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Really, really resounds with me. That is so much my experience, too, in walking the two caminos I have walked. First one at 74 then76 and am determined again to walk after my 80th in a few months. thanks for posting.As a companion on the Camino Frances (from OCebreiro to Santiago) to my new friend and now-adopted uncle: 83 year old Francis, I was struck by how walking the Camino, through the eyes (and pace) of an elder, has re-opened my eyes to the beauty of slowing life down to what others may deem a snail’s pace. In the beginning I was somewhat impatient and not really understanding the full depth of our journey. My first camino in 2018 from SJPdP was not quick by any means but I averaged 22km a day over 42 walking days. It was a tough and pleasurable/love-hate long haul. But I kept going like the energizer bunny. And the miles flew by at a pace that felt doable each and every day. This journey just ended was more of a mental experience that involved a different level of commitment to mine and Francis’s well-being, through the rain, sun and surprisingly cold days. The end result was similar. A joyous journey that culminated in spectacular memories, beautiful connections and a renewal to my love of all things Camino, including the people from and my lessons learned along the Way.
I implore anyone that feels that they are uncertain or unable to walk the Camino, to consider this experience as an undertaking of resilience and beauty that is not defined by the kilometres walked but rather the journey in itself as a moment by moment unfolding of wonder, breath and gratitude. Giving oneself the grace to allow for an experience like no other, with no particular expectations, is a gift that will transform you regardless of age or fitness.
Thanks for this comment, John. You put it so well. I'm 72 and appear to have slowed down considerably since Porto Caminho in 2019. Now heading to Oviedo for two weeks of walking and hope to do the Porto again in the spring. Back story: I was laid up with a painful right hip that ortho said wasn't ready for replacement. That wasn't my question! I wanted to be back on camino. My doc agreed to prescribe a Chiropractor. Within 7 weeks of work on two scoliosis areas, my hip stopped hurting. I was lightly trekking along glacier in Iceland, without pain. Your words capture exactly how I feel now. All I wanted was to get back on Camino and let the walk take over, at whatever pace I can rise to.While only 73, I agree with you on the slower aspects. Last year, I had to face the reality that I couldn't walk 15-18 miles a day any longer without the pleasure going out of the walk. Once you realize that, and cut back to 10-12 max you have more of a day to just sit back and absorb where you are, who you are, and what your priorities are. Still, not looking forward to cutting back anymore. Just glad I can still walk a Camino.
Hi Skydiva - would love to hear more about being a walking hospitalera!PS My role was that of a walking Hospitalera. A most beautiful experience like no other!!
Seems like you have gained wisdom from your first Camino. Well done.As a companion on the Camino Frances (from OCebreiro to Santiago) to my new friend and now-adopted uncle: 83 year old Francis, I was struck by how walking the Camino, through the eyes (and pace) of an elder, has re-opened my eyes to the beauty of slowing life down to what others may deem a snail’s pace. In the beginning I was somewhat impatient and not really understanding the full depth of our journey. My first camino in 2018 from SJPdP was not quick by any means but I averaged 22km a day over 42 walking days. It was a tough and pleasurable/love-hate long haul. But I kept going like the energizer bunny. And the miles flew by at a pace that felt doable each and every day. This journey just ended was more of a mental experience that involved a different level of commitment to mine and Francis’s well-being, through the rain, sun and surprisingly cold days. The end result was similar. A joyous journey that culminated in spectacular memories, beautiful connections and a renewal to my love of all things Camino, including the people from and my lessons learned along the Way.
I implore anyone that feels that they are uncertain or unable to walk the Camino, to consider this experience as an undertaking of resilience and beauty that is not defined by the kilometres walked but rather the journey in itself as a moment by moment unfolding of wonder, breath and gratitude. Giving oneself the grace to allow for an experience like no other, with no particular expectations, is a gift that will transform you regardless of age or fitness.
What a splendid experience! And thanks for including the photo, your smiles are heartwarming.As a companion on the Camino Frances (from OCebreiro to Santiago) to my new friend and now-adopted uncle: 83 year old Francis, I was struck by how walking the Camino, through the eyes (and pace) of an elder, has re-opened my eyes to the beauty of slowing life down to what others may deem a snail’s pace. In the beginning I was somewhat impatient and not really understanding the full depth of our journey. My first camino in 2018 from SJPdP was not quick by any means but I averaged 22km a day over 42 walking days. It was a tough and pleasurable/love-hate long haul. But I kept going like the energizer bunny. And the miles flew by at a pace that felt doable each and every day. This journey just ended was more of a mental experience that involved a different level of commitment to mine and Francis’s well-being, through the rain, sun and surprisingly cold days. The end result was similar. A joyous journey that culminated in spectacular memories, beautiful connections and a renewal to my love of all things Camino, including the people from and my lessons learned along the Way.
I implore anyone that feels that they are uncertain or unable to walk the Camino, to consider this experience as an undertaking of resilience and beauty that is not defined by the kilometres walked but rather the journey in itself as a moment by moment unfolding of wonder, breath and gratitude. Giving oneself the grace to allow for an experience like no other, with no particular expectations, is a gift that will transform you regardless of age or fitness.
I found it really challenging to not get caught up in the excitement of others, and think ‘what am I missing?’. It starts when they pack their bags hurriedly in the wee hours of the morning. And then when they whisked by along the way, sometimes with a quick hello chat but usually just a passing Buen Camino. Much to my companions amusement, I would marvel at his sprightly young age and they would often be amazed and retort ‘if only I could walk the Camino at your age, I would be so blessed.’ He was often tickled. Do that to woman and she would ‘Buen slap’ youTwo excellent pieces of advice, thank you. I probably will start towards the end of April and allow my legs along with the environment to set the pace. For me it is to be a pilgrimage not a race where I am looking to learn something about what the future holds for me. Never too old to learn.
