tillyjones
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances June 2015
VDLP May 2017
del Norte Sept 2018
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No worries. I did my first Camino on an impromptu decision. Flew to Paris and took the train down to SJPdP same as you are and just started walking.
That albergue in Orisson gets filled up quite quickly, but other that that you don't need reservations walking the Camino. You don't even need to stay in Orisson.
I know members on this forum tend to over-plan things way too much, but you could actually show up in SJPdP with no equipment, buy some there and start walking. I know some on here consider that to be blasphemous statement, but it's true.
Don't over-think it. Just have fun.
cheers
Welcome Tillyjones, and yes: Pack a bag, find your way to SJPP and start walking! That is all there is, don't pay any attention to the endless quivering on the forum. Good shoes, as light a bag as possible, that's all, anything that you don't have with you can be purchased on the way, if really necessary (Chances are, they are not) Go for it and try not to browse the forum on the last remaining days before departing. Remember, you're walking your own personal camino.Hello. I made a relatively impromptu decision to do the Camino when I lost my job three weeks ago. I had felt that I didn't need to worry about too much (and even as I write this, I realize that there will be plenty of people to ask along the way, so I probably still don't need to worry) but I've been reading some of these forum posts today and getting panicky at all of the things I haven't thought about or planned or learned. I just sort of thought I'd pack a bag, find my way to SJPP and start walking. I'm outdoorsy and used to travelling off the beaten track so wasn't too concerned about gear, though I'm starting to panicky about that as well.
I booked a flight to Paris. I plan to take the train to Bayonne (have not booked that - wasn't planning on it). Looks like I will miss the last train for the day so will plan to overnight in Bayonne (haven't booked that but probably will) and take the morning train to SJPP and was going to head out from there late morning for Orisson for the first day. But now I'm reading about reservations... You need reservations on the route?? I had no idea!
Are there other things I should be more prepared for than I am.
Welcome Tillyjones, and yes: Pack a bag, find your way to SJPP and start walking! That is all there is, don't pay any attention to the endless quivering on the forum. Good shoes, as light a bag as possible, that's all, anything that you don't have with you can be purchased on the way, if really necessary (Chances are, they are not) Go for it and try not to browse the forum on the last remaining days before departing. Remember, you're walking your own personal camino.
And this is what you will have: A buen camino!
Hello. I made a relatively impromptu decision to do the Camino when I lost my job three weeks ago. I had felt that I didn't need to worry about too much (and even as I write this, I realize that there will be plenty of people to ask along the way, so I probably still don't need to worry) but I've been reading some of these forum posts today and getting panicky at all of the things I haven't thought about or planned or learned. I just sort of thought I'd pack a bag, find my way to SJPP and start walking. I'm outdoorsy and used to travelling off the beaten track so wasn't too concerned about gear, though I'm starting to panicky about that as well.
I booked a flight to Paris. I plan to take the train to Bayonne (have not booked that - wasn't planning on it). Looks like I will miss the last train for the day so will plan to overnight in Bayonne (haven't booked that but probably will) and take the morning train to SJPP and was going to head out from there late morning for Orisson for the first day. But now I'm reading about reservations... You need reservations on the route?? I had no idea!
Are there other things I should be more prepared for than I am.
Love this. Thanks so much!!Ha ha! I was like you, just packing my bag to go, when a friend came over and gave some advice about what to pack - and I panicked! I hadn't thought about that. So I bought some gear - some of it I never used, just had to lug around, some of it I lost (the walking poles) and some of it I was eternally grateful to have been told about - specifically to buy trekking pants that dry quickly, and tshirts that also dry quickly, to buy trekking shoes 2 sizes larger than my foot (no toe pain going downhill, and for me not one blister!!), and to take an elastic washing line with safety pins (for the wind). Also to make sure my Swiss army knife had a corkscrew as most wine bottles come with corks there. They were the things I was really grateful I had!
