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Hello my friends,
I'm 70 years old, a male from South Africa and I'm trying to attempt my first Camino, the French way, in April 2017.
I am honoured to be a new member of this this distinguihed group of experience Pilgrims/walkers/adventurers and I would like you to please assist me with my following questions and those which will follow afterwords:
I have painstakingly gone through the vast amount of informative messages in different fora on this website and I would just like to find out whether:
1. Is there according to your experience any age limit of Pilgrims who walk the French way.?? Have you met some of them in your previous caminos ? As I've mentioned I'm 70 years old and this will be the first time I'm trying such a long distance overall though I'm not unfit at all .
2. Many Pilgrims referred to the different refugios in which one can stay over but I never see whether blankets and sheets are part of the price per night or not. I'm bringing my own sleeping bag with but I'm just curious to know what are the arrangements in this regard.
3. I would like to know whether these refugees are mixed for men and women? It is really no problem, it's just something I would like to know please
4. I also gain the impression from the information on the fora that one not allowed to stay longer than one night in a refugio? is that true and what will happen if you want to rest another day and stay over. are there very strict rules in this regard or can one stay 2 nights if you feel like that in the same place?
These are all my questions for the moment and I'm really looking forward to having a fruitful discussion with all my new friend regarding my first attempt at the age of 70 to tackle my first Camino
...
1. Is there according to your experience any age limit of Pilgrims who walk the French way.?? Have you met some of them in your previous caminos ? As I've mentioned I'm 70 years old and this will be the first time I'm trying such a long distance overall though I'm not unfit at all .
2. Many Pilgrims referred to the different refugios in which one can stay over but I never see whether blankets and sheets are part of the price per night or not. I'm bringing my own sleeping bag with but I'm just curious to know what are the arrangements in this regard.
3. I would like to know whether these refugees are mixed for men and women? It is really no problem, it's just something I would like to know please
4. I also gain the impression from the information on the fora that one not allowed to stay longer than one night in a refugio? is that true and what will happen if you want to rest another day and stay over. are there very strict rules in this regard or can one stay 2 nights if you feel like that in the same place?
...
Sorry. Thanks for the kind informationThanks for my he kind information
Thanks ! Good news!!!I celebrated 3 persons 80th birthdays on the trail! Awe inspiring!
Thank you for the kind informationHi and welcome also from me ;-)
1. The oldest pilgrims I have met personally were in their mid-80s, age is far less of a concern than fitness/pre-existing health conditions. A thorough check-up beforehand could be wise.
2. If there are blankets they are included in the price.
3. Nearly all are mixed.
4. Some private albergues allow you to stay longer, especially in low season. Otherwise there are also reasonable priced pensions/hotels on the way.
Hope that helps and Buen Camino, SY
My family friend has walked every year for 15 years (mixed routes) and he started at 71! So don't let age stop youHello my friends,
I'm 70 years old, a male from South Africa and I'm trying to attempt my first Camino, the French way, in April 2017.
I am honoured to be a new member of this this distinguihed group of experience Pilgrims/walkers/adventurers and I would like you to please assist me with my following questions and those which will follow afterwords:
I have painstakingly gone through the vast amount of informative messages in different fora on this website and I would just like to find out whether:
1. Is there according to your experience any age limit of Pilgrims who walk the French way.?? Have you met some of them in your previous caminos ? As I've mentioned I'm 70 years old and this will be the first time I'm trying such a long distance overall though I'm not unfit at all .
2. Many Pilgrims referred to the different refugios in which one can stay over but I never see whether blankets and sheets are part of the price per night or not. I'm bringing my own sleeping bag with but I'm just curious to know what are the arrangements in this regard.
3. I would like to know whether these refugees are mixed for men and women? It is really no problem, it's just something I would like to know please
4. I also gain the impression from the information on the fora that one not allowed to stay longer than one night in a refugio? is that true and what will happen if you want to rest another day and stay over. are there very strict rules in this regard or can one stay 2 nights if you feel like that in the same place?
These are all my questions for the moment and I'm really looking forward to having a fruitful discussion with all my new friend regarding my first attempt at the age of 70 to tackle my first Camino
Hi Gerhard,Hello my friends,
I'm 70 years old, a male from South Africa and I'm trying to attempt my first Camino, the French way, in April 2017.
