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My husband and I begin our pilgrimage from St Jean Pied de Port early September and are still undecided as to whether the 'wise' decision is to walk to Orisson then on the next day to Roncesvalles, or whether we're being a bit precious and should just have the long day. We'd love to hear advice from some who know better than usThank you.
we met pilgrims Orisson who became our Camino family - off and on - all the Way to Santiago and beyond.But I must say that my evening at Orisson is one of my most memorable evenings on the camino. There was so much anticipation, camaraderie, and openness around the dinner table that night. I met people there whom I met again and again over the next five days.
This is very true. My first time, I was 66 and jetlagged when I got to SJPP. Orisson was closed (mid October) so I thought I'd be sensible and take 2 days to get to Roncesvalles, stopping in Valcarlos. Everyone in my albergue in SJPP was going over the Napoleon, in 1 day, so I succumbed to peer pressure and went with them. I lightened my pack a bit by sending some items on by bag transport. I had no significant problem, although it was a tiring and long day (maybe 8-9 hours?). It makes a huge difference if you have a light load, don't talk on the steep sections, pause frequently to look around, and use poles.This forum and the American Pilgrims Facebook page over the past few years has made it seem as if the stop is mandatory and that walking to Roncesvalles is too hard for most people. This is simply a story that has become fact on the internet. It is very difficult for most people on the first day...it always has been...but all seem to make it.
I agree that the only real difficulty is on the last downhill stretch, when your legs are tired and it is easy to slip.
That section reminds me of skiing down to the bottom of the hill at the end of the day, knowing that more accidents occur when people are tired. But I also agree that it is not such a big deal as it is portrayed. People are just very excited that day!Funny how the downhill into Roncesvalles never has bothered me. I would probably never even comment on it if others did not point it out.
It does show that our experiences differ greatly.
Ah, yes, but then grayland you are probably using those hiking poles that you carried onto the plane with no problem.Funny how the downhill into Roncesvalles never has bothered me. I would probably never even comment on it if others did not point it out.
It does show that our experiences differ greatly.
Can I arrange to stay in St. Jean and can a bus/taxi pick me up somewhere along the route return me to St. Jean then the next day take me to where I stopped?
Thanks, will do.Yes, have a look here: http://www.expressbourricot.com/persons-transport/
My husband and I begin our pilgrimage from St Jean Pied de Port early September and are still undecided as to whether the 'wise' decision is to walk to Orisson then on the next day to Roncesvalles, or whether we're being a bit precious and should just have the long day. We'd love to hear advice from some who know better than usThank you.
It's always good to start a long distance walk with an easy day unless you are super fit. Buen CaminoMy husband and I begin our pilgrimage from St Jean Pied de Port early September and are still undecided as to whether the 'wise' decision is to walk to Orisson then on the next day to Roncesvalles, or whether we're being a bit precious and should just have the long day. We'd love to hear advice from some who know better than usThank you.
It would help if you would state your age, approximate fitness level and hiking experience as we don't know you ;-) Buen Camino, SY
Give them time, it takes a while for them to get back to you. We just booked Orisson for august, it took me a week and a half to book it.Hi Kerry, my wife and I are also leaving SJPDP on September 5. We are only going to Orisson and then relax for the evening. We are afraid that the 28kms with at least 20 going upwards will kill us on our first day?
We are trying to book Orisson but have had no response yet. Buen Camino and maybe we'll cross paths!
You could also stay in onttoYou should try but you may be too late. I got the last room for Sept 5th 3 weeks ago. BTW It took a week to hear back by e-mail. I tried calling -no luck.
Also I think the mountany stretches have great vistas and should be savoured slowly without a headlong rush to the next stage. Get into sjdpp at 3 in the afternoon and stay in ontto after an enjoyable climb.Hi, I always stop at Orrison (make a booking), or at the albergue in Valcarlos, on the other route. It doesn’t matter how fit I am, I see no point walking 28 kms (mostly uphill) on the very first day when it’s possible to split the day into two, and start off slowly. Jill
Hi Kerry, my wife and I are also leaving SJPDP on September 5. We are only going to Orisson and then relax for the evening. We are afraid that the 28kms with at least 20 going upwards will kill us on our first day?
