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I am arriving into St Jean on the evening of the 1st of Oct and preparing to set off either the next day or the day after that. Flights are now booked and I'm feeling , umm.... not quite as brave as I would like. Is there anybody else out there alone and feeling the same who will be arriving at around the same time?
I am arriving into St Jean on the evening of the 1st of Oct and preparing to set off either the next day or the day after that. Flights are now booked and I'm feeling , umm.... not quite as brave as I would like. Is there anybody else out there alone and feeling the same who will be arriving at around the same time?
we also will arrive in SJPP on 4th Oct hoping to start on the 5th and go all the way to Roncesvalle in one day. Hope to see you thereMrsMac-- you might find reciting the following passage might help any anxiety you may be feeling.
Optimist’s Creed
To be strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
It's been a touchstone for the person I strive to be. Recite it frequently and buen camino!
P.S.-- I begin on 5Oct at SJPP so maybe I'll catch up to you all.
Looks like we are starting on the same day.....I come in by train on the 8 th around 7:30 pm and plan to start walking on the 9 th.....do you know where you are staying?I will arrive in St Jean on October the 8th and start on the 9th--if I walk faster or you walk slower perhaps I might meet one of you October walkers!
You can count on French trains being on time. They are very proud of it.if the train coming from Bordeaux is late into Bayonne
No I have no idea where I am staying--I will figure that out when I get thereLooks like we are starting on the same day.....I come in by train on the 8 th around 7:30 pm and plan to start walking on the 9 th.....do you know where you are staying?
I am arriving into St Jean on the evening of the 1st of Oct and preparing to set off either the next day or the day after that. Flights are now booked and I'm feeling , umm.... not quite as brave as I would like. Is there anybody else out there alone and feeling the same who will be arriving at around the same time?
I'm Beth: Landing in Paris on Sept 25 also, and starting out from SJPdP on the 27th, but planning to go the distance to Roncesvalles. There will be 2 of us, and I have a green gregory pack -- perhaps we will see other. Considering the schedule, we might run in to each other before St. Jean.I will land in Paris on Sep 25th, but will be in SJPP, ready to begin my journey on Sep 27th in the morning (I will sleep that night in Orisson). I'm both excited and nervous! I'm so happy that I found this forum, as I can see that I will never be alone on the Camino! My name is Nancy and I will have a green Osprey bag with a Quebec flag on it
Hello MrsMac
My friend and I walked the Camino at the same time in 2012 and surprisingly there are still many pilgrims starting the walk from SJPP. Although we only walked for a week to Eatella, we never felt alone.
Going thought the Pyrenees to reach Roncesvalles can be challenging. The last few km going down to Roncesvalles is steep and goes through a small section of wooded area. If you start early enough you should be able to get to Roncesvalles before sundown (bring a head lamp just in case).
On the way to Roncesvalles Orisson is a good place to stop for a snack and fill up with water. From what I can recall there is only one other water source after Orisson and it is not reliable.
If the weather turns on you after you've passed Orisson, there is shelter at the top of the mountain. It's looks like a concrete shed in the middle of the trail/path. The rest of the trail into Estella were we ended goes through
small towns (except Pamplona, City) and close to civilization. I'd say start early from SJPP and after you reach Roncesvalles you can breathe a sigh of relief.
We are continuing our second leg of Frances from Estella to Burgos this September and ill be more than glad to update you on the condition of the trail or what to expect if you email me.
Good luck!
Buen Camino
Hello Beth, would be great to run into each other!!!I'm Beth: Landing in Paris on Sept 25 also, and starting out from SJPdP on the 27th, but planning to go the distance to Roncesvalles. There will be 2 of us, and I have a green gregory pack -- perhaps we will see other. Considering the schedule, we might run in to each other before St. Jean.
I posted something nearly identical to your post just before I left. I was seriously anxious! Here is what you need to know - don't be! In SJPP you'll meet several people who are also walking alone. And several couples walking together. Your Hospitalero will be very nice and helpful. The people at the Compostella office will be very nice and helpful. All the unknowns and uncertainties fall away. You'll be an old pro by day 3. You'll probably find someone to walk with companionably while you're still in sight of SJPP, and if you don't you'll be ok with it because the scenery is breathtaking and you'll find someone soon enough. Smile at other peregrinos and ask where they're form and whether they're walking all the way to Santiago. Stop for a cafe con leche and share a table with another peregrino. Within the first week you'll see familiar faces everywhere you go. You will be FINE! Lucky, lucky you!I am arriving into St Jean on the evening of the 1st of Oct and preparing to set off either the next day or the day after that. Flights are now booked and I'm feeling , umm.... not quite as brave as I would like. Is there anybody else out there alone and feeling the same who will be arriving at around the same time?
