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I would say... if you are not rather ill, you can find a camino that fits to your needs. "In pretty good shape" should be more than enough if you do not overdo it.... I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream.....
Just do it! Give yourself more time so you do not have to walk so far each day and Give yourself rest days!!! I promise there will be many older than you on the Camino as well!!!!The Camino Frances is so awesome! The weather might be better for you in September. Make sure you take the bare minimum in your pack, keep it VERY light and you will be fine. If you need something you did not bring you can buy something like it along the way. Use poles, they will come in handy on the tough ascents and descents. Ultreia!I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
I walked my first Camino with my daughter, SJPP to Santiago, with a 22 pound pack when I was 72. We now plan to walk from Porto to Santiago then on to Finisterre and Muxia in May 2019 when I will turn 74. Same pack and pace. My advice is to just keep your pace, take some breaks and keep walking. We found that about 20-25 KM per day was a reasonable goal. Just for inspiration, we saw a gentleman last time that we were told was over 90 years old--still walking and carrying his pack.I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
Hello, I’m 82 yo, and in training to walk my first half Camino. My younger wilfe and I will be trekking alomg with our 30 year-younger niece and nephew. Looking forward to a grand pilgrimage. Wish us good health and perseverance. DonI walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
Konnie, go for it!! My wife and I did the Frances then through to Finnisterre anti-clockwise last year (aged 69 and 68). Loved it. Met two gentlemen both aged 82 doing the Frances and they were having a ball. Don't wait!!....don't have regrets!I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
Hi Konnie, based on your experience of 3+ Camino walks already and knowing better than anyone else what your current health and abilities are (and if they have changed significantly in the last 5 years since your last Camino) you are truly the expert when it comes to answering your own question. I'd say give it a try and see how you do. Skip the tarmac where possible if you find it too difficult. Shorten your days or distance if necessary. Ride an electric bike (I saw many this year on the CF)...then you'll like the tarmac. You are only limited by your imagination.
Oh never, my friend 75 is currently mid air on his way to do his 4th camino, Portuguese this time from lisbon. Does around 600-700km every year...keep walkingI walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream
You are an inspiration!A funny story: I walked the CF in 2016. In Puente La Reina I was making my bed in the Seminario albergue. Nearby a young guy (age 23) was doing likewise. We started to talk, and he said to me, shaking his head, "Man.. I just ran into this really old guy who said he's walking to Santiago. He is 70!!" The way he was talking was like "Bring out the wheelchairs!"
I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Well, I'm 67". He gaped and shut up.
As happens frequently on the Camino, we kept running into each other on the way to Santiago. This young guy liked partying during the evenings, and often I'd pass him during the day. He gave me the Camino name of Speedy Gonzales. And we celebrated together when we both arrived in Santiago the same day.
My point is, may we all break our stereotypes about age and ability. I will be walking my next Camino next year when I celebrate my 70th birthday. And I hope to walk many more.
May you walk with confidence. And a heartfelt Buen Camino!
"You are never too old! If you can walk you can do it! I'm a senior!, my 3rd camino! : )I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
I Love It!!!You are an inspiration!
What can i add? Not advice. Perhaps this: for health reasons, I have a daily goal of 10,000 steps. For practical reasons, I do that, and more when I can, in daily tasks like going for the shopping and so it is along city footpaths, hence tarmac, concrete, cobbles. Perhaps that explains why the idea of those surfaces doesn’t alarm me. Writing this is prompting me to get out and take a train to another starting point and walk back home along a canal walk! The house cleaning can wait till I get back, and be done before Wimbledon starts on !I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
I completed my second Camino at 74.I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
My husband and I are almost 80 and we just finished our Camino ....... when you are a little bit older you learn to appreciate being able to do something this special. You just need to listen to what your body is telling you and then you will be fine.I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
Wel, I am not 74, just close to 68. In Sept. My wife and I will go on our first journey. We walk every day and feel we are prepared,in I personally am in excellent health. We plan on enjoying the walk. Not trying to find myself or punish myself. Just enjoy the scenery, the people, the villages. If we walk only a few miles, so what? So, enjoy the trip. Love the experience. You don't' need to prove anything. Maybe we'll see on the trail...I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
Too old? Daydream? 74!
