CaminoMatt
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- I plan to walk the Camino de Frances (Future)
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There are lots of videos on YouTube to show you what the route and walk are like. What are you and your family actually concerned about? If you are not walking in late fall or early spring, when there could be significant weather-related problems, there really aren't any significant "dangers." Take water and lunch, wear a hat, have a wind/rain jacket.Hi,
I am wanting to walk the Camino Frances and want to start my journey in St Jean. This means walking through the Pyrenees mountains which my family are quite concerned about.
Could you tell me what the route is like and as much advice as possible to help settle their minds as well as mine.
Thanks
CaminoMatt
Hi Matt,Hi,
I am wanting to walk the Camino Frances and want to start my journey in St Jean. This means walking through the Pyrenees mountains which my family are quite concerned about.
Could you tell me what the route is like and as much advice as possible to help settle their minds as well as mine.
Thanks
CaminoMatt
There's road walking on Napolean Route too. Some cars passed by. As you said, not many - but they were quite fast.The weather was pretty good when I walked SJPDP to Roncesvalles. As Inbar says above, you will walk along the shoulder of the main (two lane) road for a while if you go via Valcarlos. You will walk along the edges of roads for short distances here and there later on, but never along the shoulder of big busy multi-lane highways. I put super-reflective tape at the tops of my walking poles - it's amazingly brightly reflective when headlights hit it in fading daylight, better than nothing in fog, very fluorescent in daylight. Available at good hardware stores. It doesn't like bending, it's really best for flat surfaces. But I put clear packing tape over it to hold it down. It's still there now, fresh as a daisy. (that mud in the photo was much later in the voyage) I never saw anybody else who had done this. I'll let you do it for a small fee. Just kidding. - Mike
View attachment 27662
My favorite New Yorker cartoon: Two vultures on a tree in the desert. Caption: Patience, hell. I am going to kill something.I love those vultures - they are just so ....... BIG
My favorite New Yorker cartoon: Two vultures on a tree in the desert. Caption: Patience, hell. I am going to kill something.
Of course if you were to cross the Pyrenees on the first day in very bad weather such as heavy snow, or thunder storms with lightning, etc you would risk the possibility of injury or death, but anybody with a lick of common sense wouldn't do that. Same to be said for crossing them in warm weather without proper hydration, or if you are in bad health.Hi,
I am wanting to walk the Camino Frances and want to start my journey in St Jean. This means walking through the Pyrenees mountains which my family are quite concerned about.
Could you tell me what the route is like and as much advice as possible to help settle their minds as well as mine.
Thanks
CaminoMatt
And how about flying pigs, nuclear energy bars, falling walkers, bizzarros, shortening, zombies, marmot stampedes, split infinitives, billiards, death stars, polystyrene, Las Vegas, genetic mutation, gamma rays, antimatter, ISIS, frog rain, anxiety, back seat drivers, holy mackerels, almighty dins, Kentucky Fried Chicken potato salad, nose hair, aspartame, IMAX, the ozone layer, exploding dentures, batboy, lawyers, guns, money, fiddledeedee, and dandruff. And spiders. I hate spiders.
I went over in May we did it in one day with full packs on. The path up is OK just steep but mostly road start early and take your time they'll be plenty of folks around you all in the same boat. The descent is the killer very slow picking your way down. My two top tips are: 1) Send you pack on that day and walk with a day pack 2) Buy a walking pole or even two! I didn't get my walking pole till later but I wish I had it that day. Don't be tempted to miss this stage once you have done it you know you can do anything else the Camino throws at you and everyone will ask you for the rest of the trip about your Pyrenees experience. When I did my pack was too heavy and I was three stone overweight and emotional reward was fabulousHi,
I am wanting to walk the Camino Frances and want to start my journey in St Jean. This means walking through the Pyrenees mountains which my family are quite concerned about.
Could you tell me what the route is like and as much advice as possible to help settle their minds as well as mine.
Thanks
CaminoMatt
That's it ! This applies to the rest of the Camino too.....and beyond (and prior)a lick of common sense
The movie is total fiction-something that some people can tend to forget (not meaning you, Jas, or most Forum members).that movie where Martin Sheen's son parished on the Pyrenees. The fact that he was younger and died there gives the impression that it is the main danger threat on this Frances route.
