Leaving April 16 from St JPduP

[BenedettoCAN]

Hi, I've been having a great time preparing for the camino.

Anyone else leaving on April 16th from St JPduP?

[wandererkm]

hey we are leaving from the same place and the same date. We fly into Paris on the 15th take a train down to St JPduP and then depart on the 16th. Maybe we will see ya there. Any idea if we will be able to do the mountain trek instead of the valley at that time?

[Covey]

You will find that out when you go to the Pilgrim Office in St Jean. Even if you already have your Pilgrim Passport, you need to go to the Pilgrim Office to find out what the weather is likley to be, and they will tell you if you need to take the lower "bad weather" route.

[BenedettoCAN]

I was just going to say what Covey just said. In any case, the weather can be unpredictable in the spring. I was going to play it safe and just take the easier route. Nice to hear that you'll be leaving the same day...see ya there!

[wandererkm]

thanks that is what I figured :0). See ya on the Camino!

[Beatlesbum]

Snap - Also leaving around the 16th will be flying from Dublin into Biarritz on the 15th starting early the next day may see you guys there

[BenedettoCAN]

Great, hope to see you there. It would be good to go over the mountains in a small group. Buen camino.

[BenedettoCAN]

What about a Hepatitus A shot? I also didn't get the H1N1 vaccine. Do you think it would be necessary considering I'll be living in dorm-like conditions? Can anyone reassure me that I won't need them or should get them?

[Beatlesbum]

a small group may indeed be fun. I don't imagine hep shots will be needed Benedetto maybe i'm though. Personally it hadn't crossed my mind getting them

[BenedettoCAN]

For those leaving St JPduP on April 16th...it's coming up. See you there. Buen camino.

[renegade_pilgrim]

I'm heading out on the 17th from SJPdP. Perhaps our paths shall cross along the way. I'll be wearing a patch with a green heart in an outline of the state of Oregon and I have a maroon/burgundy/grey Osprey Aura 50 pack.

[Covey]

At least you have the best rucksack on your back. I use the Osprey Atmos 50 which is the "male" version of yours. Very comfortable and one of the lightest "empty weights" around.

Have fun and Buen Camino to you all.

[BenedettoCAN]

Hi renegrade_pilgrim...I love the state of Oregon. I'll have a yellow Gregory backpack. Depending on the way the tag falls there will be a Canadian flag on the side. I'll be on the lookout for you. I'll be a day ahead of you so...

[BenedettoCAN]

Thanks Covey...I'm getting excited and looking forward to it. A lot of little miracles have already been happening.

[ctlou]

Rennegade:
I'll arrive SJPP on the 17th and head out on the 18th,
Perhaps we will cross at some point.

The back of my pack has a patch that is the Earth with an overlay of a peace sign on it.

Louise
ctlou
CT - USA

[BenedettoCAN]

Will be looking out for you? Peace. Buen camino.

[renegade_pilgrim]

I also will have the other Camino Forum patch, as well. Hard to miss with it's blue background and yellow arrow. I hope our paths cross along the way and perhaps in Santiago!

[BenedettoCAN]

I've been training a bit. Been walking about 14klm with my backpack each day and have already sore toes and a crack between two of them. Could it be my shoes? I'm worried I won't make it. Or maybe I should take it more slowly. In any case, I'm going to rest for the next few days.

[Covey]

You worry too much!!

Try massaging a little Vaseline in to your feet and toes. Softens the skin a little. You might consider your socks. Try a pair of dual layer if you are not already wearing them.. Remember that hiking socks are usually thicker than around the house ones, so your shoes might feel a little tighter.

On the Camino you walk at a pace to keep in tune with your body. If you start pushing too hard, the body responds with pain and blisters. Don't be frightened to walk at your own pace, after all, it is your Camino.

You will meet those who talk the talk of doing 30-35kms a day, but you need to walk the walk, listen to what your body is telling you, and stay within your comfort zone.

There are no prizes for coming first!!!

[BenedettoCAN]

Thanks Covey. I'm a walker and I walk a lot as it is. It's just the backpack adds more to the walk. I'm not going to push it too much and slow down a bit. I've already massaged with Vaseline. I bought hiking socks. The ones I wore yesterday were just everyday sports socks and were thicker. I'm also doubting my shoes. I guess this all goes with the territory. I'm not expecting to do 30 klm but only 20klm and I think that's doable for me. I have 39-40 days. I'll slow down my pace and enjoy the surroundings. I'm pretty good at listening to my body. I guess that's the camino. I'm already seeing it telling me things. It's saying; take it easy, you don't have to prove anything, enjoy life. It's the process not the destination. Thanks so much for your encouragement. I really appreciate it.

[Covey]

The thing which catches out a lot of pilgrims is the change in their centre of gravity when wearing packs. Often you will find that the cyclists come up very fast from behind and croak some warning, and the poor bloody pilgrim is expected to leap out of the way. The pack makes leaping difficult and it is easy to twist an ankle because the pack keeps moving when you think you need to stop.

Of course, some pilgrims tempt fate by being plugged in to their ipod and never hear the cyclists bell until it is too late. The cyclists are supposed to have a cycle bell and ring it to warn the walkers, but most either don't bother to have one, or don't use it. Not regarded as Manly!!

[viclindal]

Leaving Roncesvalles on April 16 and will have the Canadian Pilgrim patch on my bag somewhere.
Will watch for a Canadian flag.
Vic from Victoria BC

[clairef73]

Hey there
I am probably leaving from St jean on 14th April so may see you along the way. In response to Hep A you should be fine in Europe. (i'm a nurse by the way). It's more recommened for countries where hygiene is an issue such as lack of clean water for handwashing...
Claire

[Beatlesbum]

A week away now guys , exciting times, hope to cross paths with a few of you guys

[ctlou]

I told someone I feel like a kid whose parents have told them when we get up in the morning we are going to Disney World. The anticipation is incredible.

Hope to see all of you.

Louise
ctlou
USA