Methinks and me hopes the 70+ crowd weighs in on this one.
Buen camino. Because, I am certain you will be convinced to go.
Hi i am also 74 and going back for the fourth camino age just a number...go for it...I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
Breewaters, are you going to stay wondering? If you are in better than average condition what is holding you back? Off you go!I’m 75 years and in I think better than average condition and I have never hiked the trail. I too am wondering if I have waited too long. Anxious to see the feedback you get.
I just celebrated my 76th birthday doing the entire Camino Frances(did it last year, too). I have never been a backpacker. I do walk and play tennis. I think the key is basic fitness---and then train, train, train. We aren't kids any more, so we need to prepare.I’m 75 years and in I think better than average condition and I have never hiked the trail. I too am wondering if I have waited too long. Anxious to see the feedback you get.
I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
I travelled with a wonderful woman of 72 and a man of 78, both capable of walking 25k a day and carrying heavy packs (not recommended). We're all different but it shows it's possible. Do it! Anyway/ how you need to, don't regret that you didn't try again. The Portuguese?I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
Walked 800km of the Frances when I was 64, 750km of the Le Puy when I was 67, and just walked 420km of the Portugues at 69. At the start I wondered how I would do with a 420km trek...well, I did very well. My wife is now suggesting the 1000km Via de la Plata. I’m game...with maybe a 2 week stop over in Salamanca. Soo....the word is ...if your body says go...Go!
Hi Konnie, based on your experience of 3+ Camino walks already and knowing better than anyone else what your current health and abilities are (and if they have changed significantly in the last 5 years since your last Camino) you are truly the expert when it comes to answering your own question. I'd say give it a try and see how you do. Skip the tarmac where possible if you find it too difficult. Shorten your days or distance if necessary. Ride an electric bike (I saw many this year on the CF)...then you'll like the tarmac. You are only limited by your imagination.
I walked it when I was almost 77 with a group , but every inch but always last but no blisters . Just take it steady. Now about to do camino Le Puy at 80 almost 81 and will take it even more steadilyI walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
I'm touched. Wishing you a beautiful Camino, with the memory of your husband in your heart. God bless.Agree with Jane it is a pi,grimace and church services were very important to me. I hope this will help with my grieving over husband if 57 years who died in February . We first became a couple in 1955
If you analyze the statistics, two things stand out---the increase in women and seniors. Why? Because women and seniors tried it and were successful. They went home and told their peers---who tried it and succeeded. So far in 2018, there have more compostelas awarded to the over 60 group than to the under 30 group. Go seniors!I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
You are never too old. That's BS I'm 73. Will be 74 in Nov with lots of physical problems and I am doing the San Salvador and Primitivo in September. I've got back problems and don't even carry a big backpack, and look what you carried. Where there is a will, there is a way. You can do it.I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
Now 70; just finished my third.I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
My 83 year old Dad and I did the Camino from Sarria to Santiago in May. He did awesome. 12 to 20 kilometers per day.I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
your question: Too old? I am cleaning up my desktop and found this - I may have copied it from another thread! :I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
Age should never be a barrier to anything my friend because one mans 74 is another mans 64 or even 54. We all age differently and if you feel fit and well simply go for it. I met two Texans last year on the Portuguese camino who walked from Porto to SDC that would put the rest of us to shame. Lou was 87 and his friend Nick 73, a mere youngster. So dream big and follow that dream to where ever it may take you even to the ends of the earth, which just might be Finisterre!I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
I absolutely agree on the Hoka shoes! And the trekking poles. But not the rubber tips, I would never trust poles with rubber tips either up or down. The pigs are to help you to a fast grip, the rubber never does. So if the sounds of clacking poles bother you put them away when you do not need them for climbing up or down.@konnie sounds like you got it goin' on! I wish I had your experience, and language skill. You know the drill, been there, done that. Pack light ... someone already mentioned a transport service for your mochila. As far as the tarmac ... you might want to checkout some cushioning trail runners like the Hoka One Bondi 5. They might help absorb the impact on the tarmac. I am also a believer in trekking poles (increased circulation, balance, reduced stress on legs, joints, fatigue) ... just put some rubber tips on the end to eliminate the click clack on the tarmac.
