Jeff Johnston
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Francis (2017)
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As many threads attest, there is no "all" unless you walk all the way from home. SJPP has no official status, although it is a popular place to start. If you want a more gradual start but want to walk all across Spain, Roncesvalles would be a good place to start. Or do it from Pamplona, which is simpler to get to.My heart says: "Do it all."...
Of course it is better to be safe specially at the start. But, if you are fit and does not have any serious underlying conditions for some uphill walking, don't let other people's description of crossing this pyrenees stage stop you. The hike is not that steep at all. Distance can be if you walk the entire stage in one go. Consider stopping at Orisson, about 8km from sjdpp, enjoy the most beautiful alberque there, have some french cuisine for dinner, meet all the other fellow walkers, break the ice and then continue to Roncevalles.
Here is a youtube video that shows the 1st stage. Although it is in Spanish, you can clearly see the trail conditions. After seeing this i am sure you will feel that this is a piece of cake. It is not anywhere close to any mountain climb some people make it to be, mostly a steady uphill country walk along a paved road. The decent into Roncesvalles is a bit steeper but short. Buen Camino.
Have decided to make my first pilgrimage in the Spring rather than the Fall. Will depart MI mid May and return the end of June. First decision was to even do this. Many reasons for the Spring choice.
Next big decision, Begin in St Jean or a bit down the road (likely Roncesvalles or Pamplona). I frankly (at age 72) am a bit fearful of beginning this length trip with the demanding 1450M climb and then the steep decent. Afraid that some part(s) of this old body might blow apart thus running the risk of trashing the whole journey.
I know enough to go slow and to set my own pace. That's not a problem for we older folks; we know not to attempt to be 19 again. The real question is: can I even make the climb at any pace?
My heart says: "Do it all." My reason says: "Be smart."
Thoughts? And, where would you choose to begin if not in St. Jean?
Gracias!
I would listen to your heart....Have decided to make my first pilgrimage in the Spring rather than the Fall. Will depart MI mid May and return the end of June. First decision was to even do this. Many reasons for the Spring choice.
Next big decision, Begin in St Jean or a bit down the road (likely Roncesvalles or Pamplona). I frankly (at age 72) am a bit fearful of beginning this length trip with the demanding 1450M climb and then the steep decent. Afraid that some part(s) of this old body might blow apart thus running the risk of trashing the whole journey.
I know enough to go slow and to set my own pace. That's not a problem for we older folks; we know not to attempt to be 19 again. The real question is: can I even make the climb at any pace?
My heart says: "Do it all." My reason says: "Be smart."
Thoughts? And, where would you choose to begin if not in St. Jean?
Gracias!
Hola, Jeff!Have decided to make my first pilgrimage in the Spring rather than the Fall. Will depart MI mid May and return the end of June. First decision was to even do this. Many reasons for the Spring choice.
Next big decision, Begin in St Jean or a bit down the road (likely Roncesvalles or Pamplona). I frankly (at age 72) am a bit fearful of beginning this length trip with the demanding 1450M climb and then the steep decent. Afraid that some part(s) of this old body might blow apart thus running the risk of trashing the whole journey.
I know enough to go slow and to set my own pace. That's not a problem for we older folks; we know not to attempt to be 19 again. The real question is: can I even make the climb at any pace?
My heart says: "Do it all." My reason says: "Be smart."
Thoughts? And, where would you choose to begin if not in St. Jean?
Gracias!
You can send your pack ahead as well....Wonderful video and thank you for sharing,it is indeed a nice walk if your not carrying any kit on your back
Even if you start in Sarria, you will have done it all. SJPdP is a modern invention. Traditionally, pilgrims started at their front door, and had to walk back to it. Roncesvalles is the starting point of the Camino Frances. The part before it is actually the Camino Navarra.My heart says: "Do it all."
Have decided to make my first pilgrimage in the Spring rather than the Fall. Will depart MI mid May and return the end of June. First decision was to even do this. Many reasons for the Spring choice.
Next big decision, Begin in St Jean or a bit down the road (likely Roncesvalles or Pamplona). I frankly (at age 72) am a bit fearful of beginning this length trip with the demanding 1450M climb and then the steep decent. Afraid that some part(s) of this old body might blow apart thus running the risk of trashing the whole journey.
I know enough to go slow and to set my own pace. That's not a problem for we older folks; we know not to attempt to be 19 again. The real question is: can I even make the climb at any pace?
My heart says: "Do it all." My reason says: "Be smart."
Thoughts? And, where would you choose to begin if not in St. Jean?
Gracias!
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