I arrive in Madrid on October 3 and am still trying to figure out where to start. I have to be back in Madrid for my flight home October 16. Hope to meet some of you along the way!
I am arriving into St Jean on the evening of the 1st of Oct and preparing to set off either the next day or the day after that. Flights are now booked and I'm feeling , umm.... not quite as brave as I would like. Is there anybody else out there alone and feeling the same who will be arriving at around the same time?
Hi Bellina. I am leaving from SJPP on the 9th....nervous too. Maybe I will meet up with you! MarileeI am arriving into St Jean on 7th October and hoping to set off on 8th. I am also feeling very nervous and wishing I had been able to start a little earlier. Still not decided whether to try to make Ronscavelles in one day, or break journey at Orisson. Also worried about weather and getting lost!
Buen Camino!
Hello fellow October starters, I arrive in SJPP on Oct 2nd and plan to leave mid-morning the 3rd for Orisson, then to Roncevalles by the 4th. I hope by then my trans-Altantic jetlag will have disappeared, and my flatlander legs will be starting to adjust to hills. I will be trying to keep my pace a bit slower the first week, so may not catch up with those of you who start earlier. Buen camino to all.
Hi Bellina. I am leaving from SJPP on the 9th....nervous too. Maybe I will meet up with you! Marilee
Which route are all of you taking Napoleon or Valcarlos? I think the Valcarlos route may not require such a long climb.
This was so reassuring to read today. I was having a panic moment...I posted something nearly identical to your post just before I left. I was seriously anxious! Here is what you need to know - don't be! In SJPP you'll meet several people who are also walking alone. And several couples walking together. Your Hospitalero will be very nice and helpful. The people at the Compostella office will be very nice and helpful. All the unknowns and uncertainties fall away. You'll be an old pro by day 3. You'll probably find someone to walk with companionably while you're still in sight of SJPP, and if you don't you'll be ok with it because the scenery is breathtaking and you'll find someone soon enough. Smile at other peregrinos and ask where they're form and whether they're walking all the way to Santiago. Stop for a cafe con leche and share a table with another peregrino. Within the first week you'll see familiar faces everywhere you go. You will be FINE! Lucky, lucky you!
Hi Laura, I am doing the exact same thing as you. Land in Paris morning of the 2nd, train to SJPP. Spending the night there and then strolling leisurely to Orisson on the 3rd, trying to dispel the jet lag. Will definitely see you at Orisson if not Saint Jean! Best, AmandaHello fellow October starters, I arrive in SJPP on Oct 2nd and plan to leave mid-morning the 3rd for Orisson, then to Roncevalles by the 4th. I hope by then my trans-Altantic jetlag will have disappeared, and my flatlander legs will be starting to adjust to hills. I will be trying to keep my pace a bit slower the first week, so may not catch up with those of you who start earlier. Buen camino to all.
Does anyone know if it is safe to book the Bayonne to St. Jean train at the last minute or should you book in advance? I have tried the former online but for some reason it keeps refusing my card, though Visa says it has gone through.James,
Relax. 15 minutes is plenty of time. The TER ligne 62 usually waits for the the TGV arrivals before departing; the station staff is friendly and helpful. Read what has been written earlier about Bayonne train connections and missed connections in this Forum thread. http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/arriving-on-5th-september.19536/
Bon Voyage and Buen Camino,
Margaret Meredith
Hi Mrs Mac. It looks like I will be arriving in sjpd around noon on Oct. 1. Will head out on Oct. 2 and spend the first night in Orisson. I hope I will see you there!Hi Kathryn, lovely to hear from you. I would love to try to meet up in SJPP. As I will be arriving late on the 1st of Oct, I was planning to get my credentials and my bearings on the 2nd and then head out on the 3rd.... Could that work for you?
It is fine to book it last minute. We took a train from San Sebastian to Bayonne and bought two tickets and waited two hours for the train. I think there are two a day from Bayonne to SJPP. If you miss it you can spend the night and go in the morning - Bayonne is charming. No worries!Does anyone know if it is safe to book the Bayonne to St. Jean train at the last minute or should you book in advance? I have tried the former online but for some reason it keeps refusing my card, though Visa says it has gone through.
