Coleen Clark
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Walked August 2015, planning on walking August 2017
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.
So it looks like you are either taking your first steps or planning to soon. Two Words for you....EAR PLUGS. I don't want to hear about you being grumpy that first week because someone's snoring or fumbling around in the dark kept you up.Go get it, Coleen! Thanks for the words- they are an inspiration!
Lookin for that bottom bunk...
I know, right??? I mean, no one ever asked for a birth certificate or passport. They just kinda looked at me and said "Elderly. Bottom Bunk". Of course, it was after a hard day on the Camino. And I hadn't done my hair....or makeup...perhaps the growling didn't help either....I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
I know how you feel. My knees are going too, but I play the lottery religiously (can I say that on a Camino Thread?) and *when* (not if) I win, I will do the Camino again, only it will be on a silver curtained litter by four strong men who resemble Cary Grant, John Wayne, Gregory Peck and Paul Newman...You make me smile and thank you for your post. It does jar our sensibilities when we get to that age that when young we thought was ancient. I still see myself as a young man even though my body has begun to fail. Just recently went in tot he doctors and he is talking about full knee replacment for both knees. Arthur seems to have destroyed the knee joint of both knees. Given the pain that I have experienced the last year I am pretty sure I will go for it. The first question I asked the doctor is if I proceeded with an operation will I still be able to walk the Camino? Thankfully he responded affirmatively.
I will delay the operation as much as possible, but acknowledge it will be an experience in the future. Regardless, I will still be able to walk.
Thank goodness for lower bunks, for the kindness of younger people, and the thoughtfulness of those serving in Albergues.
Buon Camino, Coleen.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky . . .
Dear Poogeyejr,You missed the other option -that you were hot stuff! and very lucky! because there were no Elderly around and you were getting their bottom bunks!!!!
Hi Michael,You make me smile and thank you for your post. It does jar our sensibilities when we get to that age that when young we thought was ancient. I still see myself as a young man even though my body has begun to fail. Just recently went in tot he doctors and he is talking about full knee replacment for both knees. Arthur seems to have destroyed the knee joint of both knees. Given the pain that I have experienced the last year I am pretty sure I will go for it. The first question I asked the doctor is if I proceeded with an operation will I still be able to walk the Camino? Thankfully he responded affirmatively.
I will delay the operation as much as possible, but acknowledge it will be an experience in the future. Regardless, I will still be able to walk.
Thank goodness for lower bunks, for the kindness of younger people, and the thoughtfulness of those serving in Albergues.
Buon Camino, Coleen.
Having recently undergone a major joint replacement, unless there are major medical reasons to delay the procedure, I would not recommend waiting.I will delay the operation as much as possible, but acknowledge it will be an experience in the future. Regardless, I will still be able to walk.
Me, too!Go get it, Coleen! Thanks for the words- they are an inspiration!
Lookin for that bottom bunk...
Having recently undergone a major joint replacement, unless there are major medical reasons to delay the procedure, I would not recommend waiting.
I know that knees can be more complex than the hip replacement that I had, and there can be differences in how one recovers from major surgery of this nature. But in objective terms, for competition walks, I am now back down to per km times that I haven't been able to achieve for several years. For longer distance walks, I have been pushing out gradually, but in the past couple of weeks got out to nearly 19 km - nearly treble the distance I was walking before the onset of debilitating pain previously.
Hi Michael,
Just about to undertake my first Camino in a few weeks, unfortunately not with my husband but just a post to encourage you about dual knee replacements. He had them fifteen years ago and this is NOT the reason he can't do the Camino now (he has other health issues from having worn out his body as an Olympic athlete) as he plays 18 holes of golf twice a week, swims and cycles on his fifteen year old new knees.
He had them checked recently by his surgeon and was told they are perfect/good as the newer prosthetics (which he was lucky to have) are lasting much longer than the medical profession previously thought and the modern ones are even better.
My advice to you is
1. Don't overly delay if the writing is on the wall. The main reason for this is that the leg muscles atrophy if you are in pain and not using them correctly.
2. Try to build these muscles up using physiotherapy ( you call it physical therapy ) pre surgery. It may be painful but aqua therapy and gentle knee specific exercises can hasten your post operative recovery and get you back on the Camino faster.
3. and this is the big one.
Have them both done at once.
There are several reasons for this, the foremost being that the surgeon can re-align your legs so that they are fully correctly operational from day one without the bad leg holding you back. Yes it is hell, but with modern pain killers and physiotherapy you will get through AND you will NEVER have to go back and repeat the process.