I am honoured to be a new member of this this distinguihed group of experience Pilgrims/walkers/adventurers and I would like you to please assist me with my following questions and those which will follow afterwords:
I have painstakingly gone through the vast amount of informative messages in different fora on this website and I would just like to find out whether:
1. Is there according to your experience any age limit of Pilgrims who walk the French way.?? Have you met some of them in your previous caminos ? As I've mentioned I'm 70 years old and this will be the first time I'm trying such a long distance overall though I'm not unfit at all .
2. Many Pilgrims referred to the different refugios in which one can stay over but I never see whether blankets and sheets are part of the price per night or not. I'm bringing my own sleeping bag with but I'm just curious to know what are the arrangements in this regard.
3. I would like to know whether these refugees are mixed for men and women? It is really no problem, it's just something I would like to know please
4. I also gain the impression from the information on the fora that one not allowed to stay longer than one night in a refugio? is that true and what will happen if you want to rest another day and stay over. are there very strict rules in this regard or can one stay 2 nights if you feel like that in the same place?
These are all my questions for the moment and I'm really looking forward to having a fruitful discussion with all my new friend regarding my first attempt at the age of 70 to tackle my first Camino
When in April are you starting and from where? Several of your contemporaries (including myself) are leaving SJPP on the 15th of April.Hello my friends,
I'm 70 years old, a male from South Africa and I'm trying to attempt my first Camino, the French way, in April 2017.
I am honoured to be a new member of this this distinguihed group of experience Pilgrims/walkers/adventurers and I would like you to please assist me with my following questions and those which will follow afterwords:
I have painstakingly gone through the vast amount of informative messages in different fora on this website and I would just like to find out whether:
1. Is there according to your experience any age limit of Pilgrims who walk the French way.?? Have you met some of them in your previous caminos ? As I've mentioned I'm 70 years old and this will be the first time I'm trying such a long distance overall though I'm not unfit at all .
2. Many Pilgrims referred to the different refugios in which one can stay over but I never see whether blankets and sheets are part of the price per night or not. I'm bringing my own sleeping bag with but I'm just curious to know what are the arrangements in this regard.
3. I would like to know whether these refugees are mixed for men and women? It is really no problem, it's just something I would like to know please
4. I also gain the impression from the information on the fora that one not allowed to stay longer than one night in a refugio? is that true and what will happen if you want to rest another day and stay over. are there very strict rules in this regard or can one stay 2 nights if you feel like that in the same place?
These are all my questions for the moment and I'm really looking forward to having a fruitful discussion with all my new friend regarding my first attempt at the age of 70 to tackle my first Camino
Hi thank you very much for the kind the information it is nice to hear that there are people who are also caring about others and I think that is the spirit of the Camino. I was also thinking about starting about the 14th of April 2017, can you tell me are you coming from the beginning of the French way at St Jean or are you starting somewhere in Spain. I hope to start at the French side and also to finish this Camino up to Santiago. Please tell me your plans and I would really like to meet up with you and maybe we can walk some sections together. Thank you very much for your kind response and I hope to hear from you soonWhen in April are you starting and from where? Several of your contemporaries (including myself) are leaving SJPP on the 15th of April.
Thank you for the kind information my friend every little bit helps and I must say that I already feel that I'm part of the Camino family although I have not even started it. My plan is to start somewhere around the 15th of April from CJ and to do the French way write-up to SantiagoGo for it! Without reservations, but a bot of planning!
Q1: go for it. My;*%! father who is 64 and runs 5km a day feels he cannot do it and walk with me which is just ..... So happy you are doing this, especially as I jave met people in their early 80s walk a more mountainous way.
Q2: you will not see a bare stained mattress. There will always be a paper or cotton sheet. Mind you, the sheet may not be all that clean, which is why a liner and pillowcase of somesort is what I recommend. Blankets, again, sometimes, but unless they are Ikea fleece, they are not likely to be cleaneed often,
Q3: unless in some monasteries, rooms are coed, but people are naturally respecful.
Q4: if in pain, you may ne allowed a second night, sometimes owth the local dr's note. But you can always switch to the albergue down the road.
As long as you don't try to keep up, listen to your body, carry as light a backpack as possible, you will be just fine. Pharnacies mist ne as commom in Spain as pubs are inthe UK, with lots of qualified personel who can help you.
So excited for you. You will be just fine.
Thank you very much my friend for this good news I will remember that and I hope to one day see you on the Road to SantiagoI went this year for the first time at age 70. I'm going to do it again next year, the Portuguese Route this time. I met plenty of people my age and older.