Also teatree oil, for me, turned out to be a lifesaver - not for the obvious uses of it but for one night I spent in an expensive hotel in Santiago de Compostela, opened a bottle of vino tinto using a knife in the cork (having lost my Swiss army knife), and had the bottle explode all over the pristine white walls of the hotel room. I scrubbed and I scrubbed. I stayed on an extra day to keep scrubbing, not wanting to pay for a repaint of the room. Finally, in exasperation, I started experimenting with different things and guess what, something I never knew, teatree oil removes red wine from pristine white walls in expensive hotels!!
Sometimes you don't know what you're going to need and what you're going to need it for!
You'll love it!
Buen camino!!
Of course you're panicking. You're about to step into the unknown. And you know what? When you've done it, you'll remember it as the best thing ever. Buen Camino. Love Jackie.Hello. I made a relatively impromptu decision to do the Camino when I lost my job three weeks ago. I had felt that I didn't need to worry about too much (and even as I write this, I realize that there will be plenty of people to ask along the way, so I probably still don't need to worry) but I've been reading some of these forum posts today and getting panicky at all of the things I haven't thought about or planned or learned. I just sort of thought I'd pack a bag, find my way to SJPP and start walking. I'm outdoorsy and used to travelling off the beaten track so wasn't too concerned about gear, though I'm starting to panicky about that as well.
I booked a flight to Paris. I plan to take the train to Bayonne (have not booked that - wasn't planning on it). Looks like I will miss the last train for the day so will plan to overnight in Bayonne (haven't booked that but probably will) and take the morning train to SJPP and was going to head out from there late morning for Orisson for the first day. But now I'm reading about reservations... You need reservations on the route?? I had no idea!
Are there other things I should be more prepared for than I am.
Go.Hello. I made a relatively impromptu decision to do the Camino when I lost my job three weeks ago. I had felt that I didn't need to worry about too much (and even as I write this, I realize that there will be plenty of people to ask along the way, so I probably still don't need to worry) but I've been reading some of these forum posts today and getting panicky at all of the things I haven't thought about or planned or learned. I just sort of thought I'd pack a bag, find my way to SJPP and start walking. I'm outdoorsy and used to travelling off the beaten track so wasn't too concerned about gear, though I'm starting to panicky about that as well.
I booked a flight to Paris. I plan to take the train to Bayonne (have not booked that - wasn't planning on it). Looks like I will miss the last train for the day so will plan to overnight in Bayonne (haven't booked that but probably will) and take the morning train to SJPP and was going to head out from there late morning for Orisson for the first day. But now I'm reading about reservations... You need reservations on the route?? I had no idea!
Are there other things I should be more prepared for than I am.
It's a great solvent, works on chewing gum and oil based house paint too. Also smells a lot better than oxidised red wine. Hope there was enough left in the bottle to calm your shattered nervesAlso teatree oil, for me, turned out to be a lifesaver - removes red wine from pristine white walls in expensive hotels!!
This...
Totally inspiring: "pack a bag, find my way to SJPP and start walking"
Because that's what a pilgrimage is all about. When the timing is right - pack the bag and book the tickets, just like people did in the old days. Bring what you need for three days, and be prepared to wash-up almost every evening, just like when you are traveling off the beaten track.
The tricky part is to walk long distances every day for so many days...
Also, the Camino is in Spain, not a remote place off track in the middle of nowhere. There has to be an excellent infrastructure of accommodation, supermercados and abundance of places to eat, else the Camino wouldn't be so popular among the Spanish people
Buen Camino,
Michael
I believe the longer we have to pack the more we unpack and repack. I just stare at this bag and think lets get this show on the road. I am in St Jean on the tenth. I have only booked Orrison. I feel if I prebook I have to panic while walking..... Am I there yet , am I too slow? Fate will get me where I am supposed to be! Hope to see you on the path.Hello All!,
I am kind of feeling the same way…am traveling alone, but on the Camino Primitivo. Literally decided a few days ago and will be leaving on the 8th of June..next Monday. Can I just pack my bags and go for this one as well???
Thank you!!!!
