two pensioners to Santiago

[Former member 8162]

Hallo, We are a couple having an autumn life crisis.We leave St Jean in mid march hopefully across the high route and on to Santiago.We have been walking every day to get fit especially in the snow as we expect to encounter some resistance in that area. We have no idea what"s in store but are setting off with good humour and a hope that St James will keep his eye on us.We are taking artic sleeping bags and good quality clothes bought from the sales .Walking poles we have found are great in the snow. What an adventure for two old biddies!
Marion and Anthony

 

[skilsaw]

Your pilgrimage has already begun. Enjoy the preparation... walking, shopping, dreaming...

You will be on route during Easter. Holy Week is very important in Spain. Attend a mass just for the experience, and if you have the energy to stay up late, watch the Church pageant. (The pageants were a big deal when I was on the Via de la Plata. I assume they are the same on the Camino Frances)

I know you will be toasty warm in your arctic sleeping bags.

Buen Camino.
David, Victoria, Canada.

 

[Hedwig]

Hello you two!
You will find answers to all the questions you will have on this forum!
Happy planning and Buen Camino.

Many greetings from Holland in the Snow.

 

[grayland]

Be very sure you are not taking more than you need. I am a little concerned about the "Arctic"sleeping bags for the potential weight. I would go with the lightest bag possible and not be too concerned over warmth. You can always wear clothes to sleep in, but you can't make the bag any lighter during the day. Take less than you think you will need.
There is a lot of information here concerning pack weight.
Good luck on your great adventure. I am leaving SJPP in mid March as well...so we may see each other along the path.

 

[crackmrmac]

I think you guys are in the summer of your lives. Take care of each other and also on the route.
Buen Camino.
Brian

 

[Caminando]

There's lots of us 'lived-in' people around!

I cant accept your 'midlife crisis' definition, though! It's a release, an opportunity!!

Best wishes, buen camino...and dont carry too much!!!! :arrow:

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The Autumn years are difficult to parse in the latest statistics, but the more detailed age breakdown in earlier years indicates that you are not alone in your age category!!

 

[grayland]

I think you will find that many of the pilgrims (including moi) are your age and do just as well as the younger ones. Actually, most of the people who quit after a week or so were quite a bit younger. :wink:

 

[viajero]

I have the same concern as grayland about the "arctic" sleeping bags. I walked two years ago, starting in early March. I brought a very lightweight sleeping bag and it was fine. Most, or all, of the albergues had blankets. I think my very light pack weight greatly added to my enjoyment of the Camino.

 

[Ferenji Nan]

At 59 I walked from Roncesvalles to Finisterre- marvelous experience. I want to leave in April from Vezelay and walk as far as I feel like, doing a pilgrimage for H2O.
I agree with advice below- the lighter the better! Lightweight evrything. My pack was 6 kilos and was fine ( I found a pair of shoes to wear, abandoned on the giveaway rack the first night. They'll be making the next Camino too.)
Buen Camino
Ferenji nan

 

[squirepeter]

Hello to you both. Can I make a suggestion? ( from an older to younger pilgrims) If you walk to the Refuge d'Orisson, 8 kms from St Jean, you will only have 19 kms to walk the next day. Have a look at St Jean, and then walk out mid afternoon. This refuge is dearer than the one at Huntto (6 kms from St Jean) because dinner and breakfast are included in the price. Their website is ... http://www.refuge-orisson.com/ This refuge is very popular, for the above reason, and if you go with this suggestion, book as soon as you know when you are arriving at St Jean. Bien Camino from Peter

 

[johns]

hi you are not on your own i will be arriveing in sjpd on 20 th april my first camino been planing for a few months new rusksack new boots booked first night l esprit du chemin st jean i hope to compleat the walk about late may past 65 very excited now good luck john

 

[Former member 8162]

Thank you all for your kind and caring advice, we are very excited now ,having put together all our kit, booked our flight, booked our taxi and are going on a training weekend in the Dales this weekend . Will post on our route.

Two pensioners