Hello

[elke888]

Hello I'm Elke and I'm new to this forum. I am 61 years and in need of a change. I have been dissatisfy with with my job for a while and need to bite the bullet and let it go.Life is too precious to be unhappy. So I would like to come to Europa to recharge my batteries by walking Camino. I am thinking to be on my way in May 24. I got about three to four months. I am thinking to start the Camino de la Plata but because of my knee I am not sure if this is the best one for me to start with.I be carrying a backpack and maybe the first couple of weeks I like it transported so I can get my fitness up and then interducing the heavier bag. I'm open to suggestions from fellow pilgrims,I am from New Zealand and done a fair amount of tramping in the bush here so I know how to walk for days in all kinds of weather. The unknown quantity is the knee which I will discuss with my specialist. Any thoughts would be welcome. Cheers Elke

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[André Walker]

Hi Elke,

Welcome to this forum. First of all: take care of your knee. You're so right to take this up with your specialist.

The Via de la Plata is a relatively easy one: no climbs untill you get to Galicia, but sometimes the distances between towns/albergues can be quite long (depending on what you're used to). A good website to check is gronze.com. Or godesalco.com, which also has a Camino planner.

On gronze.com you might also find ideas for an other Camino. There's plenty to choose from...

Buen Camino.

 

[woody66]

Hi Elke and welcome!
As Andre says Gronze is a great tool for planning a Camino and it's easy to use for stage distances and it has all types of places to stay along the way! Plus ways to book and contact details.
Gronze is in Spanish but Google chrome browser will translate it to English for you!
Enjoy your planning it's part of the fun and makes the wait before you walk a bit easier!
Buen Camino
Woody

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

I don't see any problems for you in walking the Via de la plata, seeing that you have experience in tramping. If you get problems with your knee they would be not lesser on any other camino. You wil love cities like Sevilla, Merida, Salamanca, Caceres, Zamora and Ourensa

 

[Kathy F.]

Elke, it's so nice to have you as part of our group! Welcome.
You will find MANY here who have been in similar situations, both physically and mentally.

Do not look at your limitations. Look at your abilities. Your age is not a limitation. Your knee is not a limitation. If you can walk from your car in the parking lot to the store unaided, you can do the Camino.
You simply do what everyone who has ever done a pilgrimage does, and adapt your expectations (of course, get advice from your doctor).

You have ample time to train for your Camino, carrying the amount of weight you expect to carry. Heads up, no matter how much you train, the first day will be a killer!!

Find your inspiration here, start looking forward to your adventure, ask all your questions and share your fears and concerns.

Santiago is waiting for you!!

 

[elke888]

Thank you All for your reply's,Yes look at my ability's is a good reminder.And I will check out Gronze and see if I can get translation happening.
Cheers All