LIVE from the Camino Rain, fog, mud ... and a wonderful Camino thus far

[Kuznitz]

My wife and I started out of SJPP on Friday, staying our first night in Orrison. The hike up to Orrison was a workout, with rain pretty much the whole way - though the views were still beautiful. Our second day was fog and rain most of the way, and we couldn't see more than 100 yards in any direction. With my excellent guidance, we succeeded in going down the one muddy and steep path they recommended against in the Pilgrim's Office. Fortunately, we all made it down safely to Roncesvalles. Despite all of the bad weather and misdirections, the trip has been great thus far. We've met an amazing group of individuals. In Orisson, the communal meal was highlighted by a rousing singalong and introductions of people from all walks of life. The hike between Orrison went by fast in the company of fellow pilgrims and the beach forest that our muddy path bisected was beautiful even in, and perhaps especially because of, the fog. But above it all, it's the simplicity of the task and the company of others along the way that we have enjoyed and are thankful for, and look forward to over the rest of our journey.

 

[Tincatinker]

@Kuznitz I wish you more of the same, and different, and mostly Buen Camino

 

[gerardcarey]

Good travelling.
Absolutely nothing like it.
Regards
Gerard

 

[Mike Savage]

Good times!

Buen Camino.

 

[CowboyJoe]

My wife and I started out of SJPP on Friday, staying our first night in Orrison. The hike up to Orrison was a workout, with rain pretty much the whole way - though the views were still beautiful. Our second day was fog and rain most of the way, and we couldn't see more than 100 yards in any direction. With my excellent guidance, we succeeded in going down the one muddy and steep path they recommended against in the Pilgrim's Office. Fortunately, we all made it down safely to Roncesvalles. Despite all of the bad weather and misdirections, the trip has been great thus far. We've met an amazing group of individuals. In Orisson, the communal meal was highlighted by a rousing singalong and introductions of people from all walks of life. The hike between Orrison went by fast in the company of fellow pilgrims and the beach forest that our muddy path bisected was beautiful even in, and perhaps especially because of, the fog. But above it all, it's the simplicity of the task and the company of others along the way that we have enjoyed and are thankful for, and look forward to over the rest of our journey.

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Great attitude! What was the temp, by the way? Heading out in a week.

 

[volleyjanice]

With my excellent guidance, we succeeded in going down the one muddy and steep path they recommended against in the Pilgrim's Office.

I love that you maintained a sense of humour about it! In my opinion it is one of the essential items to pack for a successful camino. Orisson truly is a wonderful place to meet people and share the start of your endeavour. Wishing you a Camino filled with just enough misdirection to keep things interesting. (Just a hint - when you find the locals waving frantically they aren't always just being friendly. Often they are trying to steer you back to the Camino…or was that just us?)

 

[J Willhaus]

So good to see your enthusiasm in the face of less than sunny weather. Prayers and good wishes as you continue!

 

[Kuznitz]

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Great attitude! What was the temp, by the way? Heading out in a week.

The temp was varied. When we left SJPP it was probably close to 50 F, but it was quite cold and damp at the higher elevations. I'm not sure of the temp, but am guessing it was closer to 40 with a wind that made it feel colder. We did see a few piles of snow along the way. Layers worked well. I wore a long sleeve Marino wool shirt and a lightweight fleece under a wind jacket I brought. The lightweight gloves I had were a godsend. Having said that, my understanding is that you may face quite different weather when you walk the same path. Buen Camino!

 

[t2andreo]

WHAT no snow?! No May Camino is complete without at least some snow. Watch for it at elevations over about 700 meters. It is usually wet snow, and not deep, a few centimeters. But the contrast can be jarring. You can see flowers in the morning, snow on the mountain top by midday, and varieties of palm trees and citrus fruit growing in the next valley. Sometimes, it is just weird.

 

[Felipe]

Rain, fog, mud...almost perfect conditions for a nice and pleasant walk. Not those awful sunny, hot, blue skies.
Mucho ánimo y buen camino!

 

[Icacos]

Be careful where and when you wash your clothes, although I'm sure I don't need to remind you of this. In Agés we stopped at a bar for breakfast and to get some relief from the piercing, cold wind. There was a young pilgrim there, huddled up with his hands wrapped around a cup of coffee trying to get warm. He was obviously very inadequately dressed for the weather (a track suit and runners - no gloves, no hat) and we expressed our concern. He said he had stayed the night before in the old monastery/albergue in San Juan de Ortega. He had washed his warm clothes (there was no dryer) and his warm clothes hadn't dried overnight. (Based on the weather the night before, that was not good thinking!) However, he remained enthusiastic, but he was cold. We ran into him a couple of days later, warmer, and still very happy and enthusiastic.