• Get your Camino Frances Guidebook here.
  • For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)
  • ⚠️ Emergency contact in Spain - Dial 112 and AlertCops app. More on this here.

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

One Month To Go :-)

  • Thread starter Deleted member 67185
  • Start date
D

Deleted member 67185

Guest
As I am writing this post, it is exactly one month to the minute when I will be wheels up on the first leg of my flight to SJPdP via Seattle, Madrid, Biarritz, and Express Bouricott. There are a few mixed feelings and concerns, but those are mostly surrounding the Grave's Disease medications getting adjusted to where they need to be.

Since my last post about the hyperthyroid stuff, I can definitely feel and see a steady improvement. All of your thoughts and prayers have definitely helped.

At any rate, things are pretty much packed, travel documents located and stashed, and reservations that are needed to be made have been made. :)

For those who may be in St Jean Pied de Port the afternoon and evening of September 17, let me know and perhaps we can all have a meetup. :)
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
As I am writing this post, it is exactly one month to the minute when I will be wheels up on the first leg of my flight to SJPdP via Seattle, Madrid, Biarritz, and Express Bouricott. There are a few mixed feelings and concerns, but those are mostly surrounding the Grave's Disease medications getting adjusted to where they need to be.

Since my last post about the hyperthyroid stuff, I can definitely feel and see a steady improvement. All of your thoughts and prayers have definitely helped.

At any rate, things are pretty much packed, travel documents located and stashed, and reservations that are needed to be made have been made. :)

For those who may be in St Jean Pied de Port the afternoon and evening of September 17, let me know and perhaps we can all have a meetup. :)
I flew from spokane last fall and had jet lag and did not sleep at all for the first 3 nights. I recommend that you spend a whole day in saint john before you begin your walk. Buen camino.
 
As I am writing this post, it is exactly one month to the minute when I will be wheels up on the first leg of my flight to SJPdP via Seattle, Madrid, Biarritz, and Express Bouricott. There are a few mixed feelings and concerns, but those are mostly surrounding the Grave's Disease medications getting adjusted to where they need to be.

Since my last post about the hyperthyroid stuff, I can definitely feel and see a steady improvement. All of your thoughts and prayers have definitely helped.

At any rate, things are pretty much packed, travel documents located and stashed, and reservations that are needed to be made have been made. :)

For those who may be in St Jean Pied de Port the afternoon and evening of September 17, let me know and perhaps we can all have a meetup. :)
Hey, nice to hear that Dave :)
And that health issues are improving. I'm sure you'll be in a lot of forum members minds. In mine for sure.

Take care, peregrino! Ultreia!
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
I flew from spokane last fall and had jet lag and did not sleep at all for the first 3 nights. I recommend that you spend a whole day in saint john before you begin your walk. Buen camino.

:) Thanks for the tip, I appreciate it.

Long overseas flights and I have a substantial history together, and I do pretty well in limited susceptibility to jet lag issues. I have my own regimen for dealing with it. Last year, I arrived much later into SJPdP than I will this year, and really noticed no real physical issues when walking to Roncesvalles the next morning.

Are you living in the Spokane area?
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Hey, nice to hear that Dave :)
And that health issues are improving. I'm sure you'll be in a lot of forum members minds. In mine for sure.

Take care, peregrino! Ultreia!

Thanks, KO... yeah, things are doing better. I am anticipating that, barring spikes in thyroid stuff, I should be close to 100% by then. I'll likely be lagging in my normal fitness, which means I'll just take more rest breaks from SJPdP to Roncesvalles :)
 
Hmmm. @andywild knows when to propose a challenge! He walks 227 km, giving a headstart of about 2 days to someone who has to walk 799 km (or even 775). o_O
Hmm. Andy, our most famous walker of Team Tortoise, on the CP versus PCT Dave on the CF. Who is going to win? Both. They will be on the Camino.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
As I am writing this post, it is exactly one month to the minute when I will be wheels up on the first leg of my flight to SJPdP via Seattle, Madrid, Biarritz, and Express Bouricott. There are a few mixed feelings and concerns, but those are mostly surrounding the Grave's Disease medications getting adjusted to where they need to be.

Since my last post about the hyperthyroid stuff, I can definitely feel and see a steady improvement. All of your thoughts and prayers have definitely helped.