Thank you very much my friend for this information I will peruse it all and I am sure that on the day I start in SJ I will be fully prepared for this Camino , from there it depends on me and my body of whether I will make it despite all the information I have in my head. Thank you very muchWelcome Gerhard, you will get lot of help and advise here. Bringing a sleeping bag is a good idea at that time of year IMO. There is no extra charge for sheets or blankets in the albergues which provide them. Albergues are for the most part mixed and if you want to stay more than one night then stay in the private albergues rather than the municipal ones. Some of these also have private rooms if you prefer.
Happy planning and Buen Camino.
I thank you very much for your kind information and I'm really excited about taking this ideas route to Santiago. Thank you for helping me with your knowledge and I will be in contact in the future to ask your more questions noting that we are more or less from the same age group and maybe in the same state of Health☺☺☺☺Go for it! Without reservations, but a bot of planning!
Q1: go for it. My;*%! father who is 64 and runs 5km a day feels he cannot do it and walk with me which is just ..... So happy you are doing this, especially as I jave met people in their early 80s walk a more mountainous way.
Q2: you will not see a bare stained mattress. There will always be a paper or cotton sheet. Mind you, the sheet may not be all that clean, which is why a liner and pillowcase of somesort is what I recommend. Blankets, again, sometimes, but unless they are Ikea fleece, they are not likely to be cleaneed often,
Q3: unless in some monasteries, rooms are coed, but people are naturally respecful.
Q4: if in pain, you may ne allowed a second night, sometimes owth the local dr's note. But you can always switch to the albergue down the road.
As long as you don't try to keep up, listen to your body, carry as light a backpack as possible, you will be just fine. Pharnacies mist ne as commom in Spain as pubs are inthe UK, with lots of qualified personel who can help you.
So excited for you. You will be just fine.
Dear Willy thank you very much for your kind information and I will definitely take it to heart and I will take it day by day or you and step by step but I hope that I will be able to make it to Santiago eventually. Thank you for your kindnessWe are in the same age group but I will have to admit there are others that are ageless out there. My only advice is to go, enjoy, learn and don't see completion as a goal. See the adventure as the goal, it will always be part of who you are afterwords as are the many things you have already experienced. .... Ultreya.... Willy/Utah/USA
Thank you for the kind information I am glad that I will be in company of my age although I do also prefer to be with younger people but whether I will be able to keep up with her face only time will see. I will pace myself well and I hope that I will make it to Santiagomost of the pilgrims i have walked with are retired; no age limits on the Camino if you adapt it to your abilities.
Buen Camino!
You very much for the kind information it is most helpful and I will bear everything in mind and IM DV on the camino !Thank you very much for your assistance my friendHi and welcome also from me ;-)
1. The oldest pilgrims I have met personally were in their mid-80s, age is far less of a concern than fitness/pre-existing health conditions. A thorough check-up beforehand could be wise.
2. If there are blankets they are included in the price.
3. Nearly all are mixed.
4. Some private albergues allow you to stay longer, especially in low season. Otherwise there are also reasonable priced pensions/hotels on the way.
Hope that helps and Buen Camino, SY
Hi GerhardHello my friends,
I'm 70 years old, a male from South Africa and I'm trying to attempt my first Camino, the French way, in April 2017.
I am honoured to be a new member of this this distinguihed group of experience Pilgrims/walkers/adventurers and I would like you to please assist me with my following questions and those which will follow afterwords:
I have painstakingly gone through the vast amount of informative messages in different fora on this website and I would just like to find out whether:
1. Is there according to your experience any age limit of Pilgrims who walk the French way.?? Have you met some of them in your previous caminos ? As I've mentioned I'm 70 years old and this will be the first time I'm trying such a long distance overall though I'm not unfit at all .
2. Many Pilgrims referred to the different refugios in which one can stay over but I never see whether blankets and sheets are part of the price per night or not. I'm bringing my own sleeping bag with but I'm just curious to know what are the arrangements in this regard.
3. I would like to know whether these refugees are mixed for men and women? It is really no problem, it's just something I would like to know please
4. I also gain the impression from the information on the fora that one not allowed to stay longer than one night in a refugio? is that true and what will happen if you want to rest another day and stay over. are there very strict rules in this regard or can one stay 2 nights if you feel like that in the same place?
