The Way in April

[John Topping]

Greetings Joe,
We are also planning to walk the Camino in April, leaving Roncevalles on or
around 21st April.  Who knows we may see one another or perhaps we could
leave a message or two for you along the way.  We also feel that April is a
good time to make the walk.  I have been told it is Sping in Spain and the
countryside will be lush and green.  We are also hoping that the refugios
will be a little less crowded - we will miss being in Santiago for the
Saints Day - but have decided we would prefer to walk at a quieter time.
After we have finished the walk we hop to travel to Finisterre and then back
to Madrid and down to Andalucia for a couple of weeks as well.
Congratulations on choosing to walk in your 64th year, good luck with your
preparations.  We extend our best wishes to you for a safe and happy 2002.
John & Marion Topping,
New Zealand.

----- Original Message -----
From: Joseph Kohut <bvjkaODIN.PDX.EDU>
To: <GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU>
Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2001 2:06 PM
Subject: Re: The Way in April


> I've been asked why start the Camino in April. Here is why:
>
> I intend to leave the US on 23rd April. Fly to Madrid, then to Pamplona.
> Stay a day in Pamplona to recover from jet lag and see something of the
> city. 25th take the bus to Roncesvalles, attend the pilgrim mass and
acquire
> a credential. Leave early on the 26th by taxi for St. Jean Pied du Port
and
> begin walking in earnest. Why the 26th? Because it will be my 64th
birthday.
> Besides, I assume that many pilgrims will start on 1 May when the Accueil
> Saint Jacques opens and begins issuing credentials. I would like to be a
day
> or two ahead of the pack.
>
> I am also leaving in April because I understand that later in the season
it
> may be difficult to find an empty place in refugios, especially as I get
> closer to Santiago and vacation season starts.
>
> Finally, I understand that by the time I come to the meseta, it will be
mild
> and green. Not, dusty, brown and hot as later in the year. I expect rain,
> but not snow, unless I encounter some in the Pyrenees. (Since I am a
> resident of the Northwest, USA, I am accustomed to rain.)  I am an
ultra-lit
> backpacker, but will take sufficient light-weight but warm clothing to
> weather any cold. Remember you will be moving most of the time and
> generating heat.
>
> One more thing: a good friend of mine, a geographer, did the camino by
> bicycle a couple of years ago. He recommended late April-May-early June
> because he found it a pleasant journey, in regards to climate, scenery,
etc.
> We shall see.
>
> I welcome comments, criticisms and impressions.
>
> Joe (El Peregrino Futuro)
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: len morris <kesatotaSHAW.CA>
> To: <GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU>
> Sent: Friday, December 28, 2001 5:03 PM
> Subject: The Way in April
>
>
> > Hi Joe,
> >
> > You said in your post that you are going to the Camino in April, Just a
> > question, Why have you picked the Month of April to walk the Camino? I'm
> > planning to start the Camino in the first part of June. This is when I
> > feel the weather will be more favorable so I won't have to pack extra
> > clothing. (weight is a concern) I'm trying to keep my pack under 10
> > kgs..
> > Just trying to understand the Way.
> >
> > kind regards
> > leonard
> >
> >
> > Joe wrote:
> > Joe, El Peregrino Futuro. (I leave for the Camino in April.)