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A bit of background. My first knowledge of the Camino occurred 4 years ago when I was invited to fill a spot when a tour group member bailed at the last minute. I was a total stranger but the 10-days only cost me only airfare & heavily discounted base price. The missing member's deposit was already paid and that forfeited to me. Our group location was in an old monastery/winery 22 kilos from Santiago. Our group soon developed camaraderie and good times resulted. From there we toured all over Galacia. I immediately loved the history but especially the food. In one of the small towns a group of pilgrims were taking a break near us in a side park. Conversations ensued & I was immediately fascinated. Having recently retired and (characteristically) interested in new adventure, I asked many questions most of which went unanswered because the pilgrims trekked away. My curiosity remained, though. Returning home, fate intervened. I was diagnosed with cancer. Long story short, two bouts of surgery with chemo, rehab, etc, knocked me down hard but I am now pronounced 100% clean. But lots of physical conditioning needs to occur before I can undertake my own trek. This, with pandemic restrictions, provides opportunity to plan, get back in shape, get equipment & travel plans in the mix. Spring of 2022 seems most likely ETD. Today I watched "The Way" on You Tube. Also ordered The 2021 Portugues Guide. All of this is inspiring. Thanks to all who replied to my initial posts. All much appreciated. Oh, I am getting some pushback from family. "Dad, you're not up for anything like this." (Don't ever make a remark like this to an old Marine !) We shall see ...
If the way is calling you, don't try to ignore...A bit of background. My first knowledge of the Camino occurred 4 years ago when I was invited to fill a spot when a tour group member bailed at the last minute. I was a total stranger but the 10-days only cost me only airfare & heavily discounted base price. The missing member's deposit was already paid and that forfeited to me. Our group location was in an old monastery/winery 22 kilos from Santiago. Our group soon developed camaraderie and good times resulted. From there we toured all over Galacia. I immediately loved the history but especially the food. In one of the small towns a group of pilgrims were taking a break near us in a side park. Conversations ensued & I was immediately fascinated. Having recently retired and (characteristically) interested in new adventure, I asked many questions most of which went unanswered because the pilgrims trekked away. My curiosity remained, though. Returning home, fate intervened. I was diagnosed with cancer. Long story short, two bouts of surgery with chemo, rehab, etc, knocked me down hard but I am now pronounced 100% clean. But lots of physical conditioning needs to occur before I can undertake my own trek. This, with pandemic restrictions, provides opportunity to plan, get back in shape, get equipment & travel plans in the mix. Spring of 2022 seems most likely ETD. Today I watched "The Way" on You Tube. Also ordered The 2021 Portugues Guide. All of this is inspiring. Thanks to all who replied to my initial posts. All much appreciated. Oh, I am getting some pushback from family. "Dad, you're not up for anything like this." (Don't ever make a remark like this to an old Marine !) We shall see ...
Is that an old American marine or a British one? As one ex-serviceman to another Buen Camino and keep on truckin !A bit of background. My first knowledge of the Camino occurred 4 years ago when I was invited to fill a spot when a tour group member bailed at the last minute. I was a total stranger but the 10-days only cost me only airfare & heavily discounted base price. The missing member's deposit was already paid and that forfeited to me. Our group location was in an old monastery/winery 22 kilos from Santiago. Our group soon developed camaraderie and good times resulted. From there we toured all over Galacia. I immediately loved the history but especially the food. In one of the small towns a group of pilgrims were taking a break near us in a side park. Conversations ensued & I was immediately fascinated. Having recently retired and (characteristically) interested in new adventure, I asked many questions most of which went unanswered because the pilgrims trekked away. My curiosity remained, though. Returning home, fate intervened. I was diagnosed with cancer. Long story short, two bouts of surgery with chemo, rehab, etc, knocked me down hard but I am now pronounced 100% clean. But lots of physical conditioning needs to occur before I can undertake my own trek. This, with pandemic restrictions, provides opportunity to plan, get back in shape, get equipment & travel plans in the mix. Spring of 2022 seems most likely ETD. Today I watched "The Way" on You Tube. Also ordered The 2021 Portugues Guide. All of this is inspiring. Thanks to all who replied to my initial posts. All much appreciated. Oh, I am getting some pushback from family. "Dad, you're not up for anything like this." (Don't ever make a remark like this to an old Marine !) We shall see ...
