buying walking poles before the walk?

[robertsma]

Hi All,

I am coming from London and was interested to know if people bought walking poles before they got on the plane or if there was somewhere either in Biarritz or St Jean (I realise SJPDP is a small town, however given it's a major starting point who knows if it has a store for last minutes).

Are airlines okay with putting the poles with the bag at check-in (Ryanair specifically)? I'd rather buy here but if I can buy when I arrive that would work too.

Many Thanks,

MR

[Covey]

I usually put my poles inside the pack to avoid them going missing when the pack travels in the hold.

If you plan on carrying the pack as hand luggage (it should be under the weight limit!!) then poles are a problem as I have seen them confiscated by security as they have spikes on the bottom and security treat them the same way as scissors. If you carry a small knife the same applies. I have a small kitchen knife with a 3" blade in a plastic sheath which is very useful over 5/6 weeks on the trail, but it would not be allowed in the pack in the cabin, only in the hold.

[vjpulver]

I plan to purchase a walking stick or staff when I arrive in Pamplona. I do not plan to check my backpack on the plane trip so taking a stick is out of the question. I am not really accustomed to walking with a stick (or sticks) so I may elect not to buy any. My pack is very light...though I imagine walking in mud and down inclines I may find a stick useful.

[walkmag]

Hi very true sticks are great for stabalising in slush ...and support when descending ..it is easy to get natural one's along the way ...shaped from the local trees, and sold locally .

roll on sept 09

[Julia]

Hi MR

Just wondering if you got walking poles in SJ as I was thinking of doing that myself in September? I have been told that they are very useful particularly in the first few days. I am only taking cabin luggage so taking them with me is not an option, especially with Ryanair!!

Julia

[vjpulver]

Hi MR

Just wondering if you got walking poles in SJ as I was thinking of doing that myself in September? I have been told that they are very useful particularly in the first few days. I am only taking cabin luggage so taking them with me is not an option, especially with Ryanair!!

Julia

Julia,
I walked in April-June (40 days) from Roncevalles to Santiago de Compostela. I did not want to check anything on the airlines so decided to get a stick in Spain. What ended up happening was that a really nice Spanish guy walked out of the woods with a lovely, straight stick and said "You need this." It was just a lovely, sturdy raw stick, but I loved it and it helped me slog through lots of mud and watery places. It was also nice for climbing. I tied ribbons and a bandanna to the top of it and enjoyed thinking aboutthekind man who gave it to me. I left the stick behind when I came back to the USA.

"Ginn"
In Sunny Santa Fe (NM)

[Julia]

Thanks for that Ginn. I think I am just going to buy the poles here and post them on - it will be one less thing to deal with. I have 39 days and hope to get to Finisterre but I've never done anything like this before so we'll see
Julia

[Stephen.Belfast]

Both Ryanair and Are Lingus allowed me to take a metal walking stick into the cabin. But then, maybe I looked as though I needed it to keep me on my feet.

[Darren from Dartmouth]

Hi,

I am just back from walking the Camino. You can fold up your poles & put them in your pack with the airlines. Poles can be bought but depending on what you intend to buy the quality may not be available. Poles were helpful for those moments when you stumble not leading to any major fall.

Buen Camino!
Darren

[Roseallee]

Hi All,
Darren, how was your Camino? Which route did you take and was it terribly crowded? I am going in September. Thanks, Roseallee

[Darren from Dartmouth]

Hi,

From what I heard, the number of pilgrims was down according to someone who spoke to an Albergue staff person in Roncevalles. I had no problem finding a bed every night. The weather was amazing, only 2 hours of light drizzle in 30 days!!! The Camino is magical, be present and it will appear. Enjoy your journey on the Camino.

Cheers!
Darren

[Roseallee]

Thanks Darren for your reply and the reminder to stay present. Roseallee

[Julia]

Hi All,

Many thanks for your advice on the poles. I have now bought a pair and am posting them to the hostel in St. Jean. Roseallee might see you in September. In any case have a buen camino!

Julia

[Roseallee]

Hi Julia,
I plan to start from SJPDP on Sept. 22nd. When are you going? I, too, hope to make it to Finisterre. I have until Nov. 2nd so may not have enough time. Roseallee

[Julia]

Hi Rosaelee,

It looks like we will not meet as I begin the camino on Sept 5th!
Julia

[vagnerlevy]

Hey Julia!

We might meet up during the camino..

Im gonna arrive in SJPP on sept 8, and hopefully will start the camino on the 9th!
Im not sure if I can reach you though , as u r leaving on the 5th!

Ultreya Peregrina!

[Julia]

Hey Ultreya Peregrina!

U never know, we may cross paths at some stage! I will be going at a leisurely pace and taking days off when I need to, I will take the first week very easy. I hope to get to Finisterre but I'm not putting myself under pressure. If I get to Santiago I will be very happy

Julia