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Now, it is totally normal, just before setting off, to have deep reservations .. can I do this, do I want to do this, will I fail, will they all be fitter than me and I will look stupid, where will I sleep, and the classic wail "why did I think that I wanted to do this" - these are quite normal
@David is so right.Just about every pilgrim I have known who has had those pre-Camino fears has had them just drop away within a couple of days and they are replaced with calm confidence, happiness - funnily enough, even if it is painful
Greetings
I have been conflicted about going for a while and not necessarily looking forward to it. What is finally proving to be the tipping point is the thought of being a 50 something, somewhat arthritic, portly fella ending up arriving later than most and being on the top bunk... getting up one or twice in the night and trying not to fall down the ladder. My arthritis is the auto-immune variety so grip and ariculation of semi fused joints can be a challenge.
I guess anything can happen, it seems very busy this year? Can anyone clue me in on the reality of what the bunks situation will be like?
Thanks and Peace.
Well then, stop early! You do not have to walk stages that someone else has declared!ending up arriving later than most and being on the top bunk
You'll also find fellow Pilgrims will accommodate you by swapping bunks. Ask and you shall receive.
Smile and try out your Spanish ... what;s the worst that could happen?
- Quisiera una litera de fondo.
- Es difícil usar mis manos.
- Necesito usar el baño mucho por la noche.
Excellent reply and just what I needed to read this morning. My husband and I leave on Sunday and start our French Camino on the 10th. You described my frame of mind perfectly and gave me the support I needed. Thanks so much. Blessings, PanamaFrancisCopado, hi. You have problems, you know your physical problems - they must be painful too .. but there is more I think. You say that you have been conflicted about going and are not even sure that you want to go.
I'm assuming that this has been going on for a while now? Those thoughts and the reasons why are much more important than your arthritis and top bunks as the 'top bunks problem' is probably just another invented reason not to go.
Now, it is totally normal, just before setting off, to have deep reservations .. can I do this, do I want to do this, will I fail, will they all be fitter than me and I will look stupid, where will I sleep, and the classic wail "why did I think that I wanted to do this" - these are quite normal ... we have two minds, the frontal chattering mind and the deep silent one, the observer. The chattering mind is always afraid and it demands certainty so when something really new comes up it starts to put up all sorts of excuses not to do it and produces fear - lots of fear .... the other mind, the silent observer - the 'real you' if you like, has no such qualms.
Just about every pilgrim I have known who has had those pre-Camino fears has had them just drop away within a couple of days and they are replaced with calm confidence, happiness - funnily enough, even if it is painful - and then, after a couple of weeks or so - well! the sense of empowerment, the calm courage, the knowledge that life is easy, that possessions get in the way, that one can do anything .. and then there are the friends, the supporting pilgrims, that one meets - and also the opportunity to help and support others.
So, Copado - I would say do not listen to those fears, or, listen to those fears as an adult listens to a child's fears .. be kind, but carry on - go on Camino. But don't do it as an endurance test, do it as a stroll westwards towards Santiago .. stop when tired, look at the view, carry a bocadillo and a drink and picnic along the way, look back from hilltops to see how far - how far! you have come ...... ok, say, after a week or so you find that it is not for you - so what? You will have had the experience - take the rest of the time to play the tourist in Spain - all is well.
Sorry to go on for so long here - but, I say again, the pre-Camino fears are completely normal - the actuality is so very different - and you may find that your arthritis improves as constant gentle exercise has been known to ease up and lubricate those joints. I knew an old Irishman once who cycled 15 miles a day on an ancient heavy bicycle. He had arthritis and I asked him why he cycled so far each day and he told me that if he didn't he found that he couldn't walk!
So, Copado, what do you have to lose? nothing - what do you have to gain? Everything!
Buen Camino Copado - Buen Camino!!!
Great advice!Francis, thank you xx - as you are new pilgrims and are walking as a couple let me give you a Top Tip! If he walks a little faster than you don't, whatever you do, try and keep up. At the end of the day he will be fresh and you will be exhausted! When on Camino doing first aid I have met so many injured and/or exhausted women (nearly all women) who have become injured and exhausted because they have kept up with a slightly faster partner .. even if it is the tiniest tiniest amount, don't do it.
Have the conversation before you start - get it out in the open ... you can meet up at lunch time, in the evening .... and if you are the faster partner then give him that freedom.
You may already know this, but just in case
Buen Camino to you both!!
