Oldsters on The Way

[melindamobrien]

I will be 62 and my partner 75 when we do the French route in spring 2013. We're planning to walk slowly. Dawdle. Wondering about our ability to hike only 7-8 miles per day. How difficult to find places to stay that frequently? ANy special advice? Thanks you, pilgrims!

 

[texastrekker]

YIKES! PLEASE don't refer to yourselves as "oldsters"!!!!!! i will celebrate my 65th birthday at end of my camino in october and i will NEVER refer to myself as old-----i plan to fight it everystep of the way.

the new PC term is---------------"more experienced in a less competitive age group masters athlete".

enjoy your camino you youngsters

 

[Sagalouts]

I will be 62 and my partner 75 when we do the French route in spring 2013. We're planning to walk slowly. Dawdle. Wondering about our ability to hike only 7-8 miles per day. How difficult to find places to stay that frequently? ANy special advice? Thanks you, pilgrims!

if anything you will find it easier to find places,and at that time of year less crowded too,as most people will be walking for longer-your 12/15 km a day is just fine,and I agree with texastrekker, there are no oldsters on the Camino only Pilgrims.
enjoy your planning and Buen Camino for next spring,its a great time to walk,just watch out for holy week (easter)
Ian (65)

 

[tyrrek]

Yes, enjoy yourselves. You won't be the oldest or youngest, slowest or fastest etc. Dawdle at will! I was on the Camino this Holy Week (arriving Santiago Easter Sunday) and it was busy but fine. I don't remember us getting turned away from any accommodation, although we mixed albergues and hostales. Enjoy all your planning and preparation. The planning might go out the window, but the preparation will serve you well!

There are a few places where you have a choice between different routes, so just choose them wisely with a good guide book so you keep your accommodation options open.

Buen Camino!

 

[fraluchi]

Wondering about our ability to hike only 7-8 miles per day. How difficult to find places to stay that frequently? ANy special advice?

On the Camino Francés in Spain there are a few stretches which may require alternative arrangements if you can't walk more than 15 km in a day. Take a bus for example.
You should also consider the terrain of the Camino if you need or want to limit your "distance". Basically, and in most villages, you'll find accommodation of some sort. If not in an albergue, in a local hostel or even a private house. The when and where of your intended staying overnight should be considered in your plan. After which you might want to consult this Forum again for assistance.
Don't worry about age and speed: many pilgrims over the past centuries somehow managed with success

 

[cmsmith]

I am planning on leaving St Jean on August 29 and not arriving in Santiago until October 31! I will turn 65 in mid-October and much prefer an amble or dawdle to a faster pace. I planning on my 10 miles/16 km a day--with a day off each week--will get me to Santiago in time. So, I'm sure you will be among much company at your slower pace.

CMSmith

 

[dkenagy]

Good for you! The wife and I, aged 70 and 67, did St Jean to Santiago
In 59 days, finishing May 15. On days that we actually walked we averaged 8.7 miles That's the way to do it for sure!

 

[Devika]

We 65 and 67 will start fro SJJP on or about 2. September 2012. Looking forward to meeting you on the Way ..... Buen Camino! Devika and Andy

 

[amourier]

We 65 and 67 will start fro SJJP on or about 2. September 2012. Looking forward to meeting you on the Way ..... Buen Camino! Devika and Andy

I just turned 64 and am beginning my first Camino from SJPdP on September 4th, 2012. Sure do hope we meet along the way :arrow:
Arlene