These are all my questions for the moment and I'm really looking forward to having a fruitful discussion with all my new friend regarding my first attempt at the age of 70 to tackle my first Camino
Being from South Africa I would need a Schengen visa to enter Europe either in Spain or in France. I know that many of the Pilgrims are not necessarily from Schengen countries and I would like to have an idea of how long before the time one has to apply for a visa for France or spain depending on where you want to start. Can you also give me an indication of how long you can stay in Europe with the Schengen visa and how much would the cost be more or less in US dollars? Thank you very much for your assistance in advance it is really appreciated
Hey mon. Welcome aboard. I did Leon to Santiago at age 68 and Porto to Santiago last May at age 70. No problems on either hike. If you take a sleeping bag, take a light one. Most albergues prefer that you just stay one night, but many will allow an extra night for good reason. And of course there are always options such as B&Bs and small inns/hotels. Buen Camino.Hello my friends,
I'm 70 years old, a male from South Africa and I'm trying to attempt my first Camino, the French way, in April 2017.
I am honoured to be a new member of this this distinguihed group of experience Pilgrims/walkers/adventurers and I would like you to please assist me with my following questions and those which will follow afterwords:
I have painstakingly gone through the vast amount of informative messages in different fora on this website and I would just like to find out whether:
1. Is there according to your experience any age limit of Pilgrims who walk the French way.?? Have you met some of them in your previous caminos ? As I've mentioned I'm 70 years old and this will be the first time I'm trying such a long distance overall though I'm not unfit at all .
2. Many Pilgrims referred to the different refugios in which one can stay over but I never see whether blankets and sheets are part of the price per night or not. I'm bringing my own sleeping bag with but I'm just curious to know what are the arrangements in this regard.
3. I would like to know whether these refugees are mixed for men and women? It is really no problem, it's just something I would like to know please
4. I also gain the impression from the information on the fora that one not allowed to stay longer than one night in a refugio? is that true and what will happen if you want to rest another day and stay over. are there very strict rules in this regard or can one stay 2 nights if you feel like that in the same place?
These are all my questions for the moment and I'm really looking forward to having a fruitful discussion with all my new friend regarding my first attempt at the age of 70 to tackle my first Camino
I'm 70 years old, a male from South Africa and I'm trying to attempt my first Camino, the French way, in April 2017.
Hello Kelly thank you very much for the kind information about your walk on the 8 th of April. Was also thinking about starting that time but I have decided to postpone my starting date to the 14th of April because I just do not know how cold it still is so early in April . remember the colder it is the more clothes you have to carry with you but in any case I hope to be in contact with you . even if I'm a week behind you on the route we can always just stay in touch with text messages. Thank you very much for the kind information and I'm really looking forward to Crossing paths with you TV in April 2017 best regardsHi Gerhard
Welcome
I too am walking my first Camino in April 2017 and start my walk from SJDP on April 8th.
I have a bit of a dodgy knee but am going with an open mind, without expectation , and also travelling alone.
I hope our paths cross and I wish you a happy journey too
Kelly
Thank you very much my friend I will contact this group in South Africa as soon as possible to start my arrangements with them . I really appreciate your kind informationThese are many South African Pilgrims walking the various routes every year.
There is also a very active and highly respected Confraternity of Saint James of South Africa. They have the visa procedures and requirements available for future SA pilgrims.....along with a great information and suggestion packet.
I suggest you contact them through their website and establish contact.
Thank you Jill for this invaluable information, I will contact them as soon as possible to be able to can totally start my arrangements for the Camino in April 2017. Thank you very much for your assistance is highly appreciatedHi Gerhard, the Confraternity of St James in South Africa:
http://www.csjofsa.za.org/
sometimes has workshops in Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria, which you might like to attend if you live near one of those cities. The workshops are usually in about March. You can contact them for more details:
camino@csjofsa.za.org
Buen camino!
Jill (in Mpumalanga)
Thank you very much Richard for the invaluable information that you have you and me but I really appreciate the fact that you have taken the trouble to write to me and I'm taking note of your advice of rest in a day or two here and there and also of taking as little as possible because one can get along with very few items. I intend to travel as light as possible full stop with my best regardsI walked 811 ks from St Jean to Santiago this year. Take your time,have a few rest days,look after your feet and stay in small hotels occasionally and you will be fine. I was 70 in February 2016 and it felt wonderful to do it. Definitely get the weight down. You will be amazed how little you need and 6 kilos should be plenty.
I met some great people many of them are still in touch. Good luck and enjoy.
Thank you David for your kind information I really appreciate you taking all the time to answer me properly I think that I am now more than ever and feeling much better than before. I thank you for your time and for your consideration and I hope one day to meet you somewhere along the line in the Camino.As you can see from the numerous posts, age is irrelevant (within reason). I walked it for the first time when I was 79 and as you can see from my avatar I have walked several times since, including last year when I was 84 and walked only 300 km due to working as a hospitalero. Last year there was a Canadian lady walking who was 86.