Hi, I am Robert from Canada ! I am planning to go for a camino. Frist time and in my preparation at the moment. Never did this, learning in my reading. Planning for 2 weeks. I am in the process of resserving flight tickets ... I too is terrified. But need to take time for me. Wich to meet great people on my walk.Hi Mrs Mac, I know what you mean. I have been planning my camino for 3 years but as soon as I booked my flight I was terrified! But I am so much more excited. I will be arriving SJPP either 9/30 pm or 10/1 am. Might spend a night in Bayonne. Will set off from SJPP either 10/1 or 10/2, depends on how things go. Let me know if you would like to try to meet up in SJPP, share a glass of wine and try to calm each others nerves! We have an amazing adventure ahead of us! Kathryn
Thanks !!!! RobertDon not be worried you will find your way , meet people and have wonderful experiences.
No place on earth you will feel at home like walking The Camino de Santiago. !
Let yourself go of worries and fears and Buen Camino.
I am arriving into St Jean on the evening of the 1st of Oct and preparing to set off either the next day or the day after that. Flights are now booked and I'm feeling , umm.... not quite as brave as I would like. Is there anybody else out there alone and feeling the same who will be arriving at around the same time?
Hey all,
Looks like I'll be in good company beginning the Camino. I'll be flying into Biarritz on the 2nd of October and making my way to SJPDP that afternoon, so will most likely set off on the 3rd by myself. Understanding the nervous feeling going around as it's my first Camino! I'm feeling a little under prepared getting my pack together now but know it'll be a great experience once I step out the door and get on the way. If you see me around come say hi!
Keith.
I am arriving into St Jean on 7th October and hoping to set off on 8th. I am also feeling very nervous and wishing I had been able to start a little earlier. Still not decided whether to try to make Ronscavelles in one day, or break journey at Orisson. Also worried about weather and getting lost!
Buen Camino!
You'll have no problem making Roncesvalles in one day. My husband & I had booked accommodation ahead in Roncesvalles, I was nervous about crossing the mountain all in one day. I hardly slept a wink the night before,awake at 6am and was on the road @7am, picked up breakfast roll in cafe outside St Jean.Weather was dry,cold but sun was shining. At Orisson stopped for coffee where we met other pilgrims. Great atmosphere and friendliness among everyone. A few rain showers after Orisson and just when we were approx 2hrs away from Roncesvalles, rain,hail,thunder,lightning arrived and lasted for about 1hr (end May 2013)..........BUT the journey in one day was no problem at all,arriving so early in Orisson, I would have been bored hanging around there for the day especially as all the other pilgrims I met were doing the mountain in one day. I am 63 yrs old and my husband is 66!
I am starting from Leon on 5th October. Does anyone know what the weather is likely to be like then? Will I need a sleeping bag or is a silk liner enough? Will I need waterproof trousers? Can I get a pilgrim passport in Leon and if so where? Will I need a fleece or is a thin cashmere jumper enough? Would love to know as I walked from Le Puy to Leon in May and June and it was really hot and dry then.
Hi! I am also starting from estella and walking to Burgos starting tomorrow!! I walked from st jean to estella in may and will continue on to Burgos solo. I am so so nervous as the hours get nearer but also excited.. (A little more nervous though) perhaps we will cross paths. What date to you commence from estella
Buen Camino
According to the forecast, there will be rain few days prior to my start from SJPP on the 6th. I wonder if wet trail on Route de Napoleon is a problem. I have a decent hiking shoe and plan to take my walking sticks, anything else I should be cognizant of?
And I know what you mean- I heard about every other Kiwi before or behind within cooee all the time, but only met a few of them!
Margaret
I am arriving Pamplona on the 7th and plan to start in SJPP on the 8th. I am just happy to see so many pilgrims walking in October too. I wonder if anyone know if I could buy a decent poncho in Pamplona or SJPP? All i have now is a rain proof jacket and no pant.I am arriving into St Jean on 7th October and hoping to set off on 8th. I am also feeling very nervous and wishing I had been able to start a little earlier. Still not decided whether to try to make Ronscavelles in one day, or break journey at Orisson. Also worried about weather and getting lost!
Buen Camino!
I am arriving Pamplona on the 7th and plan to start in SJPP on the 8th. I am just happy to see so many pilgrims walking in October too. I wonder if anyone know if I could buy a decent poncho in Pamplona or SJPP? All i have now is a rain proof jacket and no pant.
Buen Camino!
Simon Shum
Thanks for the advice about getting a credencial in Leon. I'm wondering though whether to avoid walking through Leon we could go straight from the train station and pick up a credential at Virgin de la Camino or at the albergue where we will stay our first night. Would this be possible or do we need to search one out in Leon?
I wanted to let everyone know that after 34 consecutive days of walking I arrived at Santiago yesterday. It is hard to believe that I am here--it is like a dream
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