LIVE from the Camino MelMc walks from SJPP

[MelMc]

So I started out from st Jean Pied De port yesterday around 8 with the rain pelting down heading up the Napoleon towards Orisson. After lunch alot of people decided to avail of the taxi service and I don't blame them as the rain was nonstop. Any way myself and Andrew an American chap soldiered on over the pass in deep discussion on various topics, alas realising we had taken a wrong turn we were saved by some french workers who drove us back to the right spot. To cut a long story short we made it to the Albergue about 7 just in time for some grub. After a shower and a beer my bed called me to her and I duly obliged, today was hard also but the weather was better. Tomorrow I'm heading to Pamplona and I'm loving every minute of it. Night night

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

lucky you, I remember my late evening on the bald mountain in 2008 and a big hanger of an albergue in Ronsesvalles.

 

[bestfootforward]

So I started out from st Jean Pied De port yesterday around 8 with the rain pelting down heading up the Napoleon towards Orisson. After lunch alot of people decided to avail of the taxi service and I don't blame them as the rain was nonstop. Any way myself and Andrew an American chap soldiered on over the pass in deep discussion on various topics, alas realising we had taken a wrong turn we were saved by some french workers who drove us back to the right spot. To cut a long story short we made it to the Albergue about 7 just in time for some grub. After a shower and a beer my bed called me to her and I duly obliged, today was hard also but the weather was better. Tomorrow I'm heading to Pamplona and I'm loving every minute of it. Night night

A tough start but you've already got the Camino spirit. Embrace every minute; the good, the bad and the everything else. Buen Camino!

 

[MelMc]

lucky you, I remember my late evening on the bald mountain in 2008 and a big hanger of an albergue in Ronsesvalles.

Yeah mate, you need to focus

A tough start but you've already got the Camino spirit. Embrace every minute; the good, the bad and the everything else. Buen Camino!

 

[Plataman]

That first day is the toughest you will encounter on the Frances, and you handled it well you are good to go for the rest of the Camino!

 

[longwalker60]

So I started out from st Jean Pied De port yesterday around 8 with the rain pelting down heading up the Napoleon towards Orisson. After lunch alot of people decided to avail of the taxi service and I don't blame them as the rain was nonstop. Any way myself and Andrew an American chap soldiered on over the pass in deep discussion on various topics, alas realising we had taken a wrong turn we were saved by some french workers who drove us back to the right spot. To cut a long story short we made it to the Albergue about 7 just in time for some grub. After a shower and a beer my bed called me to her and I duly obliged, today was hard also but the weather was better. Tomorrow I'm heading to Pamplona and I'm loving every minute of it. Night night

My first day was just the opposite. It was extremely hot and I ran out of water after crossing over the prynees. I thought to myself, its less then 5 miles and its downhill, I can make it. I did, but just barely. ( A very stupid mistake!). Greeted by a long line, many people ahead of me, checkng in. my only thought was water..... Thanks to the hospitalaros in Reconvilles, they gave me a seat and plenty to drink. After 45 minutes I could barely walk. A hot shower, a hot meal, clean sheets, and a new day dawning. I never thought I has so much to be thankful. One of the toughest days on the camino, but also one of the best for so many reasons. Buen Camino!

 

[John Crawford Howell]

Which proves life is like a box of camino days—you never know what you're going to get.

 

[Mick0]

Well done. Makes me wonder if I should pack my rain proof trousers, but what’s the point when me shoes aren’t water proof? My bag is tiny… And I’ve just a sleeping bag liner, will I be freezing?

 

[Sue127]

Everyone has a different measure for what makes a day on the Camino difficult and one of the differences is attitude; sounds to me that yours is accepting and of tolerance. Stay open' and. you'll love the journey.

 

[ScouseKeith]

So I started out from st Jean Pied De port yesterday around 8 with the rain pelting down heading up the Napoleon towards Orisson. After lunch alot of people decided to avail of the taxi service and I don't blame them as the rain was nonstop. Any way myself and Andrew an American chap soldiered on over the pass in deep discussion on various topics, alas realising we had taken a wrong turn we were saved by some french workers who drove us back to the right spot. To cut a long story short we made it to the Albergue about 7 just in time for some grub. After a shower and a beer my bed called me to her and I duly obliged, today was hard also but the weather was better. Tomorrow I'm heading to Pamplona and I'm loving every minute of it. Night night

Well done MelMC
Believe me it only gets easier from tomorrow. There’s the odd challenging day ahead but nothing in comparison to today, and in about 4/5 days your legs will be tuned to walking and it gets easier. Keith

 

[ScouseKeith]

Well done. Makes me wonder if I should pack my rain proof trousers, but what’s the point when me shoes aren’t water proof? My bag is tiny… And I’ve just a sleeping bag liner, will I be freezing?

