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[Tulstig]

Hi My name is Paul, 56 years old, single. I'm from NYC but now live in Ohio, USA. I'm flying to Barcelona on April 22, 2012 and planning on somehow getting from there to St. Jean de Peid. I would like to walk the first day from there and then get a train or bus to Sarria and walk the rest of the way. My flight back to the U.S. from Barcelona is on MAy 4th. I have a few questions that maybe someone could help me with. How do I get from Barcelona to St. Jean? How do I get from Ronsesvalles to Sarria? I would like to stay at places where I could have my own room ( I don't mind sharing a bathroom) I don't need luxury just a little sleep and privacy, any ideas? Btw, I speak Spanish fluently.

Hi Paul,

I live near BCN and did the Camino Frances in 2010. From Barcelona (Estacion Sants) you can get a train to Pamplona, from where it is easy to get a bus to Roncesvalles, we were lucky and met up with fellow walkers outside the station and shared a taxi. From Roncesvaells you can get a shared taxi over the Pyrenees to SJPP the following make regular trips back and forth: Express Bourricot
Transport de bagages et personnes
31 rue de la citadelle
64220 Saint jean Pied de port

e-mail: caroline aphessetche [apcaroline@hotmail.com]

tél/fax bureau : (+33) (0)5.59.37.36.28
Portable: (+33) (0)6.61.96.04.76

[Heliman1965]

Hi SparrowGirl,

After I watched the film "The Way" I've had a unstoppable urge to walk the Camino and an overwhelming need to experience this journey...
I've been planning my Camino for about 8 months now and the longing to be there has me full of excitement as if I was a child on Christmas morning with mountain of presents in front of me... I hope that this journey is everything I've built it up to be in my mind...
I must be one of the lucky ones as my boss let me take 6 weeks block leave to do the Camino..

I'm arriving in SJPP on the 19th so we could well meet along the way..
How's your training going??

Buen Camino!

[Tim Campbell]

Greetings from the coast of New Hampshire!!
I'm looking to make my pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella in the near future (dates TBD) and am already excited . We are all pilgrims here on Earth with our sights set on Heaven. that having been said, I look forward to discussing the Camino with many of you. If anyone here is from the metro Boston area and looking to make the journey, send me a message and we could become companions on the Camino . DE COLORES and ULTREYA!!

[Trishkerry]

Hi everyone,
I plan to walk the Camino de Santiago in May 2013. Sooo excited! already looking at Boots and Rucksacks. I hope that there will be others from here also walking in May, it would be nice to meet up.
That film has a lot to answer for

T

[SparrowGirl]

Hi Heliman,

It's certainly a very powerful film isn't it. It's really exciting once you've planned the trip isn't it. I don't know how I'm going to wait another three and a half months - but obviously I have to. Lucky you managing to get time off to complete the journey in one go.

You'll be a day behind me but we certainly could meet up as I've allowed a couple of rest days which I may or may not need. My training is going well as I generally try to walk once a week anyway, usually between 12 and 16 miles. Yesterday we did an easy 14.7 miles in Kent on a very flat route. This was my first walk since booking my trip and so the trekking poles came out of the loft, and I guess nearer the time I'll start to increase the weight of my rucksack.

What kind of training are you doing? Have you ever done anything like this before?

[nathan]

i do love the forum and have had so many helpfull hints and tips passed my way...so a big thank you to all the contributors and leslie for giving up his time to admin it.
it is great to hear of so many plans to start the walk and from so many start places.is it possible to add a diary page so at a glance members can see when others plan to set off and from where?
i myself will be setting off alone on the 31st july from SJJP.
i had noticed a lot of posts about walking alone....a friendly face from here might encourage others....just a thought

[nomadicRob]

G'day Kate,
Good to see there are Aussies coming en route ;-) I'm heading on the path about beginning of March and hope to see many more Aussies on the track...I doubt we have anything like this in Aust but there is the Bibbulmun Track in WA however I think the scenery and the whole experience will be one to remember for a long time after - haven't learnt much Spanish yet except for eating and wine requests but thats part of the fun isn't it ;-) ciao

[Heliman1965]

Hi SparrowGirl,

"Yeah it sure is" and I'll enjoy watching it again & again...
Planning this trip has got me on a permanent child like state of a high... Full of excitement as if I were sat in front of a mountain of presents on Christmas morning..

My rucksack is all packed ready to go, I've got all my tickets and travel insurance, Santander bank account opened as they don't charge for withdrawls... the only thing I've not thought about is how I will get home as I don't want to have to be driven by any sort of time factor...
I've allowed 6 weeks as i hope to take a day off for some site seeing or use a spare day just to rest up. Even though your a day ahead our paths could well cross on one of your rest days..

I've just started my training better late than never. I have some lovely walks right on my doorstep and I've tackled a few of them in the past.

As the Training Officer for the Hampshire's Lowland Search & Rescue,we are all volunteer that work for the Police searching for Vulnerable Missing People. we get out and about quite a bit..

No I've never done any real long distance walking before so this is going to certainly be a shock to the system for the fist few days.


Buen Camino

[unadara]

I've allowed 6 weeks as i hope to take a day off for some site seeing or use a spare day just to rest up.


