[Gocamino] (no subject)

[patrush1 at verizon.net]

Dear Richard--I walked the Chemin from Le Puy to Conques in September, 2006.  The route is stunning, but parts of it are very challenging, with steep and rocky uphills and downhills.  Furthermore, as we approached Conques, the pilgrims' auberges were full, and Conques itself was almost full (because of the Patrimonie holiday, I think).  For lodging, Miam-Miam Dodo is essential, as is a way to make reservations a day or two ahead.  The Chemin is also the GR65, a sport walking route, so  it does get crowded.  That being said, it has been my favorite Chemin experience because of the beauty and variety of the terrain, and the absolutely spectacular place where this route begins, in Le Puy.  Conques comes close to being just as spectacular in its own way.  This route is worth the effort, but be sure to have really good mountain boots, and be in really good shape.  I also found that my walking sticks came in very handy on the steep descents.
 
As far as comparisons go with the Camino in Spain, there is some mountain climbing to do in Leon, and of course the big climb into Galicia, but on the LePuy route the trail cuts across river valleys, so it seemed as if I was going up and down quite a bit.
 
Not this summer, but probably in 2010 I intend to walk from Conques to Pamplona, since I started my Camino Frances in '05 from Pamplona.
 
Patricia, from cold and rainy (but not snowy) upper New York state.
 
PS--you might want to explore the baggage services on this route, especially Trans Bagage, completely reliable.  

--- On Mon, 3/30/09, Richard, Valda <vgzrs at rcn.com> wrote:


From: Richard, Valda <vgzrs at rcn.com>
Subject: [Gocamino] (no subject)
To: Gocamino at oakapple.net
Date: Monday, March 30, 2009, 7:07 AM


MY WIFE AND I ARE PLANNING TO WALK EITHER FROM LE PUY TO CONQUES OR  
FROM MOISSAC TO RONCEVALLES  THIS MAY. I WOULD APPRECIATE COMMENTS  
ABOUT COMPARISON BETWEEN THESE TWO WALKS.  I HAVE SOME GENERAL  
QUESTION ABOUT THE DIFFICULTY OF THE CAMINO IN FRANCE COMPARED TO THE  
CAMINO IN SPAIN.     I ALSO WONDER IF THERE IS ANY REASONABLY  
EFFICIENT BUS SERVICE FROM CONQUES TO ST. JEAN PIED DU PORT.    
RICHARD SAMPSON
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