This has been our experience of a youngish ( he was 55) fit man having to have this procedure. Hope this helps and inspires.
Amen!I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
I never found pain gentle!! In any case, I hope you continue to manage it successfully. Not being able to walk more than five-six km without being in pain for the next couple of days, and the sleep disruption the arthritis was causing for both me and my wife, were significant factors in deciding to act quickly and not delay getting the replacement done.Gentle pain is constant
$5 US - that's like $50 to a Canadian!!!Dear Poogeyejr,
Where do I send payment for the above post? Is $5 enough?
Sincerely,
Hot Stuff
That's a bit cruel calling 70 as oldI don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
I hear you, Alaska, but my spirit may be a new 50, but my bladder is an elderly 64.I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
Never use the O word around Veteran Walkers. Ever. Use Elderly, or Experienced, or...or....WISE! Yes! That's the word!That's a bit cruel calling 70 as old
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.
Define Elderly
I know how you feel. My knees are going too, but I play the lottery religiously (can I say that on a Camino Thread?) and *when* (not if) I win, I will do the Camino again, only it will be on a silver curtained litter by four strong men who resemble Cary Grant, John Wayne, Gregory Peck and Paul Newman...
In their younger days.
It will still count, right?
Apologies for my part, @Coleen,You know, this started out as a joyous shout to announce my return to the worl of walking the Camino and all the fond memories I had. Like a Sunday Mimosa Breakfast at the VFW it turned into a wound show, detailing past operations and present ailments. Sigh. Tells me something. I'm Getting another Mimosa. Y'all carry on. Be back in a sec.
So why are you posting on a thread for the elderly?we will be 67 & 66 yrs. old
Coleen, thank you! I can so relate to your post! I walked my body to a thin pulp in September on the Frances and that, along with shedding many layers of fear, guilt and shame AND meeting incredible fellow pilgrims AND experiencing the natural beauty of Spain was...well...nothing short of a miracle. Planning to return in May to walk the part of the Frances I had to miss due to my extreme tendonitis and to discover new ways on the Sanabres. Back in my "real life" of comfort I crave the discomforts of the road and the many gifts received there. Even though I celebrated my sixtieth birthday in Orisson, I thought I was given the bottom bunk because of my bum leg....silly me! I was constantly inspired by those around me, of all ages, but especially those older than me.Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.
Amen!
It's super bad karma to refuse to yield one's bottom bunk to someone older or less able. Just wait til later when they're our age; some rude young twit will certainly refuse to offer a seat, lower bunk, or needed assistance.At La Virgen del Camino (Leon) albergues a young long legged girl was asked by the nuns to change to a top bunk. She refused
At La Virgen del Camino (Leon) albergue a young, long legged girl was asked by the nuns to change to a top bunk. She refused, .
and who are you?So why are you posting on a thread for the elderly?
Coleen, go girl go! I am 67 and walked my first Camino Frances last Fall. Crawling up to Roncesvalles Pass I questioned myself, what the hell was I thinking.. it was, is, the adventure of a life time.. Buen Camino!Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.
I totally agree. When people say I dont look 72 I ask what 72 is supposed to look like. I point out to people they are basing their assumptions on the grandparents of 2 generations ago. I quite like a top bunk except that I am likely to need to get out once in the night and then a lower one is easier. But hey a bed is a bed and I am happy for whatever I get. I think elderly may be 85 will let you know when I get thereI don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
I was 71 when I first did the Camino Frances. I thrived on every mile. Some of the climbs left me winded but not sore. So often I would get an apology that no lower bunks were available. Never found an upper bunk I couldn't conquer (though i dreaded that middle of the night journey). I hope to celebrate my 75th with another journey on the Camino Frances and making more friends 18 to 80 and with a few other Caminos behind me. Yes, 70s is elderly but elderly doesn't mean down and out.I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
I am among those whose physical age outstrips their mental age and outlook. Elderly is sometimes more in the eye of the beholder! I don't remember seeing those discreet signs in any albergue, but I do recall one hospitalero insisting I could not be as old as the date of birth on my passport indicated! I also recall another hospitalero assigning me the top bunk as I was the youngest in my group of friends! On the other hand an equally age-experienced pilgrim gave us a back-handed compliment when he said he admired us (old ladies, being the inference) for walking the camino! And I enjoyed that many younger pilgrims chose to walk with me, perhaps surprised that I matched their pace, perhaps relieved to slow down their pace to mine, and perhaps happy to share in inter-generational dialogue and wisdom that proved we are all pilgrims on the way at any age.Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.
