First time Pilgrimage

[Mike Consalvi]

Hello , my name is Michael Consalvi , age 63 and living in the Santa Barbara , California area.
I will be leaving for my first Camino pilgrimage alone on Aptil 14, 2017.
My am intending on leaving from St Jean France on April 17, 2017 finishing at Finisterre Spain. I am interested in any advice or guidance or suggestions for a 63 first time pilgrim.
Thank you in advance for all your assistance

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

Hi Mike, and welcome! I'm sure people will give you loads of advice, but you may also want to check out the Santa Barbara branch of the American Pilgrims on the Camino...they may have meetings, lectures, practice walks, etc...I've thought about joining it myself just out of wanting to reminisce with others who've walked (although it is a bit of a drive for me). The number one thing, above all others in my opinion, is the right shoes. this means either a visit to a podiatrist, or at least a good running shoe store (not some chain store but one that caters to people who race) to be sure you know what size (bigger than you think) shoe you need (feet swell when you are walking all day), what type of support/stability you need (most people need something, usually for overpronation), and then break them in well. There are so many other things, and so many different opinions on them, but the one thing that must be right for you to enjoy your trip is the right foot wear.
Buen Camino!
ps when I was first planning my camino I was invited to a group that met on the east coast and it really helped me meeting 'old hands' in person and hearing about their trips, etc.

edit: http://www.americanpilgrims.org/
and
http://www.americanpilgrims.org/santa-barbara-california-chapter

 

[Mike Trebert]

Hi Mike,

Read through the current "Over 65" thread. There's a lot there, including links to a couple of previous, similar threads. All the best on your first Camino.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

in case you are interested in others near you (besides the APOC chapter)
on this thread https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/sacramento-california-pilgrims.42968/#post-452973
@RelajoRock mentions he's from Santa Barbara and also planning a camino for your time frame
it's always nice to have someone near to compare notes

 

[SYates]

Hi and welcome to the forum @Mike Consalvi
After you have read through the threads mentioned above, feel free to post any remaining questions you might still have. Also, after you have finished your packing list, post it here and a 'few of us' will be more than happy to give you feedback (opinionated and not always agreeing with each other ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[RelajoRock]

Hello Michael, I'm also in the Santa Barbara area and I'm planing of doing my first Camino pilgrimage in April/May. I'm still deciding on flying into Paris or Madrid, then find my way to SJPdP by train. Have you made travel arrangements, yet? If you can you share your thoughts? Buen Camino!