Wonderful advice @David!Francis, thank you xx - as you are new pilgrims and are walking as a couple let me give you a Top Tip! If he walks a little faster than you don't, whatever you do, try and keep up. At the end of the day he will be fresh and you will be exhausted! !
Greetings
I have been conflicted about going for a while and not necessarily looking forward to it. What is finally proving to be the tipping point is the thought of being a 50 something, somewhat arthritic, portly fella ending up arriving later than most and being on the top bunk... getting up one or twice in the night and trying not to fall down the ladder. My arthritis is the auto-immune variety so grip and ariculation of semi fused joints can be a challenge.
I guess anything can happen, it seems very busy this year? Can anyone clue me in on the reality of what the bunks situation will be like?
Thanks and Peace.
I should have thought of this earlier. Ask a person occupying one of the bottom bunks to help you move your mattress to the floor. I bet they will come up with an easier way to help you with your problem.If the worst comes to the worst, put your mattress on the floor (make sure you put it back up in the morning).
Smile and try out your Spanish ... what;s the worst that could happen?
- Quisiera una litera de fondo.
I should have thought of this earlier. Ask a person occupying one of the bottom bunks to help you move your mattress to the floor. I bet they will come up with an easier way to help you with your problem.
However....be sure you get the approval of the hospitalero as many albergues have very strict rules about taking the mattress from the bunks and placing them on the floor. There is concern with both dirty floors and possible insect () contamination.
No se. Just trying out my beginning Spanish. I wish I could see you tilt your headAccording to Google translate, that means I'd like a bunk bed. You need to make sure to ask for a lower bed - una cama baja.
Oh my goodness. No one is going to say that better than David......Copado, hi. You have problems, you know your physical problems - they must be painful too .. but there is more I think. You say that you have been conflicted about going and are not even sure that you want to go.
I'm assuming that this has been going on for a while now? Those thoughts and the reasons why are much more important than your arthritis and top bunks as the 'top bunks problem' is probably just another invented reason not to go.
Now, it is totally normal, just before setting off, to have deep reservations .. can I do this, do I want to do this, will I fail, will they all be fitter than me and I will look stupid, where will I sleep, and the classic wail "why did I think that I wanted to do this" - these are quite normal ... we have two minds, the frontal chattering mind and the deep silent one, the observer. The chattering mind is always afraid and it demands certainty so when something really new comes up it starts to put up all sorts of excuses not to do it and produces fear - lots of fear .... the other mind, the silent observer - the 'real you' if you like, has no such qualms.
Just about every pilgrim I have known who has had those pre-Camino fears has had them just drop away within a couple of days and they are replaced with calm confidence, happiness - funnily enough, even if it is painful - and then, after a couple of weeks or so - well! the sense of empowerment, the calm courage, the knowledge that life is easy, that possessions get in the way, that one can do anything .. and then there are the friends, the supporting pilgrims, that one meets - and also the opportunity to help and support others.
So, Copado - I would say do not listen to those fears, or, listen to those fears as an adult listens to a child's fears .. be kind, but carry on - go on Camino. But don't do it as an endurance test, do it as a stroll westwards towards Santiago .. stop when tired, look at the view, carry a bocadillo and a drink and picnic along the way, look back from hilltops to see how far - how far! you have come ...... ok, say, after a week or so you find that it is not for you - so what? You will have had the experience - take the rest of the time to play the tourist in Spain - all is well.
Sorry to go on for so long here - but, I say again, the pre-Camino fears are completely normal - the actuality is so very different - and you may find that your arthritis improves as constant gentle exercise has been known to ease up and lubricate those joints. I knew an old Irishman once who cycled 15 miles a day on an ancient heavy bicycle. He had arthritis and I asked him why he cycled so far each day and he told me that if he didn't he found that he couldn't walk!
So, Copado, what do you have to lose? nothing - what do you have to gain? Everything!
Buen Camino Copado - Buen Camino!!!
Wise words. And true.Copado, hi. You have problems, you know your physical problems - they must be painful too .. but there is more I think. You say that you have been conflicted about going and are not even sure that you want to go.
I'm assuming that this has been going on for a while now? Those thoughts and the reasons why are much more important than your arthritis and top bunks as the 'top bunks problem' is probably just another invented reason not to go.
