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Planning began to go in May or June for 4 weeks.

Jamie Y. Mo

A lifelong learner and wanderer
Time of past OR future Camino
CF (May-July/2017) PC (May-July/2018) and more...
Hello,

I haven't been here for a long time, I feel. Life has wrapped up itself with busyness and I have not been able to get out of it for a long time.
Now, with a new job that gives me more flexibility, I've begun to plan my 3rd Camino next year in May or June for 4 weeks.
I'll be flying from Calgary, Canada to Paris or somewhere where I can reach to SJPP in an inexpensive way. This will be my 2nd time walking this route. This was my first Camino in 2017 May to July for 3 months. I had no idea what to expect then I must have learned something that made me go again the next year in 2018 the same months, May to July for 3 months but started from Portugal, Lisbon.
Hard to believe how fast time has passed since then.
My boss says yes to my time off request so I'm going and I'm already thrilled but not quite realizing that I will be going.

Since Covid, I've heard many devastating news on the Camino. My heart goes to all those who have been hit hard by it.
My main question would be now, how is the albergue situation? Are they all back to normal or will they be by May and June next year? I enjoyed staying in and cooking and eating with other pilgrims on my first Camino with occasional eating out.
Anything that I should be aware of due to some changes that came with Covid?
Back in 2017, I flew into Paris then took a night bus to get to Bayonne then took a train to SJPP. That was the best route that I was recommended so I did.
Are there any other good routes that I can take a look in order to get to SJPP from Calgary?

How is the safety on the way? I had several terrible encounters with flashers on Portuguese in 2018.
I posted some incidents here I believe. It was terrible and I didn't enjoy the walk to its fullest as I could have.
Now I'm wondering if Camino Frances also has some sort of that incidents as well. I'd be terrified if I see any of those flashers again when I'm walking out there alone as a female pilgrim.

I apologize for such unorganized questions and comments.

Buen Camino to all of you...
 
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A selection of Camino Jewellery
Best wishes! Last summer albergues were back to regular capacity. There were some issues with Covid. Many pilgrims reported here on the forum that they became ill and had to stop walking for several days and stay in private accommodations until they were strong enough to walk again. Masks required at that time on any transportation, in pharmacies, or other health facilities.

As far as getting to St Jean, you can do as you did before or fly into Madrid and then travel to Pamplona by bus or train and then onto St Jean by bus or taxi (or just start in Pamplona.) I think flights will cost more this year no matter which way you go.

Read through the safety thread for a feel of what kinds of things to be alert for.

Enjoy your planning time this winter!
 
I can only talk about Spain, the rules are still masks on public transport and in pharmacies. Caminoing in September to November this year on various routes, everything feels back to normal, other than remembering to carry a mask.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
I have flown to Madrid, walked to the train station to catch train to Pamplona, then shared a taxi with others to SJP.
I went twice on my own (and 1 with a guy). I loved going alone as i became friends with other women after 3 to 5 days. Until then, I sometimes felt squeamish about traveling alone, esp early mornings. If you think it might bother you, I would suggest walking somewhat near to others.
 

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