- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2009-2022: CFx6, CP, VdlPx2, Mozarabe, more later.
Hi all pilgrims; wannabies, newbies and oldtimers,
I have received messages from several of you forum members for the last 8 months or so, as I have been inactive (absent) on this Forum. Thank you to you all for your concerns. Here's why:
Last spring, I had to stop my Camino Frances in Astorga, due to very hard knee pains. I could not walk any longer, and had to return back home, via a few rest days in Alicante. While there, one afternoon, I fainted and fell to the street, receiving a blow to my forehead (11 stiches), as well as a heavy concussion. Some kind Spaniards called an ambulance and brought me to the hospital for treatment. I do not remember much (alcohol was not an issue).
Anyway, upon my arrival home, I was diagnosed with some heart problem (falling/low blood pressure), making me prone to dizziness and hence fainting and fallover, as well as arthritis in both knees (I suspect due to many Caminos over the last 15 years. (I am soon 69 years old).
So, that should mean the end of my Camino(s) adventure(s). Not quite.
As many «repeat offenders» know, when the calling from the Camino arrives, it is very hard to resist «that devil sitting on your shoulder». As it is for me now.
So, planning has started. I haven't yet told my «boss», as she will go crazy. So I am behaving like a duck («above surface, appear calm and unruffled. Below surface, paddle like h*ll»).
But I need to adjust a little:
I should start in Astorga, as that was where I aborted last year. But, the Meseta is a favorite section of (my) Camino, so I will start in Burgos. Walking out from Burgos, knowing the whole Meseta is ahead of you, is an inspiring thought. Being retired, I have no time restraints.
An evening in my favorite place with top tapas in Santiago is also rewarding...
Well, so now you know. If I bite the dust on the Camino, so be it. I am going.
Old pilgrims never die: They just smell like that.
I have received messages from several of you forum members for the last 8 months or so, as I have been inactive (absent) on this Forum. Thank you to you all for your concerns. Here's why:
Last spring, I had to stop my Camino Frances in Astorga, due to very hard knee pains. I could not walk any longer, and had to return back home, via a few rest days in Alicante. While there, one afternoon, I fainted and fell to the street, receiving a blow to my forehead (11 stiches), as well as a heavy concussion. Some kind Spaniards called an ambulance and brought me to the hospital for treatment. I do not remember much (alcohol was not an issue).
Anyway, upon my arrival home, I was diagnosed with some heart problem (falling/low blood pressure), making me prone to dizziness and hence fainting and fallover, as well as arthritis in both knees (I suspect due to many Caminos over the last 15 years. (I am soon 69 years old).
So, that should mean the end of my Camino(s) adventure(s). Not quite.
As many «repeat offenders» know, when the calling from the Camino arrives, it is very hard to resist «that devil sitting on your shoulder». As it is for me now.
So, planning has started. I haven't yet told my «boss», as she will go crazy. So I am behaving like a duck («above surface, appear calm and unruffled. Below surface, paddle like h*ll»).
But I need to adjust a little:
- Shorter distances (12-15 kms). Meaning booking ahead, starting a little later, slow walking. (smelling the roses more).
- Having backpack transportation often, due to my arthritis knees.
- Not slipping into a «Camino family» bc of shorter daily distances.
I should start in Astorga, as that was where I aborted last year. But, the Meseta is a favorite section of (my) Camino, so I will start in Burgos. Walking out from Burgos, knowing the whole Meseta is ahead of you, is an inspiring thought. Being retired, I have no time restraints.
An evening in my favorite place with top tapas in Santiago is also rewarding...
Well, so now you know. If I bite the dust on the Camino, so be it. I am going.
Old pilgrims never die: They just smell like that.
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