Now, it is totally normal, just before setting off, to have deep reservations .. can I do this, do I want to do this, will I fail, will they all be fitter than me and I will look stupid, where will I sleep, and the classic wail "why did I think that I wanted to do this" - these are quite normal ... we have two minds, the frontal chattering mind and the deep silent one, the observer. The chattering mind is always afraid and it demands certainty so when something really new comes up it starts to put up all sorts of excuses not to do it and produces fear - lots of fear .... the other mind, the silent observer - the 'real you' if you like, has no such qualms.
Just about every pilgrim I have known who has had those pre-Camino fears has had them just drop away within a couple of days and they are replaced with calm confidence, happiness - funnily enough, even if it is painful - and then, after a couple of weeks or so - well! the sense of empowerment, the calm courage, the knowledge that life is easy, that possessions get in the way, that one can do anything .. and then there are the friends, the supporting pilgrims, that one meets - and also the opportunity to help and support others.
So, Copado - I would say do not listen to those fears, or, listen to those fears as an adult listens to a child's fears .. be kind, but carry on - go on Camino. But don't do it as an endurance test, do it as a stroll westwards towards Santiago .. stop when tired, look at the view, carry a bocadillo and a drink and picnic along the way, look back from hilltops to see how far - how far! you have come ...... ok, say, after a week or so you find that it is not for you - so what? You will have had the experience - take the rest of the time to play the tourist in Spain - all is well.
Sorry to go on for so long here - but, I say again, the pre-Camino fears are completely normal - the actuality is so very different - and you may find that your arthritis improves as constant gentle exercise has been known to ease up and lubricate those joints. I knew an old Irishman once who cycled 15 miles a day on an ancient heavy bicycle. He had arthritis and I asked him why he cycled so far each day and he told me that if he didn't he found that he couldn't walk!
So, Copado, what do you have to lose? nothing - what do you have to gain? Everything!
Buen Camino Copado - Buen Camino!!!
Never trust Google Translate. See "A Wicked Deception" if you don't believe me. However, I can confirm that "cama baja" is closer to what people have generally said when I was hospitalero.According to Google translate, that means I'd like a bunk bed. You need to make sure to ask for a lower bed - una cama baja.
A big survey among people lying on their death beds, revealed that their biggest regret was the things/actions they didn't do/take. Reflect on that. And then:Greetings
I have been conflicted about going for a while and not necessarily looking forward to it. What is finally proving to be the tipping point is the thought of being a 50 something, somewhat arthritic, portly fella ending up arriving later than most and being on the top bunk... getting up one or twice in the night and trying not to fall down the ladder. My arthritis is the auto-immune variety so grip and ariculation of semi fused joints can be a challenge.
I guess anything can happen, it seems very busy this year? Can anyone clue me in on the reality of what the bunks situation will be like?
Thanks and Peace.
91?! Do you know their story, @WGroleau?I've checked in people who were 79 and 91.
Correction, sorry. I was not at the desk when she arrived. One of the other volunteers checked her in. She was walking with her son. If I remember correctly, he was 65. The one who was 79, I didn't get to talk to very much. We have had a lot of them older than me (I'm 63).91?! Do you know their story, @WGroleau?
It may inspire some confidence.
A big survey among people lying on their death beds, revealed that their biggest regret was the things/actions they didn't do/take. Reflect on that. And then:
Buen Camino!
Ultreia & Suseia! (Onwards and upwards/Go on, and rise (grow)!)
Do not count me inAlex! So true! ...I wish I had had less sex..
Greetings
I have been conflicted about going for a while and not necessarily looking forward to it. What is finally proving to be the tipping point is the thought of being a 50 something, somewhat arthritic, portly fella ending up arriving later than most and being on the top bunk... getting up one or twice in the night and trying not to fall down the ladder. My arthritis is the auto-immune variety so grip and ariculation of semi fused joints can be a challenge.
I guess anything can happen, it seems very busy this year? Can anyone clue me in on the reality of what the bunks situation will be like?
Thanks and Peace.
In my experience, they mostly save lower bunks for us geezers (or will grant your request at least most of the time)
Greetings
I have been conflicted about going for a while and not necessarily looking forward to it. What is finally proving to be the tipping point is the thought of being a 50 something, somewhat arthritic, portly fella ending up arriving later than most and being on the top bunk... getting up one or twice in the night and trying not to fall down the ladder. My arthritis is the auto-immune variety so grip and ariculation of semi fused joints can be a challenge.
