- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2009-2022: CFx6, CP, VdlPx2, Mozarabe, more later.
Thank you, my friend. and to you.
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Thank you, my friend. and to you.Buen Camino my friend.
Thank you for “the glass us half full but feel free to top it up!” Best comment on life in a long time!Not being able to walk long or longer distances is an issue I will face in the not too distant future. I am now planning to do the Porto In May/June (from Porto) with my brother (we are both over 70 with a few issues). This will be his only Camino, and possibly a last for me. Although I would like to walk the VDLP (say last 300km) but that will depend upon a number of external factors.
So what will I do when I can no longer walk a camino? Read and contribute to this forum; attend monthly meetings of the Sydney Pilgrims; offer advice if asked. But in general try to enjoy to the fullest the years that are left to me. I have recently adopted this motto: the glass is half-full, but feel free to top it up!!
Thanks Alex for starting this post. Cheers to all.
Good question! Time and circumstance is most probably two factors that will be prominant in such a decision. The flip side is the common life philosophy of where there is a will there is a way or as many responded where there's a will there is a camino. Being a pilgrim is in my life my most basic expression of being a believer. My daily camino doesn' stop as I live and move and have my being in I AM. My desire to find a path somewhere away from my daily walk is uppermost in my being. That desire to be a moving blot on a set path with other like-minded folk is just lige-giving in thought and action. Can one ever stop that longing or does one manage it as the body start to trail the spirit. I'm not there yet but I have thoughts of being trained as a hospatilera as one other way of connecting. I hope that there will be other. For now I will walk DV in April on the Primitivo. I will be sixty. I will take my aches and pains with me. I will give thanks I will embrace another opportunity. I will pray with and for all my fellows. I will go home and think, who, what, when, where and how? Until next time.Another member posted this:
I cannot imagine me not returning annually for another Camino, but:
So, when do you have to stop your Caminos, and how do you deal with it?
I agree, thanks to you Alex for starting this thread.Not being able to walk long or longer distances is an issue I will face in the not too distant future. I am now planning to do the Porto In May/June (from Porto) with my brother (we are both over 70 with a few issues). This will be his only Camino, and possibly a last for me. Although I would like to walk the VDLP (say last 300km) but that will depend upon a number of external factors.
So what will I do when I can no longer walk a camino? Read and contribute to this forum; attend monthly meetings of the Sydney Pilgrims; offer advice if asked. But in general try to enjoy to the fullest the years that are left to me. I have recently adopted this motto: the glass is half-full, but feel free to top it up!!
Thanks Alex for starting this post. Cheers to all.
Bravo, <3when I did my first in 2016 one year after my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis no one could understand my WHY. One week after my return home dislocating my hips waterskiing. Since my 2016 Camino I’ve had 2 Lipedema surgeries, MOH surgery where a cancerous tumour was removed from my face, I’ve been diagnosed and began treatments for Lyme disease and Babasia , in less than 13 months I had both hips and both knees replaced in 4 surgeries. My last will be a year old on March 7 2020. Yet all I can think about is walking the Camino again. My family, friends and Doctors don’t understand. Why ??? They don’t understand how robbed I’ve felt these past 4 years. I hope to start walking from SJDP on May 25 2020. I keep picturing all those I met walking. Everyone walks with some kind of baggage. I look at all I will gain in returning. My renewal ♥
"We didn't see the seven mountains ahead of us. We didn't see how they are always ahead, always calling us, always reminding us That there are more things to be done, dreams to be realised, joys to be rediscovered… Beauty to be reincarnated, and love embodied. We didn’t notice how they hinted that nothing is ever finished, that struggles are never truly concluded, that sometimes we have to re-dream our lives, and that life can always be used to create more light." (Ben Okri) |
"Sometimes we have to re-dream our lives." Near to 70 years old, I have to re-dream and re-dream. So many things come to an end in life. That´s life at this age. So one day I will have to re-dream my Camino-walking. ... but not stop dreaming, and not stop walking, even though it may end up as a spiritual waking in my mind. |
I am 75 years old. I did my first Camino in Sept 2016. I had every intention of going back the following year and the following but had a myriad of physical problems, broken nose, broken ribs, serious eye surgery and now major back surgery. I did the first half of the Norte and due to infected blisters went down to the Frances (which I didn't like at all) and finished 693 km in 29 days. I have a knee replacement which gave me no problems as I climb volcanoes with it here at home. I did not find the Norte difficult at all. I found the Frances boring, bur since I live in a spectacular place (Antigua, Guatemala) I have to have more beauty and challenge like the Norte. I will never give up on doing more Caminos. I will be doing the second half of the Norte, crossing over on a new route to the Ingles to Santiago, then Finisterre and Muxia this coming September come hell or high water. I had planned my next Camino to be the San Salvador and the Primitivo, but under the circumstances I think I'll do something a little easier, and do that in 2021. live by two mottos: "Keep on walking no matter how much it hurts." and "Never give up" (Winston Churchill my hero) You can do it some how some way.Another member posted this:
I cannot imagine me not returning annually for another Camino, but:
So, when do you have to stop your Caminos, and how do you deal with it?