Except once on the Portuguese Camino, I have never seen sheets, and sometimes there are not enough blankets, so good idea to take a light sleeping bag.
Do some training before hand and be reasonably fit. Take your time - it is not a competition - and enjoy the walking. Don't always eat the Pilgrim menu (it can become boring) and treat yourself to some great authentic Spanish food occasionally. Pay great attention to footwear that fits and is broken in.
Pack light - my pack weighs 6.2kgs excluding food and water and contains everything I need.
Everyone walking is friendly and helpful, and interesting to talk to.
Buen Camino
you're really want for their great words I will remember that and I hope to do a few more coming up once I've mastered this big monster in 2017My family friend has walked every year for 15 years (mixed routes) and he started at 71! So don't let age stop you
Durham, you very much for the greatsupport andi will remember that and I think of you when I leave I start walking in April 2017Buen Camino Gerhard!!!!
Hello Gerhard, I will be 73 in a few weeks.My daughter (38) and I did the del Norte from Irun to Santander then the Primitivo to the Frances to Santiago from 2 Sept to 25 Sept, 2016. I have been a hiker all my life having done several treks in the Alps and New Zealand. I also hike on a regular basis at home in the mountains of the NE USA. Most of your questions have been answered and I would only add that the difficult part of the Camino for me was the heat on the Norte while walking on pavement. Some days were in the 90's F. I wore a low boot (Oboz) between runners and full height hiking boots. I wish I had worm my old standby leather boots for support and cushion. I didn't have a problem with blisters but my feet took a beating on the pavement and some of the rough spots along the Norte and Primitivo. I bruised the ball of my foot on a sharp rock a few days before reaching the Frances. Those last 4-5 days painfully difficult with the sore foot.Others can advise on the different footwear requirements for the Frances.Hello my friends,
I'm 70 years old, a male from South Africa and I'm trying to attempt my first Camino, the French way, in April 2017.
I am honoured to be a new member of this this distinguihed group of experience Pilgrims/walkers/adventurers and I would like you to please assist me with my following questions and those which will follow afterwords:
I have painstakingly gone through the vast amount of informative messages in different fora on this website and I would just like to find out whether:
1. Is there according to your experience any age limit of Pilgrims who walk the French way.?? Have you met some of them in your previous caminos ? As I've mentioned I'm 70 years old and this will be the first time I'm trying such a long distance overall though I'm not unfit at all .
2. Many Pilgrims referred to the different refugios in which one can stay over but I never see whether blankets and sheets are part of the price per night or not. I'm bringing my own sleeping bag with but I'm just curious to know what are the arrangements in this regard.
3. I would like to know whether these refugees are mixed for men and women? It is really no problem, it's just something I would like to know please
4. I also gain the impression from the information on the fora that one not allowed to stay longer than one night in a refugio? is that true and what will happen if you want to rest another day and stay over. are there very strict rules in this regard or can one stay 2 nights if you feel like that in the same place?
These are all my questions for the moment and I'm really looking forward to having a fruitful discussion with all my new friend regarding my first attempt at the age of 70 to tackle my first Camino
Hello my friends,
I'm 70 years old, a male from South Africa and I'm trying to attempt my first Camino, the French way, in April 2017.
I am honoured to be a new member of this this distinguihed group of experience Pilgrims/walkers/adventurers and I would like you to please assist me with my following questions and those which will follow afterwords:
I have painstakingly gone through the vast amount of informative messages in different fora on this website and I would just like to find out whether:
1. Is there according to your experience any age limit of Pilgrims who walk the French way.?? Have you met some of them in your previous caminos ? As I've mentioned I'm 70 years old and this will be the first time I'm trying such a long distance overall though I'm not unfit at all .
2. Many Pilgrims referred to the different refugios in which one can stay over but I never see whether blankets and sheets are part of the price per night or not. I'm bringing my own sleeping bag with but I'm just curious to know what are the arrangements in this regard.
3. I would like to know whether these refugees are mixed for men and women? It is really no problem, it's just something I would like to know please
4. I also gain the impression from the information on the fora that one not allowed to stay longer than one night in a refugio? is that true and what will happen if you want to rest another day and stay over. are there very strict rules in this regard or can one stay 2 nights if you feel like that in the same place?
