Dates & fellow peregrinos from US slipping and sliding

[Principessa]

Hi Everyone, Principessa here, but don't judge me by such a silly moniker (it is a term of endearment in my household!). I am so far from being that delicate or in the 1%! I have been planning to make the Camino for several months, but my friends who said they will come with me are dropping off...the last one yesterday, which leaves me, a 71 year old female about to embark on her own. Physically and mentally/emotionally I am strong, but conquering fears and doubts is something I have read about a lot on this forum and I am coming to realize that 'just doing it' is the only way to overcome both. I thought I would start in mid July but now it looks like it will be mid June. Just wanted to check in and any reassuring words are welcome!

 

[robertt]

Principessa, I don't handle crowds or heat, but most pilgrims thrive on a summer Camino. Why take friends when you'll make them on the first day? Even embarking in early spring from Le Puy, I had companions after a few hours.

As to age, there are plenty of pilgrims over seventy on the trail. In France, it seems to be particularly common. I found most of these seniors to be too fast and determined, so I tended to walk with younger folk, who are often more willing to dawdle and fritter their time. (I'm a great dawdler and fritterer of time.)

Really, you'll be fine.

Rob

 

[Deleted member 3000]

You will find friends from the first step. They will help you, but then they may leave you to walk their own camino, but then others will be right along to replace the ones who moved on. Have confidence. Things will take care of themselves.

Have fun preparing, and have fun walking. Do it at your own pace and you won't have a problem.

 

[Principessa]

Thank you Robertt and Falcon 269 for your thoughtful and encouraging comments! This forum is wonderful...the answer to my next question (train from Paris to SJPdP) was answered before I even posted it. I am not going to be 'racing to the finish' and can't wait to absorb all I can on the Camino--people, art, architecture. Thanks again, I feel surrounded by adventurous, understanding friends already.

 

[ksam]

Principessa...do NOT sweat it!! It will be there loss, when you come home, eyes alight and with a pack full of stories from the road. You will truly come home with stories of friends, angels and more. Maybe next time they will be more willing to come along with you, now a veteran of the Camino!

I feel so blessed by those I met along the way. Some are still, seven months post Camino, people I talk with regularly. I still chat occasionally with some from my first short Camino in '08, and feel blessed to consider them all friends. Suddenly this lovely blue ball we live on seems rather small.

As far as walking in June, I'd take that over July anyhow! It's likely to be a bit cooler, as well as a tad less crowded. The flowers, roses, honeysuckle, hydrangea etc will all be in bloom. It's a wonderful time to be on the Camino. Enjoy it and post so we can enjoy it with you!

Buen Camino, Karin

 

[annakappa]

Hello Principessa! As a due-to-be-70 year old in three weeks time and, having walked the Camino every year since 2007, just go for it. As Falcon, Robertt and ksam have all said - you will find, basically from your first day friends and companions to walk with, to share your afternoons relaxing in the albergues and share your meals with. Just don't worry - Pilgrims are a GREAT set of people!!! My only comment would be that if you could possible bring your starting date a few weeks forward (so as to finish by the very beginning of July at the latest, when all the youth takes over - or if you could put it off till beginning of September, you might find it a bit more relaxing, without the great crowds that set off as soon as schools and universities are off for the Summer! Buen Camino! Anne