From the Midwest

[tshep1957]

I am relatively new to this forum. I have posted a couple of things in answer to others posts. I am interested in communicating with anyone from the midwest area who has hiked the camino, any path. I am hoping to do so in the future, hopefully sooner rather than later. If you are anywhere near Missouri or neighboring states let me know. Thanks in advance.

 

[jpflavin1]

Tshep:

I am from Chicago and would be happy to communicate with you. We can do it through this thread a PM or email. jpflavin@msn.com.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[pal]

I am 61 year old female from Louisville, KY, and just finished the Camino Frances from St. Jean Pied du Port to Santiago this year Aug/Sept. I would be happy to give you any assistance I can.

 

[adesmar123]

Hello!

From New England ( CT) but I would love to join the conversation. Or maybe its more of a ask questions and learn situation.

62 yr old male - planning a May - June first Camino.

1) How did you get there? ie fly to Paris and train to SJPdP? Did you stay over night anywhere besides SJPdP before starting out?

2) How was the first day from SJPdP? Anyone have any problem with the distance and upward climb?

3) How did you plan the trip home? Did you buy tickets before you left?


Thanks and Buen Camino

Alan

 

[jpflavin1]

Alan:

I flew into London the last two years. The first time I took the train from London to Paris to Bayonne and then a bus to SJPdP. The next year I flew from Stansted (a London airport) to Biarritz, cabbed to Bayonne and then train to SJPdP.

I thought the first day climb was very tough but doable. It took me 8hrs and 40 minutes. If you are unsure, I recommend you stop in Orisson. Orisson is an 8km climb from SJPdP and requires a reservation. This breaks the first day into two days and makes the climb much less rigorous. I believe a slow start is the best way to approach the Camino.

My ticket from London to Chicago was purchased ahead of time. I did not buy my ticket back to London until I was about 7-10 days from Santiago and was sure I would be able to make the date. I set aside forty days for the entire trip. The walk itself took me thirty-three days.

This Spring I plan to walk the Camino Vasco and Invierno. I will be flying into Madrid or Barcelona two other options you might want to consider. They are both easier to return to from Santiago, in my opinion.

Hope this helps.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[pal]

I flew into Paris, spent one night there and left the next morning by train to SJPDP. I was lucky enough to fly into the CDG terminal where the train station is located and also booked a room (I had accumulated points) at the Sheraton just above the train station. Thus, I simply went down two levels the next morning and boarded a train to Bordeaux, then to Bayonne and finally one to SJPDP. Left Paris at 7:00 am, arrived SJPDP about 4:00 pm.

I walked to Orisson the first day. Roncesvalles the next and Zubiri the third day. I was not accustomed to walking hills, so by the third day, I was barely able to move. I started slow and actually only averaged 15-20 km per day for the entire trip. I allowed 7 weeks (about 6 days went into travel) and took a bus to and from Finesterre at the end because I didn't have time to walk. Took a Ryan Air flight from Santiago to Madrid and flew back to the States from there. Booked flights to and from the US before I went. Booked Ryan Air flight about 3 days prior to leaving Santiago for Madrid.

 

[adesmar123]

Thanks for the replies...They are very helpful.

I originally thought I could make the New York to SJPdP without staying overnight in France. That may have proven to be too aggressive. (flying into Paris)

I also think as May approaches, I'll know whether I have to break up the first day into two parts.
I'm looking forward to starting!

Alan

 

[jpflavin1]

Alan:

If you take an early afternoon flight from the U.S. you should arrive in Your European destination in the Morning. This would give you the entire day to get to SJPdP. I believe it is doable. On Chicago to London flights, I usually arrive in the early morning. Then transport to Stansted for afternoon flight to Biarritz (14:00) take cab to Bayonne train station then train to SJPdP.

I am sure similar transport could be arranged from Paris, Barcelona or Madrid to arrive in SJPdP on the same day. Barcelona and Madrid are cheaper options versus Paris on your return from Santiago.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[adesmar123]

Paris to StJPdP

Joe,

There is a TGV train out of CDG (07:45) to Bayonne that gets there at 14:50. There is a 15:05 train out of Bayonne to SJPdP. So that might work. And yes, I'd come back through Madrid or some other city that Paris.

Of course, I'd also like to make it to Finnesterre or Muxia.

Alan

 

[mbarney]

i think there is a train from Paris to STJJ. here is the link:

http://www.raileurope.com/europe-travel ... ation.html