Mick0
It sounds like the weather has turned already. Be warned it might be warm during the day as you’re walking generating your own heat but when evenings are cold and wet a liner doesn’t do it but there are a lot of albergues provide blankets if so grab a couple, a good sleep is essential to body recovery for walking the next day. Keith

 

[Bogong]

So I started out from st Jean Pied De port yesterday around 8 with the rain pelting down heading up the Napoleon towards Orisson. After lunch alot of people decided to avail of the taxi service and I don't blame them as the rain was nonstop. Any way myself and Andrew an American chap soldiered on over the pass in deep discussion on various topics, alas realising we had taken a wrong turn we were saved by some french workers who drove us back to the right spot. To cut a long story short we made it to the Albergue about 7 just in time for some grub. After a shower and a beer my bed called me to her and I duly obliged, today was hard also but the weather was better. Tomorrow I'm heading to Pamplona and I'm loving every minute of it. Night night

Winter 2014. Heavy rain but it turned to snow jjust after Orisson. Wet through and tired out by Roncesvalles ( Gortex is useless). Met only one other masochist all the way. We caught up again in Pamplona and in S de C, 26 days on.
De Colores
Bogong

 

[Mick0]

Mick0
It sounds like the weather has turned already. Be warned it might be warm during the day as you’re walking generating your own heat but when evenings are cold and wet a liner doesn’t do it but there are a lot of albergues provide blankets if so grab a couple, a good sleep is essential to body recovery for walking the next day. Keith

Thanks Keith,
When people told me to pack lightly I took that literally…

 

[ScouseKeith]

Winter 2014. Heavy rain but it turned to snow jjust after Orisson. Wet through and tired out by Roncesvalles ( Gortex is useless). Met only one other masochist all the way. We caught up again in Pamplona and in S de C, 26 days on.
De Colores
Bogong

Hey Bogong
It was exactly the same for me on my first Camino July 2015. I had barely got out of town and the rain started and it got heavier and heavier as the time past. I stopped at orrisson for coffee and food then preceded but unto be known to me no other pilgrims continued walking. After about 8/9 hours I stopped and put up my poncho in the trees to sit down and just get out of the rain. It was nearly 8pm when I strolled into ronsevalles completely empty, soaked and exhausted. I should have got the taxi from orrisson but didn’t know back then.
I had pushed myself way too far that day without realising it I couldn’t even hold down my meal I had I threw up walking back.
Luckily for me that was the best lesson I learned on the Camino. Keith

 

[RRat]

So I started out from st Jean Pied De port yesterday around 8 with the rain pelting down heading up the Napoleon towards Orisson. After lunch alot of people decided to avail of the taxi service and I don't blame them as the rain was nonstop. Any way myself and Andrew an American chap soldiered on over the pass in deep discussion on various topics, alas realising we had taken a wrong turn we were saved by some french workers who drove us back to the right spot. To cut a long story short we made it to the Albergue about 7 just in time for some grub. After a shower and a beer my bed called me to her and I duly obliged, today was hard also but the weather was better. Tomorrow I'm heading to Pamplona and I'm loving every minute of it. Night night

So funny. I'm laughing because I experienced the same twice. We've survived and the days following felt like a piece of cake. I also find so interesting those pictures of beautiful vistas. All I experienced was cloud cover, fog, and sheep rear ends.

 

[BiggBlue]

The first day on the French Camino is undoubtedly the toughest single day on any Camino I have walked, including the Primitivo and the Norte. The first seven kilometres out of SJPP are steep and unexpectedly tough, especially for those who are new to the Camino and not used to hilly terrain.

I remember seeing people sitting at the side of the path, one or two looking shell-shocked, especially those who had overpacked or were wearing brand-new boots, aware they had completely underestimated, completely underestimating the challenge. I had beautiful weather that day, but when I reached Orisson, I wished I had booked a stay there. After some tortillas and coffee, I continued on my journey.

I can't imagine tackling this route in bad weather, as it's challenging enough in good conditions. Congratulations on your achievement! From here on, you can walk knowing that the toughest day is behind you.

These days, I am older and, I hope, a little wiser. I understand there is nothing to prove. It is not an endurance course; it is a journey with lessons to learn and immense pleasure to be had. Being more Camino-experienced, I manage the bad weather and challenging days with a less stubborn approach and go with the flow, and let common sense prevail.

