SJDPP

[Raymey42]

Hi all, arriving in to St Jean around 9ish on Sunday evening and planning to start the Camino on Monday morning. I'm just wondering, would it be worth delaying the start for a day, in order to explore St Jean?

Also, on equipment, is it necessary to bring a towel?

Thanks,

Raymey

 

[KiwiNomad06]

Perhaps you could reserve a bed in Orisson for the next night? Then you could spend the morning exploring SJPP before heading off to climb the 8km in the afternoon- (which might be hot work if you are climbing soon.) You don't say how far you have travelled before you reached SJPP- your body might not really be ready for a long walk to Roncesvalles the next day if you are jetlagged after a long trip.

You will need a towel if you are staying in albergues. Most people carry a travel towel of some kind that is lighter and quick-drying.
Margaret

 

[ramonvanderburgt]

I wouldn't recommend staying an extra day in SJPDP, but that's my own opinion of course. I arrived there at 9 in the morning and I found out that the route over the Pyrenees was closed. I HAD to go over, so I waited for an entire day in St. Jean. This was one of my worst days on the Camino. :lol:

However, there might have been a few reasons:
* It was my first day and I was a bit nervous
* I didn't really connect with Pilgrims in the Albergue
* I had a huge headache
* Most shops were closed because it wa sunday

So for me personally, staying the extra day in St. Jean wasn't ideal.