These are all my questions for the moment and I'm really looking forward to having a fruitful discussion with all my new friend regarding my first attempt at the age of 70 to tackle my first Camino
Hello my friends,
I'm 70 years old, a male from South Africa and I'm trying to attempt my first Camino, the French way, in April 2017.
I am honoured to be a new member of this this distinguihed group of experience Pilgrims/walkers/adventurers and I would like you to please assist me with my following questions and those which will follow afterwords:
I have painstakingly gone through the vast amount of informative messages in different fora on this website and I would just like to find out whether:
1. Is there according to your experience any age limit of Pilgrims who walk the French way.?? Have you met some of them in your previous caminos ? As I've mentioned I'm 70 years old and this will be the first time I'm trying such a long distance overall though I'm not unfit at all .
2. Many Pilgrims referred to the different refugios in which one can stay over but I never see whether blankets and sheets are part of the price per night or not. I'm bringing my own sleeping bag with but I'm just curious to know what are the arrangements in this regard.
3. I would like to know whether these refugees are mixed for men and women? It is really no problem, it's just something I would like to know please
4. I also gain the impression from the information on the fora that one not allowed to stay longer than one night in a refugio? is that true and what will happen if you want to rest another day and stay over. are there very strict rules in this regard or can one stay 2 nights if you feel like that in the same place?
These are all my questions for the moment and I'm really looking forward to having a fruitful discussion with all my new friend regarding my first attempt at the age of 70 to tackle my first Camino
Hello my friends,
I'm 70 years old, a male from South Africa and I'm trying to attempt my first Camino, the French way, in April 2017.
I am honoured to be a new member of this this distinguihed group of experience Pilgrims/walkers/adventurers and I would like you to please assist me with my following questions and those which will follow afterwords:
I have painstakingly gone through the vast amount of informative messages in different fora on this website and I would just like to find out whether:
1. Is there according to your experience any age limit of Pilgrims who walk the French way.?? Have you met some of them in your previous caminos ? As I've mentioned I'm 70 years old and this will be the first time I'm trying such a long distance overall though I'm not unfit at all .
2. Many Pilgrims referred to the different refugios in which one can stay over but I never see whether blankets and sheets are part of the price per night or not. I'm bringing my own sleeping bag with but I'm just curious to know what are the arrangements in this regard.
3. I would like to know whether these refugees are mixed for men and women? It is really no problem, it's just something I would like to know please
4. I also gain the impression from the information on the fora that one not allowed to stay longer than one night in a refugio? is that true and what will happen if you want to rest another day and stay over. are there very strict rules in this regard or can one stay 2 nights if you feel like that in the same place?
These are all my questions for the moment and I'm really looking forward to having a fruitful discussion with all my new friend regarding my first attempt at the age of 70 to tackle my first Camino
Hello my friends,
I'm 70 years old, a male from South Africa and I'm trying to attempt my first Camino, the French way, in April 2017.....
I am honoured to be a new member of this this distinguihed group of experience Pilgrims/walkers/adventurers and I would like you to please assist me with my following questions and those which will follow afterwords:I'm really looking forward to having a fruitful discussion with all my new friend regarding my first attempt at the age of 70 to tackle my first Camino
Blankets and sheets - I take a silk sleeping bag liners (light and can act as a sheet) and I discovered thanks to Kanga a travel quilt that I found better than my sleeping bag, very light and luxurious - for Albergues. When going for respite and privacy on the odd night in a Casa Rural or Hotel, I absolutely luxuriated in the towels, sheets, blankets and en suite!
Medical - I take my tablets (on far too many!) in bulk and use a 2 week dosage box and I take a letter from my Doc confirming what I am on (in case I run out or Customs asks). I have sleep Apnoea and have to use a CPAP machine - I found one called Transcend that is the size of a can of coke and is quiet for sleeping in dorms - in fact people told me the gentle rising and falling was like the sea and was soothing and also acted as "white noise" if there were snorers. I have an 8 hr battery with it but only had to rely on that once in 46 days. It weighs only 2.1kg and gives us good freedom.
Guides - have a good Guide book that is up to date - I have had no issues with the Brierley book that most Pilgrims use but I do not do the day's walks that he always suggests as that means sometimes that distances are a bit far for my comfort and the destination towns are often busier, this allows me to find less busy but as good accommodation down a page.
tony
Hello my friends,
I'm 70 years old, a male from South Africa and I'm trying to attempt my first Camino, the French way, in April 2017.