Oh, @Kanga, where? There seemed to be nothing open when I walked through, and I ended up having only a few oranges and a bar of chocolate to sustain me until I got to Roncesvalles. How'd I miss this--maybe because it was early March?A bonus is that Valcarlos has one of the best restaurants!
Nothing to be concerned regarding safety, the route is basically an uphill road walk with breathtaking views, not a technical hike, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, you will enjoy it. At no time I felt like I should not be there because it was unsafe. Just go for it. Buen Camino.Hi,
I am wanting to walk the Camino Frances and want to start my journey in St Jean. This means walking through the Pyrenees mountains which my family are quite concerned about.
Could you tell me what the route is like and as much advice as possible to help settle their minds as well as mine.
Thanks
CaminoMatt
You forgot exwifesAnd how about flying pigs, nuclear energy bars, falling walkers, bizzarros, shortening, zombies, marmot stampedes, split infinitives, billiards, death stars, polystyrene, Las Vegas, genetic mutation, gamma rays, antimatter, ISIS, frog rain, anxiety, back seat drivers, holy mackerels, almighty dins, Kentucky Fried Chicken potato salad, nose hair, aspartame, IMAX, the ozone layer, exploding dentures, batboy, lawyers, guns, money, fiddledeedee, and dandruff. And spiders. I hate spiders.
¿Brown Bears? There are no one Bear in that area. About Lynx the same.Matt, a little research should provide you and your family with all the re-assurance required. Apart from Lynx, Brown Bear, Griffon Vultures and Mountain Bikers there are very few dangerous animals in the Pyrenees. Weather hazards are no different to any other mountain system and at worst on the Camino Frances you run the risk of one to two days exposure depending on which exact route you undertake. There are links on this forum to enough logs, blogs and even stop-frame movies of this hazardous endeavour to satisfy anyones curiosity surely. Thousands of people walk from St Jean to Santiago every year. The usual advice, to follow the advice of the Pilgrims' Office in St Jean applies, always.
So DJ did you find the steep hills the first day manageable...I get out of breath fast when I go up steep hills so I am getting nervous about doing this first day on my Camino - I will be doing the Valcarlos route.Hi Matt
The only part of the Camino I was truly worried about before starting was crossing the Pyrenees. I am not a big hiker. And I hate climbing hills (much less mountains!) The weather when we crossed was 30 degrees with a 50MPH head wind and freezing rain. It wasn't easy. But it wasn't all that hard, either. (Really, this is from a wuss!!) I'm really, really glad I started in St. Jean. And most especially that I spent the first night in Orisson (8K from St. Jean). It was the first of what would become my favorite experiences on the Camino - communal, family style meals with pilgrims from all over the world.
Buen camino, brother!
DJ
While not a particularly far hike, 24km out of the 900 odd Km to Finnisterra, facing the hill on the first day, is certainly daunting. For me personally, that first day’s walk has tremendous psychological importance. When starting out, it seems impossible that one can manage to walk all the way up the steep slopes, following the road that seems to go on for ever. Once over the hill, nothing seems impossible, and, I found, that it is possible to enjoy the experience, secure in the Knowledge that ones body, in spite of the trials and tribulations to come, is capable of meeting the test.Hi,
I am wanting to walk the Camino Frances and want to start my journey in St Jean. This means walking through the Pyrenees mountains which my family are quite concerned about.
Could you tell me what the route is like and as much advice as possible to help settle their minds as well as mine.
Thanks
CaminoMatt
Hi Matt,
Some of the comments here may have been made with a tongue firmly in cheek. Please reassure your parents (and yourself) that you are not actually going into the main part of the Pyrenees. The walk from SJPP is in the foothills of the Pyrenees. NO jagged peaks and the highest bump you cross is at 1430m.
Reassure your parents with this ... When I first walked over that stretch from SJPP to Roncesvalles, I was 59. I've done it 3 other times since then - the last time for my 70th birthday. I am not in particularly good shape and the first time I thought it would kill me. But now I absolutely love it. At that age, I am not an exception. I meet people older than me frequently, and if they're European, they usually charge up the hills much faster than I do!! This is not mountain climbing. It's walking up a steep (steep, steep) hill, and the first 15 km is paved.