Yes, you are always a pilgrimThere comes a time in everyone's life where we have to change gears. We accept new challenges as they come along. I'm walking my first Camino now. The VdlP. In 2016 I managed to cycle the Northern route. I could barely turn the pedals the first few days and walked much whilst leaning on the bike. This was due to very painful arthritis in my knees. I did more each day and little by little have got to where I am walking a Camino in 2020.
I know that it is inevitable that one day I will have to go back to cycling again... Maybe a tandem! Maybe a trike.
And one day I will have to just look at the photos and remember those times.
I think if you can bus, taxi, walk you are always a pilgrim.
Happy for you. The only issue is: WHY didn't we do our Camino(s) before???I am 75 years old. I did my first Camino in Sept 2016. I had every intention of going back the following year and the following but had a myriad of physical problems, broken nose, broken ribs, serious eye surgery and now major back surgery. I did the first half of the Norte and due to infected blisters went down to the Frances (which I didn't like at all) and finished 693 km in 29 days. I have a knee replacement which gave me no problems as I climb volcanoes with it here at home. I did not find the Norte difficult at all. I fand plan where to spend more time, and relaound the Frances boring, bur since I live in a spectacular place (Antigua, Guatemala) I have to have more beauty and challenge like the Norte. I will never give up on doing more Caminos. I will be doing the second half of the Norte, crossing over on a new route to the Ingles to Santiago, then Finisterre and Muxia this coming September come hell or high water. I had planned my next Camino to be the San Salvador and the Primitivo, but under the circumstances I think I'll do something a little easier, and do that in 2021. live by two mottos: "Keep on walking no matter how much it hurts." and "Never give up" (Winston Churchill my hero) You can do it some how some way.
Boy! You have got that! Geez Louise. I would have loved to have been doing this when I was in really good shape, but didn't have much time or money But now I have time and money and my body is falling apart!Happy for you. The only issue is: WHY didn't we do our Camino(s) before???
So stupid that many of us have lived an almost full life without knowing about The Way and its benefits for us. I will go back and walk again on 16th April. I will take my time. In the meantime, I enjoy all the posted photos in here (some without text of where!!!) and spend more time and relax.
Buen Camino to you all!
I have the time and might get my 77 year old body in reasonable shape. Now try and win at Lotto to get the cash.Boy! You have got that! Geez Louise. I would have loved to have been doing this when I was in really good shape, but didn't have much time or money But now I have time and money and my body is falling apart!
I have been reading posts in this thread, and am impressed by each one. This one touched a nerve. Before attempting the Frances in 2006, I scoured the skies for hope and encouragement, as I was the least likely candidate for walking more than the length of myself. I came upon the writings of mspath. While in many respects it can be difficult for someone to be cast in the role of role model, you have captured so well, @VNwalking , the contribution @mspath has made, and still makes, on this forum. So, what will I do when I can no longer walk? As @VNwalking has said, I am not there yet. I would like to think I could still be thankful, and happy to read of the experiences of those who can and do keep the camino paths alive. As @mspath often says: Carpe Diem!I have no idea, as I'm not there yet.
But I hope I will gracefully surrender, and simply remember and be grateful that I could...and then find a way to give forward.
I have to say that in this you are a role model, @mspath. Thank you. Each time I read one of your posts I am grateful for your shared experience.
If you do get to work there in October and get to meet a short, mad Irishwoman you'll be able to freak her out by saying "Aren't you Paula? Paula from Belfast? I heard you'd be here!" - it'll be fun, she's a blast!Thanks @Richmond Gardner; I was going to walk to Finisteer/Muxia after this camino but brother did the flight organising and now do not have the time. If my offer to be a volunteer at Pilgrims Office in Oct comes off then I will do the short walk either before or after. Whilst I have not seen it the Ingles does not really interest me. The VDLP was my first attempt at a camino back in 2013 but foot injuries curtailed that plan. So I think I owe it to myself to try the walk 10/15 days of the big one. Cheers.
