My Adventure Begins May 1, 2019

[Douglas Christel]

I did it. I bought my plane tickets. I leave Boston April 29, arrive in Pamplona April 30, and start walking from St. Jean May 1. I hope to walk around 25-30k per day, arriving in Santiago on May 31. I've added a few extra days in there for rest/injury or to go to Fisterra, departing Santiago on June 4. Thank you all for your help getting me to this point. This is a great forum full of wonderful people. If anyone is arriving around the same time, let me know. The first step is always the hardest.

 

[mspath]

May 1 which occurs on a Wednesday in 2019 is a public holiday in France and Spain; much will be closed
In France May 1 is Labor day/ Fête du Travail and May 8 is Victory day/ jour de Victoire commemorating the end of WW2 in Europe. These are popular holidays with multitudes of tourists traveling. Transport and accommodation is usually heavily booked in advance.

For more re this holiday see the earlier thread https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/public-holiday-at-start-of-may.44803/

Hapy planning and Buen camino!

 

[linkster]

Good tapas at Katuzarra. Don't forget to sample the Pacharan while in Navarra.

Buen Camino!

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola @Douglas Christel , my dear friend MS has beaten me to the punch. I was going suggest that if starting from St Jean on May 1st, do a little preparation - buy any extra travel supplies you might need the day before; also ensure that you have enough cash to get through to the next ATM.
Lastly - a special Buen Camino - I started my camino on this date in 2017 planning to do the Napoleon route - but Mother Nature had other ideas - heavy rain/snow and high winds required a Plan B. Maybe you might have one up your sleeve also. Cheers

 

[nycwalking]

Buen camino.

 

[Douglas Christel]

Thank you for the head's up. I'm aware of both holidays. I'll be arriving early enough in Pamplona and St. Jean on April 30 that I'll be sure to get $, food (I'm also packing a few protein bars), and walking poles the day before I start on May 1. I will also book ahead at St. Jean and Roncesvalles. As for weather, not much I can do, but pack warm layers and go with the flow via Valcarlos if necessary. Is there any other Plan B for such an occasion?

 

[PhxRiles]

I did it. I bought my plane tickets. I leave Boston April 29, arrive in Pamplona April 30, and start walking from St. Jean May 1. I hope to walk around 25-30k per day, arriving in Santiago on May 31. I've added a few extra days in there for rest/injury or to go to Fisterra, departing Santiago on June 4. Thank you all for your help getting me to this point. This is a great forum full of wonderful people. If anyone is arriving around the same time, let me know. The first step is always the hardest. View attachment 50272

Hi Doug,
We may or may not cross paths. I'm starting my Camino in Leon on May 18. Fly from Phx to Madrid on the 16th, arrive on the 17th, take the train to Leon, and start walking on the 18th. I plan to walk about 20km/day, arriving in Santiago around June 4. If I make it earlier, great, if not, I don't plan to get back to Madrid until June 11. If you see someone hiking with these patches on their pack, it's me! First Camino, I'm excited! Kevin

 

[Douglas Christel]

Hi Kevin,
I'll certainly look out for your pack. I hope you have a safe flight and enjoy your Camino. This is my first Camino as well. I'll have the button below on my pack.
Doug

 

[Jerilyn]

I did it. I bought my plane tickets. I leave Boston April 29, arrive in Pamplona April 30, and start walking from St. Jean May 1. I hope to walk around 25-30k per day, arriving in Santiago on May 31. I've added a few extra days in there for rest/injury or to go to Fisterra, departing Santiago on June 4. Thank you all for your help getting me to this point. This is a great forum full of wonderful people. If anyone is arriving around the same time, let me know. The first step is always the hardest. View attachment 50272

My husband & I will start out first Camino a few days behind you. We arrive in Pamplona on May 3 from New Orleans. We begin our walk from SJPP on May 5. Our daily goal is 20 to 25 km, so we may not catch up with you. We hope to be in Santiago by June 12. Buen Camino!