But to be clear, that doesn't mean it's easy. It gets a person right out of puff in spots *smile*. And, unfortunately, the occasional person has had a heart attack. And, of course, anyone who hasn't trained a bit and starts out too fast can get pretty painful shin splints, blisters, cramps or whatever.
You don't mention when you want to go, and definitely some times of the year are easier than other (Ms. Obvious I know). The bottom line on the road is that it IS a mountain road and can be dangerous. Mountains and oceans can be calm and serene or totally violent. You don't want to try to argue when they're in a violent mood because you will likely lose.
The people in the Pilgrims Office in SJPP know what the mountain conditions are, as the road is monitored on a daily basis for bad weather (at least in the iffy months). IF the people in the Pilgrims Office tell you not to cross over the mountain - DON'T DO IT. In the past people have chosen to cross anyway and there have been deaths. Although the conditions are frequently just fine and very mellow, sometimes they are dangerous. You just need to use your head and listen to others.
Please feel reassured, and reassure your parents, that unless you do something really stupid, you should be absolutely fine. Unless you're going in the middle of winter, there will be lots of people who can help you if you were to have an accident of some kind. Buen camino.
I medically treated 5 people on my last trip over the top. It was snowing and some people treat it like a walk around the park. Not carrying water was the biggest issue. 15 rescued and 1 death.
Safest way is walk in a group and carry 2 littes of water. I had 3 litres and ended up giving a lot to people suffering. That year, there was no water from Orison to Ronsesvalles.
Hi,
I am wanting to walk the Camino Frances and want to start my journey in St Jean. This means walking through the Pyrenees mountains which my family are quite concerned about.
Could you tell me what the route is like and as much advice as possible to help settle their minds as well as mine.
Thanks
CaminoMatt
Hi Trevor, wish you all a wonderful journey and a Buen Camino, Peter.Our Camino Frances pilgrimage starts mid March 2017. I remain amused and satisfied to read this post, both for the original plea and from my sense of pride for the post's "aged and frail" that el camino has fulfilled.
The distance, risks and effort are enough to deter many. I therefore appreciate the wisdom, experience and spiritual insight offered by pilgrims on Ivar's sites for those of us yet to follow the way.
I will be 73 and accompany my daughter and her husband to share this community trek along with the spirit of mum and dad.
To the thread peregrino valiente Matt, all the best.
So DJ did you find the steep hills the first day manageable...I get out of breath fast when I go up steep hills so I am getting nervous about doing this first day on my Camino - I will be doing the Valcarlos route.
I had the same experience the first day (from SJPP to Orisson) of getting out of breath going up the huge hills ... but then an angel appeared to me (in the form of a French Pilgrim in his 80s who had walked from his hometown in the French Alps) and gave me the technique that made it possible to do the rest of the Pyrenees and the rest of the camino undaunted. The technique worked really well on the steep downhill as well ... it prevented bruised toes. . . He saw that I had stopped out of breath close to Orisson and he began to do a 'zigzag' walking back and forth across the road ... I thought he was just clowning around ... then my husband exclaimed, "I forgot about that!" "Forgot about what?!" I replied... If you zigzag, you essentially create your own incline at your own pace ... thus rendering the highest steepest incline into little inclines that are manageable... voila! I'm so thankful for angels!Hi Matt
I get out of breath going up hills, too!!I understand your nervousness, I was, too. I didn't find the first day (from SJPP to Orisson) all that difficult. There were only a couple of kilometers that were particularly steep. As for the rest of the crossing to Roncesvalles, I discovered that my anticipation and anxiety about crossing the Pyrenees were totally unfounded. My suggestion would be to go slow and take breaks when you need to.
As FDR said: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Whether you go the Napoleon or the Valcarlos route, it will be the "right" choice. Trust yourself. You've got this! Buen Camino!!
Hi,
I am wanting to walk the Camino Frances and want to start my journey in St Jean. This means walking through the Pyrenees mountains which my family are quite concerned about.
Could you tell me what the route is like and as much advice as possible to help settle their minds as well as mine.