US Marine here. I'm starting this adventure at 82 y.o. If nothing else, this gives me a goal to aim for. I'm simply transferring my former priority from a long-term liveboard sailing plan to a land-based one. Danish heritage (yeah, a modern day Viking perhaps?) From childhood my entire life has involved some aspect of sailing, starting as an avocation & evolving into a professional career. racing at all levels, cruising U.S Atlantic seaboard, delivery Captain, more) The physical issues of the last few years preclude long-term cruising ... loss of balance being foremost due to after effects of chemotherapy. This can't be reversed. Boat sold, going stir crazy. As Michael Jordan once said, "I miss 100% of the shots I don't take." It is what it is. Glad to be here ! DrewIs that an old American marine or a British one? As one ex-serviceman to another Buen Camino and keep on truckin !I was 65 when I started (now 83) and had been told I too was past it. Thank God my GP was ex-service himself who quite calmly told me " if you want to do it, you wont do it sitting here!" That was several Caminos ago! Just be kind to yourself. The only finish line is the one in your heart!
Samarkand.
We met an American lady who had always wanted to walk a Camino but somehow or other, work, family etc had got in the way. She’d finally decided, at 86 years old to lay down all her responsibilities back home and announced that she was heading out. She flew to Spain with a 90 day visa and started walking from St. Jean. We met her some 200km into the Camino and she was going strong. She averaged around 10km a day, made friends with other pilgrims and local people, drank lots of red wine, ate and slept with a smile on her face. I’ve absolutely no doubt that she made it to Santiago and that she was having some of the most joyous moments of her life. Don’t hesitate - make your plans and go. It’s a truly wonderful experience.US Marine here. I'm starting this adventure at 82 y.o. If nothing else, this gives me a goal to aim for. I'm simply transferring my former priority from a long-term liveboard sailing plan to a land-based one. Danish heritage (yeah, a modern day Viking perhaps?) From childhood my entire life has involved some aspect of sailing, starting as an avocation & evolving into a professional career. racing at all levels, cruising U.S Atlantic seaboard, delivery Captain, more) The physical issues of the last few years preclude long-term cruising ... loss of balance being foremost due to after effects of chemotherapy. This can't be reversed. Boat sold, going stir crazy. As Michael Jordan once said, "I miss 100% of the shots I don't take." It is what it is. Glad to be here ! Drew
Man, this is inspiring! It's not a race or a contest. God knows, I've done enough of those & not time limited, either. Thanks, DrewWe met an American lady who had always wanted to walk a Camino but somehow or other, work, family etc had got in the way. She’d finally decided, at 86 years old to lay down all her responsibilities back home and announced that she was heading out. She flew to Spain with a 90 day visa and started walking from St. Jean. We met her some 200km into the Camino and she was going strong. She averaged around 10km a day, made friends with other pilgrims and local people, drank lots of red wine, ate and slept with a smile on her face. I’ve absolutely no doubt that she made it to Santiago and that she was having some of the most joyous moments of her life. Don’t hesitate - make your plans and go. It’s a truly wonderful experience.
