Introduction

[jmcarp]

Hi, my name is Jim and I live in Denver, Colorado, USA. My wife, Jeanette, and I are seriously contemplating a pilgrimage next September (2013) to celebrate my 70th birthday. We are both retired -- I from a career as an architect and she from a career as a high school chemistry teacher. We are both active hikers, and belong to an informal group that hikes each week around the Denver area, including the Rockie Mountains immediately to our west. Most of our hikes are much shorter than a typical Camino leg, being on the order of 5 to 7 miles (8 to 12 km), but at much higher elevation -- typically 5,000 to 7,000 feet (1500 to 2100 m) during the winter and 10,000 to 12,000 feet (3000 to 3600 m) in the summer. In spite of that, we realize the need to get ourselves in shape for the continual, day-after-day routine of 20-30 km legs of the Camino, so we've already begun training for the different kind of rigors involved in such a trek.

As yet, we haven't decided which route we'll be taking. Right now, we're looking at the French route, the Madrid route, and the Portugese route. We'd be happy to hear opinions and advice on these three in particular.

Thanks in advance for any advice, and we look forward to what lies ahead.

Jim

 

[tyrrek]

Hi Jim!

I've only ever walked the French route of the three you mention, and tend to recommend it for a first Camino. The infrastructure on that route is so good in terms or the number of albergues, baggage transfer if required etc. It's also very sociable.

This suggestion might not appeal to you, but you could even consider a mix of Caminos, say, by starting in Leon on the Frances to 'find your feet' as it were, then do a less walked route such as the Portugues or Ingles. The options are endless, but you'll probably find that they all have their own character, beauty and challenges.

Buen Camino!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

we realize the need to get ourselves in shape for the continual, day-after-day routine of 20-30 km legs of the Camino

That is the way virtually all the pilgrims do it, but there is no reason you cannot walk for three or four days, take a break, and repeat until you get to the end. It might take you 45 days instead of 33, but do it your way! If you find yourself ahead of schedule, there is plenty to do and many other walks to take until it is time to catch your plane. The physical challenge of a month of half-marathons is enjoyable, but there are alternatives.

 

[MichaelB10398]

Jim, the Camino is a bit different than the great hikes in the Rockies. It is better to think of it first as a pilgrimage and second as a great hike. For those that are looking strictly for an experience in nature the Camino will offer degrees of disappointment; the more you want nature the more you will be disappointed. However, if you are open to a hike on a pilgrimage you will find great joy.

Buen Camino