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I started on the August 21st in 2016 - be prepared for hot weather! It's a good time to start because it may be hot at the beginning, but temperatures should cool down as you get farther into September. Also, you will be ahead of the throngs of pilgrims who start from St Jean in September. Since you have plenty of time, I would suggest booking the first night at Orisson. It will break up the long climb over the Pyrenees (don't worry, it's not technically difficult, but it is a lot of uphill!). It will also give you more time to enjoy the Pyrenees, which are gorgeous, and you will meet many other pilgrims who you will likely see for the next several weeks. If you want to stay at Orisson it is important to book it as soon as possible, as they only have 28 beds.We are 13 days from departing the US for Paris and then on to St Jean Pied de Port where we will step off on the Route de Napoleon on Friday, August 23rd. We will be taking our time, as we have given ourselves 55 days and have no return date in mind (or ticket home booked!). It would seem to be good timing. Has anyone walked the CF at this time of year? Advice for first timers?
Great minds think alike! I have already booked the first night in Orisson for the same reasons you mention. Thank you so much for the advice.I started on the August 21st in 2016 - be prepared for hot weather! It's a good time to start because it may be hot at the beginning, but temperatures should cool down as you get farther into September. Also, you will be ahead of the throngs of pilgrims who start from St Jean in September. Since you have plenty of time, I would suggest booking the first night at Orisson. It will break up the long climb over the Pyrenees (don't worry, it's not technically difficult, but it is a lot of uphill!). It will also give you more time to enjoy the Pyrenees, which are gorgeous, and you will meet many other pilgrims who you will likely see for the next several weeks. If you want to stay at Orisson it is important to book it as soon as possible, as they only have 28 beds.
REFUGE ORISSON | THE WAY OF ST JAMES | CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
Located in the heart of the Basque Country, on the GR65, between Saint Jean Pied de Port and the Bentarte Pass, REFUGE ORISSON is an ideal stopover before reaching the Lepoeder pass. It is the last accommodation before crossing the Pyrénées. Orisson’s position on route towards Roncesvalles...refuge-orisson.com
I forgot to say - Enjoy and Buen Camino!Great minds think alike! I have already booked the first night in Orisson for the same reasons you mention. Thank you so much for the advice.
In 2015 Peg and I took 58 days to go from SJPdP to SdC (48 walking days, 2 tourist days, 8 recovery/rest days). There were fellow pilgrims we met over a few days but none that we saw over one week. One of the problems of being slow.It will also give you more time to enjoy the Pyrenees, which are gorgeous, and you will meet many other pilgrims who you will likely see for the next several weeks.
Yes: take it easy, go with the flow. Walk with an open heart.Advice for first timers?
I begin the France last next week. I am taking 60 days to walk it. The reality is now beginning to set in. Buen Camino.We are 13 days from departing the US for Paris and then on to St Jean Pied de Port where we will step off on the Route de Napoleon on Friday, August 23rd. We will be taking our time, as we have given ourselves 55 days and have no return date in mind (or ticket home booked!). It would seem to be good timing. Has anyone walked the CF at this time of year? Advice for first timers?
Yes, walked at this time twice. First time the weather was just right but second time, it was hotter than July so be prepared, it can be very hot. My biggest problem was the early mornings. I like to start between 6:30 and 7. By the time you get into mid September, it will be quite dark at that time and every morning is darker to the point where it can still be darkish at 8:30. Bring a head torch if you plan to start early. The evenings will get a little cooler towards the end of September and into October but I still did not need a sleeping bag. A fleece liner was good enough. The early mornings in the hills can also be a bit cooler but a microgrid fleece kept me warm until the sun came up. Buen CaminoWe are 13 days from departing the US for Paris and then on to St Jean Pied de Port where we will step off on the Route de Napoleon on Friday, August 23rd. We will be taking our time, as we have given ourselves 55 days and have no return date in mind (or ticket home booked!). It would seem to be good timing. Has anyone walked the CF at this time of year? Advice for first timers?
When donyou start walking? I start on the 22ndI begin the France last next week. I am taking 60 days to walk it. The reality is now beginning to set in. Buen Camino.
I am starting on Aug 23 from SJPdP, and have also booked into Orisson, so I'm sure we'll bump into each other! I only land in France the day before from Australia, so thought I'd take it easy to start with.Great minds think alike! I have already booked the first night in Orisson for the same reasons you mention. Thank you so much for the advice.
I know people on this forum rave about Orisson but.... I wouldn’t worry if you couldn’t book there. The worst (ie steepest) part is the 8km from St Jean to Orisson, after that it is much easier and - imo - very do-able even if you aren’t used to hiking or very fit...Hi, I' m starting at SJPDP in the 23. too. Unfortunately I couldn't get a bed at Orisson so I'm thinking about taking the Valcarlos route and spending a night there (don't want to taxi forth and back) to split the first day.
Thank you for your advice! I thought a lot about just "trying to make it" to Roncesvalles day 1. For my Camino last year I trained quite a bit and was still happy I decided to split the first 2 days into 3 portions to ease into it. This year I carry less stuff, smaller backpack but I hadn't time to take more than a few walks to test my gear. And the next 2 weeks will have a lot more for me on the plate so I decided to take my time.I know people on this forum rave about Orisson but.... I wouldn’t worry if you couldn’t book there.(....)
The key - again, only my opinion! - is to take it slowly, at your pace and NOT carry the kitchen sink with you!
Great information Pilgrim, thanks a mil.Yes, walked at this time twice. First time the weather was just right but second time, it was hotter than July so be prepared, it can be very hot. My biggest problem was the early mornings. I like to start between 6:30 and 7. By the time you get into mid September, it will be quite dark at that time and every morning is darker to the point where it can still be darkish at 8:30. Bring a head torch if you plan to start early. The evenings will get a little cooler towards the end of September and into October but I still did not need a sleeping bag. A fleece liner was good enough. The early mornings in the hills can also be a bit cooler but a microgrid fleece kept me warm until the sun came up. Buen Camino
Highly recommend getting reservations at Beilari in St Jean. Great way to start the Camino. Www.beilari.infoWe are 13 days from departing the US for Paris and then on to St Jean Pied de Port where we will step off on the Route de Napoleon on Friday, August 23rd. We will be taking our time, as we have given ourselves 55 days and have no return date in mind (or ticket home booked!). It would seem to be good timing. Has anyone walked the CF at this time of year? Advice for first timers?
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