First timer, walking the Camino Frances April, 2015

[Buz Radican]

I have purchased my airline ticket to Madrid, arriving 29 April. I intend on starting the Camino from Roncesvalles.

 

[jpflavin1]

Buen Camino and welcome to the forum Buz.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[wayfarer]

Welcome Buz, happy planning. Its a lovely time to walk.
Buen Camino.

 

[Buz Radican]

Buen Camino and welcome to the forum Buz.

Ultreya,
Joe

Thank you.

 

[Buz Radican]

Welcome Buz, happy planning. Its a lovely time to walk.
Buen Camino.

Thank you. Very much looking forward to it and the people I will meet along the way.

 

[Suzanne S.]

I have purchased my airline ticket to Madrid, arriving 29 April. I intend on starting the Camino from Roncesvalles.

I am walking for the first time beginning at St Jean Pied du Port on May 1, 2015. Flying into Paris on April 28. Buen Camino to you!

 

[Ekelund]

Buen Camino to you Suzanne and Buz. Walking the Camino for the first time is a special experience. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask the Forum. You will find lots of experienced pilgrims who will be happy to answer your questions.

 

[Buz Radican]

I have purchased my airline ticket to Madrid, arriving 29 April. I intend on starting the Camino from Roncesvalles.

I am walking for the first time beginning at St Jean Pied du Port on May 1, 2015. Flying into Paris on April 28. Buen Camino to you!

Hi Suzanne. I plan on leaving Ronncesvalles on the 1st of May. Since I am an old guy that walks slower than you young whipper snappers I expect you will pass me on the 2nd or 3rd. Looking forward to meeting you. Wave as you pass. Buen Camino.

 

[Buz Radican]

Buen Camino to you Suzanne and Buz. Walking the Camino for the first time is a special experience. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask the Forum. You will find lots of experienced pilgrims who will be happy to answer your questions.

Muchas gracias.

 

[Buz Radican]

Buen Camino and welcome to the forum Buz.

Ultreya,
Joe

Thanks, Joe. I appreciate the support.

 

[Suzanne S.]

Hi Suzanne. I plan on leaving Ronncesvalles on the 1st of May. Since I am an old guy that walks slower than you young whipper snappers I expect you will pass me on the 2nd or 3rd. Looking forward to meeting you. Wave as you pass. Buen Camino.

Oh, Buz...I will be 60 years old in December. I'm not walking rapidly. Trust me.

 

[Suzanne S.]

Buen Camino to you Suzanne and Buz. Walking the Camino for the first time is a special experience. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask the Forum. You will find lots of experienced pilgrims who will be happy to answer your questions.

Thanks!

 

[Buz Radican]

Oh, Buz...I will be 60 years old in December. I'm not walking rapidly. Trust me.

Oh, Ms. S. I can remember, barely, when I was 60. Passed the Big 70 this year. However, I did 500 miles this past summer. Slow but sure. The hare always wins. Looking forward to meeting you on the Camino. Look for an old man carrying an Osprey pack.

 

[Suzanne S.]

Oh, Ms. S. I can remember, barely, when I was 60. Passed the Big 70 this year. However, I did 500 miles this past summer. Slow but sure. The hare always wins. Looking forward to meeting you on the Camino. Look for an old man carrying an Osprey pack.

Congrats on the big 70! My pack is bright green...REI flash 45. Thank goodness this is not a race!

 

[Buz Radican]

Oh, Ms. S. I can remember, barely, when I was 60. Passed the Big 70 this year. However, I did 500 miles this past summer. Slow but sure. The hare always wins. Looking forward to meeting you on the Camino. Look for an old man carrying an Osprey pack.

See you soon. Happy Thanksgiving.

 

[Olivares]

Buz-- leave some "wiggle room" for the eventuality that the weather be great and allow you to start at SJPD. I have been monitoring weather along the Camino Frances for the last 4-5 years and April is trending with much better weather than May. If anything consider starting SJPDP-Orisson, and if weather /Route Napoleon is in bad shape, taxi to Roncesvalles (Express Bouricott) and move on from there. I am a huge fan of starting at SJPDP, if anything because there is such an energy and pilgrimage mystique at this beautiful village. Buen Camino.

 

[Buz Radican]

Buz-- leave some "wiggle room" for the eventuality that the weather be great and allow you to start at SJPD. I have been monitoring weather along the Camino Frances for the last 4-5 years and April is trending with much better weather than May. If anything consider starting SJPDP-Orisson, and if weather /Route Napoleon is in bad shape, taxi to Roncesvalles (Express Bouricott) and move on from there. I am a huge fan of starting at SJPDP, if anything because there is such an energy and pilgrimage mystique at this beautiful village. Buen Camino.

Thanks for the advice. I have 44 days between arrival and the flight home. Will seriously consider starting at SJPP.

 

[Buz Radican]

Buen Camino and welcome to the forum Buz.

Ultreya,
Joe

Thanks, Joe.

 

[Olivares]

Just to add some logistics advice, you can take bus/train Madrid -Barajas Airport Terminal 4 to Pamplona. There are frequently other pilgrims at the bus station in Pamplona awaiting a taxi share to SJPDP. There is also the Corazon Puro Inn in Pamplona who will pick you up at the train/bus station, provide lodging, food, and take you the next morning early on to SJPDP. Or you can bus Pamplona to Roncesvalles and take a shared taxi with other pilgrims to SJPDP. I have taken the bus from Madrid to Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Leon, and it cannot be easier. This last time I took the train Madrid Chamartin to Sahagun, very easy as well. Again, some flexibility as far as SJPDP. If good weather consider SJPDP-Orisson and Orisson-Roncesvalles, if you want to ease into the Camino. Just remember the third day your body will fight you. Stay strong! Buen Camino!

 

[Buz Radican]

Appreciate the additional info.

 

[Jessie-k]

I'm also a first-timer beginning the walk in late April. Happy trails, see you out there!