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.