L'Esprit Du Chemin is Full!

[maxthegirl]

I checked their calendar for mid-September. And I really want to stay there. Are there other amazing places to stay the night prior to the start? I was so hoping to get that classic sendoff. Also, is it really bad behavior to not plan out how many km's a day and where to stay all along? I kind of want to just have my pack planned, but nothing else. Has anyone else done that? And can I get an Altus in SJPTP? Or is that something I really should plan in advance?

 

[Kitsambler]

I checked their calendar for mid-September. And I really want to stay there. Are there other amazing places to stay the night prior to the start? I was so hoping to get that classic sendoff.

The entire street in SJPP where the Pilgrim's Office is located has numerous lodgings catering to pilgrims ... easily 6 or 8 and likely more. In the middle of September, with its lower numbers, finding a bed should be easy.

Also, is it really bad behavior to not plan out how many km's a day and where to stay all along? I kind of want to just have my pack planned, but nothing else. Has anyone else done that?

My impression is that most do not make a detailed plan and then execute it without any revision. Instead, most have a hazy general idea, and then revise according to the weather, their health, the friends they meet along the way, and the interesting sites they want to spend more time exploring.

And can I get an Altus in SJPTP? Or is that something I really should plan in advance?

As I understand it, you can get an Altus, but likely not the one you're looking for, as the new model is the victim of some unfortunate quality degradations. However, you can get a very good Ferino Trekker from Amazon.com; it is virtually identical to the older, better Altus.

 

[gittiharre]

Try Azkorria, it is superb, just opposite pilgrim office and up the road a bit, Gitti

 

[JillM]

Hi there

I started out like you, just wanting to walk what I felt like each day, stopping when I was tired. Instead I met a great family who I adjusted my walking to hang out with, they were so much fun.

If you really want to wing it, you can. At the start of each village is a big sign that tells you of the amenities available in that village - albergues, bars, water foutains etc. What I didn't know until halfway through the walk was that on the BACK of that sign is information about how much further it is to the next village and what's available there. This really is as much as you need to know - the only thing you'd miss out on is how much elevation you might have to climb to make that distance - ie how difficult it's going to be to walk it.

Hope this helps... Enjoy - it's an amazing ride!!!

 

[grayland]

Hi there

I started out like you, just wanting to walk what I felt like each day, stopping when I was tired. Instead I met a great family who I adjusted my walking to hang out with, they were so much fun.

If you really want to wing it, you can. At the start of each village is a big sign that tells you of the amenities available in that village - albergues, bars, water foutains etc. What I didn't know until halfway through the walk was that on the BACK of that sign is information about how much further it is to the next village and what's available there. This really is as much as you need to know - the only thing you'd miss out on is how much elevation you might have to climb to make that distance - ie how difficult it's going to be to walk it.

Hope this helps... Enjoy - it's an amazing ride!!!

Amazing....I have never noticed these signs :?:

 

[katehawk]

Hi Maxthegirl,
I got my plane tickets to Paris, train tickets to SJPdP, a reservation at Orrison, yet somehow missed that I should book the night before I begin hiking at l'Esprit Du Chemin. I have checked back on their website several times to see if someone has cancelled, but no luck. Looking through the lists of other lodgings, nothing sounded quite as right...with the good food and all, though I am sure there must be many a good meal to have in St. Jean. (Thanks Gitti for the recommendation of Azkorria for lodging.)

Also, after deciding on the Altus, I went back one more time to read about them before I ordered and discovered the inferior quality of the new model, so I ordered a Ferino Trekker from Amazon. It came quickly and looks great. I am at the point now...just over a week before I leave, where I have to stop worrying about what equipment I don't have... if what I have will be good enough, etc., etc., etc.

Good to know about the signs too. What more could we ask for?

Buen Camino!

 

[maxthegirl]

Once again I'm ever so grateful for the attuned assistance! You guys are all wonderful beings! Kate, that's so exciting that you're leaving so soon! I will follow suit and order the Ferrino. Thank you Gitti for answering so many questions! (I have been reading many many posts and you seem to chirp in a lot with lots of really valuable tips!) Buen Camino to you all. This is certainly a voyage that attracts beautiful people.

 

[maxthegirl]

Also, KATEHAWK
Did you get the Ferrino Todomo or the regular Ferrino, because Amazon seems to be out! :shock:

 

[katehawk]

Maxthegirl,

I got the Ferrino Trekker in a sm/med. I just check with Amazon and it does look like they are out of stock. Did you check other online sources? I still haven't booked a place in SJPdP. The Azkarria had booked their last space for my my arrival date 10 hours prior....

 

[gittiharre]

You can order the Ferrino from Le Poisson Roy in Navarrenx, email is: lepoissonroy@9business.fr and pay by credit card, they will post. Ordered mine on 10.8. and it arrived on 20.8. in Auckland New Zealand.

 

[sharon w]

Stayed in Azkorria recently. It is very clean and is also new. You can eat dinner there as well.
Sharon

 

[dmartin53]

FYI,

I must have the newer Altus poncho as it is only about 4mos old. Just took a walk a 3 hour walk in a torrential rain storm.. (3 inches in a 24 hr period.) I and my pack were completely dry!

 

[Jenyat53]

Hi there
Just wondering if someone who has the new Ferrino Trekker could tell me which would be the best size for a 172 cm/60 kg female.
I have quite long legs and would prefer to get the most coverage lengthwise, but am wondering if i would be swamped by the large size?
thanks

 

[linaka]

In June we stayed at a wonderful place in St. Jean, it was an amazing friendly, caring place to start our journey. Warm people, wonderful meal with fellow pilgrims, clean..... refuge-accueil-paroissial.
Here is the link....... http://www.saintjeanpieddeport-paysbasq ... b6cefed3ca
Buen Camino!

 

[katehawk]

Linaka,
Thank you!

 

[gittiharre]

Hi Jenny, I think you would drown in the large Trekker, the small/medium is extremely generous, length wise I am pretty sure it will be good too, Gitti

 

[Sienna Moon]

Please could you let me know what size of person fits the medium trekker eg height and weight Thankyou

 

[gittiharre]

Ferrino Trekker Small/Medium size fits me I am 160 cm tall and weigh 60 kg, it would fit me if I weighed 80 kg as it is very roomy. It would also fit me if I were 170 cm tall. The large is for the big guys, hope this helps, Gitti