Don't wait to walk your camino

[Gailsie]

I walked sections of the Camino Francis (about 600 km) in the fall of 2009. I was so exhausted and sore at the end that I could not contemplate walking again. But the camino was calling me back and I decided to walk Porto to SdC for my 65th birthday. Now I having problems with my macular degeneration and am wondering when I will be able to get to walk, sometime inbetween eye specialist appointments. Being a bit of a control freak this is very frustrating as I cannot plan ahead but have to do this before my vision gets worse.

I am feeling a bit sorry for myself but know that I have to battle to save my vision. My advise is to walk the camino, don't wait - you don't know what will happen in the future.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I think you are doing a a great service by sharing your opinion on this. As none of us can read our future.

 

[lynnejohn]

I am sorry for your health problems, @Gailsie, and I know you have more Caminos in your future. Your message has been heard.

 

[Pruden]

You are right don't live for tomorrow what you can do today !
Because after a certain age physical problems will show up at any unexpected time.
I hope you get well and be able to walk your Caminos!
Buen Camino.

 

[julie]

Being a bit of a control freak this is very frustrating as I cannot plan ahead but have to do this before my vision gets worse.

I am feeling a bit sorry for myself but know that I have to battle to save my vision. My advise is to walk the camino, don't wait - you don't know what will happen in the future.

Once you hit that vague "certain age" (I'm 62) and hear about people your age having heart attacks, strokes or limitations placed on them because of their health, a concern for your future arises and it is natural that you want to put as much into your life as you can. It is certainly an impetus for my annual long-distance walk be it a pilgrimage or any other route.

However, except in the case of procrastination (if that's the problem, just get out there and do it!), I don't ascribe to the idea of not delaying your Camino. The Camino happens (or doesn't happen) when it is the right time for you. When things are put in our way, it is a time for lesson-learning - acceptance, strength of spirit and letting go of the need to be in control (ie planning ahead). There are quite likely many more lessons involved, these are simply the ones that come to me because they are what I still need to work on.

Gailsie, you have many friends on the Forum who are sending you their love and their prayers to help you face the huge battle you have ahead of you. The Camino will wait for you. It may be that you will need to change the manner in which you go but trust that, if the pull is strong enough, you will know how to approach it when the time comes.

 

[lynnejohn]

Once you hit that vague "certain age" (I'm 62) and hear about people your age having heart attacks, strokes or limitations placed on them because of their health, a concern for your future arises and it is natural that you want to put as much into your life as you can. It is certainly an impetus for my annual long-distance walk be it a pilgrimage or any other route.

However, except in the case of procrastination (if that's the problem, just get out there and do it!), I don't ascribe to the idea of not delaying your Camino. The Camino happens (or doesn't happen) when it is the right time for you. When things are put in our way, it is a time for lesson-learning - acceptance, strength of spirit and letting go of the need to be in control (ie planning ahead). There are quite likely many more lessons involved, these are simply the ones that come to me because they are what I still need to work on.

Gailsie, you have many friends on the Forum who are sending you their love and their prayers to help you face the huge battle you have ahead of you. The Camino will wait for you. It may be that you will need to change the manner in which you go but trust that, if the pull is strong enough, you will know how to approach it when the time comes.

Oh, I don't agree, @julie.
See my signature.

 

[Brendaparrish]

I am watching daily for anyone who has or will walk mid July and have not seen one post....will I be alone for a whole month....?... Or has a bad month chosen me.....just couldn't get that close to Pamplona and not include running of the bulls...also liked the idea of something wild in all the peace....both good food for my spirit....has anyone walked mid July to mid august? I know it will be warm but like that.
Just b

 

[julie]

"The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made. And the activity of making them changes both the maker and their destination."

Lynnejohn, I actually agree with this statement. The future is something we create by the choices we make in the present. However, I put the Camino in a different category from most (all?) other things I've done in my life. Everything else was a thought-out rational decision. Going on pilgrimage was a compulsion and I honestly had no idea why I felt the need to go. It was an enlightening experience and I will be eternally grateful for everything the Camino taught me and continues to teach me.