At any rate, things are pretty much packed, travel documents located and stashed, and reservations that are needed to be made have been made. :)

For those who may be in St Jean Pied de Port the afternoon and evening of September 17, let me know and perhaps we can all have a meetup. :)
I’m glad to hear you’re getting a handle on the thyroid issues. They can be strange buggers to deal with. We have a bit of thyroid disease in my family. That’s exciting that you’re walking another Camino. You’re such a positive and helpful influence on these forums. I wish you a Buen Camino!
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
I’m glad to hear you’re getting a handle on the thyroid issues. They can be strange buggers to deal with. We have a bit of thyroid disease in my family. That’s exciting that you’re walking another Camino. You’re such a positive and helpful influence on these forums. I wish you a Buen Camino!

Thanks, Tom. I think what is so frustrating is the ups and downs of getting things back into control by having to do the expensive testing and then re-evaluate how much medication is needed. Ideally, things will eventually go into a long remission and the thyroid will act normal again, but that can be a long way off.

It sure shows how vulnerable and fragile things are when you can be in terrific fitness and overall health, then within a few short weeks suddenly crash and burn:eek: I'm very thankful for how things are going right now.
 
Well you are exactly two weeks ahead of us! I hope you give us frequent updates of your journey, Dave!

I am sure you are on top of your physical needs, but I was just thinking, Dave, that it might be good to have recommendations for Endocrinologists in the major towns/cities along the Camino. If you do this research ahead and then need to medically adjust things, you will know where to go. However, I do not know the medical system in Spain, nor how long it takes to get an appointment with such a specialist. Of course, I would hope you never need to see one, but I am a big believer in preparation.

Dave, I wish you a safe, happy and fruitful Camino! Walk on.........
.
 
As I am writing this post, it is exactly one month to the minute when I will be wheels up on the first leg of my flight to SJPdP via Seattle, Madrid, Biarritz, and Express Bouricott. There are a few mixed feelings and concerns, but those are mostly surrounding the Grave's Disease medications getting adjusted to where they need to be.

Since my last post about the hyperthyroid stuff, I can definitely feel and see a steady improvement. All of your thoughts and prayers have definitely helped.

At any rate, things are pretty much packed, travel documents located and stashed, and reservations that are needed to be made have been made. :)

For those who may be in St Jean Pied de Port the afternoon and evening of September 17, let me know and perhaps we can all have a meetup. :)
Hey Dave,I arrive some time in the afternoon on the 17th from Pamplona. Would be great to catch up
Matt
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Well you are exactly two weeks ahead of us! I hope you give us frequent updates of your journey, Dave!

I am sure you are on top of your physical needs, but I was just thinking, Dave, that it might be good to have recommendations for Endocrinologists in the major towns/cities along the Camino. If you do this research ahead and then need to medically adjust things, you will know where to go. However, I do not know the medical system in Spain, nor how long it takes to get an appointment with such a specialist. Of course, I would hope you never need to see one, but I am a big believer in preparation.

Dave, I wish you a safe, happy and fruitful Camino! Walk on.........
.

That is a good suggestion :) Specific recommendations might be difficult, but knowing the nearest medical facilities which have Endocrinologist would be nice. That made me go back and review my health plan which also covers international travel. It does have a 24/7 medical travel service which can be called for health concerns in order to locate and have arranged needed specialist care and appropriate facilities. They also arrange the transport to get there. In fact, if non-critical issues pop up, I am required to call them first in order to keep coverage intact. From all the reviews and information I read, it is fast efficient and works really well in this application.

It also has a translation service in case there are communication issues between the provider and me.
 
Hola Dave,
Good news that you’re feeling up to walking. We all need home time to square away the body and mind. The older I get the more time I need, especially for the mind part.
The soul is another story; it responds well to the careful ministration of contemplative walking, both among and apart from those other souls you meet as you go.
It sounds from your post that you’re getting excited. Now I’m excited, and I want to get going too.
Thanks for that.
Best wishes for a rewarding and calm Camino.
Paul
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
Hey, Dave!
So good to hear you'll be on the way next month.
Prayers answered.
I get the thyroid issue...I've lost mine! Yea Synthroid! Heyya?
In Orrison in the 18th, but late.
Hope to run into you along the Way.
Buen Camino!
 