I am honoured to be a new member of this this distinguihed group of experience Pilgrims/walkers/adventurers and I would like you to please assist me with my following questions and those which will follow afterwords:
I have painstakingly gone through the vast amount of informative messages in different fora on this website and I would just like to find out whether:
1. Is there according to your experience any age limit of Pilgrims who walk the French way.?? Have you met some of them in your previous caminos ? As I've mentioned I'm 70 years old and this will be the first time I'm trying such a long distance overall though I'm not unfit at all .
2. Many Pilgrims referred to the different refugios in which one can stay over but I never see whether blankets and sheets are part of the price per night or not. I'm bringing my own sleeping bag with but I'm just curious to know what are the arrangements in this regard.
3. I would like to know whether these refugees are mixed for men and women? It is really no problem, it's just something I would like to know please
4. I also gain the impression from the information on the fora that one not allowed to stay longer than one night in a refugio? is that true and what will happen if you want to rest another day and stay over. are there very strict rules in this regard or can one stay 2 nights if you feel like that in the same place?
These are all my questions for the moment and I'm really looking forward to having a fruitful discussion with all my new friend regarding my first attempt at the age of 70 to tackle my first Camino
Contact the South African Camino organisation for Schengen information.Being from South Africa I would need a Schengen visa to enter Europe either in Spain or in France. I know that many of the Pilgrims are not necessarily from Schengen countries and I would like to have an idea of how long before the time one has to apply for a visa for France or spain depending on where you want to start. Can you also give me an indication of how long you can stay in Europe with the Schengen visa and how much would the cost be more or less in US dollars? Thank you very much for your assistance in advance it is really appreciated
Gerhard:Hi thank you very much for the kind the information it is nice to hear that there are people who are also caring about others and I think that is the spirit of the Camino. I was also thinking about starting about the 14th of April 2017, can you tell me are you coming from the beginning of the French way at St Jean or are you starting somewhere in Spain. I hope to start at the French side and also to finish this Camino up to Santiago. Please tell me your plans and I would really like to meet up with you and maybe we can walk some sections together. Thank you very much for your kind response and I hope to hear from you soon
Hi Gerhard58 My wife and I are from Cape Town and will start from Pamplona on 27 March 2017. We both have fulltime careers and we could only mange to synchronise leave for 33 days. Starting from St Jean and finish in Santiago in 33 days is a bit much. As they say the camino has no specific starting point. It would have been nice to start in St Jean but we are only setting realistic goals....
Hi Gerhard
You have already received lots of excellent advice, so I will offer only a few general thoughts based on my experience of the Camino and subsequent pilgrimage walks.
1. Set intermediate goals as this is your first big walk. The Camino was the first big walk for me, so my first goal was to get to Burgos, where I had a rest day. Then I said "Ok, let's go to Astorga", where I had a rest day. I was pretty confident then of reaching Santiago.
Don't obsess from the "get-go" on reaching Santiago. It's to big and daunting an undertaking. Baby steps are the go. Lentement mais surement is another good approach. Read a bit about Buddhism and mindful steps, living in the moment.
I did not actually need the rest days and there was a downside: On the Camino you will often meet the same people day after day, and a bond develops among your "band of brothers" (and sisters!). If you take a rest day, your companions will move on and although you will meet up with a new group of people, you will miss your old friends. My approach now is not to take rest days if possible, but to walk a short stage instead.
2. Reduce the unknown: There is a natural anxiety in doing something big for the first time, so try to reduce the unknown as much as possible. Buy a good guidebook. Pore over maps, including Street View in Google. Read blogs. Do training walks with your actual pack and load over the distance you hope to cover in a day. You can walk the Camino in ordinary walking shoes - I did two in my ordinary shoes. But I found that experienced walkers (and now that includes me) generally prefer light walking boots. Above all, read posts in the forum, which is by far the best one for all pilgrimage walks. The people who post here are genuinely helpful and their advice is credible.
3. Age issues: As we age, we gradually lose muscle mass that often becomes noticeable in the 70s. Our lung function also declines. Both factors can make it harder and slower to walk on ascents, even at low altitudes. That slows us down, but walking short stages is not a crime!
We can do two simple things to slow down muscle loss: (a) do strength training for the legs and arms (remember you need your arms for your walking pole) by using weights or training on hills or steps; and (b) eat more protein in your regular diet. Vitamin D may help as well.
As for lung function, exercise is the best thing. You may also want to have your doctor do a simple lung function test to see how you rate for your age. COPD and other respiratory diseases are becoming more common in Australia and other countries, even though smoking rates have declined, so it is worth finding out if you are affected.
