First timer from Cali starting March 6th 2015

[KimJ]

Hi Everyone, Thank you all for your invaluable input, information and especially encouragement I have read for all those who have posted. I am new to posting on a forum and to the Camino! So all is unfamiliar & new... I fly from San Francisco and arrive into Madrid March 5th. I plan to take a bus from the airport to Pamplona & I still have not found out yet how to get to St Jean from there. As recommended by veteran peregrinos, I did emailed the Corazon Puro folks (who provide a pick up service from Pamplona to St Jean along with accommodations) BUT they do not open until the end March. Since I only have 3 weeks, I wondering if it's worth making my way to St Jean especially during this time of the year. I would really like to make the effort but I could just see once I get into Pamplona. My intention is to walk the first part of the Camino Frances and finish the second half the following year. With deep gratitude, Kim from north of the Golden Gate

 

[RobertS26]

You have a couple of choices depending on when you arrive in Pamplona. If you arrive in the evening, I'd get a hotel near the bus station. I prefer staying at the Hotel Yoldi. It's only a couple of blocks from the bus station. It's in a totally safe neighborhood, pilgrim friendly, has an English speaking staff, and it's only a couple of blocks from the Plaza del Castillo (the heart of Pamplona). The next morning I think you are going to have to bite the bullet and taxi to SJPP. I could be wrong, and I hope others correct me if I am, but I think the bus service to SJPP from Pamplona is seasonal. You might luck out and find a couple of other pilgrims on the bus who are in the same boat and agree to split a taxi. If you get to Pamplona by mid-afternoon I would just taxi onto SJPP. So when you are waiting for the bus at the Madrid airport, scope out the other passengers in line. Anyone wearing a backpack with pants that zip off at the knees and are carrying trekking poles and are reading Brierley's guidebook are probably pilgrims. Float the idea about a taxi. Get three others to agree and you are set. Buen Camino.

 

[SYates]

I would suggest the following:
On arrival in Pamplona check how the weather situation is in the Pyrenees and if it is worth/possible to walk from SJPDP to Roncesvalles. If it is not possible just take the bus up to Roncesvalles and/or start walking in Pamplona. There is no rule of any kind that you 'have to' start in SJPDP.
Buen Camino, SY

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I wondering if it's worth making my way to St Jean especially during this time of the year.

I am always in the minority here, but I recommend starting in Pamplona. To me, crossing the Pyrenees has more negatives than positives, particularly in the winter. There is a bus six days a week from Pamplona to Roncesvalles, so you could start there with very little inconvenience. Snow covered trails are still possible in March on that part of the route. Leaving Pamplona, snow on the trails is very unlikely. Buen camino.

 

[KimJ]

You have a couple of choices depending on when you arrive in Pamplona. If you arrive in the evening, I'd get a hotel near the bus station. I prefer staying at the Hotel Yoldi. It's only a couple of blocks from the bus station. It's in a totally safe neighborhood, pilgrim friendly, has an English speaking staff, and it's only a couple of blocks from the Plaza del Castillo (the heart of Pamplona). The next morning I think you are going to have to bite the bullet and taxi to SJPP. I could be wrong, and I hope others correct me if I am, but I think the bus service to SJPP from Pamplona is seasonal. You might luck out and find a couple of other pilgrims on the bus who are in the same boat and agree to split a taxi. If you get to Pamplona by mid-afternoon I would just taxi onto SJPP. So when you are waiting for the bus at the Madrid airport, scope out the other passengers in line. Anyone wearing a backpack with pants that zip off at the knees and are carrying trekking poles and are reading Brierley's guidebook are probably pilgrims. Float the idea about a taxi. Get three others to agree and you are set. Buen Camino.

Great suggestion Robert, thank you!

 

[KimJ]

I would suggest the following:
On arrival in Pamplona check how the weather situation is in the Pyrenees and if it is worth/possible to walk from SJPDP to Roncesvalles. If it is not possible just take the bus up to Roncesvalles and/or start walking in Pamplona. There is no rule of any kind that you 'have to' start in SJPDP.
Buen Camino, SY

Thank you; this is a great feasible option...no rules especially self imposed ones

 

[KimJ]

I am always in the minority here, but I recommend starting in Pamplona. To me, crossing the Pyrenees has more negatives than positives, particularly in the winter. There is a bus six days a week from Pamplona to Roncesvalles, so you could start there with very little inconvenience. Snow covered trails are still possible in March on that part of the route. Leaving Pamplona, snow on the trails is very unlikely. Buen camino.