Yes, I have a future that is shaped by my accepting the pull of the Camino but it felt to me as if I were being guided. I certainly didn't feel in control of my direction. That was one of the beautiful things about it as, for the first time in my life, I could step into the unknown and let go of the need to know.

I'm now enamoured of long-distance walking and make conscious decisions about where and when I'm going to walk but I leave it up to my good mate, St Jacques (goodness knows why I prefer his French name but that's the way it is) to pull me back to pilgrimage when it's time. It is on pilgrimage that I learn my most valuable life lessons and these are taught when I'm ready to learn them. His timing is impeccable and he hasn't let me down yet.

Sorry Gailsie for moving away from your original message. My deepest and sincerest best wishes for your treatment.

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

I am watching daily for anyone who has or will walk mid July and have not seen one post....will I be alone for a whole month....?... Or has a bad month chosen me.....just couldn't get that close to Pamplona and not include running of the bulls...also liked the idea of something wild in all the peace....both good food for my spirit....has anyone walked mid July to mid august? I know it will be warm but like that.
Just b

Mid July will not be warm. It will be VERY HOT!
It may be unwise to walk after 11 a.m. due to the heat: I would prefer May rather than July/August!
However, that's just a personal opinion.
I'm allowed a personal opinion, as today is my birthday

 

[Ullamae]

My advise is to walk the camino, don't wait - you don't know what will happen in the future.

This was my exact thought when deciding to go in April. I've felt the pull for a couple of years, but always thought I couldn't do it because of different physical problems. Suddenly, about 4 weeks ago, I realized that if I don't try to do it now, I might never be able to go. So, I'll try and see how far it gets me

I'm allowed a personal opinion, as today is my birthday

Happy Birthday, Stephen!

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

I walked sections of the Camino Francis (about 600 km) in the fall of 2009. I was so exhausted and sore at the end that I could not contemplate walking again. But the camino was calling me back and I decided to walk Porto to SdC for my 65th birthday. Now I having problems with my macular degeneration and am wondering when I will be able to get to walk, sometime inbetween eye specialist appointments. Being a bit of a control freak this is very frustrating as I cannot plan ahead but have to do this before my vision gets worse. I am feeling a bit sorry for myself but know that I have to battle to save my vision. My advise is to walk the camino, don't wait - you don't know what will happen in the future.

Oh Gailsie!
I am so sorry to read of your problems: I am so grateful that God has given me good health up to now, and I enjoy walking and especially the Camino. Try, try to walk that beautiful camino from Porto to Santiago: maybe you could find a friend to walk with you if your sight is failing?
I pray that God will put His healing hand on you - after all, He healed many folk who were totally blind. God bless you, and give you peace of body and mind.
Not sure if you're a girl or a fella .... but - whatever - please accept a hug from an old-timer today

 

[Gailsie]

Thanks all for your kind thoughts and wishes. I will be walking this year, just will have to be ready to be able to go once I figure out my medical appointments. So I am doing my planning now but can't make any flight arrangements yet. My next one is the end of March so that should give me an idea of timing. I am hoping that if I have to have an injection in May that I will be able to fly out of Halifax after my appointment and head to Lisbon and then on to Porto. Fingers crossed.

 

[wayfarer]

Best of luck with your treatment, planning and Camino. Go safely.
Buen Camino.

 

[mspath]

.....just couldn't get that close to Pamplona and not include running of the bulls...also liked the idea of something wild in all the peace....both good food for my spirit....has anyone walked mid July to mid august? I know it will be warm but like that.
Just b

Brendaparrish,

It will be VERY busy in Pamplona during the running of the bulls!

Check out this Forum thread from last year regarding that time as well as this official San Fermin site.

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Brendaparrish]

Brendaparrish,

It will be VERY busy in Pamplona during the running of the bulls!

Check out this Forum thread from last year regarding that time as well as this official San Fermin site.

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[lynnejohn]

"The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made. And the activity of making them changes both the maker and their destination."

Lynnejohn, I actually agree with this statement. The future is something we create by the choices we make in the present. However, I put the Camino in a different category from most (all?) other things I've done in my life. Everything else was a thought-out rational decision. Going on pilgrimage was a compulsion and I honestly had no idea why I felt the need to go. It was an enlightening experience and I will be eternally grateful for everything the Camino taught me and continues to teach me.