I guess anything can happen, it seems very busy this year? Can anyone clue me in on the reality of what the bunks situation will be like?
Thanks and Peace.
Greetings
I have been conflicted about going for a while and not necessarily looking forward to it. What is finally proving to be the tipping point is the thought of being a 50 something, somewhat arthritic, portly fella ending up arriving later than most and being on the top bunk... getting up one or twice in the night and trying not to fall down the ladder. My arthritis is the auto-immune variety so grip and ariculation of semi fused joints can be a challenge.
I guess anything can happen, it seems very busy this year? Can anyone clue me in on the reality of what the bunks situation will be like?
Thanks and Peace.
Copado...welcome to "the south side of 50 set..."
I too, have arthritis in my hips, knees and ankles. Though not overweight...I maintain I am under-tall...I am of very stout build. I also have other chronic health issues and take several medications, some of which increase my sensitivity to heat and the sun.
As a result, I cannot do a Camino over the hot summer months. I am more prone to heat and sun stroke. The summer is when I travel to Santiago to work as a volunteer at the Pilgrim Office, usually for a month.
I cope with the fact that I KNOW the daily aches and pains will come once I have walked about a hour, each morning, by:
1. Slathering on Voltaren ointment, or other suitable analgesic, anti-inflammatory cream on the ankles, knees and hips. An alternative to Voltaren is "Fisiocrem" (purple tube / box), the spelling IS correct. The former is a straight out pharmaceutical product and contains paracetamol. The latter contains homeopathic ingredients.
Several folks with chronic pain issues in muscles and joints tell me the Fisiocrem works better than Voltaren. A good alternative to Fisiocrem is Luxoben Forte Ointment. The ingredients are similar...homeopathic. All three of these should be available at any Spanish farmacia. None require a prescription in Spain.
2. Lubricate my feet with a petroleum jelly-based product. Plain old Vaseline (Vasenol in Portugal and perhaps Spain) works fine for me. This reduces friction. In five Caminos, I have been blessed and avoided any blisters...not a one...yet. Callouses are my particular problem, and the vaseline helps with that issue.
3. Put on my thin, microfiber, liner socks first. Follow with ankles compression supports. Then, I put on my outer, cushioning Smartwool socks.
4. Put on both elastic, compression knee supports. I find the open kneecap stays in place better during the day.
5. Put on hiking / cargo pants. The ointment on my hips has dried and my underwear is on.
6. Boots are next, just before leaving my lodging.
7. "Breakfast" includes an appropriate dose of arthritis strength acetaminophen (Tylenol) / paracetamol, or whatever long-acting pain reliever you can take. My poison of choice is Tylenol Arthritis Strength caplets.
I take this AFTER eating something to avoid stomach upset issues. Also, the medicine will take an hour or more to act, just about the amount of time after I start walking that the pain starts. So, it heads off the worst of the pain and suffering early-on, before it can ruin my day. Sometimes, being predictable is good...
PLUS, as the medication is supposedly good for about six hours...the length of my walking day, I can safely switch to my beverage of choice vino tinto, or cold cervesa, after my shower and laundry chores are done in the afternoon, without fear of further destroying my liver...
Underlying all of this is that following every Camino, I carefully list things I either did not use, or things I mailed ahead to Ivar at Santiago (see 'Services by Ivar' at Santiago above). This has resulted in a lighter rucksack each Camino. I view it as continuous process improvement. I consider the Camino as a process and my accomplishment of it as an ongoing project. Hey, I am a retired analyst. Gotta do something to stay sane!
For example, after five Caminos and five centimeters of height loss due to spinal stenosis, I now have an Osprey Kestrel 38-liter rucksack. This replaced my "old faithful" Osprey Kestrel 48-liter rucksack, used for five years.
The last two Caminos, it was not completely full, and I finally "shrank" out of the M/L torso harness. While walking in Portugal this past May, I experienced shoulder and back pain, no matter what I did to try to better fit the Kestrel 48-liter M/L rucksack to my torso.
So, I wrote an e-mail to Osprey. They replied, advising me that my only choice was to downsize the torso harness to a S/M size.
When I arrived from Lisbon on the Portuguese route, in May this year, I donated my Kestrel 48 to the Pilgrim House at Santiago, and purchased a new rucksack once I got home.
Other than this regimen, I do what I can each day. Long gone are the days when I force myself, incurring more pain. Age has brought wisdom, in many facets.