I really appreciate your input!! Roncesvalles sounds like a very good compromise.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Note the different hours during the year (but never on Sunday!).

 

[Al the optimist]

Also think of the jet lag

 

[KimJ]

Note the different hours during the year (but never on Sunday!).

View attachment 16219

This is great info; now I need to figure out when I'll arrive into Pamplona & if I will catch the bus that day or the next. Thank you very much

 

[KimJ]

Also think of the jet lag

This is a great point & thank you for the reminder!

 

[Mikel Olivares]

HI Kim
Roncesvalles is a good option to start the Camino.
For Spanish people Roncesvalles is the preferred place to start the Camino.
In winter time the worst of the ascent is avoided.
But if you can, begin in Saint Jean. Always you remembered this ascent.
Buen Camino

 

[KimJ]

[QUOTE="Mikel Olivares, post: 269409, member: 42823"]HI Kim
Roncesvalles is a good option to start the Camino.
For Spanish people Roncesvalles is the preferred place to start the Camino.
In winter time the worst of the ascent is avoided.
But if you can, begin in Saint Jean. Always you remembered this ascent.
Buen Camino[/QUOTE]
Thank you Mikel; I will just have to see how it goes once there although I like the idea of starting from St Jean. I notice I find security in a plan but I really have to be flexible with the unknown such as weather & transportation.
I am consider staying in Madrid a night the day I arrive then either taking a train or bus to Pamplona the following morning, and then perhaps to Roncesvalles or St Jean. Any recommendations where to stay near train or bus stations in Madrid. It seems the train is more expensive but quicker than the bus.

 

[Mikel Olivares]

Hi Kim.
For me es better the train, is a little more expensive, bat is more fast y comfortable.
I don't know a place near to Atocha, but there are several hotels.
If you can, enjoy the Madrid nigthlife.
Buen Camino.

 

[Dutch]

Whats going on here? Are you spamming yourself, Kim?

 

[KimJ]

Hi Kim.
For me es better the train, is a little more expensive, bat is more fast y comfortable.
I don't know a place near to Atocha, but there are several hotels.
If you can, enjoy the Madrid nigthlife.
Buen Camino.

Thank you Mikel!

 

[KimJ]

Whats going on here? Are you spamming yourself, Kim?

Sorry some computer issue & did not know it posted several times! Yikes!

 

[jamesw3435]

I start March 3 from saint jean, maybe we will bump into each other. Buen Camino

 

[KimJ]

I start March 3 from saint jean, maybe we will bump into each other. Buen Camino

Hey that would be great. I will be in Roncesvalles by the 6 or 7th of March. Buen Camino to you too!

 

[Justabob]

You have a couple of choices depending on when you arrive in Pamplona. If you arrive in the evening, I'd get a hotel near the bus station. I prefer staying at the Hotel Yoldi. It's only a couple of blocks from the bus station. It's in a totally safe neighborhood, pilgrim friendly, has an English speaking staff, and it's only a couple of blocks from the Plaza del Castillo (the heart of Pamplona). The next morning I think you are going to have to bite the bullet and taxi to SJPP. I could be wrong, and I hope others correct me if I am, but I think the bus service to SJPP from Pamplona is seasonal. You might luck out and find a couple of other pilgrims on the bus who are in the same boat and agree to split a taxi. If you get to Pamplona by mid-afternoon I would just taxi onto SJPP. So when you are waiting for the bus at the Madrid airport, scope out the other passengers in line. Anyone wearing a backpack with pants that zip off at the knees and are carrying trekking poles and are reading Brierley's guidebook are probably pilgrims. Float the idea about a taxi. Get three others to agree and you are set. Buen Camino.

Robert..
I arrive Madrid from ATL around 10 am the morning of 14 April then to Pamplona and St Jean on the same day. What time might I expect to arrive St Jean?

Thanks in advance...