone, just have a leisurely breakfast and leave later.
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