Yes, I have a future that is shaped by my accepting the pull of the Camino but it felt to me as if I were being guided. I certainly didn't feel in control of my direction. That was one of the beautiful things about it as, for the first time in my life, I could step into the unknown and let go of the need to know.

I'm now enamoured of long-distance walking and make conscious decisions about where and when I'm going to walk but I leave it up to my good mate, St Jacques (goodness knows why I prefer his French name but that's the way it is) to pull me back to pilgrimage when it's time. It is on pilgrimage that I learn my most valuable life lessons and these are taught when I'm ready to learn them. His timing is impeccable and he hasn't let me down yet.

Sorry Gailsie for moving away from your original message. My deepest and sincerest best wishes for your treatment.

@julie - I respect and understand your viewpoint and feelings about the camino. and long-distance walking. We come to it in different ways, for different reasons, with different philosophies, but in fact we are all pilgrims walking together in the end.
Buen camino!

 

[domigee]

I am watching daily for anyone who has or will walk mid July and have not seen one post....will I be alone for a whole month....?... Or has a bad month chosen me.....just couldn't get that close to Pamplona and not include running of the bulls...also liked the idea of something wild in all the peace....both good food for my spirit....has anyone walked mid July to mid august? I know it will be warm but like that.
Just b

Hello Brenda, I have walked two caminos , 2012 and 2013, from 14th July to 15 August, on time for the Assumption in Santiago but definitively avoiding the San Fermines in Pamplona. You will have trouble finding accommodation in and around Pamplona at that time so check and book well ahead if still poss. Prices go up, too. It is very, very crowded!
As for walking in the Summer, I had no choice so decided to do it anyway, even though I was afraid of the heat, the crowds etc... I found I enjoyed it so much I did exactly the same the following year!
It does get hot (2012 unusually so) so I very quickly learnt to start early and stop by 12 at the latest, 1pm if pushed and on longer walking days. Stopping at lunchtime and starting walking again at 4 does not work! It gets hotter if anything.
There were many times when I was walking alone, don't be put-off. When it does get very crowded, at Sarria, I found I was walking quite fast by then so overtaking the pilgrims who had just started.
In 2012 I continued on to Fisterra, leaving 16 August and met no more than a handful of pilgrims the whole way! Very quiet indeed. The drawback is that 16 and/or 17 are the festival of San Roque so difficult to find bars opened along the way.
Now that's my experience. My husband walked the Camino during April/May but joined me at Astorga in August ... He didn't like it.
Hope this helps.
Buen camino whatever you choose.

I forgot to say I had no problems finding accommodation, btw.

 

[peregrinakate]

Gailsie,
I know what you're talking about. I've been diagnosed with a degenerative nerve disease that will limit my ability to walk (sometime in my future, though I'm experiencing some of the symptoms even now). I decided that this is the year I need to heed the call to the Camino that I have felt for many years, before it becomes unmanageable for me to do so. One thing I want to celebrate during my camino is the ability to walk! I'm doing half of the Camino Frances, starting the day after Easter in Sahagun. Very excited, now, and, in my training walks, I'm feeling strong and happy. Perhaps, in some ways, I've been on my Camino already for some time!

Love to you all!

 

[susanawee]

I walked sections of the Camino Francis (about 600 km) in the fall of 2009. I was so exhausted and sore at the end that I could not contemplate walking again. But the camino was calling me back and I decided to walk Porto to SdC for my 65th birthday. Now I having problems with my macular degeneration and am wondering when I will be able to get to walk, sometime inbetween eye specialist appointments. Being a bit of a control freak this is very frustrating as I cannot plan ahead but have to do this before my vision gets worse.

I am feeling a bit sorry for myself but know that I have to battle to save my vision. My advise is to walk the camino, don't wait - you don't know what will happen in the future.

I am sorry to read that you are having problems with your vision.....Macular degeneration is not good and so unfair.......I do hope and pray that you DO get to walk your Camino again......Hugs and healing thoughts coming your way...

