Looking to start my first Camino from SJPdP around May 9

[Jemima]

G'day all!

I've been lurking for a bit but am finally getting around to making my first post. I was inspired to walk the Camino by my brother and his fiancee who did it in June of last year. Most of my knowledge comes from them but I still have a couple of questions if anyone is willing to shed a bit of light for me? I'm also a bit nervous as I'll be on my own, so any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated!

1. Will I need a sleeping bag around this time of year? They ended up throwing theirs out because it was too hot/there were sufficient blankets wherever they stayed. However, I realise I am going a month before the time they went and conditions may be cooler.

2. Should I book accommodation for a night in SJPdP in advance or will I there be places to stay?

3. Any other words of wisdom/encouragement?

Thank you kindly in advance.

~ Jem

 

[Al the optimist]

1. I have started from SJPDP twice on the 10th/11th May. I use a silk bag liner only. There are often blankets available, but not always. I occasionally wore a t-shirt (obviously being male I have a choice) but not often and not in the last half.
2. There will be places available at this time of year. The tourist office can help but I always book with Beilari (was Esprit du Chemin). They reply promptly to enquiries and you pay on arrival. A good atmosphere at the group meal gives new friends before you start!
3. Don't know where you are travelling from or what time you arrive. You have been lurking so you know that there is plenty advice about transport to SJPdP from Biarritz airport but feel free to ask here if you want information about that or anything else specific.
I envy you. The days immediately before your first Camino are so exciting! Also only 11 days! I have to wait 4 weeks . May I be the first to say welcome and Buen Camino.

 

[Jemima]

Thank you Allan for that information and your welcome!

I am flying to London (from Sydney) to spend a week with my sister, then had planned to get the Eurorail to Paris, then make my way from Paris to Biarritz or Bayonne then SJPDP. I'm not wanting to spend time in Paris so was hoping to get the London to SJPDP trip done in one day... or is that crazy???

 

[Al the optimist]

Consider Ryanair London Stanstead to Biarritz. Bus to Bayonne and train to SJPdP or taxi share (look at express bouricott).

 

[Scott Dickson]

Could I jump in on this? I too and a first timer and will be in country in 15 days from today. I was planning on taking the french leg from Lu Puy to SJPDP as the first round. Al would you recommend the more traditional route as Jemima is planning as the first experience? I do speak French so was going with my strong suit...

 

[Lucia Tam]

Jemima:

The three of us Canadian Chinese should arrived at sjpp on May 8 afternoon. First spent three nights at Montserrat, then train to Pamplona to spend the night in town, catch the bus to sjpp next morning on the 8th. Hopefully, all work accordingly. We will for sure meet somewhere. Come say hi if you care to.

Lucia, Brian & David

 

[Jemima]

Consider Ryanair London Stanstead to Biarritz. Bus to Bayonne and train to SJPdP or taxi share (look at express bouricott).

That looks like a much faster and cheaper option, thank you for the pro tip!

Jemima:

The three of us Canadian Chinese should arrived at sjpp on May 8 afternoon. First spent three nights at Montserrat, then train to Pamplona to spend the night in town, catch the bus to sjpp next morning on the 8th. Hopefully, all work accordingly. We will for sure meet somewhere. Come say hi if you care to.

Lucia, Brian & David

Hi Lucia, how exciting! I will keep an eye out for you.

 

[Al the optimist]

I haven't walked from Le Puy Scott so I cannot comment on that but I am sure others can. Maybe Kanga? I gather that accommodation is dearer in France, but I could be wrong there. The lack of Spanish is not a problem on the Frances as the general language amongst pilgrims is English and those locals who don't know any are used to dealing with the problem. Also knowing French facilitates gaining a little Spanish along the way.