Hi Dave, I can't quite remember if your son, Caleb, is joining you on this upcoming Camino...is he? Either way, I hope you have a wonderful journey full of new surprises, but only good ones!
 
I leave NZ on the 20th and will start off walking from Madrid - I wonder if we'll meet around Sahagun-Leon? (meeting family in Leon on October 7th, then heading north)
Buen camino!
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Hi Dave, I can't quite remember if your son, Caleb, is joining you on this upcoming Camino...is he? Either way, I hope you have a wonderful journey full of new surprises, but only good ones!

Hi, Chris...

Your memory is great. Caleb will meet me when I arrive in Leon; he arrives there on October 5. We will continue together to Santiago. I am really excited for us to do this together. He just didn't have enough time to start where we left off in Burgos, so we decided that he would reluctantly bypass Meseta and have Leon as the continuation point.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
That is a good suggestion :) Specific recommendations might be difficult, but knowing the nearest medical facilities which have Endocrinologist would be nice. That made me go back and review my health plan which also covers international travel. It does have a 24/7 medical travel service which can be called for health concerns in order to locate and have arranged needed specialist care and appropriate facilities. They also arrange the transport to get there. In fact, if non-critical issues pop up, I am required to call them first in order to keep coverage intact. From all the reviews and information I read, it is fast efficient and works really well in this application.

It also has a translation service in case there are communication issues between the provider and me.[/QUOTE

It is wise for all of us to review insurance before we go and to review procedures to keep our insurance intact. Knowing where we can go that would have a specialist on staff for a particular condition could be life-saving.

Do post, pics,Dave! Looking forward to reading about your Camino! What a treat to be with your son for the last thiird of your trip!
 
As I am writing this post, it is exactly one month to the minute when I will be wheels up on the first leg of my flight to SJPdP via Seattle, Madrid, Biarritz, and Express Bouricott. There are a few mixed feelings and concerns, but those are mostly surrounding the Grave's Disease medications getting adjusted to where they need to be.

Since my last post about the hyperthyroid stuff, I can definitely feel and see a steady improvement. All of your thoughts and prayers have definitely helped.

At any rate, things are pretty much packed, travel documents located and stashed, and reservations that are needed to be made have been made. :)

For those who may be in St Jean Pied de Port the afternoon and evening of September 17, let me know and perhaps we can all have a meetup. :)

We are starting on 14 September. Hope to meet you
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
Hi Davebugg, I arrive in Lourdes on the 10th and after a couple days getting some rest and exploring I'll head to SJPdP... and then beyond. This is my first Camino and I've got the first timer jitters - hope to meet you along the Camino at some point!! Buen travels & Camino!
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
As I am writing this post, it is exactly one month to the minute when I will be wheels up on the first leg of my flight to SJPdP via Seattle, Madrid, Biarritz, and Express Bouricott. There are a few mixed feelings and concerns, but those are mostly surrounding the Grave's Disease medications getting adjusted to where they need to be.

Since my last post about the hyperthyroid stuff, I can definitely feel and see a steady improvement. All of your thoughts and prayers have definitely helped.

At any rate, things are pretty much packed, travel documents located and stashed, and reservations that are needed to be made have been made. :)

For those who may be in St Jean Pied de Port the afternoon and evening of September 17, let me know and perhaps we can all have a meetup. :)
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Hi Dave!
I’ve “lurked” on site for the past year faithfully gathering tidbits here and there. All that have posted I’ve learned so much. In particular , Yours have been the most informative . I’m sorry I won’t get to meetup and meet you as I am ahead of you starting September 1st on my first Camino but maybe you’ll catch up!
all the best
Brenda Luco
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Hi Dave!
I’ve “lurked” on site for the past year faithfully gathering tidbits here and there. All that have posted I’ve learned so much. In particular , Yours have been the most informative . I’m sorry I won’t get to meetup and meet you as I am ahead of you starting September 1st on my first Camino but maybe you’ll catch up!
all the best
Brenda Luco

If so, it will be nice to meet :)
 
Thanks, Morgan... my wish for you is the same :) i do hope things on Camino are beginning to look better for you guys.

Thank you; yes, Spouse was able to sort out his phone. As to the rest, a wise friend has encouraged me not to think that I am inviting catastrophe by taking this opportunity. He said, "Catastrophe never waits for an invitation, so go again while you have the legs."