We are trying to book Orisson but have had no response yet. Buen Camino and maybe we'll cross paths!
SJPP is very picturesque, and sharing diner and breakfast with other nervous and excited pilgrims is a good experience.
You can book in Saint Jean or Orisson (a 3 hrs walk, approx). If you are arriving late, inform the managers. But walking by night in a path you don't know well is a bit unnerving. So, it depends on your arrival.
On the other side, being 21 and reasonably fit, you can do all the stage from SJPP-Roncesvalles without problems. Make no mistake, it is tough, but doable for almost every person.
If I were you I would plan this option. As arriving the first day to SJPDP after long flights can be a trying experience. You will meet others making the walk the next morning & you will find some who will want company going over the mountain.Thanking you kindly Felipe I will keep that in mind, sill undecided but I'm leaning towards staying in SJPP the first night and exploring it and the following day embarking on the journey to Roncesvalles , i will be broken but that's expected the first day.
My first Camino I walked the entire distance.
I injured myself and had problems the rest of the Way.
Every year since for the past 10 years, I have split that section into two days.
I have never slept at Orisson.
I take the 2 pm shuttle back down to SJPP, spend the night there again.
Next morning, shuttle back up to Orisson and go over.
Much more enjoyable and MUCH easier on my body.
Lol Annie your going to scare the new folks..And... it's worth paying for pack transport on this "hell day" stage, in my opinion!
My husband and I begin our pilgrimage from St Jean Pied de Port early September and are still undecided as to whether the 'wise' decision is to walk to Orisson then on the next day to Roncesvalles, or whether we're being a bit precious and should just have the long day. We'd love to hear advice from some who know better than usThank you.
My husband and I begin our pilgrimage from St Jean Pied de Port early September and are still undecided as to whether the 'wise' decision is to walk to Orisson then on the next day to Roncesvalles, or whether we're being a bit precious and should just have the long day. We'd love to hear advice from some who know better than usThank you.
Hi Kerry W, I started my camino last September from SJDP and stop at Orrison and I was so glad I did, it was one of the best auberge on the Way,wonderful pilgrim meal, met some lovely people and met up again along the Way. Most important I was well rested for my walk into Roncesvalles,you need to book it NOW. Enjoy your Camino. This September I'm starting from where I finish last year in BurgosMy husband and I begin our pilgrimage from St Jean Pied de Port early September and are still undecided as to whether the 'wise' decision is to walk to Orisson then on the next day to Roncesvalles, or whether we're being a bit precious and should just have the long day. We'd love to hear advice from some who know better than usThank you.
When in May were you there? I am planning next May to take 3 weeks probably beginning mid May. First day in Toulouse visiting a friend, 2nd day SJPdP to Orisson, 3rd day to Roncesvalles, maybe a 2nd night there, then bus to Leon or Astorga and walk to Santiago. I want the SJPdP-Pyrenees-Orisson-Roncesvalles experience, but don't have the luxury of time off to do the whole Camino.My instinct is to say, "STAY IN ORISSON." I walked this past May from SJPDP to Santiago and when I stopped in Orisson for lunch I wished I had a reservation. One - because I was struggling with the climb and Two - it was a beautiful there - the view unforgettable and I would have liked to enjoy it a little longer and Three - no reason to rush things.
Also, when you arrive in Roncesvalles late in the day the nicer beds in the main building are taken and you have to stay in the back building and in outside buildings. Because I arrived late and my room at Roncesvalles were in the outside building...and, for me, it was the worst albergue experience of the entire Camino.
Have fun. Buen Camino
Now now Annie. You sound like a true turist saying "hell day".And... it's worth paying for pack transport on this "hell day" stage, in my opinion!
Now now Annie. You sound like a true turist saying "hell day".
Yes it is up hill but somewhere else would or could givethe pilgrim somthing of a hard day.
On the other hand if your set-up isn't for pilgrimage but a walk in the park you schouldn't take the Camino France - in my opinion
My wife and I just returned from the CF. We are both 55.We're in our early 50s - reasonably fit
When in May were you there? I am planning next May to take 3 weeks probably beginning mid May. First day in Toulouse visiting a friend, 2nd day SJPdP to Orisson, 3rd day to Roncesvalles, maybe a 2nd night there, then bus to Leon or Astorga and walk to Santiago. I want the SJPdP-Pyrenees-Orisson-Roncesvalles experience, but don't have the luxury of time off to do the whole Camino.