4. Have a spiritual purpose: I don't necessarily mean that in a religious sense. It is all very well to have a practical purpose, say "I am going to walk to Santiago", but having some higher purpose enriches the journey. When I walked the Camino I met a woman who was walking to give thanks for all the good things in her life: the love of a fine husband and family and all they had achieved in their lives. I met a man who had previously walked the Camino with his wife. She had recently died, and he was retracing their steps in remembrance and to assuage his grief. He confessed to me that he felt her presence very strongly at times.
5. Lend a helping hand: Opportunities will almost certainly arise for you to help another walker. It may be only a few comforting words as you walk together, it may be a gift of a few bandaids or other items. You may be able to help prepare a common meal in the evening while a companion rests. Whatever. The remarkable thing about helping another person is that it uplifts both parties and gives them strength. I met a woman while walking the Via Francigena and I made her coffee in the morning while she got ready for the day. That simple gesture and the few companionable moments we shared over breakfast were very important for me and were helpful for her as well.
On your walk you will meet many volunteers, certainly at St Jean when you set out, but also in albergues. Not all of us can volunteer like that, but it is something to consider when the walk is over. However, there is one thing we can all do: keep contributing to this forum when your walk is over to share your experiences.
Finally, it remains to wish you well in all you do. Many people say that the Camino is one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives and I am sure you will return home with memories to treasure and a better understanding of yourself. The Camino tests us physically and mentally and we find out who we truly are. Therein lies the possibility of growth.
There is a downside to the Camino: It is addictive! You may find yourself doing other long pilgrimage walks - as I did. But it is so exhilarating. What better addiction could we have??
Bob M
Dear Bob I must say that I am absolutely impressed by the fact that you took all the trouble to initiate me into whatever faces me on this Camino, which I hope to start on the 10th of April 2017. .... I know that there are so many unknowns in a long distance of 800 km, but what I've also learnt through my years is that one has to take it step-by-step and start slowly and somehow things will come together.
Bob is there a local group of Camino walkers in Melbourne? Just curious, I walked with a family of 3 Andy, Jan & son Matt from MelbourneIt is my pleasure, Gerhard. I will be thinking of you on April 10, to wish you well - but as you so aptly put it 'somehow things will come together.'
Here is another thought for you: some years ago I went on a different pilgrimage to Kwa-Zulu Natal, to walk among so many vanished young men of all races at places like Insandhlwana, Rorke's Drift, Spion Kop, Colenso and Ladysmith. You will know these names yourself. The battlefields at Insandhlwana and Rorke's Drift are especially evocative, so if you are in the Durban area it would be worth making the trip for some quiet reflection before you set out on the Camino.
Regards
Bob M
There are a lot of Camino walkers in Australia and certainly from Melbourne (the Australian Melbourne, not the Florida Melbourne - but that is another story!). I have not searched for a group, but there probably is one. A few Australians also do volunteer work for pilgrims in busy places like St Jean Pied de Port. In fact, I am thinking of doing the same myself when I get too decrepit to walk long distances.Bob is there a local group of Camino walkers in Melbourne? Just curious, I walked with a family of 3 Andy, Jan & son Matt from Melbourne
Yes, even in our small town & surrounding area we have roughly 8-10 who have walked different portions. We just had a dinner that a couple described their experiences as hostilero's in Logrono. They worked very long days. I agree with you it would be a different perspective. It certainly gave them the example of how each person has a story to tell & not easily shared. Respect on the Camino is very important.There are a lot of Camino walkers in Australia and certainly from Melbourne (the Australian Melbourne, not the Florida Melbourne - but that is another story!). I have not searched for a group, but there probably is one. A few Australians also do volunteer work for pilgrims in busy places like St Jean Pied de Port. In fact, I am thinking of doing the same myself when I get too decrepit to walk long distances.
Bob M
Blankets and sheets - I take a silk sleeping bag liners (light and can act as a sheet) and I discovered thanks to Kanga a travel quilt that I found better than my sleeping bag, very light and luxurious - for Albergues. When going for respite and privacy on the odd night in a Casa Rural or Hotel, I absolutely luxuriated in the towels, sheets, blankets and en suite!
Figure out how to clip a corner of your travel quilt to the bunk bed. I woke up 3 nights in a row with the travel quilt on the floor. I had to scramble off the bunk bed at 2 in the morning to pick it up, then attempt to mount the bed again!
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