Last minute jitters!

This time next week, I will be winging my way towards Paris, France! I have been packing & re-packing my backpack, trying to make it work. It's still coming in at 17 lbs , even though I've tossed out a few things I wanted to bring (mostly things I can purchase in France or Spain, but really, I'd rather save the $ & take & use what I already have).

I finally got frustrated with the two "pockets" that attach to the front straps. Even empty, they make me feel as though I'm being strangled & are really heavy. I decided last night to toss them, but what to use instead? I decided to get a waistpack, which while smaller, will still hold the things I need to keep on hand (like my pilgrim's passport & munchies) AND is much lighter. I also got a cheapo rain poncho which is incredibly much lighter than the one I got earlier. At some point, I will stop spending $$ on this trip. I'll put it all together tonight to see how much my pack comes in at with these subtractions & additions.

Why I can't pack

Heeding the advice of veteran peregrinos, I have been packing & re-packing my back pack, taking things out so that it will be as light as possible. Can I really get by for 2 weeks with only 3 changes of clothes?

As you can tell, Rikki (calico) & Misty are "helping" me by sleeping on my stuff. I have less than 2 weeks to go before my trip. Will they finally wake up & go do something else so I can finish packing?

More thoughts on the first leg

Today,, one of the members of the Santiago Today forum reappeared. He had started his Camino about the time that the British pilgrim got lost & died. According to Santos, he spent 18 hours on the trail, getting to Roncesvalles at midnight! He related that it got cold very quickly, going from rain to blizzard conditions, when there was already a 3-foot accumulation on the ground. The kicker? He took the Valcarlos Route! He barely made it to Roncesvalles & was sent back by taxi to SJPdP the next morning. He could not continue because he had some problems due to the exposure to the cold, but he is at least safe & sound at home now. He had listened to the locals & took the recommended route, as well.

Now I'm budgeting in the cost of a taxi to Roncesvalles. If the weather is still that shaky in 2 weeks, I'll take a cab.

Another change in plans

This week, those of us in the Camino world received the tragic news that a pilgrim from Great Britain died as a result of exposure along the Route Napoleon. He had gotten lost during a snow storm, and while the rescuers found him alive, he later died at the hospital.

It's early April & it's still snowing in the mountains?!? I wonder why this guy was up there; we are told repeatedly to listen to the locals in SJPdP & if they tell you not to take the Route Napoleon--DON'T TAKE IT! Perhaps the weather changed so quickly that even the locals didn't realize?

I've already placed most of my stuff in my pack & wandered around the nearby elementary school with it the past few days (to the looks of amusement & disbelief of other walkers & joggers). Even if I walk 6 miles with the pack every day from now until May 1, I don't think I could handle carrying my "Seattle gear." As a result, I wouldn't have the proper gear to handle such a change in weather. Because of this, I am seriously considering taking the more historical route through the valley via Arneguy & Valcarlos, instead of up & over the Pyrennees as I had originally planned.

I can still take 2 days to get to Roncesvalles, by stopping at Valcarlos, and wouldn't have to climb or descend as high as I would have via the Route Napoleon. The Camino runs along the highway between SJPdP, so it's not as remote.

While I'd miss all the view, as well as staying at the albergue in Orisson, I think it best to play it safe on this first stage. I can always go back & walk the Route Napoleon when the weather is more stable.