October 2017 Camino

[ssking14]

I have searched the the threads, I know the answer is somewhere....My husband and I are flying from US to start in St. Jean. Is it wise to book ahead my stay in Pamplona? Will be arriving on bus. Do not plan to book anything else, just going to take it one day at a time

 

[Mark Barnes]

Interested to see feedback you get. I fly into Madrid end of September and will take bus/train to Pamplona also> I only plan to make reservations for 1st night in Pamplona and also day prior to flying out of Madrid 43 days later.

 

[Sparrow in Texas]

Personally, I like having a reservation for the first night, whether in St. Jean or Pamplona or Burgos. After a long day of transatlantic traveling leaving me feeling disoriented, it is nice to know there is a room with a bed waiting for me.

 

[Christian Hiriart]

I also like to have a reservation for the first night, however, last September did not work out for me. My back pack did not arrive with me to Paris (from Canada), where I was not planning to stay. So after two day it did arrive so I could continue my trip. By the time I arrive to St. Jean I did not have a reservation nor I knew where I was going to stay that night... The Camino did provide and I stayed at an Albergue near the Camino Office. Ended up being a great experience, during the diner I met some very nice people and drunk some very good wine. That experience removed my concerns with regards to "where will I stay tonight". The Camino infrastructure is incredibly well developed, whether by luck or design it works very well. It's hard for people like my who have "control issues" to let go and go with the flow, but I'm happy to report that the Camino did that for me.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Lots of beds in Pamplona, but what time of the year are you speaking of?

 

[MarB]

My biggest fear is the airline not shipping my backpack with me. I know everything can be replaced but what a waste of time.

 

[Julia Mumford]

Always book your first night. You won't regret it.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Always book your first night. You won't regret it.

But they are walking from SJPP; the night in Pamplona will not be their first night.

Unless ... spending a night in Pamplona and then heading out to SJPP? That would make for a late departure from SJPP the next day.

 

[ssking14]

Interested to see feedback you get. I fly into Madrid end of September and will take bus/train to Pamplona also> I only plan to make reservations for 1st night in Pamplona and also day prior to flying out of Madrid 43 days later.

I have already made reservation for the evening prior to flying out of Madrid also.

 

[ssking14]

Lots of beds in Pamplona, but what time of the year are you speaking of?

September

 

[ssking14]

Any suggestions of where to stay in Pamplona?

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Any suggestions of where to stay in Pamplona?

I like the converted church (?) of Maria & Jesus. It is a large albergue, with bunks separated in groups of four. Ok, bathroom floors get all wet, but showers are made for you to change in them. And I like the idea of supporting munis/parochial places vs private ones.

Their is also Paderbon outside of the core of the old time that many like, or a private with Japanese type bunks, super private.

As long as you are not picky amd really want to stay in one and not the other, and don't waltz in at sunset you'll be ok.

 

[ssking14]

But they are walking from SJPP; the night in Pamplona will not be their first night.

Unless ... spending a night in Pamplona and then heading out to SJPP? That would make for a late departure from SJPP the next day.

 

[ssking14]

So should we get to SJPP and spend the night?

 

[Anemone del Camino]

So should we get to SJPP and spend the night?

What time are planning on arriving in SJPP?

Walking the Napoleon route all the way to Roncesvalles took me from 7am to 3pm or so.

If you want a shorter day, you can either stop 8km in, but steep, in Orisson, or walk the Valcarlos route.

Not much to keep you entertained in SJPP for a full day in my opinion, and I would be antsy to start walking.

If spending a night in SJPP it would be a good idea to book. In Orissona must, and early on in your planning.