I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
It's the grey hair, Laurie, and don't you know? Women are supposed to color that; you were breaking an unwritten ruleThey said, oh, we thought you were in your 70s and were amazed at how fast you walk for that age.
Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly."
Hmmm. Well ladies, one definition - for males, (and there's no delicate way of putting this), according to my GP it would be the time of life when the prostate gland starts to misbehave. This results in "elderly" men having to head for the loo once or twice during the night. No fun with wonky knees and a top bunk to climb out of in the dark. No fun for the other occupants of the dormitory either.Define Elderly
70's not elderly....80 is
Hmmm. Well ladies, one definition - for males, (and there's no delicate way of putting this), according to my GP it would be the time of life when the prostate gland starts to misbehave. This results in "elderly" men having to head for the loo once or twice during the night. No fun with wonky knees and a top bunk to climb out of in the dark. No fun for the other occupants of the dormitory either.
Errrr thanks for that. I walked from SJ last year when I was 70 and with prostate cancer meaning 3 or 4 bathroom visits a night so yes definitely save the bottom bunks. At Orisson I ended up on the floor as nobody offered to swap!I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
70, elderly? for shame!I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
I can just see in a future Craziest thing you've seen someone bring on Camino thread: I saw a bald woman with a grey wig hanging off her pack. She only wore it a few minutes a day when checking into albergues.I not infrequently get the top bunk, and suspect that if I did not shave my grey hair this would not happen as much. It easily makes me look 10 years younger.
So why are you posting on a thread for the elderly?
I am a 68-year-old who doesn't think she should be involved in a thread about the "elderly," either!and who are you?
It's the grey hair, Laurie, and don't you know? Women are supposed to color that; you were breaking an unwritten rule
OK I am going to play devils advocate here.
Surely if you are fit enough to walk a camino then you are fit enough to take a top bunk?
(runs away with head covered by hands)
Not necessarily. Knee and hip joint problems can cause difficulties climbing the bunk ladder but regular walking is often fine
I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
Definition of Elderly. Old enough to know that the bottom bunk is preferrable!Define Elderly
Well, I was actually only "amening" that 60's are the new 50 as it's specific to my ageHmm. @ Camino Chris 70 is not elderly !! 70 IMHO is the new 60.
Have you talked to a doc about hormonal creams used in just that area? That plus kegels have made a huge difference for me. I really underestimated the kegels until I did them for the first week.I hear you, Alaska, but my spirit may be a new 50, but my bladder is an elderly 64.
according to my GP it would be the time of life when the prostate gland starts to misbehave.
I suggest that the gynaecology and urology consultations could be done on Private Conversations.Have you talked to a doc about hormonal creams used in just that area? That plus kegels have made a huge difference for me. I really underestimated the kegels until I did them for the first week.
I was only saying "amen" to the part that referred to ME...When I hit 70, I will definately agree that 70 is the new 60!Hmm. @ Camino Chris 70 is not elderly !! 70 IMHO is the new 60.
Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.
My wife and I must have stayed in different albergues than you, because we never saw such a sign. We're both on the downhill side of 70, and always appreciated having a lower bunk. Fortunately, because of our slower pace and shorter stages, we usually arrived early enough to get one. However, in those instances when we did not arrive in time to grab lower bunks, not once did anyone offer to switch with us. I'm not complaining because in most areas I don't feel limited by nor do I expect special favors because of my age, but the reality is there are some bodily functions that are affected by age more than others, and we viejos do in fact need to use the facilities more often than the younger folk. So unless you do not mind having your sleep disturbed at least a couple of times during the night by some old geezer in the upper bunk climbing up and down to use the bathroom, do us both a favor and consider offering your lower bunk to an older person who may have come into the albergue after you.... Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly...
Gosh, if you were referring to my post, I was not responding to your comment--just to the highlight one of the reasons lower bunks are preferred by people in their "golden" years. But I do beg to differ with you on one point: 70 is the new 50, not 60I unintentionally irked the over 70 crowd. My sincere apologies. My statement was intended to state that 60 isn't old. Obviously, plenty of over 70 people have proven that neither are they. Which makes me happy. I too will be 70 one day. Unless I get thrown off a mountain by a 70 year old pilgrim before then
I unintentionally irked the over 70 crowd. My sincere apologies. My statement was intended to state that 60 isn't old. Obviously, plenty of over 70 people have proven that neither are they. Which makes me happy. I too will be 70 one day. Unless I get thrown off a mountain by a 70 year old pilgrim before then
What I used to do all day now takes me all day to do."..and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find,
and not to yield."
