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hi it would make sense to book transport from the airport with caraline and hopefully she will be able to get other pilgrims to share and that will bring down the cost should be fairly busy in may she will get you to sjdp by 1900hrsHi everyone,
I guess this question has never been asked before!!!.
I start from St Jean on 4th May next year (181 days to go!), and still can't make my mind up whether to stay over in Orrison on that night or not.
I have heard the argument about taking it really easy for the first few days, so on that level it makes sense to do so. I guess one of the reasons that I'm considering pushing on, is that my flight into Biarritz doesn't get me in until around 5.30 pm on the 3rd; so by the time I've gone through baggage reclaim, got myself to Bayonne and tried to get a train to St Jean, I will probably miss the Refugio closing time - and two consecutive nights in 'non -alberges' seems a little decadent so early on in my Camino adventure
Opinions and advice please
Frank
Thanks for the reply; who or what is Caraline though?? Sorry, its probably someone or something that I should already know from the Forum.hi it would make sense to book transport from the airport with caraline and hopefully she will be able to get other pilgrims to share and that will bring down the cost should be fairly busy in may she will get you to sjdp by 1900hrs
bein camino
joe
Arnt you headed that direction soon?Carolyn is the owner of the taxi service in SJPP.
Express Bouricot is the name of the service.
My opinion is that it is not decadent at all, but rather good planning and smart thinking.
More people injure themselves that first day than I can tell you.
I would try to get lodging reservations at Orisson.
If you cannot, I would spend 2 nights in SJPP.
Walk to Orisson, then walk or taxi back down to SJPP.
Next morning, taxi to Orisson (if you can't get reservations) and finish walking to Roncesvalles.
If you want reservations for May, I would begin emailing now.
I'm not sure if they're responding about accepting reservations yet, but your email would be "in line"
Hi everyone,
I guess this question has never been asked before!!!.
I start from St Jean on 4th May next year (181 days to go!), and still can't make my mind up whether to stay over in Orrison on that night or not.
I have heard the argument about taking it really easy for the first few days, so on that level it makes sense to do so. I guess one of the reasons that I'm considering pushing on, is that my flight into Biarritz doesn't get me in until around 5.30 pm on the 3rd; so by the time I've gone through baggage reclaim, got myself to Bayonne and tried to get a train to St Jean, I will probably miss the Refugio closing time - and two consecutive nights in 'non -alberges' seems a little decadent so early on in my Camino adventure
Opinions and advice please
I would recommend that you go there the next day. first and foremost because it is too much for your first day to go to the next place. secondly it is a fabulous place the scenery is breathtaking and the stay is a pick me up and a way to meet people you will travel with and encounter throughout your Camino.
Frank
Very good point. I also found folks who lived at sea level had a harder time as well, unless they were runners. I use to think I could walk fast until the morning Spanish walkers out early would leave me in the dust. Good thing I had 400 miles to train then the challenge was on!I don't intend to insult anyone here, but I think that it's important to keep in mind that the average European is much more physically active than the average person from the USA. So saying "I'm not fit" when you're from Amsterdam and walk 10 km a day as part of your normal life is very different than saying "I'm not fit" when you're from east central Illinois and drive your car everywhere. So much of the disagreement about whether the first day to Roncesvalles from SJPP is a "killer" has to do with your base level of activity. What is "active" in one culture is very different from another. So these perennial discussions about the difficulty of SJPP to Roncesvalles ought to keep those big cultural differences in mind. I think that if you are physically active in your normal life, the first day won't be a killer, it will tire you out but you will be fine. If you are coming from my car-dependent, "don't walk more than 1/4 mile and take an elevator all the time" world, you will have a tough time unless you've trained a lot.
Well said and agree completely. Also the idea of what someone said about having a reservation and giving it up for someone else if you don't feel the need to stay seems reasonable as well. Personally, I never considered staying there as it just seemed to short of a walk, but as many have noted on here it does have a lot to do with your daily physical activity, etc. Also, for me I live at a higher elevation than any point on the Camino and thus the altitude was never an issue for me. However, to be clear I had issues on other days along the way, often times when going down hill and someone mentioned that on this thread as well. There is an easier approach down, which we missed, but good sense and a little traversing back and forth will get you down just as well. Buen Camino and know that whatever you do will be perfect for you and only you can know what that experience should be!I don't intend to insult anyone here, but I think that it's important to keep in mind that the average European is much more physically active than the average person from the USA. So saying "I'm not fit" when you're from Amsterdam and walk 10 km a day as part of your normal life is very different than saying "I'm not fit" when you're from east central Illinois and drive your car everywhere. So much of the disagreement about whether the first day to Roncesvalles from SJPP is a "killer" has to do with your base level of activity. What is "active" in one culture is very different from another. So these perennial discussions about the difficulty of SJPP to Roncesvalles ought to keep those big cultural differences in mind. I think that if you are physically active in your normal life, the first day won't be a killer, it will tire you out but you will be fine. If you are coming from my car-dependent, "don't walk more than 1/4 mile and take an elevator all the time" world, you will have a tough time unless you've trained a lot.
