starting my first camino in august

[dannyt]

Hi, I'm from Dublin and I am doing the Camino August, starting on the 27th ... a few questions. I am arriving at Biarritz airport at 16.15 and am wondering if i have enough time to make the 17.20 train from Bayonne to St Jean. Also, how hard is the first day over the Pyrenees and how long should it take me - i'm 62 and have a reasonable level of fitness.
Regards

 

[lilloby]

HI Danny ,i am also from dublin and doing the camino in early september from st jean.I have read that it takes about 3 or 4 hours to reach the top of the pyranees and if you are not that fit its a good idea to stay in the hostel in orisson i believe its very nice and dinner is included in the price,also its very hard on the knees going down so you need to allow enough time and dont get caught without a bed for the night.maybe we will meet up on the road meantime may the road rise to meet you ,the wind be always at your back ,and may you always find a bed at the end of the treak.buen camino

 

[dannyt]

Hi lilloby, thanks for the info. I think i'll take on the Pyrenees the first day and get over with. I believe it's 20km to the top and 25km to Roncesvalles so, starting by 7am, I should get there in time to get a bed at the albergue. regards

 

[ranthr]

Hello Danny!
In April 2007 I started from St. Jean Pied du Port at 7.45 in the morning. Had planned to stop at Orrison, but was there around 10, so I decided to go on. Think I arrived in Roncesvalles before 3 pm and had to wait a long time before the albuerge opened. I was 59 then and had a heavy backpack, so I think you do not have to worry unless it is a very bad or hot weather. There is a fuente at the border and you can stop to eat and drink and have a rest at Orrison.
This year I will start from Le Puy on August 15. The hope is to reach Santiago before end of October.
Wish you a buen camino.
Randi