Thanks
CaminoMatt
Hi Penny, those first day's where my favorite day's to.I just got back from my first Camino. I have M.S. and walked from St. Jean. It's a hard climb in areas but well worth it. The views are amazing...you won't regret it.
Buen Camino
I just got back from my first Camino. I have M.S. and walked from St. Jean. It's a hard climb in areas but well worth it. The views are amazing...you won't regret it.
Buen Camino
that was a beautiful description Errol unfortunately, for some reason, the photos would not show but thanks for sharing.. hope I do not get lost in the mist, regards, olgaeveraertWhile not a particularly far hike, 24km out of the 900 odd Km to Finnisterra, facing the hill on the first day, is certainly daunting. For me personally, that first day’s walk has tremendous psychological importance. When starting out, it seems impossible that one can manage to walk all the way up the steep slopes, following the road that seems to go on for ever. Once over the hill, nothing seems impossible, and, I found, that it is possible to enjoy the experience, secure in the Knowledge that ones body, in spite of the trials and tribulations to come, is capable of meeting the test.
I have been over the Hill on two occasions, both Camino’s starting at more or less the same time, about May 20th . On both occasions, I was fortunate to be accompanied by my brother, Derek van Rensburg. Being a veteran of numerous Camino’s, Derek is a vast walking encyclopaedia of all things Camino, with untold snippets of information on Spain, it’s history, culture, cuisine and architecture.
On the first occasion, the weather was brilliant, clear sunny skies, and after a hard slog, I was rewarded by a fantastic view over the countryside from the summit. The long walk up the hill was, for a not very fit novice pilgrim, probably one of the hardest things that I had done for a long time. Again, Derek’s encouragement, and wry comments, interspersed with interesting historical footnotes, went a long way to motivating me, and keeping one foot moving ahead of the other. Sitting on the summit, and enjoying a repast of bread, cheese and Jamon, I felt a tremendous feeling of accomplishment. I had just done something that I had had serious doubts, of my ability to do. This feeling of accomplishment was to stand me in good stead during the weeks ahead. After lasing in the sunshine, we set off on the last leg of our days journey, and a short downward walk later, I arrived at the old refuge at Roncesvallis.
On my second Camino, we left St. Jean in the dark on a still cool morning. As we followed the road higher and higher up the Hill, we notices ominous signs of mist closing in, accompanied with a marked drop in temperature.
The higher we went, the more the weather closed in, and visibility declined, to the point of about a one meter visibility radius, and a cold steady Scotch Mist. As our strides, and walking tempo differed, a gap slowly opened between Derek and I, with Derek being the faster walker, slowly pulling ahead. Following the yellow arrows became more and more difficult as the mist closed in, restricting visibility. Becoming disorientated by the lack of visibility, I lost sense of time and distance, and had no idea how far I was from the summit.
As the road steepened, I walked in a zig-zag pattern to ease the strain on my legs. While zigging across the road, I missed Derek waiting at the turn-off, and kept on going higher. Finally I realised that, not only were there no pilgrims in sight, or sound of me, but that I seemed to have run out of road. Retracing my path, I literally walked into a concerned Derek, having walked right passed him, having missed him in the mist on the way up.
We arrived at Roncesvallis in driving rain, and found that the new refuge, run by the Dutch, was certainly more comfortable than the old.
Thinking about things, I believe that that first day’s journey encompasses the whole Camino experience into a single day’s journey. The experience, to most Pilgrims, is new. The demands of the first day, on untried bodies, often with very little practical experience and training, are daunting. It is almost as if all the emotions of the Camino are compressed into that single experience.
Into the unknown, hardship that must simply be endured, the satisfaction of achieving what you thought you may not be able to do, the comradeship of fellow pilgrims, and the triumphant arrival at Roncesvallis
Yes, the Way is long, there will be moments of doubt, moments of soul searching, of blisters and strain, but also moments of Joy, of friends made for life, and finally, when the route is done, of memories that return. Of an accomplishment made.
All of this is encapsulated in that first days walk, the walk over the Hill.
Photos; Derek van Rensburg
1st Photo First signs of encroaching mist
2nd Photo Mist now stronger, turning to rain
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