New Canadian pilgrim travelling in April 2013

[CuppycakeKaren]

Hello all!! After lurking on the boards for many months, scheming and dreaming about walking the El Camino...the opportunity to go has dropped in my lap, and I can't wait!! I will be going April 1, 2013, travelling from SJP. I am from the Fraser Valley of B.C., Canada. Hopefully spending time on these boards for the next 5 months will keep me from driving my family and co workers crazy talking about the trip!!

 

[tyrrek]

Hello all!! After lurking on the boards for many months, scheming and dreaming about walking the El Camino...the opportunity to go has dropped in my lap, and I can't wait!! I will be going April 1, 2013, travelling from SJP. I am from the Fraser Valley of B.C., Canada. Hopefully spending time on these boards for the next 5 months will keep me from driving my family and co workers crazy talking about the trip!!

Yes, it's very exciting and by the time you leave for France they'll all be dreading you returning and telling them all about it.

The time you've chosen to walk could be the end of winter or the best of spring, but you'll sense the seasons changing. Good time. Buen Camino!

 

[corneliab]

Hello, hubby and I (Albertans) are hoping to leave from sjpdp around April 8. Thinking about traveling Calgary - Bilbao but unsure about how to get to France from Bilbao? What route are you taking?

 

[CuppycakeKaren]

I am planning to fly from Seattle to Paris, then the train to SJPP.... leaving Seattle April 1. To be honest, the part that scares me the most is not the 800 KM walk, but the getting from CDG airport to the bus and then train to SJPP!! Hoping I can find someone to travel that bit with at least....

 

[SabsP]

Hey hope to see you! I too will start 1st of April but from Zaragoza and then hopefully seven days later I will be in Logrono to join the Camino Frances. Happy preparations!!!

 

[poogeyejr]

Hi Cuppycake!

I am in Vancouver. Walked the northern route in May 2011. I was looking your post and wondered what us you were referring to between the CDG airport and the train to SJP? Hope I can help.

 

[poogeyejr]

Hi Cuppycake!

and wondered what us [bus] you were referring to between the CDG airport and the train to SJP? Hope I can help.

To which bus you were referring. We might be able to walk you through it. K

 

[CuppycakeKaren]

My plan is to fly into Paris... but then need to get from there to SJPP. I have read the boards and am just as confused!! I understand that there is a bus and a train and perhaps an overnight stay somewhere....
Once I get to SJPP I feel like I will be fine...just getting there is the stressful part!!

Karen

 

[efdoucette]

Hello Karen,

I'm from Nova Scotia and traveled this route in Sept 2011. I flew in to Paris CDG arriving early morning. Inside CDG airport is also a train station, very convenient. I took the high speed train (TVG) from CDG to Bordeaux and connected to another train to Bayonne arriving later that day. I spent the night in Bayonne at the IBIS hotel, a 5 minute walk from the train station. The next morning I took the train to St Jean PDP arriving around noon. I met someone on that train, we hung out in St Jean until 3pm and walked up the hill to Orisson, reservations recommended.

All in all a pretty easy trip. The train tickets you can buy within 90 days of departure. But your right, getting there can cause the anxiety, once you get to St Jean and walk into the pilgrims office it is clear sailing. Enjoy, it is an awesome experience, and your Camino has already started, congratulations.

Buen Camino
Eric

 

[CuppycakeKaren]

Thank you SO MUCH for your response, Eric.... that simplified it for me!! I am writing it all in my notebook. A huge weight off my shoulders!!
Regards, Karen