Jamie
Hello. I made a relatively impromptu decision to do the Camino when I lost my job three weeks ago. I had felt that I didn't need to worry about too much (and even as I write this, I realize that there will be plenty of people to ask along the way, so I probably still don't need to worry) but I've been reading some of these forum posts today and getting panicky at all of the things I haven't thought about or planned or learned. I just sort of thought I'd pack a bag, find my way to SJPP and start walking. I'm outdoorsy and used to travelling off the beaten track so wasn't too concerned about gear, though I'm starting to panicky about that as well.
I booked a flight to Paris. I plan to take the train to Bayonne (have not booked that - wasn't planning on it). Looks like I will miss the last train for the day so will plan to overnight in Bayonne (haven't booked that but probably will) and take the morning train to SJPP and was going to head out from there late morning for Orisson for the first day. But now I'm reading about reservations... You need reservations on the route?? I had no idea!
Are there other things I should be more prepared for than I am.
And don't read any more posts on it. Stay off this forum, ha ha. I see even on this thread people posting the difficulties, stuff to bring, etc. Ignore it. Scrounge up one of those damn guidebooks and get down to SJPdP and start walking. That's all you need to do. It's not that hard. Even the first day. Before I typed this out this morning a buttload of pilgrims walked all the way to Roncesvalles from SJPdP and guess what? They survived! ha ha.Love it! You're speaking my language!
Have you by chance done the camino primitive? I am feeling the same way as Tilly, but will be doing the Primitivo solo in a weekish. Thanks!And don't read any more posts on it. Stay off this forum, ha ha. I see even on this thread people posting the difficulties, stuff to bring, etc. Ignore it. Scrounge up one of those damn guidebooks and get down to SJPdP and start walking. That's all you need to do. It's not that hard. Even the first day. Before I typed this out this morning a buttload of pilgrims walked all the way to Roncesvalles from SJPdP and guess what? They survived! ha ha.
cheers
I believe the longer we have to pack the more we unpack and repack. I just stare at this bag and think lets get this show on the road. I am in St Jean on the tenth. I have only booked Orrison. I feel if I prebook I have to panic while walking..... Am I there yet , am I too slow? Fate will get me where I am supposed to be! Hope to see you on the path.
Have not done the Primitivo, but lot's on here that have. I'm sure it's every bit as beautiful as the Frances and all you need is guidebook/maps of some kind and get to Oviedo.Have you by chance done the camino primitive? I am feeling the same way as Tilly, but will be doing the Primitivo solo in a weekish. Thanks!
Get a relatively new pair of boots and break them in, at least 30-40 miles. And bring plenty of good socks, at least enough for a new pair every day until you do laundry. No matter how outdoorsie you are these are important for not getting blisters. No day of the Camino will be that tough for you with your background, but what is really tough is doing it again tomorrow, and again tomorrow. I met a marathon runner who was about to quit because she couldn't hack it. You'll be fine, but take care of your feet---plan ahead.Hello. I made a relatively impromptu decision to do the Camino when I lost my job three weeks ago. I had felt that I didn't need to worry about too much (and even as I write this, I realize that there will be plenty of people to ask along the way, so I probably still don't need to worry) but I've been reading some of these forum posts today and getting panicky at all of the things I haven't thought about or planned or learned. I just sort of thought I'd pack a bag, find my way to SJPP and start walking. I'm outdoorsy and used to travelling off the beaten track so wasn't too concerned about gear, though I'm starting to panicky about that as well.
I booked a flight to Paris. I plan to take the train to Bayonne (have not booked that - wasn't planning on it). Looks like I will miss the last train for the day so will plan to overnight in Bayonne (haven't booked that but probably will) and take the morning train to SJPP and was going to head out from there late morning for Orisson for the first day. But now I'm reading about reservations... You need reservations on the route?? I had no idea!
Are there other things I should be more prepared for than I am.
Flin Flon! I've been there!
I am arriving in Bayonne on the 10th, so will get to SJPP on the 11th and start walking that day. Perhaps I'll catch up with you. Keep an eye for me as I will you - not to bother, just maybe to connect as a fellow Canadian and identify a familiar face, if necessary for the sketchy part. I'll have my Canada Camino badge on my backpack, which may or may not be grey, as I am 11 days from departing and haven't decided on a bag yet!