I wish you a muy muy buen camino.
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
I'll reach Leon on October 5 or 6. :)
I'm going to play my journey by ear and just see what happens - but I will certainly keep these dates at the back of my mind - it would be a delight to meet you face to face. At this stage there is one set date - family arriving on the seventh. Then there are variables - how many long days will I have walked on the Madrid? Will I be needing to take a train at the last minute to get to Leon or will I be wanting to walk every step of the way? Will I detour to Moratinos and meet Rebekah? Will I have time to arrive early and enjoy the cathedral before family arrives? (if the answer to that one is yes, it means I'll probably be able to see you too!)
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
As I am writing this post, it is exactly one month to the minute when I will be wheels up on the first leg of my flight to SJPdP via Seattle, Madrid, Biarritz, and Express Bouricott. There are a few mixed feelings and concerns, but those are mostly surrounding the Grave's Disease medications getting adjusted to where they need to be.

Since my last post about the hyperthyroid stuff, I can definitely feel and see a steady improvement. All of your thoughts and prayers have definitely helped.

At any rate, things are pretty much packed, travel documents located and stashed, and reservations that are needed to be made have been made. :)

For those who may be in St Jean Pied de Port the afternoon and evening of September 17, let me know and perhaps we can all have a meetup. :)
When do you think you'll get to Sarria? I'll be there on October 18!
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
Maybe we can have a beer together when you get to Pamplona.
I return from the Camino on Saturday 15th.
If you want, let me know.
Un saludo y buen camino.
 
Maybe we can have a beer together when you get to Pamplona.
I return from the Camino on Saturday 15th.
If you want, let me know.
Un saludo y buen camino.

I'm up for a beverage... I don't drink alcohol, but I enjoy Fanta :) I will probably be in Pamplona on Sept 19
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
:) Thanks for the tip, I appreciate it.

Long overseas flights and I have a substantial history together, and I do pretty well in limited susceptibility to jet lag issues. I have my own regimen for dealing with it. Last year, I arrived much later into SJPdP than I will this year, and really noticed no real physical issues when walking to Roncesvalles the next morning.

Are you living in the Spokane area?
I live in Sprague,just west of Spokane. What do you do for jet-lag?
 
I live in Sprague,just west of Spokane. What do you do for jet-lag?

I stay hydrated, do not sleep on the flight, and plan on a solid nights rest when I arrive at destination. I arranged my itinerary to give me time to "normalize" myself and have at least one good night's period of sleep. I find that even mild exercise, like walking, and immediately adapting to activities based on the local time really helps me with any 'lag'. I forget about the time from where i came from, and focus solely on where I am now :)

I've made a lengthy description of what I will likely be doing -- barring any stuff popping up -- once I land in Spain from departure at SeaTac this Saturday.

My flight departs to Madrid this Saturday and I will arrive at Madrid in the early evening, local time. After checking in to my Madrid hotel room, I will shower and change clothes and then go walking around the area for an hour or so. I will eat at a local eatery then go walk and explore a bit more.

By 1000 pm local time, I am back in my room and will know whether I will be able to fall asleep in the next hour or if I am too wound up. If need be, I will take an OTC sleep aid (which is the same medication as in OTC antihistamines).

Then I will make sure everything that can be packed up, is back in the backpack. The toiletry items will go in the pack just before I leave. I will watch a bit of local TV or read in order to wind down; I will go to sleep at any time I begin to feel drowsy.

I am usually fresh and ready to go the next morning. If need be, I will take a couple of caffeine tabs (I hate coffee:p ). I am catching a flight at 0830 am from Madrid to Biarritz, then have a reservation on Express Bouricott to take me to St Jean Pied de Port.

I arrive in SJPdP before 11:00 am, but the place where I am staying does not do check in until the afternoon. No biggie. This gives me plenty of time to visit the Pilgrim Office for a stamp on my Credencial and then off to renew my acquaintance with SJPdP. I'll get in some good walking time, eat a nice lunch, visit a charcuterie to pick up part of the next day's walking snacks, browse through the outdoor shop, make a nuisance of myself at one of the boulangeries (probably the one from last year where I got to observe some bread making in progress), maybe even meet up with a Forum member or two -- if I can spot any Forum badges.