Perfect!Was going to link up a song but I guess you all know the song Allways look on the bright sight of life, but I thought this maybe better
I think you are a "real pilgrim"......
I did go back that year to complete CF, and to Portugal in 2018. Each time I have walked as much as I was able, then used train or bus, struggling a little with the thought of not being a “real pilgrim”. But I think about those original pilgrims and am pretty sure they accepted a lift from anyone passing by with a cart.
...
Penny, you are wonderful !!!, the kind of person we all need to have close to us.when I did my first in 2016 one year after my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis no one could understand my WHY. One week after my return home dislocating my hips waterskiing. Since my 2016 Camino I’ve had 2 Lipedema surgeries, MOH surgery where a cancerous tumour was removed from my face, I’ve been diagnosed and began treatments for Lyme disease and Babasia , in less than 13 months I had both hips and both knees replaced in 4 surgeries. My last will be a year old on March 7 2020. Yet all I can think about is walking the Camino again. My family, friends and Doctors don’t understand. Why ??? They don’t understand how robbed I’ve felt these past 4 years. I hope to start walking from SJDP on May 25 2020. I keep picturing all those I met walking. Everyone walks with some kind of baggage. I look at all I will gain in returning. My renewal ♥
Rappahannock_rev,I'm 66, and over the course of a vigorous life have broken more bones than any man should. Including bones all up and down my spine. Nothing that ever disabled me, TBTG!, but the cumulative impact of all those injuries is beginning to be a problem for me. Aggravated by arthritis.... On both my last two walks there were moments of pain and concern.... And things will not be getting better, which means that I can easily foresee the day when my walking days are over. Probably sooner rather than later.
But -- I've been in love with Spain since before I ever thought of actually walking the Way. First visit to SdeC - 1977! I know a fair amount about the history, the culture, the architecture... I speak a fair Castellano.... I'm at home there....The mere fact that I cannot walk cross country will not stop me from visiting Spain.
Can't be a peregrino? I can be a peregrino supporter, a Camino aficionado, a respectful sightseer, a grateful tourist of sorts.... I can be the geezer who sits in that ratty red plastic chair outside the bar, and hollers "Buen Camino!" And buys some weary soul a vino tinto.
I know how cheap and easy it is to get around Spain, by bus particularly. And how many inexpensive hotel rooms there really are. I've thought how nice it would be to continue visiting all the towns I've walked through in years past. I could see starting at Pamplona, then bussing to, oh, Estella, and spending a day or two. Then bussing to Logrono, and spending a day or two.... And so on. Easy peasy.
(And a life without chorizo would not be worth living. Not for me.)
I try to look at my life in stages. At this stage I can't do things I did at younger stages (nor do I want to). Yet, there are things I know at this stage that I didn't know years ago. The point is to recognize where you are and what you can and can't do and accept it. If you can't accept things as they must be, you risk anger and bitterness.Another member posted this:
I cannot imagine me not returning annually for another Camino, but:
So, when do you have to stop your Caminos, and how do you deal with it?
I'll join you!What can I do when I cannot walk anymore? I can sit quietly on the terrace in some charming town like Fromista, sipping a vermut, and thanking God for the chance to be there again.... Secure in the knowledge that there will be a bus to Carrion in the morning!
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Can I join you too? I bring the Rioja, the chorizo or whatever you like ...I'll join you!
What can I do when I cannot walk anymore? I can sit quietly on the terrace in some charming town like Fromista, sipping a vermut, and thanking God for the chance to be there again.... Secure in the knowledge that there will be a bus to Carrion in the morning!
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If it is OK to walk by then - we may meet up - I intend to start my first on the 27th MAyI turned 52 during my 2016 Camino. I plan to celebrate my 56th in the same manor. ❤
If it is OK to walk by then - we may meet up - I intend to start my first on the 27th MAy
On my second Camino, the nice lady in whose hotel I was staying at SJPdP offered me a ride halfway up to Orrison. I had already walked in from Lourdes, on the way solo to SdC. You better believe I took her up on her offer, the h*ll with whether some mamby-pamby newbie thought I was a "real" pilgrim or not. 82 isn't THAT far away and you inspire me!Thank you for “the glass us half full but feel free to top it up!” Best comment on life in a long time!
