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You have years ahead of you…I am 79 and just finished the last 200+ miles, Logrono to Ponferrada. Started in 2018, did another 150 miles in 2021, and now done. Probably my last Camino, unless I can convince one of my kids to hike from Sarria on.
But you, in your 60s, many Caminos to look...
I returned last week from 3weeks on the Frances. In some cases, I was the only person in an albergue. Walked from Logrono to Ponferrada. The earlier in my Camino it was the fewer people, by the time I climbed to the Cruz de Ferro their numbers had risen, but still a lot of time I was walking...
Fruit, fresh if available, in pouches or cans, if not. Canned fish, sausage, bottle of beer, some packaged sweets. Try for a communal meal at Albergue, pastry and coffee for desayuno hour or so after I start. Cup of instant coffee at wake-up. I refuse to buy coffee from a machine!
One thing to remember is that part of your weight remaining stable on the Camino is a gain in muscle mass and loss of fat. You should be able to look in a mirror and see the difference. Plus the ability to outwalk your friends!
Last partial Camino in 2021, walked with some friends. We had walked 150 miles in 2018 with everything on our backs. This time, I was surprised to see them toting roller bags with ALL SORTS of stuff. I was still using my pack. I don’t think they ever had to wash their clothes on a17 day trip...
I bought a lightweight, xtra long, cheap bag off of EBay 6 years ago and used it on 2 Demi-Camino of 150 miles each, both in October. Worked fine. Rather than roll the bag up tightly, I spread it out in a large Ziploc bag. Adds cushioning. Bag is reasonably lightweight but in all honesty, I...
Feet do grow larger during/after a Camino. Had to go up a shoe size after my first go-around. Try inserts, they dote d to help fill up a shoe. However, I recommend buying a quality one. The cheap Chinese insoles are junk, in my experience. With only a size 11, you can buy one size longer...
I use a Bergens Rondane 46 pack. It has two water pocket sleeves. One is full and the other half full, unless I anticipate a long stretch without water. use empty liquor flat bottles, plastic and 750ml. They just fit better. Also a 375 m” bottle in my front picket, filled with water. I...
Try some knee braces, the pull-on type you find on E-bay. Not perfect but they assist. I have very bad knees, and multiple replacements , but they are the best knee braces I have found and I intend to use a pair when I finish the CF in March/April.
I have heard that the grizzled bar tends towards more open spaces and can’t hide as well. Plus most bear attacks are over a kill. Rifle shots are the dinner bell for them. Blacks are different, if they approach you, they intend to eat you, not just beat you up.
I flew out of Madrid three years ago. My flight was “altered” and I spent the night at the Marriott, courtesy of the airline. Room was great and the meals were also. They had a shuttle to the hotel from the airport and back. I have no idea on the room/meals cost, but t that point of time, I...
Can one be struck by secondhand lightning? If so, then I was. Summer 67, I was a seasonal Ranger at Montezuma’s Well Nat. Monument. Talking on the phone in the office when I saw lightning hit the phone pile across the dirt road. Next thing I know, I awoke lying on the floor and the office...
For the truly concerned, take Halazone tablets with you. Tastes horrible but the water will have been purified. Just don’t do like one Marine did in my unit in the Nam. He was so thirsty he drank unpurified water then swallowed his Halazone tablet. They Medavaced him out an hour later! Not...
Salami, or other dry sausage; sardines, or other canned seafood, my jalapeño salt and beer. What more can one ask for while walking. And a communal meal to finish the evening…glorious!
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