I would take something to cook and make reservations for Cayola. It is very close to Orrison and a better place in my opinion. You just have to bring something to cook for dinner.Hi everyone,
I guess this question has never been asked before!!!.
I start from St Jean on 4th May next year (181 days to go!), and still can't make my mind up whether to stay over in Orrison on that night or not.
I have heard the argument about taking it really easy for the first few days, so on that level it makes sense to do so. I guess one of the reasons that I'm considering pushing on, is that my flight into Biarritz doesn't get me in until around 5.30 pm on the 3rd; so by the time I've gone through baggage reclaim, got myself to Bayonne and tried to get a train to St Jean, I will probably miss the Refugio closing time - and two consecutive nights in 'non -alberges' seems a little decadent so early on in my Camino adventure
Opinions and advice please
Frank
Hi, I would highly recommend staying at Orisson regardless of fitness level. We've stayed there twice and both times had a great Camino experience. I guarantee you will meet other pilgrims that you will stay connected with for your entire Camino and afterwards. Even on our 2nd time there we had a great experience. Jean Jacques is a very nice proprietor and the food and atmosphere is great. Our first time there was on April 26, 2009 and we woke up in a blizzard. Jean Jacques led all of us over the mountain in the storm or I don't think we would have made it. Any kind of weather can appear early in May and he will look after you. BUT, if you don't stay there and go on to Roncesvalles your Camino will still be a fabulous experience. Dayton and Karen
I think your travel plans make two non albuergue nights all the more logical. Get rested up before you start the marathon. It allows you time to linger in SJPDP and take in the city, leave after noon, get to Orrison, enjoy the wonderful Basque food, and get another good night's rest. Then start "roughing" itHi everyone,
I guess this question has never been asked before!!!.
I start from St Jean on 4th May next year (181 days to go!), and still can't make my mind up whether to stay over in Orrison on that night or not.
I have heard the argument about taking it really easy for the first few days, so on that level it makes sense to do so. I guess one of the reasons that I'm considering pushing on, is that my flight into Biarritz doesn't get me in until around 5.30 pm on the 3rd; so by the time I've gone through baggage reclaim, got myself to Bayonne and tried to get a train to St Jean, I will probably miss the Refugio closing time - and two consecutive nights in 'non -alberges' seems a little decadent so early on in my Camino adventure
Opinions and advice please
Frank
If you arrive in Biarritz at 5.30 pm, it is impossible to sleep in Orisson....the same night. you'd rather stay in Saint Jean and enjoy the city, stroll around, take the time....this is not a marathon..
Because we watched a goofy movie. Humans are not unlike a heard of sheep. The lead sheep the rest simply follow. MBAaaaaaaaSomething I do not understand, everybody talking about Orisson. Why Orisson and Orisson and Orisson?
There is a second way, to Arneguy and Valcarlos/ Luzaide. For me, this route is more acceptable for beginners and I'll use it to my first Camino in May 2016.
In my country, Croatia, in front of the sheep goes donkeyBecause we watched a goofy movie. Humans are not unlike a heard of sheep. The lead sheep the rest simply follow. MBAaaaaaaa
In my country, Croatia, in front of the sheep goes donkey
Hi thanks for the reply, but I think you misread my post. I was never considering trying to make it to Orrison on the first night. I was asking advice as to whether it was justifiable spending my first two nights in non-alberge accommodation so early into my Camino - I thought I would miss the alberge check in time in St Jean on the 3rd and end up in a private hostel/hotel, and this was causing me to question my original plan to stay at Orrison the following night.If you arrive in Biarritz at 5.30 pm, it is impossible to sleep in Orisson....the same night. you'd rather stay in Saint Jean and enjoy the city, stroll around, take the time....this is not a marathon..
Yes sorry, I read it too quickly....a stopover in Orrisson is a good idea for a warm up walk. 2 hours walk from St Jean....and beautiful views over the basque mountain.Hi thanks for the reply, but I think you misread my post. I was never considering trying to make it to Orrison on the first night. I was asking advice as to whether it was justifiable spending my first two nights in non-alberge accommodation so early into my Camino - I thought I would miss the alberge check in time in St Jean on the 3rd and end up in a private hostel/hotel, and this was causing me to question my original plan to stay at Orrison the following night.
