Recently completed the Camino Frances (mid August to late September) in the company of another Tasmanian septuagenerian. A magnificent experience. Still looking back in wonder at the trip. We had a lot of good fortune - e.g no rain while walking, even in Galicia- to say nothing of the amazing characters we met along the way. The heat wave we experienced on the Meseta was partly offset by 5am starts to avoid the main heat of the day.
We trained for 9 months prior to the journey, putting in a lot of walking on different surfaces and gradients. Despite this, we still found the walk pretty hard. We had been told by a number of friends who had walked the camino, that the first two days through the Pyrenees were tough, but the rest of the trip was flat!
We deliberately avoided reading any material on culture, history etc, as we wanted to be surprised by everything along the way. We concentrated only on health and equipment issues, and this Forum was of enormous help in that regard. Discussions on boots vs shoes, water bottles vs hydration bladders, sleeping bags vs liners etc were all extremely helpful. Ivar, it was a pleasure meeting you in Santiago, and thanks again to you and the Forum members.
We trained for 9 months prior to the journey, putting in a lot of walking on different surfaces and gradients. Despite this, we still found the walk pretty hard. We had been told by a number of friends who had walked the camino, that the first two days through the Pyrenees were tough, but the rest of the trip was flat!
We deliberately avoided reading any material on culture, history etc, as we wanted to be surprised by everything along the way. We concentrated only on health and equipment issues, and this Forum was of enormous help in that regard. Discussions on boots vs shoes, water bottles vs hydration bladders, sleeping bags vs liners etc were all extremely helpful. Ivar, it was a pleasure meeting you in Santiago, and thanks again to you and the Forum members.