 

[MelMc]

Grand wee walk today, tough towards the end but the excellent meal justified the effort. Body wise my left hand is swollen from an insect bite and a have a blister on my little toe. Spirit is good and I'm looking forward to a shorter day tomorrow , just to Estella, Wee Buns as they say back home.

 

[peregrina2000]

Grand wee walk today, tough towards the end but the excellent meal justified the effort. Body wise my left hand is swollen from an insect bite and a have a blister on my little toe. Spirit is good and I'm looking forward to a shorter day tomorrow , just to Estella, Wee Buns as they say back home.

Are you at the Maralotx? If so, give a big hug to Juanma and Paloma!

A shorter day tomorrow sounds perfect - Estella is a nice town and I hope you enjoy it.

 

[MelMc]

Thanks for your kind words. The Rest Is All Gravy

 

[MelMc]

Are you at the Maralotx? If so, give a big hug to Juanma and Paloma!

A shorter day tomorrow sounds perfect - Estella is a nice town and I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks and yes I'm at the Maralotx. What a beautiful place, I'll pass on your regards

 

[AnneO]

Thanks and yes I'm at the Maralotx. What a beautiful place, I'll pass on your regards

One of my favorite stops on my Camino, and maybe the best meal!

 

[trecile]

Thanks and yes I'm at the Maralotx. What a beautiful place, I'll pass on your regards

Say hi for me too!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I really enjoyed staying at that albergue in 2017 and have several nice pictures, however I do not specifically remember the owners. I'm sure my speaking very little Spanish could be one reason.

 

[trecile]

I really enjoyed staying at that albergue in 2017 and have several nice pictures, however I do not specifically remember the owners. I'm sure my speaking very little Spanish could be one reason.

@Juanma, who along with his wife owns the albergue, is a member of the forum, and speaks perfect English.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

@Juanma, who along with his wife owns the albergue, is a member of the forum, and speaks perfect English.

Apparently he, nor his wife, didn't introduce themselves to me when we checked in or I'd have known.

 

[Kiwi-family]

please say Hi from me too - Rachael from New Zealand

 

[peregrina2000]

Apparently he, nor his wife, didn't introduce themselves to me when we checked in or I'd have known.

Juanma and Paloma didn’t own the albergue in Cirauqui in 2017. They were managing two albergues on the Primitivo at that time, the albergue at Ponte Ferreira and the Nave. (Many forum members will remember the paella communal dinners they made there). They bought Maralotx from its long time owners in about 2019.

You should go back, @Camino Chrissy and you will get a royal welcome.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Juanma and Paloma didn’t own the albergue in Cirauqui in 2017. They were managing two albergues on the Primitivo at that time, the albergue at Ponte Ferreira and the Nave. (Many forum members will remember the paella communal dinners they made there). They bought Maralotx from its long time owners in about 2019.

You should go back, @Camino Chrissy and you will get a royal welcome.

Laurie, your knowledge of "all things Camino" is remarkable and amazing.

 

[Becky 59]

Say hi for me too. Juan is such a wonderful cook and hospitalero!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

You should go back, @Camino Chrissy and you will get a royal welcome.

Apparently I need to go back so I can add my voice to the chorus.

 

[peregrina2000]

And here’s the weird thing — an albergue that gets nothing but rave reviews is rarely full because it is “off stage.” Not sure why more people don’t figure it out.

 

[andycohn]

And here’s the weird thing — an albergue that gets nothing but rave reviews is rarely full because it is “off stage.” Not sure why more people don’t figure it out.

Sssshhhhh! We're thinking we'll be staying there in 10 days or so.

 

[andycohn]

Juanma and Paloma didn’t own the albergue in Cirauqui in 2017. They were managing two albergues on the Primitivo at that time, the albergue at Ponte Ferreira and the Nave. (Many forum members will remember the paella communal dinners they made there). They bought Maralotx from its long time owners in about 2019.

You should go back, @Camino Chrissy and you will get a royal welcome.

OMG, just caught this post now. Now we're definitely staying there. That paella dinner on the Primitivo in 2017 in the albergue at Ponte Ferreira was one of our most memorable Camino nights.

Can't you make this thread disappear, though?

 

[trecile]

OMG, just caught this post now. Now we're definitely staying there. That paella dinner on the Primitivo in 2017 in the albergue at Ponte Ferreira was one of our most memorable Camino nights.

I don't know if Juanma makes the same dinner every night, but in June we didn't have Paella. What he did serve was a delicious chick pea stew with a green salad starter.