Then when I check into Gite Makila, I will unpack everything into my pack liner. Clothes which need a quick cleaning will get cleaned. I will go through my check list again as I repack for the hike to Roncesvalles the next morning on the the 18th. This way I have an opportunity to spot anything I may have missed packing at home. My water reservoir, which is ready to go, will be filled about half full and the water tube put into place. This gives me a chance to verify all connections for potential wear and leaks for the third time since packing for the trip. I will make sure the quick disconnect port, which is used for refilling, is also functioning properly.

Then I will put together my trekking poles and adjust them to the markings I have scratched into each adjustable section on the shafts. When the sections are locked down, I'll test them to make sure they will not collapse or slowly lose their length when weight is put onto them.

Then I'll lay down and rest a bit. I won't usually be able to nap, but I find that just a nice relaxing and meditative lay down is very refreshing. In late afternoon, I will head back out to stop back by the outdoor shop and pick up an Opinel #6 knife. If I found that I had left out an essential item while packing at home, the shop may have what I need as a replacement.

After that, more walking, hydration ( KAS and Fanta, yeah), snacking, exploring, and chatting up a few other pilgrims. :) I like to spend a lot of time walking and wandering around, sitting on benches and watching people. Since I am bringing a new GoPro, I'll probably get some video with it.

I will also spend time beginning a process of focusing my spiritual mindset and attitudes toward the Camino to come.

I'll also be looking and deciding on which eatery I will go to for dinner. Maybe even become part of a small group of other pilgrims that will meet for dinner. Who knows. At some point about an hour or so before dinner, I'll head back to my room and call home, which is 8 hours behind local time. I can use the wifi to check for any messages that need attention, then shut off the active phone stuff. I'll spend some time reading the downloaded New Testament App on the iPhone. I want to wind down and relax some before dinner.

Last year, dinner ended around 8:00 pm and my son and I enjoyed walking around the darkened streets which were much quieter now that most tourists and locals were inside for the night. I'll do the same this year, because I want to be nice and relaxed for a good night's rest. Again, if I think I am too wound up, I'll take an OTC sleep aid. Once back in the room, I'll make sure everything is ready to go for the morning. I'll position snacks in the waist belt pockets and a side pocket.

Then it's just a matter of dropping off to sleep. I won't need to set an alarm. . . . my bladder is great at making sure I am up come early morning :) When I dress and brush my teeth, all I need to do is tuck my small toilet kit into a side pocket, grab my pack, and head out the door.

Yup... the post is long winded. But you can use it to induce sleepiness if you have a hard time getting to sleep while adjusting to you jet lag :)
 
That was a great post! I really enjoyed reading about how you spend the last hours in the build up to the grand depart. It was rather calming too. Do you have a plan in mind for the morning? Will it be an early start? You have your food for the day already bought I think? Will you stop at Orrison for a drink or a bite to eat?
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
That was a great post! I really enjoyed reading about how you spend the last hours in the build up to the grand depart. It was rather calming too. Do you have a plan in mind for the morning? Will it be an early start? You have your food for the day already bought I think? Will you stop at Orrison for a drink or a bite to eat?

Well, thanks, Ian :)

In the morning, I leave before 7:00 am. I'm already packed up, so it's quickly into clothes. If the weather outside is rainy, then I'll grab my poncho out of the pack's side pocket and have it ready to put on at the door.

After I'm dressed, I'll have a prayer time read some from the New Testament. I also re-read daily a neat little piece by Max Lucado (I pasted it down below).

If breakfast is being served (I don't know if it is at Makila), then I'll briefly sit and eat a bite and say 'hello' to others getting ready to depart. Now that I am fully rested, I want to just get going. If there is no breakfast served, no problem; I have breakfast in my pack in the form of cheese, baguette roll, and sausage (purchased the day before) all zip locked in baggies for a short breakfast picnic up the road. That and a container of OJ, or Fanta orange flavor if there is no suitable container of OJ found. This is extra weight that quickly goes away :) If the bakery is open on the way out of SJPdP, I'll grab a fresh croissant or pastry.

Some may find this a bit offensive, but I won't walk in a group or with someone I have not hiked with. I save my socializing when I take breaks, or at the end of the day, but I do not like walking with others who I do not know. I do not like incessant chatter while walking. I do not like adjusting my pace. I don't want to experience someone's hiking idiosyncrasies. I don't want to have to stop when they want to stop, or wait for the end of a "nature break". I like to meditate and contemplate and allow my thoughts to be unoccupied by distractions forced on me by others.

