An old man on the camino

[Otmoor22]

To encourage the youngsters considering the Norte/Primitivo route, I started from Hendaye on 5 July and arrived Santiago on 31 July, walking the complete distance. I am 71 years old and confess that at times I was a trifle weary. I was on my own except that I walked on a number of days with different people. July was not a good idea as in the early stages on the Norte there were a lot of young people walking short sections as a holiday, rather than as pilgrims. This led to overcrowding at albergues and somewhat rowdy behaviour. Once past Santander this problem diminished. Primitivo was challenging at times with some testing climbs but stunning views. A number of excellent albergues and some that were dire!

 

[mikevasey]

Thank you for posting, its good that a more mature person posts about their experiences on the Norte, I think a lot of similar pilgrims are put of by the perceived hardness of the Norte.

 

[xin loi]

71 is not old on the Camino Frances. I'm almost 67 and I beat my Novia's horse walking up O'Ciebrieo by 45 minutes. Had the privilege of walking a couple days with the Japanese couple who were 85 & 79. They had big packs and appeared to be doing very well. Walked with lot of people who are in our age group--The Soon To Be Dead

 

[grayland]

We are starting the Norte in a couple of weeks (August) and really had not thought about age being a factor. I will be 76 a few days after starting. This will be my 5th Camino.....all done after turning 70.
I have walked the CF twice, LePuy, and the VdlP last year in the heat of August.

I don't think age is as big a deal as younger folk think it is. Many of us on the forum are over 70 and don't consider themselves as "old" people.

 

[OzAnnie]

Thanks for posting Otmoor
Very reassuring. You must have had an outboard motor attached to do it so quickly or be super fit. Well done.

You do say there were times when you felt weary but I guess they may have been the really longer days ?
How did your feet fare? (Any blisters?).

Did you do a short day from Irun? I'm expecting to.

Annie

 

[Otmoor22]

Thanks for posting Otmoor
Very reassuring. You must have had an outboard motor attached to do it so quickly or be super fit. Well done.

You do say there were times when you felt weary but I guess they may have been the really longer days ?
How did your feet fare? (Any blisters?).

Did you do a short day from Irun? I'm expecting to.

Annie

Arrived Irun mid-day and was concerned that I may not get a bed at Pasajes De San Juan. Arrived at 5pm and I was the first there! Feet did suffer in first 3 or 4 days due to stoney paths, particularly on first day. Blisters on toes but soon healed. Fortunately I am fit, being a long distance runner. I promised that this time I would take it easy but once I am underway I am like a thing possessed - 100mph all the time. I think I am now too old to reform. Having said that I spent time with some lovely people, including many nearly 50 years younger than me. I wish you all the best on your camino.

 

[OzAnnie]

Otmoor. So first arriving at Pasajes de San Juan! Did you end up with company and where did you find your first meal?
You don't fit into my picture of an old man by the way. Sounds like you left everyone in your wake, but being fit and used to long distances your body could cope with being pushed.
Anticipating my first day to be an eye opener !

 

[Al the optimist]

I think the Camino turns us all into old men and women at some point. But we get over it and emerge rejuvenated.

 

[Kanga]

I think the Camino turns us all into old men and women at some point. But we get over it and emerge rejuvenated.

Al, I think it keeps us young. In all seriousness, my GP tells me to Just Keep Walking.

 

[Al the optimist]

Al, I think it keeps us young. In all seriousness, my GP tells me to Just Keep Walking.

My point exactly. It wasn't my Caminos that made me less than Ginger haired.

 

[El Gallo]

To encourage the youngsters considering the Norte/Primitivo route, I started from Hendaye on 5 July and arrived Santiago on 31 July, walking the complete distance. I am 71 years old and confess that at times I was a trifle weary. I was on my own except that I walked on a number of days with different people. July was not a good idea as in the early stages on the Norte there were a lot of young people walking short sections as a holiday, rather than as pilgrims. This led to overcrowding at albergues and somewhat rowdy behaviour. Once past Santander this problem diminished. Primitivo was challenging at times with some testing climbs but stunning views. A number of excellent albergues and some that were dire!

Wow, your remarks were just what I was looking for. I wasn't sure if to do the Camino Frances or Camino del Norte or simply one of the shorter trails.
My grandparents were from Santander and I really wanted to return there. I had not been there since childhood. Your comments have revealed to me the trail that is meant to be.
Thank you.
Raul Gallo
Miami, FL