Annie G: I think you will find that in most posts the forum members do recommend preparation. The difference here is the OP stated that she already booked her flight and is planning to leave shortly. She also states that she is an experienced traveler and outdoorsy. I think the responses are not "encouraging" her to do it without planning, but rather "supporting" her in what she has chosen to do. I felt she was expressing last minute jitters and did want to verify that she could still "make it" even without all of the planning and worrying about packing lists and other things...and she can. As she stated, she will learn along the way from the other pilgrims and her own experience.I've been following this forum for several months now in preparation for walking the Camino next year. Mind you, I'm a senior, not the age of the OP, so I need to prepare more mindfully. However, some things are the same. To encourage someone to just take off willy-nilly and hope for the best seems just a tad irresponsible on the part of forum members. Isn't one of the more important reasons for the forum to better prepare pilgrims for the journey? If it doesn't matter, why give any advice at all?
Hi Annie. You're quite right that it's no walk in the park, and first time pilgrims should at least give it considerable thought if not physical preparation. The much repeated mantras of 'Pack light' and 'Start slowly' are always quick to appear when prep time or activity has been limited.I've been following this forum for several months now in preparation for walking the Camino next year. Mind you, I'm a senior, not the age of the OP, so I need to prepare more mindfully. However, some things are the same. To encourage someone to just take off willy-nilly and hope for the best seems just a tad irresponsible on the part of forum members. Isn't one of the more important reasons for the forum to better prepare pilgrims for the journey? If it doesn't matter, why give any advice at all?
Oh yes a familiar face a presence. I will I am staying at Orisson the evening of the 11th, how about you?
I've been following this forum for several months now in preparation for walking the Camino next year. Mind you, I'm a senior, not the age of the OP, so I need to prepare more mindfully. However, some things are the same. To encourage someone to just take off willy-nilly and hope for the best seems just a tad irresponsible on the part of forum members. Isn't one of the more important reasons for the forum to better prepare pilgrims for the journey? If it doesn't matter, why give any advice at all?
Hello. I made a relatively impromptu decision to do the Camino when I lost my job three weeks ago. I had felt that I didn't need to worry about too much (and even as I write this, I realize that there will be plenty of people to ask along the way, so I probably still don't need to worry) but I've been reading some of these forum posts today and getting panicky at all of the things I haven't thought about or planned or learned. I just sort of thought I'd pack a bag, find my way to SJPP and start walking. I'm outdoorsy and used to travelling off the beaten track so wasn't too concerned about gear, though I'm starting to panicky about that as well.
I booked a flight to Paris. I plan to take the train to Bayonne (have not booked that - wasn't planning on it). Looks like I will miss the last train for the day so will plan to overnight in Bayonne (haven't booked that but probably will) and take the morning train to SJPP and was going to head out from there late morning for Orisson for the first day. But now I'm reading about reservations... You need reservations on the route?? I had no idea!
Are there other things I should be more prepared for than I am.
I walked the ValCarlos route on my first Camino. By accident of sorts as I had no guidebook showing the two different routes and just kind of wandered out of town that first morning not knowing where to go. It's beautiful and is the route that was taken by Charlemagne, so it is very historic. Check out the photos I took of it on my media page on here.Now that I've been told I need a reservation, I did email them but haven't heard back. If I don't get in there, I will walk the other way and stay in Valcarlos. From then on, I hope to avoid the specific Brierly route in order to avoid the crowds if possible (not the route, the stopping points). We'll see how that works out. ??
Yes! There aren't as many people walking on the Primitivo, but there are people, and there are still plenty of towns with places to stay and places to eat. No big outfitter stores after you leave Oviedo though.Hello All!,
I am kind of feeling the same way…am traveling alone, but on the Camino Primitivo. Literally decided a few days ago and will be leaving on the 8th of June..next Monday. Can I just pack my bags and go for this one as well???
Thank you!!!!