And I don't want others to have to put up with me, either. :)

That all can change as social introductions and compatibilities surface as the pilgrimage progresses and people you see and frequently talk with become known quantities. But it would still be an unlikely thing. I do have people that I hike with. Somehow, we seem to instinctively know how to hike together. We have compatible needs and styles. That is why doing Camino with my son, Caleb, is such a joy. For some reason, we need the almost identical things from a hike or backpacking trip, or Camino.

And don't get me wrong. I enjoy giving a smile, a greeting (Buen Camino for the 200th time), and even encouragement for someone appearing frazzled and listless. Providing comfort and first aid to any who need it, and even carrying someone's pack for a bit until they can get to a place of assistance.

I don't know what my pace this year will be. There have been too many physical issues over the last months to think I will keep my normal pace. I may have a new 'normal' now. I typically take a 'pause' break every hour and a longer 5 or 10 minute break every two hours.

I am frequently snacking while walking in order to keep calories available for the engine. I'll nibble on cheese and sausage/jerky. I will also have purchased some nuts, dried fruit (raisins), and Peanut M&Ms that I've mixed all together into a baggie which resides in part. Snickers will also be in attendance -- I tend to eat a quarter of a bar at a time.

I carry 1.5 liters of water on the section to Orisson. Last year, even though it was early, I refilled a bit at Huntto. At Orisson I will fill up the bladder to its full two liter capacity.

I found that stopping for a 30 to 40 minute break at Orisson last year was a good thing. A fresh bocadillo, some regular Coca Cola and Fanta, etc. really hit the spot. A time to let hydration really take hold, and having a leisurely nature break. It was also fun to see and talk to those who were brand new acquaintances only just yesterday, but now are fellow pilgrims on the same road.

The rest of the Napoleon route up to Col Loepeder is not remembered as being challenging, just a decent length of a walk. It was fun to stop at the two food trucks/trailers. I didn't care all that much for the downhill portion of the walk into Roncesvalles. it wasn't particularly distressing, but it made my right foot (who, in case you didn't know form previous postings, hates my guts) terribly irritable (yeah, its a 'snowflake primadonna'. Sigh). But once Caleb and I got to our beds at the albergue and I was able to get off my feet for 15 minutes, the primadonna seemed to have calmed down.

This year, I'll probably arrive about 60 to 90 minutes later than Caleb and I did last year. That's just a guess, not a certainty. I made reservations, so I'm not seating the time. In fact, even without a reservation, it would more than likely also not be an issue.

Even with snacking along the way, and eating lunch, I know I'll be famished. Before dinner, I'll be in the vending machine room hurriedly dropping Euro coins into the slots of a variety of goodies. To an onlooker viewing my eating, it will almost appear I'd been kept in a cell without access to food for at least a week. :)
Maybe it will be different this year than last, or the way it usually is at the end of a backpacking day, but i sincerely doubt it.

Do yourself a favor if you are in visual range, and don't look. My dignity seems to be secondary to my need for feed at this point. :)

When I finally get my to my bunk, and get my GoPro and cell phone on the charger, I won't immediately lay down. It is time for a nice shower. I want to get cleaned up and changed into my spare clothes and socks before I lay down a bit and relax. After a 15 minute lay down, I'll likely pop some Ibuprofen to help with any aches, pains, or swellings of the first day's efforts.

Next, laundry. Cold water hand wash, beaucoup rinsing, gentle wringing out with a side-trip outside to centrifuge more excess water out. Things will be air dried by morning, except the SmartWool socks which will still be a bit damp. They will finish drying out as the ride in the back mesh pocket of my pack the next morning.

I really enjoyed last year's communal pilgrim dinner. A lot of camaraderie, laughs, personal insights, and a wonderful getting-to-know-those-around-you time. And if I'm lucky like last year, no one will ask "Why are you walking the Camino?" :)

After dinner, weather permitting, it was great to stroll around, working some stiffness out of leg muscles, and looking around the village. After 40 minutes or so I got back to my bunk, grabbed my cell phone and went out to the common areas to call home. That was pretty much the last thing before bed.