 

[Larry Gordon]

I did it. I bought my plane tickets. I leave Boston April 29, arrive in Pamplona April 30, and start walking from St. Jean May 1. I hope to walk around 25-30k per day, arriving in Santiago on May 31. I've added a few extra days in there for rest/injury or to go to Fisterra, departing Santiago on June 4. Thank you all for your help getting me to this point. This is a great forum full of wonderful people. If anyone is arriving around the same time, let me know. The first step is always the hardest. View attachment 50272

I start my journey from SJPDP a few days ahead of you on April 26th. However given the pace you plan to walk you will catch me in no time. I hope to see you and say hello as you wiz by, look for the old guy from Oklahoma who will be shuffling along...

 

[Diiccy]

I am leaving from Texas the same day as you but flying into Paris to start from SJPP. Hope to see you out there!

 

[Cmcfisch]

This is exciting to see how many are traveling and starting at the same time! My two girlfriends and I will fly from Oregon into Paris and then take the train to SJPDP to begin on Wednesday May 1st. Appreciate knowing about the Holidays and guidance for Plan B if needed. We have scheduled a full rest day each week, arriving in Santiago June 5th. Hi Douglas, hope to meet you in those first few days before you fly ahead. Buen Camino!

 

[Douglas Christel]

This is exciting to see how many are traveling and starting at the same time!

Exciting indeed! I can't wait to meet you all. I'm going to try to book a bed for St. Jean and Roncesvalles today. Suggestions welcome!

Happy new year to all. Safe travels everyone!

 

[Dorpie]

Jealous of all you guys getting ready to go on camino, I absolutely loved my May walk across Spain.

And @Douglas Christel "you'll never walk alone" on your patch will never have been more appropriate.

For accomodation, while I haven't stayed there personally I know a lot of people on the forum are very keen on Beilari just a few doors down the street from the pilgrim office. Last year In 2017 I stayed at Le Chemin Vers L'Etoile, a nice old building with a rather eccentric owner who will give you the pep talk of your life, whether you want it or not .

Buen Camino everyone!!

Rob.

 

[Cary]

Hi All,

I too will finally be walking this year. The Camino has been calling me since 2011 and the time has come at last. I plan on walking the Northern/Costal route part way, then taking the Primitivo route when I get to Villaviciosa. I want a difficult and less traveled route. I have just begun planning but I don't want to get too carried away and want to just let this unfold as it may. I have been a member of this forum since 2015 but this is my first post so I thought I should make an introduction. I will be making my pilgrimage solo.

Buen Camino friends

Cary

 

[Douglas Christel]

I too will finally be walking this year. The Camino has been calling me since 2011 and the time has come at last. I plan on walking the Northern/Costal route part way, then taking the Primitivo route when I get to Villaviciosa. I want a difficult and less traveled route.

Hi Cary,
Best wishes on your first Camino. Assuming I get the bug, the Norte or Primitivo will be my next Camino. It's not all that different terrain from what my friends and I hike each summer. I may seek your wisdom next.
Happy New Year!
Doug

 

[Cary]

Hi Cary,
Best wishes on your first Camino. Assuming I get the bug, the Norte or Primitivo will be my next Camino. It's not all that different terrain from what my friends and I hike each summer. I may seek your wisdom next.
Happy New Year!
Doug

Thanks Doug!

I live in the Colorado Rockies so want the rugged route.

 

[Douglas Christel]

In 2017 I stayed at Le Chemin Vers L'Etoile, a nice old building with a rather eccentric owner who will give you the pep talk of your life, whether you want it or not .

I was looking at SJPP accommodations yesterday and will likely stay at the same place. I'm a coach, so I always look for inspiration for my future pep talks.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Plan A: Route Napoleon.
Plan B: Valcarlos route.
Plan C: Overnight in town, reconsider A & B.
Plan D: Bus. ALSA/Conda to Roncesvalles or Pamplona. Artieda from Roncesvalles to Zubiri.
Plan E: Remain in SJPdP; apply for French citizenship.

 

[DagmarKC]

My daughter (27) and I (66) will begin our Camino in Sarria April 22-23. You’ll recognize us as two beautiful, funny, friendly women from Kansas City. She’ll be using a three-wheeled walker (due to mild to moderate cerebral palsy) and we definitely will be transporting our luggage versus backpacking!

 

[Laurie Sanantone]

There was a big bottleneck in Zubiri and nearby towns during the first week in May this past spring. You might want to reserve Ahead for that stage too. We made reservations early on, and were very glad we did.

Buen Camino, it’s a beautiful time to walk!