Jamie
My daughter and I did the Primitivo the beginning of May. We 'winged' it until we figured out our walking speed and reached Fonasgrada where the alberques and hotels were almost full, I think due to a local party. After that we booked ahead the evening before or morning of. Just remember to pack as light as possible. If you pack too much stuff you can always mail it ahead with Spanish Post or a transport service. We met people that used the post for 40 euro for the entire Primitivo to Santiago. And I don't know how much time you have or how fit you are but a lot of pilgrims we met had to re-evaluate each day according to the difficulty of the terrain. A number, including ourselves, needed to bus or taxi ahead to get our flights home.Hello All!,
I am kind of feeling the same way…am traveling alone, but on the Camino Primitivo. Literally decided a few days ago and will be leaving on the 8th of June..next Monday. Can I just pack my bags and go for this one as well???
Thank you!!!!
Jamie
I am doing the same as you and I am having some of the same feeling as you lol. But I figure it's all part of my Camino experience so I will try to just laugh at myself through it all.....
I arrive in Paris on June 4 I plan to take the train out June 5 if that fits into your time frame we can figure the train thing out together. If not Buen Camino.
If there is anyone else going at that time in Paris and would like company let me know I enjoy traveling but I have never done it by myself feeling strange lol
Hello. I made a relatively impromptu decision to do the Camino when I lost my job three weeks ago. I had felt that I didn't need to worry about too much (and even as I write this, I realize that there will be plenty of people to ask along the way, so I probably still don't need to worry) but I've been reading some of these forum posts today and getting panicky at all of the things I haven't thought about or planned or learned. I just sort of thought I'd pack a bag, find my way to SJPP and start walking. I'm outdoorsy and used to travelling off the beaten track so wasn't too concerned about gear, though I'm starting to panicky about that as well.
I booked a flight to Paris. I plan to take the train to Bayonne (have not booked that - wasn't planning on it). Looks like I will miss the last train for the day so will plan to overnight in Bayonne (haven't booked that but probably will) and take the morning train to SJPP and was going to head out from there late morning for Orisson for the first day. But now I'm reading about reservations... You need reservations on the route?? I had no idea!
Are there other things I should be more prepared for than I am.
Now that I've been told I need a reservation, I did email them but haven't heard back. If I don't get in there, I will walk the other way and stay in Valcarlos. From then on, I hope to avoid the specific Brierly route in order to avoid the crowds if possible (not the route, the stopping points). We'll see how that works out. ??
Tilly I have a reservation for the 11th it took two days for their reply. I'm not that big and I can curl up small. My niece and I backpacked and we realized if tired you sleep. So if you do not hear back your welcome to bunk with me!! From what I hear we want to see and experience this hostel. My uncle just walked it and said Orrison was a splendid treat. Don't fret "just Go". I have almonds apricots and pumpkin seeds and I am set!!!Now that I've been told I need a reservation, I did email them but haven't heard back. If I don't get in there, I will walk the other way and stay in Valcarlos. From then on, I hope to avoid the specific Brierly route in order to avoid the crowds if possible (not the route, the stopping points). We'll see how that works out. ??
Tilly I have a reservation for the 11th it took two days for their reply. I'm not that big and I can curl up small. My niece and I backpacked and we realized if tired you sleep. So if you do not hear back your welcome to bunk with me!! From what I hear we want to see and experience this hostel. My uncle just walked it and said Orrison was a splendid treat. Don't fret "just Go". I have almonds apricots and pumpkin seeds and I am set!!!
Everyone here has given good advice but as someone hoofing it across the Meseta at the moment and looking at the problems of the group I started with, walk in a good set of boots before St. Jean. Too many have retired hurt because of this fundamental error. You will be doing 30+ day hikes, end to end, treat your feet to the best you can afford. I have not had a single blister but I did have a dicky knee that I've had to listen too. Above all remember it is the weight on your back that causes the issues. Carry less than you think you need...you will learn that less is always better. Enough. You will love it.Thanks Pano! I think I was on the right track. It was browsing the forums in the last remaining days that got me worked up....I'm going to stick with plan A...wing it!
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