 

[Ullamae]

Gailsie, is it wet Macular degeneration? My dad just started treatment for that 5 weeks ago, he got his second shot this week. In general, it seems that the prognosis is quite good, especially for someone your age (my dad is 92) I would think. In Sweden you go in for shots every 5 weeks, so it ought to be possible to explain to your dr that you need to know the dates, so that you can plan your Camino. He/she ought to understand that this is important to you.

 

[emonty]

I started dreaming of the Camino in 2007 when I met a man who had walked the Camino Frances twice. He plans to do so once more before he dies. Being a teacher, and having 3 children, I knew it would be years before I could afford to go. I finally had made tentative plans to go (unknown to even my wife) in the summer of 2011, and damn the cost! Unfortunately, I required emergency surgery in November of 2010. The only physical activity I was permitted was walking, so I walked my own "Camino" on a treadmill when I was allowed to go back to my teaching job. Obviously I couldn't walk a full day, but I did what I could and kept track of where I was on a spreadsheet. I 'finished', and then started again. During the second semester I walked 774 miles on a treadmill facing a white cinder block wall; that's how determined I was to recuperate.

One more surgery, many more miles of recuperation, and an unexpected gift of an early retirement, and I am ready to go, the tickets are bought. This week a sudden medical issue has come up. Tomorrow I find out if I can go, or if I may have to surrender the dream. My advice? GO NOW!

 

[Stellere]

One more surgery, many more miles of recuperation, and an unexpected gift of an early retirement, and I am ready to go, the tickets are bought. This week a sudden medical issue has come up. Tomorrow I find out if I can go, or if I may have to surrender the dream. My advice? GO NOW!

I'm sending you good thoughts.

 

[AshaDasi]

I walked sections of the Camino Francis (about 600 km) in the fall of 2009. I was so exhausted and sore at the end that I could not contemplate walking again. But the camino was calling me back and I decided to walk Porto to SdC for my 65th birthday. Now I having problems with my macular degeneration and am wondering when I will be able to get to walk, sometime inbetween eye specialist appointments. Being a bit of a control freak this is very frustrating as I cannot plan ahead but have to do this before my vision gets worse.

I am feeling a bit sorry for myself but know that I have to battle to save my vision. My advise is to walk the camino, don't wait - you don't know what will happen in the future.

So sorry, Gailsie. I do hope things get better for you. Your post does remind us not to put the important things on hold, and so thank you for sharing this.

 

[susanawee]

Mid July will not be warm. It will be VERY HOT!
It may be unwise to walk after 11 a.m. due to the heat: I would prefer May rather than July/August!
However, that's just a personal opinion.
I'm allowed a personal opinion, as today is my birthday

Of course you are Stephen....Happy Birthday...smiles.

 

[susanawee]

I started dreaming of the Camino in 2007 when I met a man who had walked the Camino Frances twice. He plans to do so once more before he dies. Being a teacher, and having 3 children, I knew it would be years before I could afford to go. I finally had made tentative plans to go (unknown to even my wife) in the summer of 2011, and damn the cost! Unfortunately, I required emergency surgery in November of 2010. The only physical activity I was permitted was walking, so I walked my own "Camino" on a treadmill when I was allowed to go back to my teaching job. Obviously I couldn't walk a full day, but I did what I could and kept track of where I was on a spreadsheet. I 'finished', and then started again. During the second semester I walked 774 miles on a treadmill facing a white cinder block wall; that's how determined I was to recuperate.

One more surgery, many more miles of recuperation, and an unexpected gift of an early retirement, and I am ready to go, the tickets are bought. This week a sudden medical issue has come up. Tomorrow I find out if I can go, or if I may have to surrender the dream. My advice? GO NOW!

Love and many, many prayers emonty......you are obviously a very brave and resilient man - I think that you WILL be able to walk your Camino, whether it be now or, at some future time along the path...Thinking of you.

 

[emonty]

Update: First, thank you to all the support I received yesterday after my post to this thread. Test results are in, I DO NOT have a pulmonary embolism and my Camino scheduled for April-May 2014 is still a "go"!