I was amazed at how things seemed to really quiet down and settle as the lateness of the evening progressed. I use earplugs and so noise doesn't really bother MY sleep, but even without the earplugs, it was interesting that such a large dorm facility on my floor seemed so quiet and peaceful.

I had a great restful sleep that night. :)




------------------------------------------

It’s quiet. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice.

Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.

I choose love. No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy. I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose peace. I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I choose patience. I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite Him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose kindness. I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I choose goodness. I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness. Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I choose gentleness. Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose self-control. I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

Excerpted from Let the Journey Begin by Max Lucado © Thomas Nelson.
 
I think you will have a great time.
Hopefully without any major health issue.

... And if I'm lucky like last year, no one will ask "Why are you walking the Camino?" ....
If I am "unlucky" I like the answer "because the camino is calling me".
It is probably true for many pilgrims... and I do not need to say more if I do not want to.

Buen Camino!
 
Last edited:
Transport luggage-passengers.
From airports to SJPP
Luggage from SJPP to Roncevalles
I stay hydrated, do not sleep on the flight, and plan on a solid nights rest when I arrive at destination. I arranged my itinerary to give me time to "normalize" myself and have at least one good night's period of sleep. I find that even mild exercise, like walking, and immediately adapting to activities based on the local time really helps me with any 'lag'. I forget about the time from where i came from, and focus solely on where I am now :)

I've made a lengthy description of what I will likely be doing -- barring any stuff popping up -- once I land in Spain from departure at SeaTac this Saturday.

My flight departs to Madrid this Saturday and I will arrive at Madrid in the early evening, local time. After checking in to my Madrid hotel room, I will shower and change clothes and then go walking around the area for an hour or so. I will eat at a local eatery then go walk and explore a bit more.

By 1000 pm local time, I am back in my room and will know whether I will be able to fall asleep in the next hour or if I am too wound up. If need be, I will take an OTC sleep aid (which is the same medication as in OTC antihistamines).

Then I will make sure everything that can be packed up, is back in the backpack. The toiletry items will go in the pack just before I leave. I will watch a bit of local TV or read in order to wind down; I will go to sleep at any time I begin to feel drowsy.

I am usually fresh and ready to go the next morning. If need be, I will take a couple of caffeine tabs (I hate coffee:p ). I am catching a flight at 0830 am from Madrid to Biarritz, then have a reservation on Express Bouricott to take me to St Jean Pied de Port.

I arrive in SJPdP before 11:00 am, but the place where I am staying does not do check in until the afternoon. No biggie. This gives me plenty of time to visit the Pilgrim Office for a stamp on my Credencial and then off to renew my acquaintance with SJPdP. I'll get in some good walking time, eat a nice lunch, visit a charcuterie to pick up part of the next day's walking snacks, browse through the outdoor shop, make a nuisance of myself at one of the boulangeries (probably the one from last year where I got to observe some bread making in progress), maybe even meet up with a Forum member or two -- if I can spot any Forum badges.

Then when I check into Gite Makila, I will unpack everything into my pack liner. Clothes which need a quick cleaning will get cleaned. I will go through my check list again as I repack for the hike to Roncesvalles the next morning on the the 18th. This way I have an opportunity to spot anything I may have missed packing at home. My water reservoir, which is ready to go, will be filled about half full and the water tube put into place. This gives me a chance to verify all connections for potential wear and leaks for the third time since packing for the trip. I will make sure the quick disconnect port, which is used for refilling, is also functioning properly.

Then I will put together my trekking poles and adjust them to the markings I have scratched into each adjustable section on the shafts. When the sections are locked down, I'll test them to make sure they will not collapse or slowly lose their length when weight is put onto them.

Then I'll lay down and rest a bit. I won't usually be able to nap, but I find that just a nice relaxing and meditative lay down is very refreshing. In late afternoon, I will head back out to stop back by the outdoor shop and pick up an Opinel #6 knife. If I found that I had left out an essential item while packing at home, the shop may have what I need as a replacement.

After that, more walking, hydration ( KAS and Fanta, yeah), snacking, exploring, and chatting up a few other pilgrims. :) I like to spend a lot of time walking and wandering around, sitting on benches and watching people. Since I am bringing a new GoPro, I'll probably get some video with it.

I will also spend time beginning a process of focusing my spiritual mindset and attitudes toward the Camino to come.