My children think I am mad!!!
Wow love the idea as I always walk alone miss a great way to help and not be alone. Thanks!PS My role was that of a walking Hospitalera. A most beautiful experience like no other!!
Me too, please.Hi Skydiva - would love to hear more about being a walking hospitalera!
Hi thereReally, really resounds with me. That is so much my experience, too, in walking the two caminos I have walked. First one at 74 then76 and am determined again to walk after my 80th in a few months. thanks for posting.
My hero’s!Hi there
You can and eill do it again -
My husband and I walked the Camino Frances May/June 2022
- I am in my 80th year and my husband in his 83rd year what an unbelievable adventure - we had so much , laughter, adventures, new friends, in awe of the breathtaking scenery, achieved so much more than we ever dreamt of , but most of all love - and celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary along the way
We plan to walk our 3 rd May Camino 2023
Go with your dreams
HRR
Your last paragraph is beautifully stated. I have just finished walking the Norte route and am in a bit of a daze as to how to « define » it as friends and family ask how was it. « A moment by moment unfolding of wonder, breath and gratitude « Lovely. And for my camino, apt. Thanks.As a companion on the Camino Frances (from OCebreiro to Santiago) to my new friend and now-adopted uncle: 83 year old Francis, I was struck by how walking the Camino, through the eyes (and pace) of an elder, has re-opened my eyes to the beauty of slowing life down to what others may deem a snail’s pace. In the beginning I was somewhat impatient and not really understanding the full depth of our journey. My first camino in 2018 from SJPdP was not quick by any means but I averaged 22km a day over 42 walking days. It was a tough and pleasurable/love-hate long haul. But I kept going like the effervescently smiling — when not crying — energizer bunny (with debilitating blisters and a built in limp). And the miles flew by at a pace that felt doable each and every day. This journey just ended was more of a mental experience that involved a different level of commitment to mine and Francis’s well-being, through the rain, sun and surprisingly cold days. The end result was similar. A joyous journey that culminated in spectacular memories, beautiful connections and a renewal to my love of all things Camino, including the people from and my lessons learned along the Way.
I implore anyone that feels that they are uncertain or unable to walk the Camino, to consider this experience as an undertaking of resilience and beauty that is not defined by the kilometres walked but rather the journey in itself as a moment by moment unfolding of wonder, breath and gratitude. Giving oneself the grace to allow for an experience like no other, with no particular expectations, is a gift that will transform you regardless of age or fitness.
Is there a thread just for older pilgrims? ie say 75yrs +PS My role was that of a walking Hospitalera. A most beautiful experience like no other!!
Hi, I would like to hear more about it also.Hi Skydiva - would love to hear more about being a walking hospitalera!
Mike I'm 74 and turn 75 next April - one of the 'old folk'.Thank you 'old' folk for your encouraging posts today.
I will be 74 in April next year and am intending to do my first Camino Frances about that time although I'm not sure about the dates as I don't relish crowds or hot weather.
I do live in Cornwall, that is south west Uk.so have no problem with rain!
I did read on previous posts that the Camino get busy towards the end of May. So I am up for some advice about the options, please.
Once again thank you all for your posts which go from helpful to really funny I wanted to put hilarious but couldn't spell it.
Bless you all, I am going to call myself Kernow Mike as in Cornwall.
Beautiful. Simply put...the world is a better place with people like you in it...As a companion on the Camino Frances (from OCebreiro to Santiago) to my new friend and now-adopted uncle: 83 year old Francis, I was struck by how walking the Camino, through the eyes (and pace) of an elder, has re-opened my eyes to the beauty of slowing life down to what others may deem a snail’s pace. In the beginning I was somewhat impatient and not really understanding the full depth of our journey. My first camino in 2018 from SJPdP was not quick by any means but I averaged 22km a day over 42 walking days. It was a tough and pleasurable/love-hate long haul. But I kept going like the effervescently smiling — when not crying — energizer bunny (with debilitating blisters and a built in limp). And the miles flew by at a pace that felt doable each and every day. This journey just ended was more of a mental experience that involved a different level of commitment to mine and Francis’s well-being, through the rain, sun and surprisingly cold days. The end result was similar. A joyous journey that culminated in spectacular memories, beautiful connections and a renewal to my love of all things Camino, including the people from and my lessons learned along the Way.
I implore anyone that feels that they are uncertain or unable to walk the Camino, to consider this experience as an undertaking of resilience and beauty that is not defined by the kilometres walked but rather the journey in itself as a moment by moment unfolding of wonder, breath and gratitude. Giving oneself the grace to allow for an experience like no other, with no particular expectations, is a gift that will transform you regardless of age or fitness.
Yes. Gracias. Merci. Thank you @skydiva.implore anyone that feels that they are uncertain or unable to walk the Camino, to consider this experience as an undertaking of resilience and beauty that is not defined by the kilometres walked but rather the journey in itself as a moment by moment unfolding of wonder, breath and gratitude. Giving oneself the grace to allow for an experience like no other, with no particular expectations, is a gift that will transform you regardless of age or fitness.
Good for you , it's all about the walk and not about the speed.This Spring I finished my 4th Camino, this year being my 80th birthday. I definitely have slowed and easy 15 mile days are things of the past. However, the Camino Magic is still there.
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