 

[susanawee]

Update: First, thank you to all the support I received yesterday after my post to this thread. Test results are in, I DO NOT have a pulmonary embolism and my Camino scheduled for April-May 2014 is still a "go"!

YAY, YAY, YAY.....such good news to wake up to this morning when I read that. I may even see you along the Way as I am starting on 21st April.. Buen Camino Emonty.

 

[Olivares]

While walking the Meseta I recalled walking for a while with a couple of elderly ladies from England. One of them had a severely impaired vision and had asked that her friend accompanied her to walk the Camino. They planned it so that they walked a max of 12-15 Kms/day, stayed in Albergues and they were plowing along well.

The Camino has an energy that you don't find in many places around the world. Very possibly it is there along the path from the thousands of determined pilgrims that walked it having to mustered up the incredible determination that would take to walk the Camino with a physical impairement. I would say you give it a GO; the Camino will provide; it always does.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Having just returned home from hospital after a sudden health scare I would also say to walk the Camino while you can. To those of you who have already shared your problems and dreams I trust you can go and say Buen Camino. Prayers for you, and praying for no more problems for myself as we continue our Camino planning.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Update: First, thank you to all the support I received yesterday after my post to this thread. Test results are in, I DO NOT have a pulmonary embolism and my Camino scheduled for April-May 2014 is still a "go"!

Emonty you & I will be on the same path within a day or the same day. I will spend the night of April 7th @Orrison. We also share that persistent heart disease. So let's rejoice in the fact we can put one foot in front of the other, we have wonderful spouses,family & God I believe opens the path for us.
Keith

 

[Al the optimist]

Hope you are OK Tia.

 

[emonty]

Emonty you & I will be on the same path within a day or the same day. I will spend the night of April 7th @Orrison. We also share that persistent heart disease. So let's rejoice in the fact we can put one foot in front of the other, we have wonderful spouses,family & God I believe opens the path for us.
Keith

I would like to meet you and the chances look good!

 

[JohnMcM]

Update: First, thank you to all the support I received yesterday after my post to this thread. Test results are in, I DO NOT have a pulmonary embolism and my Camino scheduled for April-May 2014 is still a "go"!

Pleased for you my friend.
Buen Camino

 

[JohnMcM]

Having just returned home from hospital after a sudden health scare I would also say to walk the Camino while you can. To those of you who have already shared your problems and dreams I trust you can go and say Buen Camino. Prayers for you, and praying for no more problems for myself as we continue our Camino planning.

Best wishes Tia.
Buen Camino

 

[indyinmaine]

I'm not sure which came first, my health or my age. After a heart attack in the mid 1970s and reading Michener's Iberia I promised myself to walk the Camino. Life got in the way but my health survived and at 82 I fulfilled my promise. I said to my cousin the other day, "I might just do it again!" There's too much talk about how old you are. Gailsie is struggling with some sincere issues. I have a close friend now can only see a fist, not the fingers. For the rest of us there should be more about how much faith you have .

 

[susanawee]

Having just returned home from hospital after a sudden health scare I would also say to walk the Camino while you can. To those of you who have already shared your problems and dreams I trust you can go and say Buen Camino. Prayers for you, and praying for no more problems for myself as we continue our Camino planning.

Praying that all will be well for your Camino plans....

 

[Tia Valeria]

Praying that all will be well for your Camino plans....

Thank you. Our plans now will depend on the doctor and also how we cope with the travel insurance with a pre-existing condition. Prayers are much appreciated.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Our Camino is off for this year as I have to have a further examination and the doctor says we should not go to Spain at present. So we are praying that the initial test shows the problem and that all will soon be well so we can train ready for next year. It proves the point - walk while you can.

 

[susanawee]

Our Camino is off for this year as I have to have a further examination and the doctor says we should not go to Spain at present. So we are praying that the initial test shows the problem and that all will soon be well so we can train ready for next year. It proves the point - walk while you can.

So sorry to read of this Set back in your plans.........at the risk of appearing trite though,' Everything happens for a reason' - and 'there is a time for everything'.... I send lots of cyber support and hopes and prayers that all will be well again soon and that you can then put this behind you and start your training again...