I begin walking on 10/16 from SJPP and I noticed that sunrise is not until after 8am. I would like to begin walking earlier since it is a long day. I will be walking alone that morning and I was wondering what time most people begin their day and how safe it is to begin that first day in the dark. Is it okay to begin at 6:30? Thanks.
To answer you question in one word: yes. It is okay, just like 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, ......
Some people even start walking after 9:00 to get to Roncevalles (I did and I'm not a fast walker), some after 3:00pm to get to Orisson. Some even want to leave at 3:00am...
What most people do is to start super-early because they are super-excited to start/super-dreading that stage: starting the adventure of a Camino and making a mountain out of the mountain
do make anyone want to leave early... However, the questions are: is what most people do the wisest thing to do yourself and is letting emotions lead your steps the wisest thing to do? The answers are yours and they're alright anyways.
Here are some more thoughts to feed on:
- what is pushing you to start earlier? Fear not to have time to do the stage or joyful wish to walk by night?
- even with shorter days, there is enough time to do the stage
- night is another world we're not used to "live in"... / night
outside a city is even less in our customs...
- ... traveling by night outside a city means walking through unknown places in an environment we're not used to. How do you feel about that? May be an amazing experience as much as a bad one...
- Anyways, traveling/walking by night requires more awareness and some gears. Have these in store? Stay alert and don't forget some light
- People who live and work with pilgrim in SJPdP (and love the Camino/think of pilgrims as people and not business-opportunities) all advise to start with daylight, to enjoy the stage and its beauty
- They also all regret to see everyone rushing out on the Camino so early...
Whatever your time, enjoy the stage!
Buen Camino!