Starting from sjpp Monday 13th

[julesq]

Hi,
I'm planning to start from sjpp Tom am.. (Have tried to book Orisson, but no joy as yet). Just wondered if anyone else is also starting?

Also had a quick question about gear..
I have 2 merino base layers a warm fleece and waterproof shell.. Just wondering if that will be warm enough for the snowy bits.. ? Any advice welcome (weather forecast is good for tomorrow). But could purchase something else if needed.
Any advice greatly recieved!
Thanks
Julie

 

[Mysticl]

My understanding is there was snow at the top but that it was not terribly deep currenty altho could cause slippery patches especially on steeper slopes. I suspect with nice weather it won't last too much longer ... that said it can snow at a moments notice especially at elevation and the Pyrenees are notorious for just such an occurance ... make sure you check at the pilgrim office. They will have the lastest info on conditions and closures and listen to their advice. You could try phoning Orrison perhaps ... they can take a while to get back to you via email. I tried to get a reservation a few weeks back for May4 but they were full so they offered me Kayola 800m before Orrison ... I chose to leave a day later on the 5th to get into Orrison proper but waited over a week for their reply to confirm . It's possible they will be full at this late date but I'd check anyway ... it sounds like there are often cancellations at the last minute from folks whose plans have changed or who decide to walk on after getting there. I actually decided to leave my fleece at home (I think) in favour of a lightweight sweater (probably more useful in summer) and if needed I can layer .... base layer silk underwear, next layer short sleeve top, then long sleeve lightweight top or sweater or both then a lightweight jacket if needed (very thin but good for cool summer nights) and finally my water/wind proof jacket .... tested this back home and I was absolutely stifling warm. Includes basically my entire kit ... I can vary this system based on current conditions and hopefully will be ready for whatever weather is thrown at me. I am post menopausal and more often than not I am burning up anyway and drenched with sweat. It's important for me to use layers cause every few minutes I am stripping everything off and using my hand fan with a vengeance before layering up again to deal with the cold ... makes my husband laugh ... he says he likes it ... I have NO idea why