Heliman
Think about Finisterre and Muxia, either direction. You will have plenty of days to spare and it's common that once you start and hope to complete the Camino in one go that you are reluctant to stop, however, Leon is a great spot for a days rest, other than that 2-3 shorter days maybe, stopping at places of interest, many of them..Despite the knowledge you are a tourist! you become a "pelegrino" and you do not have the same interest in sight-seeing as you think you might have, except for all the Cathedrals, Churches, monuments etc on the "way"..Buen Camino

[Richard23]

Hi from Denver, Colorado.
Just saying hello in case there are fellow travelers expecting to be walking about the same time.
I'm planning to start Camino de Frances end of March into April.
I expect to fly into Madrid and head north to SJPP.
If anyone is from Colorado, I'd be interesting that too.
Thanks!

[Lipka149]

I look forward to discussing the Camino with many of you.

Ahh ... a Cursillista ! Finally !

Talk to me about your Weekend, Tim.

If anyone here is from the metro Boston area and looking to make the journey, send me a message and we could become companions on the Camino . DE COLORES and ULTREYA!!

I will be in Boston Feb 16-20. Would enjoy sharing Piety, Study & Action with you and your Group. Any chance ? Will be at the Newton Marriott.

[Lipka149]

That film has a lot to answer for

Ha !

Trish ... the film, for all that is good about it ... cannot possibly capture the ESSENCE of the Camino.

Clearly it has touched a note for you ... so what exactly does it "have to answer for" ?

My buddy Joe leads youths on their pilgrimage several times each year and he encourages them to determine in advance what they are walking for. Better to prepare in advance for life's trials and tribulations and experience joy in the walking ...

What joy will you walk for, my Sister ???



Need to hear those good reasons !!!

[sound]

Hi Rob
Yeah it is great to see a few Aussies interested ... I have a few years to go yet but if i dont keep the dream alive by thinking/talking about it it aint gonna happen lol. I am looking forward to heairng about your experience ... are you going to blog on in here as you are travelling Rob?

[RHinSantaFe]

I made the walk from Pamplona to Santiago in 30 days averaging 15 miles a day. It is quite addictive. Looking forward to making my second walk. Walked the French Way. Started in Pamplona because I was in Irun and wanted to take the Northern Route but when it started raining I hopped the train to Pamplona and began there. Stay flexible. Decided at the end of July to make the walk and at the end of August I was in Paris boarding the train to Bayonne but decided to stay on the train to Irun. Just saying.

[Feryn]

Hi there - living in London and ready for a meaningful adventure. I am defining my plans now. Believe I will spend some time in the French Pyrenees and then head from Carcassone to Biarritz (checking air and rail options). I'd depart St. Jean between 13-15 May. John Brierley's book (which was recommended to me) suggests a path which will take about 33 days at a pace of 20-30 km a day. The book says there could be a lot of rain in May so another option for me might be to start about 10th June -- however, I like the idea of doing it sooner vs later. April may even be an option, but I hear it's quite cold at night. Any advice welcome re timing or in general. Really excited!

[smkymtnhiker]

What a beautiful new year! I hail from the Great Smoky Mountains, living a few miles from the Applachian Trail. I, too, saw The Way and was so drawn. Out of the blue, at our Wilderness Week, usually all things devoted to the GSM, we had two local pelligrinos describe their experiences upon the Camino. It was a sign for me and I am committed for May 2013. I had plan to solo hike it but already I have my son, a member of my Men's Circle and both of my associates and their daughters wanting to hike as well. I guess it takes a village to do the Camino. Lol. I just feel blessed and inspired by everyone posting here. Thank you for opening your circle to me. Buen Camino!

[HuskyNerd]

.... I'd depart St. Jean between 13-15 May. John Brierley's book (which was recommended to me) suggests a path which will take about 33 days at a pace of 20-30 km a day. The book says there could be a lot of rain in May so another option for me might be to start about 10th June -- however, I like the idea of doing it sooner vs later. April may even be an option, but I hear it's quite cold at night.

Hi Feryn ~
I think mid-May is a great time to walk the Camino -- I've walked it twice starting in May from SJPP and had a great experience each time. Yes, I've had a day or two of rain during that time, but also some sunny weather and mild temps. To me, it's the perfect time of the year (everyone has their own favorite) because I love the vast green fields of the Meseta in the late spring. Buen camino!

[beachamorgan]

Hola Periginos! I happened across this forum while researching for my 3rd trip to the Camino. It's funny how the internet brings us all together. I have been walking the Camino in segments with my husband and this time I will be going with a friend, the husband really doesn't like long distance walking. I'm thinking of getting started in Leon this go around and going north to Oviedo on the Camino del Salvador. Then I plan to get on the Camino Primotivo to Santiago. I'm not sure if this is exactly what will end up but I know it will be a great time as always! I'm glad to be here and look forward to hearing about others plans and experiences.

Nicole

[Herringfish]

Wow! I, too have only heard and read about the Camino this past year. I hope 2013 to be my pilgrimage trek, unless I do one of my spontaneous throw up my arms and say," why not now." so Ive just joined this forum and hope to feed my mind with all the usefulness it provides. My best to you all, Herringfish.