Also, when I no longer have any more "get up and go" in me, and I am shy of my day's destination (usually where a lodging reservation awaits me) I go into the next bar / cafe and ask them to call a taxi to take me to the destination. This is usually perhaps 5 - 8 kilometers, depending on the weather, local conditions and my status.
One should not be disappointed or embarrassed by this. It is not cheating, except in the final 100 km before Santiago.
I view it thusly, if it were the Middle Ages and I was a poor pilgrim trudging towards Santiago, and a farmer came up in a horse or mule drawn wagon, offering me a ride into the next village, would it be a sin? I think NOT. So, take care of your body.
The cost for a taxi ride is about one euro per kilometer. I always cast about for others within hearing range who might be tapped out as well, and offer to share the free ride.
I hope this helps.
Ha! You look like you're not a day over 50!
Ha, thank you, pero sin embargo, the hospitaleros/as identified me immediately as a geezer (63 on Oct. 1st!). I am not adverse to the top bunk, though. I may request it, in fact, so as to leave the lower bunks for those who need them more.
Oh, we've got your number, chickie!Last year I actually saw a number of young walkers who ended up with knee braces and foot problems, partly because they were too ambitious. I've never been accused of being too ambitious.
the hospitaleros/as identified me immediately as a geezer
So, Copado - I would say do not listen to those fears, or, listen to those fears as an adult listens to a child's fears .. be kind, but carry on - go on Camino. But don't do it as an endurance test, do it as a stroll westwards towards Santiago .. stop when tired, look at the view, carry a bocadillo and a drink and picnic along the way, look back from hilltops to see how far - how far! you have come ...... ok, say, after a week or so you find that it is not for you - so what? You will have had the experience - take the rest of the time to play the tourist in Spain - all is well.
Ultreia Peregrino.
In my observation, conversation and experience, too small footwear seems to be the proximate cause of pain, discomfort and wounds for the majority of pilgrims with problems that I meet, both male and female. I suspect part of the problem is that some pilgrims simply use a pair of athletic shoes or work boots they already own, thinking that, as they are broken in, they will do just fine on Camino.
Evidently, they did not get the memo, or read the many postings across many threads about up-sizing to allow for the second pair of socks, swelling do to heat and carrying a load. That is why so many of us strongly advise increasing the size footwear you wear on Camino by NOT LESS THAN one full size to all for these factors. Personally, I upsize by 1 1/2 sizes. It works for me. What works for you may differ.
That said, I have not yet, in five-years, met a single pilgrim with blackened, falling off toenails, or infected blisters who had upsized boots or shoes. When walking down-slope, if your toes contact the inside front of the toe box of our footwear, THEY ARE TOO SMALL.
After my five Caminos, I discovered that my feet are now permanently 1/2 size larger than before....from 45 to 45.5 or from US 11 to US 11.5. The tiny bit of extra space occasioned by even going up 1/2 size makes a HUGE difference.
Final point on footwear...I digress...(I always digress). Check the manufacturer's description of the particular model shoe or boot. Some will tell you if the style / model runs small or large, and by how much. Keen Footwear does this. It helps to select the correct size.
I hope this helps
That link suggests that people in UK can't agree on what it means!Geezer means something different here in the UK!
That link suggests that people in UK can't agree on what it means!
Dave,Copado, hi. You have problems, you know your physical problems - they must be painful too .. but there is more I think. You say that you have been conflicted about going and are not even sure that you want to go.
I'm assuming that this has been going on for a while now? Those thoughts and the reasons why are much more important than your arthritis and top bunks as the 'top bunks problem' is probably just another invented reason not to go.
Now, it is totally normal, just before setting off, to have deep reservations .. can I do this, do I want to do this, will I fail, will they all be fitter than me and I will look stupid, where will I sleep, and the classic wail "why did I think that I wanted to do this" - these are quite normal ... we have two minds, the frontal chattering mind and the deep silent one, the observer. The chattering mind is always afraid and it demands certainty so when something really new comes up it starts to put up all sorts of excuses not to do it and produces fear - lots of fear .... the other mind, the silent observer - the 'real you' if you like, has no such qualms.
Just about every pilgrim I have known who has had those pre-Camino fears has had them just drop away within a couple of days and they are replaced with calm confidence, happiness - funnily enough, even if it is painful - and then, after a couple of weeks or so - well! the sense of empowerment, the calm courage, the knowledge that life is easy, that possessions get in the way, that one can do anything .. and then there are the friends, the supporting pilgrims, that one meets - and also the opportunity to help and support others.