not time limited, either
Coastal areas are a comfort zone therefore a logical starting point. I've lived most of my life within a stones throw of salt water. Hills & mountains, while beautiful vistas, are a physical challenge until strength returns. I'd also like to find a way to get in some sailing along the coastal rout, chartering maybe. Perhaps there are possibilities for other trekkers to share with this? Porto seems a more logical starting point for now. I've sailed out of La Rochelle, FR within sight of Cape Finisterre but never made landfall in Spain. I'm only a few days into this venture so things are still unfolding. Looking at everything at this juncture. Thanks, MaggieAll the responses here are encouraging you to go for it. I notice you have posted on the Camino Portugues thread. I am not familiar with this having only completed the Camino Norte to my credit in my 60 s over several holidays. Are you thinking of starting in Lisbon or Porto and there are other choices further along about coastal Vs other route with pros and cons . My occasionally geeky mind quite likes these debates . Tell me more
Hello. I walked the Frances in 2015 at age 70 with my adult son. Then, my wife and I walked the Portuguese from Porto three years later. Loved both trips, though the experiences were quite different. We both vouch for the beauty, food, and lovely people along the Portuguese route and we’re looking forward to the Norte’ in Spring, 2022. Perhaps we’ll cross paths in Santiago.A bit of background. My first knowledge of the Camino occurred 4 years ago when I was invited to fill a spot when a tour group member bailed at the last minute. I was a total stranger but the 10-days only cost me only airfare & heavily discounted base price. The missing member's deposit was already paid and that forfeited to me. Our group location was in an old monastery/winery 22 kilos from Santiago. Our group soon developed camaraderie and good times resulted. From there we toured all over Galacia. I immediately loved the history but especially the food. In one of the small towns a group of pilgrims were taking a break near us in a side park. Conversations ensued & I was immediately fascinated. Having recently retired and (characteristically) interested in new adventure, I asked many questions most of which went unanswered because the pilgrims trekked away. My curiosity remained, though. Returning home, fate intervened. I was diagnosed with cancer. Long story short, two bouts of surgery with chemo, rehab, etc, knocked me down hard but I am now pronounced 100% clean. But lots of physical conditioning needs to occur before I can undertake my own trek. This, with pandemic restrictions, provides opportunity to plan, get back in shape, get equipment & travel plans in the mix. Spring of 2022 seems most likely ETD. Today I watched "The Way" on You Tube. Also ordered The 2021 Portugues Guide. All of this is inspiring. Thanks to all who replied to my initial posts. All much appreciated. Oh, I am getting some pushback from family. "Dad, you're not up for anything like this." (Don't ever make a remark like this to an old Marine !) We shall see ...
It's amazing the physical challenges that people have overcome to complete their caminos. If the will is there, so is the Way. That said, it is also amazing the number of people who have started in great fitness only to be unable to complete. I think the secret is paying close attention to what your body is telling you it can do, not what you think it should (or shouldn't) be able to do.A bit of background. My first knowledge of the Camino occurred 4 years ago when I was invited to fill a spot when a tour group member bailed at the last minute. I was a total stranger but the 10-days only cost me only airfare & heavily discounted base price. The missing member's deposit was already paid and that forfeited to me. Our group location was in an old monastery/winery 22 kilos from Santiago. Our group soon developed camaraderie and good times resulted. From there we toured all over Galacia. I immediately loved the history but especially the food. In one of the small towns a group of pilgrims were taking a break near us in a side park. Conversations ensued & I was immediately fascinated. Having recently retired and (characteristically) interested in new adventure, I asked many questions most of which went unanswered because the pilgrims trekked away. My curiosity remained, though. Returning home, fate intervened. I was diagnosed with cancer. Long story short, two bouts of surgery with chemo, rehab, etc, knocked me down hard but I am now pronounced 100% clean. But lots of physical conditioning needs to occur before I can undertake my own trek. This, with pandemic restrictions, provides opportunity to plan, get back in shape, get equipment & travel plans in the mix. Spring of 2022 seems most likely ETD. Today I watched "The Way" on You Tube. Also ordered The 2021 Portugues Guide. All of this is inspiring. Thanks to all who replied to my initial posts. All much appreciated. Oh, I am getting some pushback from family. "Dad, you're not up for anything like this." (Don't ever make a remark like this to an old Marine !) We shall see ...
