pamcnm
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2022
Hi,
I have been finding my way around the forum, learning and enjoying all the helpful and diverse opinions and suggestions shared here! I have been a hiker for most of my life and stumbled upon a virtual Camino app during the pandemic, and my interest in walking a Camino pilgrimage has been piqued! I am 63, reasonably fit, mentally resilient, but I do have a bit of arthritis I need to consider when planning my first Camino. I am retired, so I don't have time constraints. I suspect I'll be walking alone, but a close friend might join me for all or part of my first Camino. I am open to walking the Frances, but I think it may not be the best choice for me personally, for a first Camino. This is what I am leaning towards- and I welcome everyone's thoughts!
Walk the Central route in Portugal, starting in Porto
Start late May/early June 2022
Spend 2 nights in Porto at the start
Walk 6-12 miles a day and plan for several rest days along the way
Looking at rest days in Ponte de Lima, Valenca, do Minho and Pontevedra
1-2 nights in Santiago before continuing to Finisterre
I am still unsure where I would like to fly into and out of, but I want to be on a route with infrastructure, other pilgrims, and reasonably good weather. I know I will require luggage transport ( history of spine surgery), and I would prefer simple solitary accommodations most nights. I live in the desert, and hiking temps in the mid-'70s to mid 80's Fahrenheit half the year doesn't seem unpleasant to me, especially as I am an early riser. I am used to it!
I lived on the central coast of California for 40+ years, and although beautiful, the coastal route looks 'familiar" to me, whereas the central route through Portugal seems more historical. I am not in a hurry. Taking the Camino Portugues slowly and continuing to Finisterre feels like it might be the best first Camino for me.
Thoughts? Suggestions for rest days especially welcome.
I have been finding my way around the forum, learning and enjoying all the helpful and diverse opinions and suggestions shared here! I have been a hiker for most of my life and stumbled upon a virtual Camino app during the pandemic, and my interest in walking a Camino pilgrimage has been piqued! I am 63, reasonably fit, mentally resilient, but I do have a bit of arthritis I need to consider when planning my first Camino. I am retired, so I don't have time constraints. I suspect I'll be walking alone, but a close friend might join me for all or part of my first Camino. I am open to walking the Frances, but I think it may not be the best choice for me personally, for a first Camino. This is what I am leaning towards- and I welcome everyone's thoughts!
Walk the Central route in Portugal, starting in Porto
Start late May/early June 2022
Spend 2 nights in Porto at the start
Walk 6-12 miles a day and plan for several rest days along the way
Looking at rest days in Ponte de Lima, Valenca, do Minho and Pontevedra
1-2 nights in Santiago before continuing to Finisterre
I am still unsure where I would like to fly into and out of, but I want to be on a route with infrastructure, other pilgrims, and reasonably good weather. I know I will require luggage transport ( history of spine surgery), and I would prefer simple solitary accommodations most nights. I live in the desert, and hiking temps in the mid-'70s to mid 80's Fahrenheit half the year doesn't seem unpleasant to me, especially as I am an early riser. I am used to it!
I lived on the central coast of California for 40+ years, and although beautiful, the coastal route looks 'familiar" to me, whereas the central route through Portugal seems more historical. I am not in a hurry. Taking the Camino Portugues slowly and continuing to Finisterre feels like it might be the best first Camino for me.
Thoughts? Suggestions for rest days especially welcome.