If you have any questions or are wondering anything, please feel free to contact me and I'll do my best to answer. Where are you traveling from?
My husband and I begin our pilgrimage from St Jean Pied de Port early September and are still undecided as to whether the 'wise' decision is to walk to Orisson then on the next day to Roncesvalles, or whether we're being a bit precious and should just have the long day. We'd love to hear advice from some who know better than usThank you.[/QUOTEI
My husband and I begin our pilgrimage from St Jean Pied de Port early September and are still undecided as to whether the 'wise' decision is to walk to Orisson then on the next day to Roncesvalles, or whether we're being a bit precious and should just have the long day. We'd love to hear advice from some who know better than usThank you.
AMEN BROTHER ...lol We being from coastal lands which are flat, flat, flat... the training we thought was good enough turned out to be woefully inadequate and there but by the Grace of God we made it to Orisson ...lol Allow me to say, that this year our training is very different and we get strange looks walking 20+ kms with our backpacks on in 90+F/33+C degree temps and sometimes in the pouring rain. Needless to say... we LOVE Orisson...lol and are booked there this August once more !I didn't realize I was in such poor shape, despite my training, until I started out that first day. I was glad I had booked a place in Orisson.
More important than the rest stop was all the friendships that began that evening and continued all the way to Santiago and beyond.
We are with you, it is not a race unless you have limited time. We are going to take even longer this year. I suspect clor to 60-70 days than the 44 days we did it in last year.It's fun to stay at Orisson. AND you don't have to if you don't want to. I wouldn't worry about whether it seems "precious." It's easy to get sucked into being competitive about how far you walk. I was sure I wouldn't, but when I told others I usually walked 20 K, and sometimes less, a day, and they said, "Oh, so you're taking your time..." I had to fight just a wee bit the pressure to walk farther. Why?
Nothing prepared me for the changes that took place in me along the Camino, it was the first time in my life that I "slowed down to smell the roses" . Its the reason I am returning in August to trek it once again and in the spring of 2018 to trek the Norte'. The daily challenges it brings, the friendships and even the solitude you will find at times along the trail will stay with you long after you have finished. Once, does not quench the thirst, it only heightens it !!!Debora, love your last paragraph! Taking this to heart & trying to live my Camino day to day until I am actually there. I lost the last 10 years to a telecommuting IT job in a very aggressive environment. As a youngster in Vacation Bible School we sang I've got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart. I have that peace now & am looking forward to the natural quiet of the Camino to put things on 'pause' and listen. Thanks for your unwitting influence on my day to day life.
Continued Buen Camino, chere peligrina.
In late august 2015 I started in SJPDP at 630 and reached Orisso aprox 10. Crossed the Mountain the first Day. I Was then 68 and have No problems at all. It is a pitty not to walk the Way into Roncevalles in one trip.My friend and I starting September 6, we are fit and in our 50's and we are staying September 6th night at Orisson and then the next night in Roncesvalles.
Many people have told us it is a good idea being it is our first week and we have the time to take a nights stay there. We will leave St. Jean on the 6th late morning.
Stop at Orisson, enjoy the great hospitality and comaraderie, and meet many of the people you met at Orisson all along the way. Also - doing SJPP to Roncesvalles in one day is a killer - in my opinion. I am glad I didn't rush it, and took my time stopping at Orisson. Yes, I met many people who did it in one day, and they all had smiles on their faces. I'm in my 60's and even in two days it was very strenuous. The downhill part is a killer on your knees. Again - just my take on things. I hope that's what you were looking for. Older people than I raced past me both up and down, so my answer is personal. Buen Camino.We're in our early 50s - reasonably fit
Another Amen.AMEN BROTHER ...lol We being from coastal lands which are flat, flat, flat... the training we thought was good enough turned out to be woefully inadequate and there but by the Grace of God we made it to Orisson ...lol Allow me to say, that this year our training is very different and we get strange looks walking 20+ kms with our backpacks on in 90+F/33+C degree temps and sometimes in the pouring rain. Needless to say... we LOVE Orisson...lol and are booked there this August once more !