I am a veteran of the Camino and I have only this advice I would give to you or anyone regardless of medical history and fitness level. Just listen to your body. Not any of the friends you meet along the way or your rational (or should I say irrational) mind. Stop when your body tells you, walk when it tells you and eat when it tells you. It is always better to walk a little less rather than too far. It is amazing how you can feel so good at 2:00PM and then by 2:30PM you are ready to collapse. If you do this especially early on you will see how powerful you will become later in body, mind and spirit.A bit of background. My first knowledge of the Camino occurred 4 years ago when I was invited to fill a spot when a tour group member bailed at the last minute. I was a total stranger but the 10-days only cost me only airfare & heavily discounted base price. The missing member's deposit was already paid and that forfeited to me. Our group location was in an old monastery/winery 22 kilos from Santiago. Our group soon developed camaraderie and good times resulted. From there we toured all over Galacia. I immediately loved the history but especially the food. In one of the small towns a group of pilgrims were taking a break near us in a side park. Conversations ensued & I was immediately fascinated. Having recently retired and (characteristically) interested in new adventure, I asked many questions most of which went unanswered because the pilgrims trekked away. My curiosity remained, though. Returning home, fate intervened. I was diagnosed with cancer. Long story short, two bouts of surgery with chemo, rehab, etc, knocked me down hard but I am now pronounced 100% clean. But lots of physical conditioning needs to occur before I can undertake my own trek. This, with pandemic restrictions, provides opportunity to plan, get back in shape, get equipment & travel plans in the mix. Spring of 2022 seems most likely ETD. Today I watched "The Way" on You Tube. Also ordered The 2021 Portugues Guide. All of this is inspiring. Thanks to all who replied to my initial posts. All much appreciated. Oh, I am getting some pushback from family. "Dad, you're not up for anything like this." (Don't ever make a remark like this to an old Marine !) We shall see ...
She sounds a real lady with a strong heart and I wish her well. Buen Camino!I met an inspiring lady from the UK on camino. She was just out of chemo and had a lot of swelling in her ankles. She knew she was terminally ill. She had decided that she was, at the very least, starting her camino. She hobbled each day to reach her daily destination and then went to find a church service.
Age and dis-ease should not be the reasons we stop living.
Carpe diem.
Your last sentence says it quite clearly. Thanks ...I met an inspiring lady from the UK on camino. She was just out of chemo and had a lot of swelling in her ankles. She knew she was terminally ill. She had decided that she was, at the very least, starting her camino. She hobbled each day to reach her daily destination and then went to find a church service.
Age and dis-ease should not be the reasons we stop living.
Carpe diem.
Thanks. Only into this for less than a week & still learning basics. Some similar parallels to liveaboard sailing. My first-blush plan will be a coastal trek & expand afterward into the northern one. There will be obvious changes as things evolve. Over a year to finalize anything. Thanks. DrewAll the responses here are encouraging you to go for it. I notice you have posted on the Camino Portugues thread. I am not familiar with this having only completed the Camino Norte to my credit in my 60 s over several holidays. Are you thinking of starting in Lisbon or Porto and there are other choices further along about coastal Vs other route with pros and cons . My occasionally geeky mind quite likes these debates . Tell me more
I've done five (CF3, CP, and CI). Each was different and the same. I am 76 this year and consider my next Camino the added candle on the cake.US Marine here. I'm starting this adventure at 82 y.o. If nothing else, this gives me a goal to aim for. I'm simply transferring my former priority from a long-term liveboard sailing plan to a land-based one. Danish heritage (yeah, a modern day Viking perhaps?) From childhood my entire life has involved some aspect of sailing, starting as an avocation & evolving into a professional career. racing at all levels, cruising U.S Atlantic seaboard, delivery Captain, more) The physical issues of the last few years preclude long-term cruising ... loss of balance being foremost due to after effects of chemotherapy. This can't be reversed. Boat sold, going stir crazy. As Michael Jordan once said, "I miss 100% of the shots I don't take." It is what it is. Glad to be here ! Drew
First: Welcome to the Forum! This is a treasure chest for newbies. Search, read up, discuss, and make new virtual friends here. You are amongst equals.Thanks. Only into this for less than a week & still learning basics. Some similar parallels to liveaboard sailing. My first-blush plan will be a coastal trek & expand afterward into the northern one. There will be obvious changes as things evolve. Over a year to finalize anything. Thanks. Drew
I am able to walk 25-30 kms/day with my backpack on. No problem (67 now and counting). But on my next Camino, I will do some 15kms/day, maximum. No more. It will also secure that I spend more money on my Camino. A win-win for me as well as for our good helpers on our Caminos, who really need our spendings.Hi AncientMariner!