So, Copado - I would say do not listen to those fears, or, listen to those fears as an adult listens to a child's fears .. be kind, but carry on - go on Camino. But don't do it as an endurance test, do it as a stroll westwards towards Santiago .. stop when tired, look at the view, carry a bocadillo and a drink and picnic along the way, look back from hilltops to see how far - how far! you have come ...... ok, say, after a week or so you find that it is not for you - so what? You will have had the experience - take the rest of the time to play the tourist in Spain - all is well.
Sorry to go on for so long here - but, I say again, the pre-Camino fears are completely normal - the actuality is so very different - and you may find that your arthritis improves as constant gentle exercise has been known to ease up and lubricate those joints. I knew an old Irishman once who cycled 15 miles a day on an ancient heavy bicycle. He had arthritis and I asked him why he cycled so far each day and he told me that if he didn't he found that he couldn't walk!
So, Copado, what do you have to lose? nothing - what do you have to gain? Everything!
Buen Camino Copado - Buen Camino!!!
Yes, the difference between "guy" and "old guy" was clear. But the U.D. site offered definitions from multiple people. At least one seems to say that criminal activities are part of the meaning. Another seems to think only a Cockney can be a geezer. Etc.I thought it was pretty clear; in the U.K., guy, a bloke, a person, a dude.
However, in the USA--a cranky OLD guy, bloke, person, dude!
Yes, the difference between "guy" and "old guy" was clear. But the U.D. site offered definitions from multiple people. At least one seems to say that criminal activities are part of the meaning. Another seems to think only a Cockney can be a geezer. Etc.
But language is like that. In Spanish, for example, depending on who is saying/hearing it, "chichas" could mean knick-knacks, peas, or a woman's breasts.
Never trust Google Translate. See "A Wicked Deception" if you don't believe me. However, I can confirm that "cama baja" is closer to what people have generally said when I was hospitalero.
Also, for what it's worth, I've done at least a thousand kilometers since I retired at age sixty, about half on bike and half walking. And as hospitalero voluntario, I've checked in people who were 79 and 91.
What is totally, absolutely, impossible is that a female could be have been called a 'geezer'
Good. Then I will retire that term when referring to myself and replace it with "Immature for my age."
I like Mid Century Modern WomanYoung at heart? 60's chick? Wild woman? Silver sister?
Sagely advice from salt of the earth people. Thank you all for that. It was not about bunks. Clearly. Today I walked to Valcarlos Spain. St. Jean was lovely... The valley was amazing loved every second. 3 of us at the albuerge municipal. Glad I am here.
Best.
Sagely advice from salt of the earth people. Thank you all for that. It was not about bunks. Clearly. Today I walked to Valcarlos Spain. St. Jean was lovely... The valley was amazing loved every second. 3 of us at the albuerge municipal. Glad I am here.
Best.
Knowing a little about languages, I won't trust either of them for anything important. I sometimes use Google to give me a head-start on a translation, but I've seen it drop or add a negative, reversing the meaning completely. I will take a look at the MS thing, but I've seen Bing make the same kinds of mistakes Google does.FYI & FWIW, I have learned that the Microsoft Translator, available for iOS and Android smart phones provides a more fluid, colloquial translation. That is what several Spanish folks I communicate with tell me.
Knowing a little about languages, I won't trust either of them for anything important. I sometimes use Google to give me a head-start on a translation, but I've seen it drop or add a negative, reversing the meaning completely. I will take a look at the MS thing, but I've seen Bing make the same kinds of mistakes Google does.
So happy and inspired to read your post!Sagely advice from salt of the earth people. Thank you all for that. It was not about bunks. Clearly. Today I walked to Valcarlos Spain. St. Jean was lovely... The valley was amazing loved every second. 3 of us at the albuerge municipal. Glad I am here.
Best.
Also, many of the private albergue do not feature bunk beds. And, as many have said, ask for a lower bunk and arrive early..Hi -- I am 71 with arthritis and osteoporosis who needs to use the bathroom many times at night. I am walked the CF last year and will walk the CP starting the end of next month. I need to walk shorter stages, under 20K a day and hopefully closer to 15K. I planned a route and in those towns without a lot of accommodations I wrote to albergues, explained my health situation, and requested to book a lower bunk. I got nice replies from most of them agreeing. Those places where I can't book, if I get a top bunk, I will find a private accommodation even if I need to get a taxi there. I'm not worried, last year I never stayed in a top bunk and usually low cost non albergue accommodations were available.