I'll also be looking and deciding on which eatery I will go to for dinner. Maybe even become part of a small group of other pilgrims that will meet for dinner. Who knows. At some point about an hour or so before dinner, I'll head back to my room and call home, which is 8 hours behind local time. I can use the wifi to check for any messages that need attention, then shut off the active phone stuff. I'll spend some time reading the downloaded New Testament App on the iPhone. I want to wind down and relax some before dinner.

Last year, dinner ended around 8:00 pm and my son and I enjoyed walking around the darkened streets which were much quieter now that most tourists and locals were inside for the night. I'll do the same this year, because I want to be nice and relaxed for a good night's rest. Again, if I think I am too wound up, I'll take an OTC sleep aid. Once back in the room, I'll make sure everything is ready to go for the morning. I'll position snacks in the waist belt pockets and a side pocket.

Then it's just a matter of dropping off to sleep. I won't need to set an alarm. . . . my bladder is great at making sure I am up come early morning :) When I dress and brush my teeth, all I need to do is tuck my small toilet kit into a side pocket, grab my pack, and head out the door.

Yup... the post is long winded. But you can use it to induce sleepiness if you have a hard time getting to sleep while adjusting to you jet lag :)
Thank you so much! Last year I could not sleep on the 0lane,on the train,and for 3 more nights! Ugh!
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
That was another great post Davebugg. Thank you so much for taking all that time to make it. You must get very in the zone when you write such posts, they are very detailed and lucid. I shall read both of them again later as the nerves are starting to compete with the excitement. I got a lot of practical information out of what you had put as well as the rather calming effect that stepping through your day had on me. I liked the idea of taking time out to let the hydration happen. That's a good tip and not one I'd thought about before. Some sort of clothes rinser at Roncevalles sounds useful. I expect day 1 to be a long sweaty day and I have definitely planned in a clothes wash. And food trucks? What a bonus that will be. I didn't expect there to be any food after Orrison. Thank you too for the the heads up regarding the writing of Max Lucado. I think I need some of that on my e-reader to sit alongside my volume of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. As it must be getting close to the point where you leave home, I wish you well in your journey to SJPP and Buen Camino from that point onwards.
 
That was another great post Davebugg. Thank you so much for taking all that time to make it. You must get very in the zone when you write such posts, they are very detailed and lucid. I shall read both of them again later as the nerves are starting to compete with the excitement. I got a lot of practical information out of what you had put as well as the rather calming effect that stepping through your day had on me. I liked the idea of taking time out to let the hydration happen. That's a good tip and not one I'd thought about before. Some sort of clothes rinser at Roncevalles sounds useful. I expect day 1 to be a long sweaty day and I have definitely planned in a clothes wash. And food trucks? What a bonus that will be. I didn't expect there to be any food after Orrison. Thank you too for the the heads up regarding the writing of Max Lucado. I think I need some of that on my e-reader to sit alongside my volume of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. As it must be getting close to the point where you leave home, I wish you well in your journey to SJPP and Buen Camino from that point onwards.

Thanks, Ian, you are very gracious. As my grammar and syntax, and punctuation reveal, I tend to write fairly quickly. A lot of times when I go back and read what I had posted, I will even edit some things that are pretty egregious errors but many things I just let stand where they land :).

Take care be well my friend :)
 

Most read last week in this forum

My name is Henrik and I will be coming down to SJPdP from Sweden on March 26 and start walking on March 27. I don't really have any experience and I'm not the best at planning and I'm a little...
When I hiked the Frances Route this happened. I was hiking in the afternoon just east of Arzua. I was reserved a bed at an albergue in Arzua, so I had already hiked all the way from San Xulien...
I am finalizing my packing list for Frances, and do not want to over pack. (I am 71) I will be starting at SJPdP on April 25th to Roncesvalles and forward. I was hoping on some advise as to...
First marker starting from Albergue Monasterio de la Magdalena in Sarria (113.460 km) Start: 2023.9.29 07:22 Arrival: 2023.9.30 13:18 walking time : 26 hours 47 minutes rest time : 3 hours 8...
A local Navarra website has posted a set of photos showing today's snowfall in the area around Roncesvalles. About 15cm of snow fell this morning surprising pilgrims on the way...
Hi! I’m a first time pilgrim. Is it possible to take a taxi from Astorga to Foncebadon? Thanks, Felicia

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Similar threads

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top