Starting SJPDP

[Vandana]

Hi. I'm starting at SJPDP on Thursday 12 September. Quite nervous as the weather has been rainy and misty and my biggest concern is spotting the signs.

 

[Tincatinker]

Just follow the pilgrim in front

 

[henrythedog]

There’s really no need to be nervous. The signage is good and if you call into the pilgrim office at St Jean their schematic describes the first couple of days in detail.

As @Tincatinker suggests, you’re not in for a few days of quiet contemplation, you’ll be joining a continuous human procession. If there isn’t a walker in front of you, stand still for a minute and there will be.

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

Hi. I'm starting at SJPDP on Thursday 12 September. Quite nervous as the weather has been rainy and misty and my biggest concern is spotting the signs.

Be careful of the mountain weather, you are looking at an 8 hour walk, if the weather is poor, stay on the road, if you decide to walk the mountain, consider resting in Orisson. Take care of yourself and Buen Camino

 

[trecile]

if you decide to walk the mountain, consider resting in Orisson. Take care of yourself and Buen Camino

Orisson (and Borda up the road) need to be booked in advance. It's not usually a "day of" decision that can be made, and it's unlikely that either place has vacancies.

Or did you mean to just take a rest there, and continue on?

 

[Vandana]

Orisson (and Borda up the road) need to be booked in advance. It's not usually a "day of" decision that can be made, and it's unlikely that either place has vacancies.

Or did you mean to just take a rest there, and continue on?

I've booked in Bordo then need to book the next. Thank you.

Be careful of the mountain weather, you are looking at an 8 hour walk, if the weather is poor, stay on the road, if you decide to walk the mountain, consider resting in Orisson. Take care of yourself and Buen Camino

thank you, yes, resting in Bordo.

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

I've booked in Bordo then need to book the next. Thank you.

thank you, yes, resting in Bordo.

An overnight if there are vacancies, the walk across the mountain is demanding and breaking the journey before Roncesvalles is worth considering.

 

[Pronetowander]

Orisson (and Borda up the road) need to be booked in advance. It's not usually a "day of" decision that can be made, and it's unlikely that either place has vacancies.

Or did you mean to just take a rest there, and continue on?

Orisson has been fully booked out for ages or I would have stayed there. I am also starting on Thursday and I plan to follow the herd over that first stretch. I like the suggestion of standing still and others will come

 

[Tincatinker]

@Pronetowander, you could venture the Valcarlos route. Rest for the night in a charming little Basque village and stride on well past Roncesvalles on your second day. This puts you out of step / well in front of the stage cuddling masses and opens the door to a different Camino