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You have a lot of good advice here, so I’ll just share my experience on the CF, which I walked in 2022, beginning Sept. 12 and arriving in Santiago Oct. 17. A bit longer than you have, but because Oct. 17 was a hard deadline, I took two taxis on the camino—one from Belgrado to Burgos and another...
My right hip was replaced in 2020, when I was 60—anterior approach to the surgery. I had complications with a fractured heel bone after that delayed my full recovery, but I walked the Camino Frances, with backpack, in 2022, with absolutely no pain or problem.
Of course, everyone is different...
You can always start in SJPP and time your “skip” as you go. When I walked the Frances in 2022, I had a commitment back home that gave me a deadline, but my body had other ideas. With sore, swollen feet, I took a taxi from Belorado to Burgos and rested. Then reduced my mileage a bit out of...
When I walked the Frances last year, I wore the lovely sterling camino pendant my husband had given me for my birthday. It is such a special token for me, since it traveled with me (I never took it off) and reminded me of my husband’s “presence” and love. (I walked without him.) You can find it...
...and focusing on healing and strengthening and recovery. Also giving my feet time to heal…choosing to Zumba, swim, Pickleball, walk, etc. instead of *always* hiking.
Reading this forum Every. Single. Day. While longing to be back walking. Following FB groups and Insta accounts and loving...
I walked the Camino Frances in Sept-Oct 2022, and had with me a micro fleece shirt and a down vest and a rain poncho. But what I wore over and over and over and grew to absolutely love was my Patagonia Houdini jacket...
When I walked the Frances last year, I wore Mountain Hardwear women’s Dynama Bermuda shorts, capri, and pants. Elastic waist, pockets and a side pocket for my iPhone. Light and quick drying—loved them and still wear them hiking.
I would do some training hikes with the backpack packed and then decide. I walked the Frances last Sept-Oct with a full 35L Dueter pack and grew to *love* my pack since it was 1) new, 2) designed to fit a woman’s body, 3) super comfy. But before I left in Sept I committed to doing all my August...
Loved the Parador in Santiago, especially their breakfast buffet and the history of the place! Plus the nice room and laundry service ;-). Pilgrim rates and friendly staff were my experience!
I, too, had time constraints on my Camino Frances when I walked from SJPP last Sept. My recommendation is to take your time in the beginning. It is one of the most beautiful sections, esp walking over the Pyrenees. I ended up taking taxis twice — once from Belgrado into Burgos, which saved me 2...
I would love to get back to where I was when I left. How long after your return did it take to moderate and get back to that? I’m exercising, and active, but struggle with “dieting” and restraint and/or finding balance. I grew up during a time when all mothers were dieting and that’s what I...
...Yes I know that losing a few kilos would do my joints and feet wonders! Even if I don’t have a camino in my immediate future. I did use poles (*loved* them) and appreciated my mid-height boots for the stability they gave. Pack transport may be the way I go next time, tho I was so proud to...
Hola! I completed the Camino Frances last fall (Sept-Oct, from SJPP, carrying my backpack for 800km) and would love thoughts/advice from other older women (e.g. 60+) and men… Some background—I lost ~10-15 pounds in my training leading up to the walk and then another ~10-15 pounds on the walk. I...
I never had blisters from hiking until I hiked the Camino Frances. For some reason, on the Camino I forgot to use the technique I’d used countless times before—wearing a cut-off stocking sock underneath my wool socks. The stocking allows your foot to move and glide and shift without friction, so...
Nothing to add to this thread, other than check out this cool hat I just bought: https://sundayafternoons.com/collections/womens-hats-neck-cape/products/sun-guide-cap?variant=37935898099902
The best hat for keeping sun off your face and neck! I saw two other people wearing it while out on a...
The Gite de la Porte Saint Jacques is wonderful in SJPP—just up from the pilgrim’s office and the outdoor store. Small, great views, and they send you off right with a morning meditation. Then stay at the Orisson albergue, and then for the 3rd night walk to Burguete, about 3km past Roncevalles...
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