I was 82 when I started from SJPDP with my backpack and the intention to do what I could each day and see what happened. After 15 days, I came back to the US to move from the SE to the NW with my sister who was moving to be near her daughter while having treatment for cancer. As Tacoma has public transit I decided to live “car-free” as long as I could. After 4 years still use the bus, which involves a good bit of walking, and walk in Wright Park every day as well.
I did go back that year to complete CF, and to Portugal in 2018. Each time I have walked as much as I was able, then used train or bus, struggling a little with the thought of not being a “real pilgrim”. But I think about those original pilgrims and am pretty sure they accepted a lift from anyone passing by with a cart.
The pilgrim paths are an invaluable part
of my life. Something about that “get up each morning and put one foot in front of the other” continues to inform my days now.
Blessings and “happy wandering” to each of you on this Forum. And thanks to Ivar.
Update to this post: I had double knee replacements in March 2020 and my new knees are fantastic! With my surgeon's blessing my husband and I will be walking our 4th Camino together from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-port beginning on June 11!! Buen Camino everyone!In 2015 we did our first Camino, the French Way. I went into it knowing I had arthritis in both knees, even went to the doctor to see if they knew of any reason I should not do it, they said "go for it" but at the time I did not know how severe my arthritis was. It became pretty obvious that I would not be able to walk with my pack so I began shipping my pack most days to our destination that day and and some days only walked part of the day. Sure I was disappointed, but the Camino had been doing its work on my soul and my spirit and it reminded me to be grateful for what I was able to do. I remember the day we were to walk into Molinaseca I only walked a short distance before accepting that I should not walk that day, I wanted so badly to walk to the Cruz de Ferro with my husband and friends. I took a taxi and as the taxi was almost to Cruz de Ferro I looked and saw my group just getting to the cross. The taxi driver was kind enough to pull over, I called out to my husband, we embraced and both cried. As the taxi pulled away the tears were flowing and the taxi driver placed his hand on my arm and said the Camino is not about the work of your legs it is what is happening in your heart. I have never forgotten that. In 2017 we did the Portuguese Coastal route and I only walked the first 8 days not so much because of my knees, the terrain was actually pretty flat, I had a pinched nerve in my back and it was causing my right leg to go numb. The call of the Camino was still working in my life and continues to this day. This past year our group walked the Norte Camino and the Primitivo Camino, I decided before we left that I would not be walking it but I would travel the different Camino's by train and bus and met the group most days along the Way, it did not mean I I didn't have my own Camino experience along the Way, I did but it was much different then maybe I wanted or expected and in many ways it was what i needed. I was still able to travel with other pilgrims and we learned from each other and cared for each other. I was even able to spend a few days with a dear family we met on our first Camino that live in San Sebastian. My life has been changed forever and is much richer because of my three very different Camino's. I will be having double knee replacements in the near future and hope that some day I can return to walk another Camino, God willing.
I love me knee replacement. I can even climb volcanoes with it. Buen CaminoUpdate to this post: I had double knee replacements in March 2020 and my new knees are fantastic! With my surgeon's blessing my husband and I will be walking our 4th Camino together from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-port beginning on June 11!! Buen Camino everyone!
That is wonderful! Buen Camino!I love me knee replacement. I can even climb volcanoes with it. Buen Camino
Good for you. My motto is "Keep on moving no matter how much it hurts."I gave up regular fútbol at 62 after 25 years of playing twice weekly. That’s all that is going away for me.
A searingly painful hip aggravated by a fall in O Pedrouzo meant that I couldn’t get behind the wheel of my pickup without lifting my leg and sliding it under the wheel with my hands. I finished that Camino, came home and danced for three days straight, which was not very painful, so waltzing and other dancing can stay.
The Wednesday after my return saw me (just before Covid harrowed the halls of medicine) in the operating room for a replacement hip. Since social fun ended pretty thoroughly for the past few years I’ve had a chance to recover well, and then get a new knee in the bargain. I’m ready to walk again, and will begin slowly, on the Ingles, with the Invierno or Primitivo next.
I won’t stop walking until I have to, and I intend to kept getting repairs to enable just that.
Fútbol undid me. Walking as a pilgrim in Spain may just be my resurrection.
All the best,
Paul
I had both knees replaced and have put hundreds and hundreds of camino kilometers on them. So grateful we live at a time when joint replacements are possible!!Update to this post: I had double knee replacements in March 2020 and my new knees are fantastic! With my surgeon's blessing my husband and I will be walking our 4th Camino together from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-port beginning on June 11!! Buen Camino everyone!
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