Buen Camino @copadoSagely advice from salt of the earth people. Thank you all for that. It was not about bunks. Clearly. Today I walked to Valcarlos Spain. St. Jean was lovely... The valley was amazing loved every second. 3 of us at the albuerge municipal. Glad I am here.
Best.
Greetings
I have been conflicted about going for a while and not necessarily looking forward to it. What is finally proving to be the tipping point is the thought of being a 50 something, somewhat arthritic, portly fella ending up arriving later than most and being on the top bunk... getting up one or twice in the night and trying not to fall down the ladder. My arthritis is the auto-immune variety so grip and ariculation of semi fused joints can be a challenge.
I guess anything can happen, it seems very busy this year? Can anyone clue me in on the reality of what the bunks situation will be like?
Thanks and Peace.
Hi CopadoGreetings
I have been conflicted about going for a while and not necessarily looking forward to it. What is finally proving to be the tipping point is the thought of being a 50 something, somewhat arthritic, portly fella ending up arriving later than most and being on the top bunk... getting up one or twice in the night and trying not to fall down the ladder. My arthritis is the auto-immune variety so grip and ariculation of semi fused joints can be a challenge.
I guess anything can happen, it seems very busy this year? Can anyone clue me in on the reality of what the bunks situation will be like?
Thanks and Peace.
Congratulations! You made the decision to go, so happy for you. We all have our own journey to take, looks like you are now enjoying yours. Buen Camino!Sagely advice from salt of the earth people. Thank you all for that. It was not about bunks. Clearly. Today I walked to Valcarlos Spain. St. Jean was lovely... The valley was amazing loved every second. 3 of us at the albuerge municipal. Glad I am here.
Best.
I think he already made it to Santiago , last october 2017 .Copado, GO, GO, GO!!! You will make your own pace. DO NOT try to keep anyone else's pace! We nearly always started 6:30am-ish and stopped between 1-2. Only had a top bunk once. BTW that is usually an early enough arrival time to pick any bed. And you can always take a bus if you need to do so. Just GO! BUEN CAMINO!
Which months did you walk? I'm anxious about the "bed race" as I set out in May/June.
That is a beautiful time to walk. Flowers everywhere. I averaged 20k a day and usually stopped walking by 1 or 2 in the afternoon, so it wasn't a problem. In some cases, using WisePilgrim I booked a room ahead which is easy to do. Don't bail on your trip for this.Which months did you walk? I'm anxious about the "bed race" as I set out in May/June.
I am so inspired by your mention of "flowers everywhere"! Curious, when would you typically begin walking each morning?I
That is a beautiful time to walk. Flowers everywhere. I averaged 20k a day and usually stopped walking by 1 or 2 in the afternoon, so it wasn't a problem. In some cases, using WisePilgrim I booked a room ahead which is easy to do. Don't bail on your trip for this.
Whew! Thank you.I walked in July/August and wasn't too worried about the bed race. Admittedly, we did leave really early to start walking. But that wasn't racing for beds. That was avoiding as much as possible walking in the hottest part of the day. When we ended up walking longer (for example, walking into Astorga mid-afternoon when our pace slowed to about 2 km/h due to my son's blisters being at their worst), we still weren't worried about finding a bed. It got trickier in Galicia towards the end of the Camino. But even then, we still didn't race for beds, preferring to reserve a day or two ahead where possible.
I usually started walking around 7:30 or 8. I preferred spring to fall because of the flowers, especially the red poppies. I have so many pictures of hillsides with riots of purple, yellow, white and red flowersI am so inspired by your mention of "flowers everywhere"! Curious, when would you typically begin walking each morning?
Can these threads be closed to comments then?As @biarritzdon says, an old thread. Please read the date of the post before replying. These old threads have interesting information so we don't want to close them. It gets a bit bizarre when encouraging advice is given to someone years after they have completed their camino.
True, but EmoJohnson's question "Which months did you walk? I'm anxious about the "bed race" as I set out in May/June." was added this week. His question and concern are current. That's why I was giving advice.As @biarritzdon says, an old thread. Please read the date of the post before replying. These old threads have interesting information so we don't want to close them. It gets a bit bizarre when encouraging advice is given to someone years after they have completed their camino.
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