Regards, Frank
Sheep know how to read trail markings or guidebooks? I don't get it. I never heard of the Valcarlos route until long after I finished my Camino. That said, based on my experience going over through Orisson and what I have learned / heard about the Valcarlos route, I'd stay at Orisson again if I walk the Frances a second time. The social aspect of staying there - something many forum members have already expressed so much better than I could - is the reason for me.Because we watched a goofy movie. Humans are not unlike a heard of sheep. The lead sheep the rest simply follow. MBAaaaaaaa
Hi MichaelSGSheep know how to read trail markings or guidebooks? I don't get it. I never heard of the Valcarlos route until long after I finished my Camino. That said, based on my experience going over through Orisson and what I have learned / heard about the Valcarlos route, I'd stay at Orisson again if I walk the Frances a second time. The social aspect of staying there - something many forum members have already expressed so much better than I could - is the reason for me.
Hi Frank66Hi thanks for the reply, but I think you misread my post. I was never considering trying to make it to Orrison on the first night. I was asking advice as to whether it was justifiable spending my first two nights in non-alberge accommodation so early into my Camino - I thought I would miss the alberge check in time in St Jean on the 3rd and end up in a private hostel/hotel, and this was causing me to question my original plan to stay at Orrison the following night.
Regards, Frank
Sorry, I should have been more clear. What I should have said was "based on my experience going over through Orisson and what I have learned from the forum/ heard from the very, very few pilgrims I spoke to who walked the Valcarlos route about the Valcarlos route, I'd stay at Orisson again if I walk the Frances a second time. "Hi MichaelSG
how can you compare two places if on one you're not been?
This sounds like a great start to a camino. Making it to Roncesvalles in one day gives you a great feeling of accomplishment, but my knee certainly doesn't remember it that way. Next time, maybe I'll start later from SJPP and staying in Orisson won't feel premature.I've stayed at Orisson. To get there you climb 800m over 8km - but it's not all uphill if that makes sense! The road undulates with some flat and even downhill stretches. However some of the steep bits are pretty steep!
Refuge Orisson is 8km into the first stage. It does come almost too soon; you arrive there late morning , and as it's your first day you are full of enthusiasm and anticipation, you still have energy, and you feel you want to go on. You seriously consider donating your place as suggested above.
But you stop for a coffee or a beer, and start chatting with people and find some are going on and some are staying. Check in starts around 12.30, you sit on the fabulous terrace with the panoramic views, have some lunch, sit and chat more, drink more beer/wine, and all the time more people are arriving and a party atmosphere starts. Dinner is served at 7pm, everyone sits at 3 long tables in the room, and then each person in turn stands up and says who they are, where from, why they are walking (if they want to say), and there is so much positive energy and great feeling in that room. That is why most people stay there - for that amazing ambience.
Then after sleep, you are up in time for breakfast and a sunrise start, and a slightly easier 16km walk over the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles, in the company of some wonderful people with whom you have shared a special experience.
So I suggest you stay at Orisson!
The weather does indeed change in a heartbeat! We left SJPP in sunshine and quite suddenly fierce winds began as we approached Orisson, then horizontally strong rain pelted us. I was blown to the ground, luckily unhurt (as the next morning another peregrina broke her shoulder when she was blown to the ground). A reservation for Refuge Orisson protects you and as has been suggested you may choose to donate it and press on. I also agree with the camaraderie that one can experience that first day/overnight in Orisson. It helped set the tone for our entire Camino.My suggestion is book it then donate it if you feel it was an easy stroll to that point. That is what I did along with 4 others. I live at a relatively high altitude but since I had not been there I was not sure what I would find. Even after having done that in the future I would probably do the same again as the weather changes in a heartbeat. You don't want to get caught in a storm up there in the rock shelter. The Lightning can be intense. I am talking worse case as you can read the weather up there very well. The Ocean puts some good snow & rain storms up there.
Hi Frank, yes do stay in Orrison; the walk from SJDP is very steep, it is a great place. You must book, and do confirm as sometimes people just book and not turn up. From airport do get the 'taxi' to SJJP, about 20e and she knows all the allergies there, or if you are not staying over she will take you straight to Camino office. The 2nd day is a 20klm walk over the mountains to Ronsenvales. I did this April 2014, so glad stayed and enjoyed the beginning at Orison. Enjoy your Camino. PhillHi everyone,
I guess this question has never been asked before!!!.
I start from St Jean on 4th May next year (181 days to go!), and still can't make my mind up whether to stay over in Orrison on that night or not.
