Starting CF from SJPP Easter 2019

[Barbara Whelan]

Hello,

I’m hoping to walk the CF next April. I have a lot of flexibility as to when I start but I’m trying to see when would be best to set out from SJ given that Easter is late this year (21st April). I had planned on travelling to SJ on Tuesday the 16th and setting out on Wednesday the 17th. However that is the Wednesday of Holy Week which I understand can be very crowded on the CF. Would it be better to set out the Wednesday of the following week, the 24th? I intend booking accommodation for the first two nights but would prefer not to have to book ahead beyond that.

Many thanks,
Barbara

 

[Douglas Christel]

I'm aiming to start from SJ May 1. I hope to see you on the trail!

 

[Larry Gordon]

Hello,

I’m hoping to walk the CF next April. I have a lot of flexibility as to when I start but I’m trying to see when would be best to set out from SJ given that Easter is late this year (21st April). I had planned on travelling to SJ on Tuesday the 16th and setting out on Wednesday the 17th. However that is the Wednesday of Holy Week which I understand can be very crowded on the CF. Would it be better to set out the Wednesday of the following week, the 24th? I intend booking accommodation for the first two nights but would prefer not to have to book ahead beyond that.

Many thanks,
Barbara

Hi Barbara,
I had the same concern, hence I booked my flight into CDG for an arrival on the 24th. I plan to take a train from Paris to Bayonne and then connect on to SJPDP. I will rest/acclimate for a day and plan to start my walk on the 26th.
I hope to see you somewhere along the Camino.

Buen Camino,

Larry

 

[Barbara Whelan]

Thanks for your thoughts and I hope our paths cross at some stage.

Barbara

 

[AlwynWellington]

@Barbara Whelan , welcome to the forum.

I cant help you with your question as to when to start.

But I can ask you a question. Do you think you have sufficiently prepared to walk between 20 and 30 km per day for between 30 and 45 days (assuming you have a lay day every 6 days or so)?

And its not just that but also the ups and downs (often the downs can be no less difficult than the ups). This is not meant to worry you. My only wish is that you fully succeed in achieving your intention without any signficant issues.

I was somewhat lucky in having nearly four years to prepare before my first day in April 2016. A test I have developed for myself for my continued training is to continue achieving:
1) 15 km before stopping for breakfast; and
2) 700 metres of elevation gain before ...
The second is hard for me at present - the route is crossed by the construction of a motorway until April 2020. Some people who live in low lying areas say they walk up stairs in high rise buildings - even better in some respects.
The purpose of these, for me at least, is to not only maintain (build) my bodily stamina but also help my mind when things dont turn out as intended.

Another aspect is to critically review and seriously use all clothing and other gear. I have just finished 600 km from Canterbury Cathedral to Chaumont on the upper Marne (less than 200 km from Switzerland), my fifth long distance pilgrimage in three years. When I got home last week I still managed to discard several items (a third set of socks and hose in particular) for future trips.

You've made a good choice, in my view, not to book beyond the first two days. Nice to be free to let your pilgrimage evolve as you complete each day. I cant recall any serious issues getting accomodation each day over my five trips in the past three years.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going)

 

[scruffy1]

All of Samena Santa will be crowded, however it is the most interesting time to walk - think processions, festivals, celebrations, and great joy. That week a-n-d the week following will be crowded, many pilgrims and many who see that for the price of a Credencial one may enjoy an inexpensive holiday. Later the crowds do thin out. Spring is the most colorful time of the year to walk, the myriad of wildflowers think hillsides blue with lobelia protected wild primavera hiding away, village squares and homes covered with wisteria and iris. By the time you reach Galicia the first Padrón peppers will be on the menu. Crowds? Seems that these days about the only time there are few pilgrims is over Christmas! Stay flexible and all be be well.