Ulysses,
by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Finally one came to me and asked if I would mind telling them how old I was. I said sure
Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.
How very, very RUDE of them! I would have sent them flying. But then I am not as nice as you are, by all accounts
Oh, I didn't think it was rude of them to ask me my age, I thought it was rude of them to tell they thought I was ten years older after I told them.
She says she is not old nor is she elderly, she just has a good collection of birthdays. She would climb onto the top bunk.
Well you probably are cute.At the age of 73, I have run marathons and walked many long distance trails. I was used to people saying "oh you can't be that old" On the Camino, last October, I had some constant pain in one foot which altered my gait and affected my hip. One morning, in a cafe, someone asked if I minded revealing how old I was. When told, he said "my and you are doing so well". Advancing years don't take the toll on our perception of self to the same degree as they do on our bodies. We go from: "you can't be that old" to "well aren't you cute"
As soon as I decided to walk my soul became quiet. It is as if I am already walking the walk when I talk about the Camino. I did a service in church before and one after the last Camino, and have convinced 6 others to walk. Now I have been asked to do another service before I go. How do you tell people how powerfully life changing the Camino Experience is? Those who feel it never lose it.Coleen,
I did my Camino in May 2016, and I am already starting to feel the way you just described it: I am being uncomfortable in my comfort. I also miss that feeling and find myself watching videos on Youtube that will bring me back to those fantastic (and blister painful) days. I am happy for you, that you will be walking again soon. I will be interested in reading about how the feelings change (if they do at all) the second time around.
Buen Camino!
Got my hair caught in the upper bunk springs once. It only takes once.To me, the bottom bunk isn't always the best. I hate it when you can't sit up without hitting your head!
Not necessarily -- different muscles for climbing into a bunk than walking. My issue is that I need to use the bathroom 4 or 5 times the night. This wasn't true 10 years ago. Another issue for me is osteoperosis -- falls are more serious. I didn't ask people to move for me -- I stayed in private accommodations because of my issues, but not everyone can afford to do this. I could not sleep in a top bunk. (Age 71, young at heart, with arthritis, osteoperosis, and bladder issues)OK I am going to play devils advocate here.
Surely if you are fit enough to walk a camino then you are fit enough to take a top bunk?
(runs away with head covered by hands)
Is it the "golden" years, or the "silver" years...looking in the mirror, since I let nature have its way, I see silver.Gosh, if you were referring to my post, I was not responding to your comment--just to the highlight one of the reasons lower bunks are preferred by people in their "golden" years. But I do beg to differ with you on one point: 70 is the new 50, not 60
Careful, I walked last year from Leon to Santiago and will be going back to do the front 300 miles.....I'm 77.I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
70 ELDERLY !!!!!! I am walking The Camino Levante in April solo and will celebrate my 74th birthday on the trek.I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
Michael Fletcher70 ELDERLY !!!!!! I am walking The Camino Levante in April solo and will celebrate my 74th birthday on the trek.
Not so bad being elderly if it gets you the bottom bunkWell, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.
Yeah! Good for you! It gives me hope that many of us over 60 may still have lots of Caminos waiting for us to plan in the years to come!70 ELDERLY !!!!!! I am walking The Camino Levante in April solo and will celebrate my 74th birthday on the trek.
She says she is not old nor is she elderly, she just has a good collection of birthdays.
One year, while on a top bunk in Leon, I awakened to the fellow in the bottom bunk having an all out war on bedbugs.
I think I posted a photo of him a few years back on another thread.
He had (literally) a pile of dead bugs that he had killed in his bed that night.
I hadn't seen one bug on the top bunk.
Since, then, I've loved top bunks!
Sam Elliot is up behind the curtain with me, keeping a running commentary in that Sam Elliot Voice we know and love.Can we get Sam Elliott in there somewhere?
Love this! You really made me smile with those words!I have walked twice, once from SJ & once from Leon, at ages 75 & 76. When I get old, I hope some future pilgrim will save me a bottom bunk!
now. that I will remember.One year, while on a top bunk in Leon, I awakened to the fellow in the bottom bunk having an all out war on bedbugs.
I think I posted a photo of him a few years back on another thread.
He had (literally) a pile of dead bugs that he had killed in his bed that night.
I hadn't seen one bug on the top bunk.
Since, then, I've loved top bunks!
70's not elderly....80 is
Agree. For me, any "significant bending" of my knees (particularly the right one) creates problems that mere walking does not. Climbing stairs is easy; climbing ladders is not.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?