 

[peregrina2000]

I should not have mentioned the paella. I only said it to see if others remenbered their stay in Ponte Ferreira, where it was the typical communal dinner menu. Paella is DEFINITELY NOT on the menu in Cirauqui. But I hear that it’s delicious nonetheless. I have not been to the Maralotx since Juanma and Paloma took it over, which is obviously a gaping camino deficit of mine.

 

[MelMc]

Easy day today ,met a nice South African man this morning who had scraped his leg but we managed to clean him up and he walked on cheerfully. Estella is really nice although I did lose my water bottle, I replaced it from the Decathlon store. On the way back I wandered in to the park and came upon an outdoor cafe which happened to sell beer. Turns out the girl that worked there had lived in Ireland to learn English. Needless to say we had a lovely chat and I sauntered back delighted at this unintended encounter. Overall a good day by any standard. The joy of walking

 

[andycohn]

I should not have mentioned the paella. I only said it to see if others remenbered their stay in Ponte Ferreira, where it was the typical communal dinner menu. Paella is DEFINITELY NOT on the menu in Cirauqui. But I hear that it’s delicious nonetheless. I have not been to the Maralotx since Juanma and Paloma took it over, which is obviously a gaping camino deficit of mine.

Understood. Was not expecting paella again. But, as you said, it was what made me remember the albergue in Ponte Ferreira.

 

[MelMc]

Estella to Sansol, long enough walk and frankly a bit boring these treks can be a head wrecker and joyous at the same time. Spare a thought for the sheep legs tied together waiting for the Wolf tonight. Yes you heard me sacrificed to save the flock. We only think life is tough. Mint Sauce Any One.

 

[MelMc]

Well done. Makes me wonder if I should pack my rain proof trousers, but what’s the point when me shoes aren’t water proof? My bag is tiny… And I’ve just a sleeping bag liner, will I be freezing?

Not yet

 

[dick bird]

Estella to Sansol, long enough walk and frankly a bit boring these treks can be a head wrecker and joyous at the same time. Spare a thought for the sheep legs tied together waiting for the Wolf tonight. Yes you heard me sacrificed to save the flock. We only think life is tough. Mint Sauce Any One.

?

 

[Wandalina]

Well done. Makes me wonder if I should pack my rain proof trousers, but what’s the point when me shoes aren’t water proof? My bag is tiny… And I’ve just a sleeping bag liner, will I be freezing?

Yes I think you will. Definitely bring sleeping bag, I've been asking for a blanket too a couple of nights

 

[MelMc]

Today I left Longrono on the bus to Navarrete not planned but thought I'd give my feet a rest. After breakfast there I walked to Najera. Pretty chilly day but good for walking, got in to my digs and now drinking a glass or 2 of wine in one of local bars.

 

[Jarrad]

It is important that the pilgrim stick to it in regards to the wine tasting. After all, the viticultural diversity of northern Spain is something many do not get to experience first hand. Just remember that it's a marathon and not a sprint.

 

[bks]

Well done. Makes me wonder if I should pack my rain proof trousers, but what’s the point when me shoes aren’t water proof? My bag is tiny… And I’ve just a sleeping bag liner, will I be freezing?

Wear shorts.

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

Today I left Longrono on the bus to Navarrete not planned but thought I'd give my feet a rest. After breakfast there I walked to Najera. Pretty chilly day but good for walking, got in to my digs and now drinking a glass or 2 of wine in one of local bars.

Well done, personal health and wellbeing always comes first. Buen Camino

 

[MelMc]

I'm enjoying my walk even more now that I've found my groove. Watching and listening to people, reading between the lines, who's coping who's not. Everyone's in bed now, contemplating the day ahead. Some with joy, some with dread. What I will say is before undertaking a walk like this get your Ass In Shape. Comprede

 

[MelMc]

Well done, personal health and wellbeing always comes first. Buen Camino

Cheers

 

[henrythedog]

I'm enjoying my walk even more now that I've found my groove. Watching and listening to people, reading between the lines, who's coping who's not. Everyone's in bed now, contemplating the day ahead. Some with joy, some with dread. What I will say is before undertaking a walk like this get your Ass In Shape. Comprede

Have you had a good evening?

 

[MelMc]

Have you had a good evening?

Yes, dinner in Albergue with 2 French people and 2 Koreans .We laughed a lot, good medicine

 

[Tortilla]

before undertaking a walk like this get your Ass In Shape

Getting your Ass In Shape isn't always as easy as you think

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

Have you had a good evening?

..yes indeed a properly prepared Ass is essential....

 

[nycwalking]

..yes indeed a properly prepared Ass is essential....

I can.

But, I won’t.

I will remain silent!