Starting my Camino from SJPDP on 3 Sep

[jimsantiago]

I wan to thank all of you for the discussions and great info on this forum, which have been very helpful during my Camino prep. I'm flying into Madrid on 1 Sep, RENFE to Pamplona same day, then ALSA bus to SJPDP on 2 Sep. As I want to start off slowly, I will be breaking up the walk to Roncesvalles, staying at gite Kayola near Orisson on the first day.

My pack is down to just under 20lbs without water. I've spent the last month or so trying out various sock arrangements and breaking in my boots. I have not done 24km back to back in my training walks, but I seem to be able to do 7 miles with no difficulty whatsoever on contiguous days. I'm planning to start off slowly, leave early in the morning and walk at a relaxed pace.

My take on some of the recurring discussions on this forum

Sleeping bag:
I decided to take a lightweight (~550g) down sleeping bag as well as a silk liner. That combination seems to offer a great deal of flexibility. You can use just the silk liner on warm nights, the liner with the down bag unzipped as a duvet, or the liner inside the bag for cold environments.

Boots/socks:
As I have wide feet, I chose Keen Gypsums 1/2 size larger than usual with Smartwool toe sock liners and Smartwool medium weight hiking socks. So far, not even a hint of a blister, but we'll see on the Camino. The Gold Bond foot powder (blue bottle) also seems to be a big help.

Poncho vs shell/rain cover:
I figured that I'd need some sort of jacket when not on the trail for both warmth and protection from rain and wind, even when not carrying my pack. So, I went with one of the lightweight Arcteryx shells and a waterproof pack cover rather than a poncho.

Hope to see some of you on the Way.

Buen Camino!

 

[christer1]

Buen Camino.

(Are you sure it's yours? )

 

[jimsantiago]

I was worried about the long first stage and realized that I was probably too late to reserve Orisson. But then I got an email from them saying that, although Orisson is full, Kayola is available. It seems the Camino has already begun to provide.

 

[Bajaracer]

I was worried about the long first stage and realized that I was probably too late to reserve Orisson. But then I got an email from them saying that, although Orisson is full, Kayola is available. It seems the Camino has already begun to provide.

Check with Orisson the day before and the day you get there if there are any cancelations, some get there early and decide to walk ahead to Roncesvalles.

 

[wayfarer]

Buen Camino. Enjoy.

 

[christer1]

So....on way to Stansted airport....the journey begins...

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Buena Suerte

 

[fynbos s.a]

Hi Jim leaving for Cape Town Int airport now.Flying to Barcelona to visit family.Will be starting my Camino on the 4 Sept.Sure we will meet along the way.Cant wait to start walking.

 

[jimsantiago]

Thanks for the nice wishes, everyone. fynbos: I'm breaking up the first stage into two days, so will be staying at gite Kayola on the 3rd. If you go all the way to Roncesvalles, we may meet up. I can't wait to get walking either. To be honest, despite the training I've done here at home the last few months, I'm a but apprehensive about 15mi/day for 5 weeks!

Buen Camino friends.

 

[wayfarer]

To be honest, despite the training I've done here at home the last few months, I'm a but apprehensive about 15mi/day for 5 weeks!
Buen Camino friends.

We all were Jim, but after the first few days it becomes the norm so you don't even think about it. You can also do some shorter days and the odd longer one.
Have a great camino.

 

[jimsantiago]

Well, the liner and the outside of my bag are treated with Permetherin. Now if I can just keep the cats off my bag for the night!

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Well, the liner and the outside of my bag are treated with Permetherin. Now if I can just keep the cats off my bag for the night!

Have a safe journey and keep us posted!!

 

[mariposa627]

Buen camino! May it be all that you hope it to be!

 

[JohnMcM]

Buen Camino, live in the moment. Wish it were me.

 

[andyvi]

Hi jim n pamplona now and I can say tbe first two days are tough for everybody. For me it was the down portions. That hammered my toes and knees. Knees have recovered today but goi g to take a rest day here. My pack was 19 lbs. I thought that was ok but I plan on dropping a few lbs. Somehow. Not old at all but was a little chilly the first 2 days. After many worried days I bought a throw away fleese type liner from walmart. Crazy I know but it weights nothing

 

[jimsantiago]

Well friends, some bad news. My flight leaves at 9:30am and I awoke at 3:30am to terrible pain in an old crown. It goes away completely when I sit up, but returns when I lie down. I just called the airline to postpone. The online dental sites say it needs to be treated urgently. When this kind of thing happens, I believe someone's looking out for me as I'm not meant to leave today.

 

[jimsantiago]

Ok, I have clearance from the doc and have rescheduled my flight for 7 Sep. That's a 1 week delay, but on the positive side, it gives me a little extra time to get things done before leaving home. Delta Airlines were really helpful. Highly recommended.

 

[SYates]

Good to hear that in the end all worked out reasonably well for you! Buen Camino!, SY

 

[Former member 29226]

good luck with your walk - we may meet on the waY !! im starting on the 5thsept from st jean
beun camino

 

[taozenqi]

Nice recovery from the unexpected delay, Jim. Keep rolling with the punches (changes) and you'll have a great trip with memories for life.

 

[indyinmaine]

Start by losing 5 lbs. in that pack! I'm at 14 1/2 with water and still trying to chuck!

 

[Shefollowsarrows]

You leave tomorrow! Enjoy! I'll be in pamplona the 11-12, start walking 13th, maybe run into you.

 

[jimsantiago]

After a week delay, I'm finally on the plane to Madrid. SJPDP on the 9th and Pamplona by the 12th or 13th, depending in whether I stop for a break at Orisson.

Buen Camino, friends!