SEPTEMBER PILGRIM

[Eagle]

Hi All -
Well, I will be starting the Camino for the first time a week from Friday (07 Sept) at Roncesvilles. I am excited and a bit nervous. I have all the stuff in my pack ready to go (24lbs with food and water), a hotel for the first night in Spain in Pamploma, guide books, an attitude of I will walk my own walk (which does not mean getting up in the dark and racing to the next place to get a bed), and a certain spiritual feeling about the specialness of walking the Camino de Santiago.
I will leave alone but hope to met and travel with new friends from all over the world.
Buen Camino, Bill

 

[WolverineDG]

Welcome to the forum, Bill!

I'll be walking in September as well, but from Logrono & starting on Sept 11. In Pamplona, I can recommend the Hotel Eslava, on Calle Eslava, at the far end of Calle Mayor, close to the Convento Recoletas & the Church of San Lorenzo where they keep the statue of San Fermin. I paid a bit over 30 Euro/night & my room, while sparse, was clean & comfortable. The bathroom was nice as well. They do provide breakfast, but it's 9 Euro & not worth it. If you have the Brierley guide, it is on the map of Pamplona.

I'll be walking until Sept 28, so you might catch up with me. If you see an Aarn backpack, you've probably found me. Also, please consider participating in the "Day in the Life of the Camino Frances" project & take a picture of yourself or where you are on Sept 12 around noon. I have a couple of other posts about this, so sorry if I sound like a broken record.

Buen Camino!
Kelly

 

[Eagle]

Kelly -
Thanks for the advice. I am staying at the Hotel Eslava the first night in Spain to get over jet lag. I will take the bus the next day to Roncesvilles, get my credentials and spend the night in the Albergue. Hopefully the rain and mud that Mindy is talking about will abate. If not it will be another day on the Camino. I will take the 12 Sept picture.
Buena suerte and Buen Camino, Bill

 

[WolverineDG]

When you get to the hotel, ask for directions to the public laundry & showers. I've honestly never seen anything like it. The place was spotless! I took my stuff there & they washed & dried it for me (it was on the pricey side) while I went out to sight-see. If they give you a small map, keep it so you can use it when you return in a couple of days. The Tourist office also has maps & tons of info, so stop in there too.

I look forward to seeing your pictures! Thanks for joining in!

Buen Camino!
Kelly

 

[Eagle]

Just a note to those that are also starting about the time I am (Sept 7th) -
I will end up in Santiago in mid Oct. Seems that there is a major national holiday over the weekend of Oct 13-15 and many or most hotels a booked up. I never plan ahead....but I know I will need a place to stay in Santiago the night before I get on the plane to return to Virginia. So far it has been a challenge to find space at the Inn. Just thought I would share that with others that may have the same need.
Buen Camino, Guiermo (have to start using Spanish)