¡Buena suerte, viejo peregrino!
I agree but you are too young for nursing home. I just turnrd 70 and so far this year i trekked from Bilbao to Santiago ans Lourdres France via somport pass to Abonas. Not finished yet. Get out there and trek step by stepI walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
On my camino I saw three 80 years celebrate their birthdaysToo old? Daydream? 74!
Methinks and me hopes the 70+ crowd weighs in on this one.
Buen camino. Because, I am certain you will be convinced to go.
Thank you for perceptive words. I observed and felt the same on my 2017 CF, when I was 60. I am ready to go back and learn and listen more. We are of the ages, if we are open.Having attained the ripe 'middle age' of 65, and having accomplished six Caminos, I have a observation concerning age and being a pilgrim.
I have observed, and experienced first-hand, that older pilgrims tend to get more out of the journey. I know this is a generalism. But, consider that, in your 20s or 30s, you have statistically much more of your life ahead of you. At 60, or 70, and beyond, perhaps less so. That light at the proverbial end of the tunnel is closer for me than for others.
Doing a Camino affects most all pilgrims profoundly, albeit in different ways. As an older, arguably, more mature pilgrim, I appreciate the historical continuity of more than a millennia of pilgrimage on the various routes to Santiago. Across history and through many periods of history, we pilgrims have persevered on the Camino de Santiago.
Millions have gone before, and millions will likely follow after. In that context, we are like grains of sand on a beach. Instead of the Camino being a punctuation point to my entire life, it is a part of my life's journey on the road to eternity. I consider that, on balance, as a fellow pilgrim, I am among good company, both in the here and now, and in the hereafter.
Does this make sense to anyone else?
I walked the Camino Portugal and met a few Septu/Octoagenarians on the walk, who walked the same route as me and we're only a hour behind me at end of each day. There was also a fella doing it with/on a donkey. Go for it.I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
Here I am! But only took 40 days!! HahahaGo for it! I'll be 73 and this is my first. Where's Jose? He wrote in a thread earlier when he was 75 and he did his first. Now, he serves others in albergues each year and wants to do another. He took 45 days. You can do it!
Go for it! You wanna die in a recliner or do what you love?I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
I started hiking the Camino at 65. I’ve made several trips including hiking the Napoleon route at 69. I’m 71 and still have a bit to go. I found that hiking religiously four to five miles three times a week, including some steep uphill climbs, for about a month was adequate preparation. I diD use a knee brace and poles on steep portions. I rested and hydrated when necessary and sent my heavier luggage ahead. These trips and the anticipation of them are inspirational to me. Go for it.I walked my last Camino in 2013. I carried a minimalist pack, less than 4 kilos. Now like many pillgrams, I long to return. I'm 74 years old, in pretty good shape, but wonder if it's just a day dream. I speak reasonable Spanish, and can mime my way with Italian and Portuguese. Looking at the ways in Portugal and Italy, but like just about everybody, don't like tarmac which seems from my readings, more prevalent on those caminos. Any advice most welcome.
I absolutely agree on the Hoka shoes! And the trekking poles. But not the rubber tips, I would never trust poles with rubber tips either up or down. The pigs are to help you to a fast grip, the rubber never does. So if the sounds of clacking poles bother you put them away when you do not need them for climbing up or down.
If it bother other peregrinos they can slow down or speed up.
In the crowds on the camino these days the sound of poles is not the most disturbing noise.
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