It was the best hard boiled egg I ever ate. It was the best cheese I ever had. You can actually see this fellow on YouTube in a French documentary... I discovered it this week. OMG. A great experience. Check it out -Me and my girlfriend crossed the mountain last week with a wonderful sunny start on monday 5th of June
and stayed in Kayola for the night. (right before Orisson).
The following day started with heavy rain and it continued being very wet and very windy all day over the mountain.
It was a complete nightmare i must admit, since we did not put on enough clothing, but after a few hours a wonderful frenchman had a Van selling hot Cocoa, eggs, refreshments etc. and we could put on more clothing there, thankgod.
Going down to Roncesvalles was terrible, very wet and slippery and it's a looong walk down.
I assume crossing in nice weather it's much different.
Buen Camino
Annie- I see this reply is from a while ago. I’m taking my husband and my brother with me on my second Camino June 20, 2918. Is the shuttle still an option as far as you know? I may try to convince the guys to go for that.My first Camino I walked the entire distance.
I injured myself and had problems the rest of the Way.
Every year since for the past 10 years, I have split that section into two days.
I have never slept at Orisson.
I take the 2 pm shuttle back down to SJPP, spend the night there again.
Next morning, shuttle back up to Orisson and go over.
Much more enjoyable and MUCH easier on my body.
Annie- I see this reply is from a while ago. I’m taking my husband and my brother with me on my second Camino June 20, 2918. Is the shuttle still an option as far as you know? I may try to convince the guys to go for that.
Also, does the shuttle take you up to Orisson fairly early in the morning? I don’t know how warm it is on the route in mid June. My last Camino started in late August. I expect a crazy hot Camino but my husband is a teacher so we’re stuck with these dates.
Sandi Smith
Somewhere in the Brierley guide he says something to the effect that "a physically fit experienced hill walker can do it in one day. Millions have done it." There are some steep sections, but there also some flats and undulating stretches for the first 13 miles or so. Most of it is on pavement or the grassy verges. There is a steep rocky descent towards the end. There was also a mobile canteen about half way where one could get a coffee and a bit of food. Before I left home I received a dire warnings, subtle hints and not-so-subtle hints about the folly of trying to do it in one day. Nevertheless, I decided I met Brierley requirements. I left SJPdP at 7:40 a.m. and arrived at Roncesvalles at about 3:30 p.m. Tired but not overly so. I'm 81.My husband and I begin our pilgrimage from St Jean Pied de Port early September and are still undecided as to whether the 'wise' decision is to walk to Orisson then on the next day to Roncesvalles, or whether we're being a bit precious and should just have the long day. We'd love to hear advice from some who know better than usThank you.
I left SJPdP at 7:40 a.m. and arrived at Roncesvalles at about 3:30 p.m. Tired but not overly so. I'm 81.
If you don't have a reservation at Orisson you won't really have a choice, unless they have a cancelation that day. You'll have to walk all the way to Roncesvalles, as there are no other places to stop. Most pilgrims do walk all the way between St Jean Pied de Port and Roncesvalles in one go, so you should be fine.I am also interesting what others do between SJPDP and Roncesvalles. But after reading al these stories i think i wil not reserve a hostel at least between SJPDP and Roncesvalles. I don't now what the weather could be on april 27. I don't now how far i wil come and how hard it will be. Normally i could walk the 27 km with no problem. But walking up a mountain i know is another story. I'm 51 and in good shape and will try to make it to Roncesvalles in one day. If the weather is bad and hard to walk, i will try to stay at a hostel nearby at that moment. But if an hostel is closed or full, i would move on to the next. The moment and luck of that day will bring me where ever that will be! I don't now if this is stupid. But hey, Hakuna Matata..
