hello

ossygobbin · Feb 22, 2013

hi ..... this is my first post here, im booked on the 12.25 (on the 23rd April) flight from london stanstead arr in Biaritz at 15.15 pm. i plan to walk from SJPP to santiago taking about 30 days. id be very happy to share a taxi with someone from the airport to bayonne to take the last train to SJPP. has anyone any info re the high route over the route napoleon from st jean at the end of april.... will it be clear of snow? hi again to all and buen camino wherever you are. cheers.

Deleted member 3000 · Feb 22, 2013

will it be clear of snow?

Maybe, but drifts in shadow spots are likely. They won't make it hard to find the path. Should there be a late storm, follow the advice of the Pilgrim Office on your departure and route.

tyrrek · Feb 22, 2013

Hi Ossylad!

It's very easy just to get a bus from the airport to the station, and you have plenty of time. It's also a good chance to start meeting other pilgrims. Although the name of the airport is Biarritz, it serves Bayonne just as well. I think it's about 25 minutes in the bus from the airport.

April is one of those times when you just have to take local advice about weather conditions from the pilgrims' office before you start.

Buen Camino!

frasert · Feb 22, 2013

Hi ossy
I'm walking from stj on the 24th
See you out there
Fraser(gold coast Australia )

robhay60 · Feb 23, 2013

Hi Ossy
when you get to St Jean , the essential thing to do is to register at the Pilgrims office, but then i am sure you must already know this.. When you are there they will brief you regarding all aspects of the ROUTE you are walking.. They will have accurate up to the minute weather forcast and along with this lots and lots of advice /tips and answers to any questions you might have. Its a great start to the Camino as they really prepare you.... Dont worry all will be revealed , in time!
Buen Camino :arrow:

Al the optimist · Feb 23, 2013

Contact Express Burricott in SJPdP. They are very obliging (and speak English) and will try to get you onto their taxi (I think 8 people carrier) if anyone has booked it. It's worth a try going to their site and send a message.
Buen Camino
allan

Cejanus · Feb 23, 2013

Hi, I'm starting at SPJDP 4 April. Is there a history of snow around that time? I have never seen or walked in snow how do I go about walking in it through it? what equipment will I need? Your guidance would be appreciated. (I have packed layers for the cold. Two short sleeved t shirts, two long sleeved shirts, a thermal t shirt and long johns, a mid lawyer pullover and a wind proof water proof jacket.)

Deleted member 3000 · Feb 23, 2013

how do I go about walking in it through it?

April can have snow. If it is actively snowing more than a dusting, stay in SJPdP. If the path is covered in snow, take the Valcarlos route for road walking. If it is just leftover snow, you may have a nice dry trail, or mud. If it is cold enough to freeze, there may be sections of ice. So in most cases, there is nothing special required, but trekking poles will be very useful in the slippery parts. I have descended into Zubiri with icy conditions, and it is pretty treacherous.

Cejanus · Feb 23, 2013

Thanks Falcon,
I have the trekking poles and will follow the advice. With just over four weeks before I leave Australia I am just getting a little nervous. That's to be expected though. This senior is being stressed a little by my family who naturally worry about me.

mspath · Feb 23, 2013

Cejanus,

As Falcon notes If the Napoleon route is covered take the Valcarlos route.

Regarding the state of the path and weather forecasts be sure to ASK the locals and watch TV reports. In bad weather many steep descents on the camino would be treacherous and following smaller parallel roads might be necessary. For example the stretch down from Roncevalles or from Najera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada or across the Montes de Oca from Villafranca. In deep snow NEVER walk where you can not see the base of the path. DON'T attempt to walk through a heavy snow storm; many people become disoriented in such conditions. Besides poles, lightweight ankle high boots and gaiters could be useful.

Sillydoll who is a Forum member has compiled encyclopedic information on Winter Walking at >>http://amawalker.blogspot.com/ Another good account of winter walking by a Forum member is the current 2013 blog http://agoodwalkunspoiled.blogspot.com/.

One never knows what the weather might bring. Last spring there was snow on the Camino and this year there have been several bad storms. See,for example, this Forum thread on the weather >>http://www.caminodesantiago.me/board/weather/topic15911.html.

Be aware, stay safe and Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

reg2450 · Feb 24, 2013

I have recently spoken to Tim from Eracaldia B&B. The Pyrenees are currently impassable and have experienced the deepest snow in forever, with more forecast. He suggested I not get my hopes up about the Napoleon Route (? if that's what it is). He also said, things change, just listen to the locals when you get there (on the 21st March!!!)

tyrrek · Feb 24, 2013

reg2450 said:
I have recently spoken to Tim from Eracaldia B&B. The Pyrenees are currently impassable and have experienced the deepest snow in forever, with more forecast. He suggested I not get my hopes up about the Napoleon Route (? if that's what it is). He also said, things change, just listen to the locals when you get there (on the 21st March!!!)

Yes, good advice! March can be funny - last year we were reaching for the sunscreen one day and cold the next. That wasn't on the mountains though. Buen Camino!