I have heard the argument about taking it really easy for the first few days, so on that level it makes sense to do so. I guess one of the reasons that I'm considering pushing on, is that my flight into Biarritz doesn't get me in until around 5.30 pm on the 3rd; so by the time I've gone through baggage reclaim, got myself to Bayonne and tried to get a train to St Jean, I will probably miss the Refugio closing time - and two consecutive nights in 'non -alberges' seems a little decadent so early on in my Camino adventure
Opinions and advice please
Frank
If you want reservations for May, I would begin emailing now.
I'm not sure if they're responding about accepting reservations yet, but your email would be "in line"
Definitely book as early as you can. If you are not arriving until May for sure. That is a busy month.You need to reserve this far ahead?! We were planning to book it the day before. I guess that's out of the question?
... and still can't make my mind up whether to stay over in Orrison on that night or not.
... - and two consecutive nights in 'non -alberges' seems a little decadent so early on in my Camino adventure
Opinions and advice please
Frank
Hi,I too have wondered about staying in Orrison when David and I start our first Camino in July 2016 and after reading Julia-T's description of how the day can unfold I am thinking it is a great idea. I have been in touch with Orrison a week or so ago but have not heard anything as yet and after reading the comments here it is good to know they don't get in contact straight away.
I didn't actually email them direct, I used the contact form on their web page, does it work the same as emailing direct?
I will be just turning 57 by the time I start my first camino (and I'm not terribly fit or unfit, just fine for loaded 15-18km walks in hills without too much trouble at the moment). With two and a bit months to go I'm still pondering whether or not to stop ar Orisson. I will start from Lourdes, so by the time I get to Orisson I will have a week's walking under by belt... (and I have been training for a month and a half already with the intention to increase it in the remaining time). Do you think that would be sufficient hardening to make an Orisson stop redundant?
I am starting my Camino in April. I have made several attempts to contact Orrison to reserve a room. How long did you have to wait for a reply? Or do you think it is unnecessary to make a reservation in early / mid April?Hi Frank and all,
Phil and I allowed 55 total days for our trip. Spent one night in Paris at the airport hotel. Flew the next morning to Biarritz and Caroline's service picked us up. Spent the night in SJPDP and then walked to Orrison the next morning. We got our reservations early (several months ahead). Both the walk to Orrison and on to Roncevalles were challenging to us physically. If you do the Napoleon route I would encourage you to stay at Orrison.
Next time we will go to Valcarlos. We are still on the Camino now. No camping was allowed at Orrison. A family without a reservation was advised to go up 4 km past Orrison to where the wild horses are to camp.
I am starting my Camino in April. I have made several attempts to contact Orrison to reserve a room. How long did you have to wait for a reply? Or do you think it is unnecessary to make a reservation in early / mid April?
aj8,I am starting my Camino in April. I have made several attempts to contact Orrison to reserve a room. How long did you have to wait for a reply? Or do you think it is unnecessary to make a reservation in early / mid April?
I have also been trying to contact regarding reservation 26 April. To date no reply. Guess my first day will be a long one : )I am starting my Camino in April. I have made several attempts to contact Orrison to reserve a room. How long did you have to wait for a reply? Or do you think it is unnecessary to make a reservation in early / mid April?
Did you email them, or use their online form? I emailed to refuge.orisson@wanadoo.fr both times and got my response within a week.I have also been trying to contact regarding reservation 26 April. To date no reply. Guess my first day will be a long one : )
Actually both. First form then email... several times. Still may hear however feel they are prob full .. the night of 4/26 is getting close : )Did you email them, or use their online form? I emailed to refuge.orisson@wanadoo.fr both times and got my response within a week.
Did you email them, or use their online form? I emailed to refuge.orisson@wanadoo.fr both times and got my response within a week.
I just emailed Orisson last week for a May 27th reservation and got a quick response. Try again!Did you email them, or use their online form? I emailed to refuge.orisson@wanadoo.fr both times and got my response within a week.
They're booked... on to Roncesvalles!!! It's gonna be a long day... but doable ; )I just emailed Orisson last week for a May 27th reservation and got a quick response. Try again!
They are booked... early start to Roncesvalles : )Actually both. First form then email... several times. Still may hear however feel they are prob full .. the night of 4/26 is getting close : )
You'll be fine. Most people don't stop at Orisson.They are booked... early start to Roncesvalles : )
Thanks trecile.. not worried.. that's what all this trainings for!!You'll be fine. Most people don't stop at Orisson.
Try the email above. I did and got a reply and reservation for the day I needed. Paid with paypalI have also been trying to contact regarding reservation 26 April. To date no reply. Guess my first day will be a long one : )
Thank you... they are booked the night I would have been there... on to Roncesvalles : )Try the email above. I did and got a reply and reservation for the day I needed. Paid with paypal
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