The train must have taken longer than my memory states. I arrived in St Jean Pied de Port around lunch and the official Albergue was closed. I waited with the others, we all wanted a pilgrims passport before setting out.
By the time it had opened and we had all gotten our Pilgrims Passport it was passed 1pm. Some people that had started talking to me said it would not be possible to get as far as Roncesvalles today, however there was a privite hostel only about 8km up the hills. So yes I asked to be included in the booking they were making on the phone.
8km, I though, just a stroll in the park. It was the hardest day that I had on the whole Camino. Most people walk the full day to Roncesvalles, I am glad that I did not, it was hard going – and I had not done any training, thinking it would be no problem.
My Camino diary for that day has a four line entry, I was tired, my feet were sore, and I was still wondering what the hell I was doing here in Spain. I am not catholic; I don’t, in general, like any religion, why the hell did I end up on a pilgrimage?
You can find the Orisson here and I don’t have any details for the official St Jean Albergue, but here is a priviate albergue in St Jean called L’Esprit du Chemin.
I could do with some help – as usual. If you know any web details for any of the Albergues along the way please send me the details to webmaster {at} caminodesantiago.me.uk and I will add them to the Albergue list page.
My daughter and I walked from St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles in one day. It was a beautiful walk (and yes we passed a couple of places to stay along the way) and no we were not inclined to stay. We did encounter some fog as we got closer to Roncesvalles. We had originally intended to go on the opposite route where we could spend the night before arriving. It was poorly marked so we returned to the one day crossing to Roncesvalles. We were passed by pilgrims with horses and mules. In fact, one rude group came past us with total disregard for our safety etc. Just intent on their getting past us.
It sounds like a complaint, however, my total experience on the camino was very positive. I am 73 but hope to take another route to Santiago in the future. Portugal may be the route I chose. Hope your journey was as great as ours.
Yes, there are many experiences to be had on the camino.