Me again!
David is right give yourself plenty of time to appreciate the walk; as who knows how many more chances will come along?
That's what i have decided to do, take all the time i need.
My Camino will be from Porto on the coastal route ( plus Variente Espiritual); it's pretty flat and next to the sea (shouldn't get lost)with lots of bars/restaurants!
I think ;you guys can tell me if i am wrong but it takes about 11 to13 days!
I've got stopovers of 2 or more days in 4 places and 25 days to do it in so hopefully a more leisurely camino.
Woody
I took a "sabbatical" in 2019 to walk the Camino, turned out I retired somewhere along the Way as I never went back! I spent six months wondering what to do and then Covid turned up and I have yet to find my "now". I had dreams turning into plans but now? Who knows. Pleased you have found yoursI want to stay in the now, relax, getting closer to each place. Thank God I'm retired with a pension to let me live in peace and enjoy the now.
Very early planning phase w/ nothing firm. Guides, maps soon to come. Pretty sure about Portogues, though & options thereto. Thanks, DrewAll the responses here are encouraging you to go for it. I notice you have posted on the Camino Portugues thread. I am not familiar with this having only completed the Camino Norte to my credit in my 60 s over several holidays. Are you thinking of starting in Lisbon or Porto and there are other choices further along about coastal Vs other route with pros and cons . My occasionally geeky mind quite likes these debates . Tell me more
Ha, I do believe remarks like that are duck soup for an old marine. Good for you!A bit of background. My first knowledge of the Camino occurred 4 years ago when I was invited to fill a spot when a tour group member bailed at the last minute. I was a total stranger but the 10-days only cost me only airfare & heavily discounted base price. The missing member's deposit was already paid and that forfeited to me. Our group location was in an old monastery/winery 22 kilos from Santiago. Our group soon developed camaraderie and good times resulted. From there we toured all over Galacia. I immediately loved the history but especially the food. In one of the small towns a group of pilgrims were taking a break near us in a side park. Conversations ensued & I was immediately fascinated. Having recently retired and (characteristically) interested in new adventure, I asked many questions most of which went unanswered because the pilgrims trekked away. My curiosity remained, though. Returning home, fate intervened. I was diagnosed with cancer. Long story short, two bouts of surgery with chemo, rehab, etc, knocked me down hard but I am now pronounced 100% clean. But lots of physical conditioning needs to occur before I can undertake my own trek. This, with pandemic restrictions, provides opportunity to plan, get back in shape, get equipment & travel plans in the mix. Spring of 2022 seems most likely ETD. Today I watched "The Way" on You Tube. Also ordered The 2021 Portugues Guide. All of this is inspiring. Thanks to all who replied to my initial posts. All much appreciated. Oh, I am getting some pushback from family. "Dad, you're not up for anything like this." (Don't ever make a remark like this to an old Marine !) We shall see ...
With youth often comes hubris. Older pilgrims may be more used to paying attention to their body and what it is telling them, rather than taking it for granted. That can be an advantage in the long haul of the Camino.While I have been very fortunate to have met many on the Camino much older than I, and could add to the great stories here with theirs, I'll instead commit on how very surprised I always am to find many much younger than I experiencing difficulties.
Some of the worst foot concerns, pulls and strains, limps, and more I have seen were with young pilgrims.
In my experience age does not seem to be the leading factor in difficulties pilgrims may encounter?
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