[justine]

Hello,

I'm Justine and I'd like to walk the camino primitivo starting in @ May 2, 2012. I don't want to walk it totally alone but also don't want the more social experience of the Camino Frances. Just wondering if there's anyone here who'd like to join me on the primitivo or part of the norte.

[papawhisky]

Hello! My name is Patrick and I live in east Tennessee USA. I get to hike the Blue Ridge and Smokies all the time. In April I plan to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Virginia, so hiking is a big part of my life.
I have sons in Aachen Germany and am there frequently. Last year I heard about St. Jakob's Weg in Aachen. It got me thinking. Then I saw the Way on a flight to Germany in January. Now I am gathering info and starting to plan. I will go either Sept 2012 or May 2013.
Glad to find this forum and all the good info that you pilgrims are generously sharing!!
Good luck!
Patrick

[SaraHu]

Oh AT...Hope one day I can also manage to do it...Why don't you do the whole trail Comparing to AT you may not need to prepare much physically on camino. Just get ready to meet some great people and experience something more spiritual. Enjoy both trips!

[pastorsharon]

Hi All! My husband & I are in our mid-50's and plan to start our camino in May/June of 2015 (after we save the money to fly to Paris from the US). My heart is already there! Thanks for this forum to keep us excited and to help us prepare for our pilgrimage.

[Col]

Hi everyone just started walking today to get myself a bit fitter for my walk sometime this year , looking forward to a natter with you all in the weeks to come .
Any tips from the more expierienced shufflers would be most welcome .

[Col]

Hi folks , Im looking forward to my walk later on this year once I get a my boots broken in a little and up my fitness a little .
Look forward to your chat in the weeks to come

[wonderingman85]

I'm new to this site. I just watched the movie "The Way". I'm now inspired to hike the same journey. Does anyone have any advice for a first timer to Europe or the Journey in general? I'm from the US and I've only gone on 1 main hiking trip and it wasn't nearly as far as this one. It was only about 50 miles over 5 days. With a 60 pound hiking pack on me. Anything I should know before I even start planning this trip? like maybe culture rules or how to socialize with the locals. I've never been further away from home then Canada. But I would like to change that. I'm open to any and all suggestions. -Wonderingman85

[ken huocj]

Hello! My name is Patrick and I live in east Tennessee USA. I get to hike the Blue Ridge and Smokies all the time. In April I plan to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Virginia, so hiking is a big part of my life.
. . . . . .
. I will go either Sept 2012 or May 2013.
Glad to find this forum and all the good info that you pilgrims are generously sharing!!
Good luck!
Patrick

wish i could fathom a way to join you to hike along the Blue Ridge,
please send to me links to you hike.

I remember gracefully my SJPP to SDC then Finisterra and Muxia sept-oct 2009

buen camino

[Tulstig]

I'm new to this site. I just watched the movie "The Way". I'm now inspired to hike the same journey. Does anyone have any advice for a first timer to Europe or the Journey in general? I'm from the US and I've only gone on 1 main hiking trip and it wasn't nearly as far as this one. It was only about 50 miles over 5 days. With a 60 pound hiking pack on me. Anything I should know before I even start planning this trip? like maybe culture rules or how to socialize with the locals. I've never been further away from home then Canada. But I would like to change that. I'm open to any and all suggestions. -Wonderingman85

My first piece of advice is to travel light -a lighter rucksack makes for a lighter journey. AS for everything else take it as it comes- The locals are wonderful all along the way, and the other pilgrims too. If you have one or two words of Spanish even better, but if not you'll still find the Way welcoming and a total enjoyment. Before walking the Camino Frances I hadn't walked much at all -now I'm hooked! Buen Camino!

[unadara]

Hi Wondering man
I met 2 nice people from the USA on my Camino last year. One was a lovely woman near my age who was very fit, she was very spiritual and talked a lot. She was very well prepared, you have golite bags etc in Usa? ..carried John Brierly guide (essential for seeing all the churches), we only carried the JB maps guide and a PILa Press (canadian guide). The OTHER us man was an ex vietnam vet, was walking because he saw the movie "The Way", and regretted every minute of it. he was such fun, dry humour, got up at 4am in order to met us at end of day, and my husband on the last day walked all the way in with him..very slow (my husband is very fast) so , this is the Camino. You must prepare, get good boots/trail shoes..light pack. Walk with anticipation, don't plan everything-it won't happen, and embrace the 2 + Irish people you will meet.
Buen Camino
ps we are still in touch with our USA camino friends

[housesitternichols2012]

The Camino has been in my "bucket list" for many years. Now at 71 and a cancer survivor I am leaving in May for this pilgrimage. I am practising almost daily with a 20 lb backpack and good shoes. My advice is take the risks, be open to the journey, and allow plenty of time to see Spain. The people, architecture, and history are wonderful. Read John Brierley's wonderful guidebook before going. The history and architecture of Pamplona, Burgos, and Leon alone will amaze and dazzle anyone with curiosity. And...then there is Santiago, majestic and magical. Buen Camino