I am also interesting what others do between SJPDP and Roncesvalles. But after reading al these stories i think i wil not reserve a hostel at least between SJPDP and Roncesvalles. I don't now what the weather could be on april 27. I don't now how far i wil come and how hard it will be. Normally i could walk the 27 km with no problem. But walking up a mountain i know is another story. I'm 51 and in good shape and will try to make it to Roncesvalles in one day. If the weather is bad and hard to walk, i will try to stay at a hostel nearby at that moment. But if an hostel is closed or full, i would move on to the next. The moment and luck of that day will bring me where ever that will be! I don't now if this is stupid. But hey, Hakuna Matata..
I am also interesting what others do between SJPDP and Roncesvalles. But after reading al these stories i think i wil not reserve a hostel at least between SJPDP and Roncesvalles. I don't now what the weather could be on april 27. I don't now how far i wil come and how hard it will be. Normally i could walk the 27 km with no problem. But walking up a mountain i know is another story. I'm 51 and in good shape and will try to make it to Roncesvalles in one day. If the weather is bad and hard to walk, i will try to stay at a hostel nearby at that moment. But if an hostel is closed or full, i would move on to the next. The moment and luck of that day will bring me where ever that will be! I don't now if this is stupid. But hey, Hakuna Matata..
It's Express BourricotThere is a company in SJ where you can arrange to be picked up at a certain location at a certain time they will take you back to SJ and bring you back at that spot the next day. Sorry I do not remember the name.
I am also interesting what others do between SJPDP and Roncesvalles. But after reading al these stories i think i wil not reserve a hostel at least between SJPDP and Roncesvalles. I don't now what the weather could be on april 27. I don't now how far i wil come and how hard it will be. Normally i could walk the 27 km with no problem. But walking up a mountain i know is another story. I'm 51 and in good shape and will try to make it to Roncesvalles in one day. If the weather is bad and hard to walk, i will try to stay at a hostel nearby at that moment. But if an hostel is closed or full, i would move on to the next. The moment and luck of that day will bring me where ever that will be! I don't now if this is stupid. But hey, Hakuna Matata..
Lot's of folks do it, Chris, especially if in decent shape at the start. The key is to keep your engine fueled, take sufficient rest breaks, stay well hydrated, and keep a pace that is comfortable and consistent.I am also interesting what others do between SJPDP and Roncesvalles. But after reading al these stories i think i wil not reserve a hostel at least between SJPDP and Roncesvalles. I don't now what the weather could be on april 27. I don't now how far i wil come and how hard it will be. Normally i could walk the 27 km with no problem. But walking up a mountain i know is another story. I'm 51 and in good shape and will try to make it to Roncesvalles in one day. If the weather is bad and hard to walk, i will try to stay at a hostel nearby at that moment. But if an hostel is closed or full, i would move on to the next. The moment and luck of that day will bring me where ever that will be!
Book ASAP since the busy season usually starts with Easter. Good luck and Buen camino!Well, after reading the last replys, i think i will book Roncevalles ahead then. Is it wise to book now already, when walking in the end of April?
The nausea on the winding road with a crazy young driver was my experience, too!In our 50's, we walked from SJPP to Roncevalles twice. Once when I had a very bad head and chest cold. We started around 7 or 8am and we were there by 2pm, before the albergue opened. We also stopped at Orisson for coffee (both times) , and a stop to look at the Virgin Mary (both times) and stopped for a picnic lunch (both times). We also had beautiful weather, both times.
We are fit...exercise, cardio and crosstrain, 5 days a week.
Just another thing, for our first crossing, after the car ride from Pamplona to SJPP I was throwing up because of the windy road. We took a little time to sit and have a cup of coffee so I could get myself together, then walked on.
Only you know what you can do...
My husband and I begin our pilgrimage from St Jean Pied de Port early September and are still undecided as to whether the 'wise' decision is to walk to Orisson then on the next day to Roncesvalles, or whether we're being a bit precious and should just have the long day. We'd love to hear advice from some who know better than usThank you.
I broke it up into two days with a stop in Orisson and am so thankful that I did. I would not be able to do the full 30K in one day, two days nearly broke me (particularly) the second day. If you do try to do it in one day , you should leave very early because you will be making the descent in the evening and it is very difficult.
Also you will see the mountain that you are going to have to summit for some time prior to the ascent. It will be exhilarating when you go over the top.
Please know that you have "three more mountains" to climb before you get to the major descent which is extremely difficult.
Buen Camino
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