6 Older Women

[auburnfive]

Hello
I am organizing a fall 2 week Camino for a group of 6 women in their late 60s and early 70s some with little experience and some with knee issues. First time ( and likely only time ) for 5 out of 6. Planning from Ocebriero to Santiago averaging about 15 km per day, and staying in small hotels or auberges with private rooms. Any places or experiences that should definitely be included? Any other advice appreciated. Thanks.

 

[trecile]

Yes, take the alternate route through Samos and stay at Casa Licerio. I didn't have the chance to stay there, but some friends did, and I met them there for breakfast. It's a very nice little pensión, and in addition to a tapas hour in the evening, they even do your laundry for you. https://casalicerio.wixsite.com/casalicerio
And even if you can't stay in Casa Licerio, Samos is a great diversion on the Camino.

 

[FLEUR]

I definitely second the detour to Samos. We stayed in a smallish hotel there close to the monastery.
For the knee issues etc you can get your luggage transported from place to place.
Carrying less weight will relieve pressure on joints.

 

[auburnfive]

Booked! Thank you

 

[el Sol]

After going through Samos, you will be walking along the left side of a roadway. A bit down the road, you will have the opportunity to choose to stay on the roadway or cross the roadway to your right and take a route through the hill country. I'd highly recommend the right hand fork (not the roadside trail). It's about 1 1/2 miles longer, but it's beautiful.

I also second the recommendation to consider pack transport if anyone starts to feel twinges of pain. The Camino is not like regular hiking where you do a long hike and then have time for your body to recover. The lack of recovery time is what can cause injury. Thus, being gentle with yourself and paying attention to your body's signals is critical.

Have a great trip!

 

[Robyn Scott]

Hello
I am organizing a fall 2 week Camino for a group of 6 women in their late 60s and early 70s some with little experience and some with knee issues. First time ( and likely only time ) for 5 out of 6. Planning from Ocebriero to Santiago averaging about 15 km per day, and staying in small hotels or auberges with private rooms. Any places or experiences that should definitely be included? Any other advice appreciated. Thanks.

Yes, take the alternate route through Samos and stay at Casa Licerio. I didn't have the chance to stay there, but some friends did, and I met them there for breakfast. It's a very nice little pensión, and in addition to a tapas hour in the evening, they even do your laundry for you. https://casalicerio.wixsite.com/casalicerio
And even if you can't stay in Casa Licerio, Samos is a great diversion on the Camino.

I wore elastic knee guards which were really effective. I wore them every day from the start because I didn't want to go hunting for them when and if my knees began to hurt. Prevention rather than cure.

 

[Nancy Heinzen]

I was in training as a daily distance walker when I walked the Camino wearing a supportive knee brace for my torn meniscus and calf sleeves everyday. I also used hiking sticks and had my pack transported. I was determined not to risk any further injury that would prevent my continuing. It worked I was 72. I plan to go again and take precautions.

 

[André2112]

I just have to say like a few others; go via Samos

 

[scruffy1]

One small bit of advice from another elderly pilgrim. Even healthy pilgrams walk at different paces, stop frequently or not, find frequent places for a photo-op(!) or not, coffee time, ah...well...that is.., seek out large bushes or shrubs for...ah...relief, lunchtime at 1100-1200-1300?, the options are endless - the frustrations of walking with someone faster than you or slower can destroy an otherwise wonderful day. Plan and maybe find a helpful soul in your group to soldier on as a rearguard to help and guide those who cannot or will not keep the pace. I am a certified slowcoach with no reservations seeing this as the best way to do the Camino and to enjoy everything along the way!
PS You do realize that O'Cebriero is not exactly a bustling international center for transportation and communication. There must be a bus but more than likely it will stop on the main road below forcing your group to start off with a climb up in the wrong direction. Rule #2 of this pilgrim, never turn your back on Santiago.

 

[scruffy1]

Samos? I love the place, do take the tour if you can work it in. I have stopped ther 4-5 times always in the spring, the hostel in the monastery is "classic" pilgrimage, almost romantic, you are awakened with music, and each time it was freezing cold!!! There are more modern options, decidedly warmer, with a lovely view of the church and monastery, and as you enter you are not greeted by a petrol station.