Right you are Alan! Us young 60s and 70s don't need to brag any more. Nice part of the world you come from, Cowra. Cheers, Costas.
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Right you are Alan! Us young 60s and 70s don't need to brag any more. Nice part of the world you come from, Cowra. Cheers, Costas.One immutable law of the camino is to never brag about how old you,and how far you have walked. Because right beside you will be someone who is considerably older, and who has walked much further.
Alan
Be brave. Life is joyous.
P.S. I am only 66.
Most people bring smaller souvenirs home than women. Perhaps you should start with bringing your daughter magnets or mugs and work your way up to a puppy before bringing any more women home. She will thank you. Believe me.Hi,
My daughter say's that age is only a number and we are as old as we feel.
She has asked that the next woman I bring home be at least older than she (36).
Finished the Caminho Portugese two weeks ago at 66. The Camino Frances at 62.
Take your time, smell the roses and..,
Buen Camino,
Arn
are currently doing Camino Frances Neil is 77 and I am 58 - refugio are OK but we opt out for our own room every 4 or 5 nights. We are taking at our own pace and Neil at 77 is way ahead of me each day and we meet at nightSixty is definitely not too old. We're trying to get throught the harder routes in our 60's so that we can do the easier ones in our 70's and 80's.
We don't stay in those refugios with all those kids much though....
I would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
Good morning.I would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
I would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
I would advise you to walk the French Way and not hte Camino del Norte, because there is far more flexibility in your choice of stops along the way. On the Norte, several times you simply HAVE to walk a certain distance to get to the next albergue. We never did anything more then 25 - 28 KM's a day. Lots of days we simply walked no more then 20 - 22. I don't know how time you both can spend walking the Camino, but we had no set # of days, so were very flexible and we truly enjoyed that.. . . . . .
I'm with you John! Last December when arriving again in Santiago at 75 I was totally pooped. Everything ached. After sitting in the cathedral to literally catch my breath and, of course, gave thanks, all felt easier. Now in the peace of retrospection the way calls once again.
Help, that's how I feel after only a bit over an hour of 'training' walk, no pack. Seems like a big stretch from that to 4+ hours pd burdened like a pack horse.I'm 63, as old as my tongue and older than any teeth I have left.
Last week I finished walking the Camino Primitivo.
With all due respect to every other post in this thread. I just have to say there were times when I felt every second of those 63 years
Buen (you're only as old as you feel) Camino
Help, that's how I feel after only a bit over an hour of 'training' walk, no pack. Seems like a big stretch from that to 4+ hours pd burdened like a pack horse.
Help, that's how I feel after only a bit over an hour of 'training' walk, no pack. Seems like a big stretch from that to 4+ hours pd burdened like a pack horse.
I'm 63, as old as my tongue and older than any teeth I have left.
Last week I finished walking the Camino Primitivo.
With all due respect to every other post in this thread. I just have to say there were times when I felt every second of those 63 years
Buen (you're only as old as you feel) Camino
Labtails, I'm 65. I walked last April/May 2015 from Ponferrada to Santiago. I did it in eight days for a 25km walk per day average. I started with a backpack of no more than 14 pounds. It is not too heavy but you´ll find your back soaked with transpiration fairly often. At my first stop in Villafranca the albergue owner advised me to use JacoTrans which is a service that carrries your backpack or lugage to your next destination. From thereon I walked lightly and doubly enjoyed my Camino. If you can afford about 4 euros per tranche you will find that not carrying weight is wonderful. I´ve been many times to the Andes mountains for difficult treks and employing donkeys to carry stuff, including backpacks, is standard procedure to keep your strength for the real thing. Buen Camino and enjoy the experience. It´s fantastic!!I would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
I'm 66 and walked the Camino Frances from SJPP this spring, alone, overweight and with little preparation. Took 40 days with little trouble. Things that worked for me: really wide shoes larger than my normal size, a really light pack and a pretty low estimate of my capability. Most people I saw who either had to abandon or were in pain had tried to do too much. Start slow. On the Frances, the worst segment is SJPP to Roncevalle. Stop in Orisson (you need a reservation in advance), get a delivery service for your pack if available (I didn't but wish I had). Maybe even hire a guide or pick up service to split the Orisson to Roncevalles segment. Everything else is doable if you go slow but steady ( I also have arthritic knees and an ACL replacement). Don't know about the Norte but have heard it is more demanding.I would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks EvelynT! I am beginning my first Camino on 2 September and have prepared/trained for 3 months. Even so, at 68 I have made a reservation to pause at Orisson. Your post confirmed my decision to book this. I have been reconsidering this, not so cheap, perhaps not so pilgrim place.I'm 66 and walked the Camino Frances from SJPP this spring, alone, overweight and with little preparation. Took 40 days with little trouble. Things that worked for me: really wide shoes larger than my normal size, a really light pack and a pretty low estimate of my capability. Most people I saw who either had to abandon or were in pain had tried to do too much. Start slow. On the Frances, the worst segment is SJPP to Roncevalle. Stop in Orisson (you need a reservation in advance), get a delivery service for your pack if available (I didn't but wish I had). Maybe even hire a guide or pick up service to split the Orisson to Roncevalles segment. Everything else is doable if you go slow but steady ( I also have arthritic knees and an ACL replacement). Don't know about the Norte but have heard it is more demanding.
Thanks EvelynT! I am beginning my first Camino on 2 September and have prepared/trained for 3 months. Even so, at 68 I have made a reservation to pause at Orisson. Your post confirmed my decision to book this. I have been reconsidering this, not so cheap, perhaps not so pilgrim place.
Thanks for keeping me centered !!A pilgrimage has nothing to do with price. It' a spiritual thing.
Ondo Ibili !
I would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
Annie, you're still a kid:>)I'm 63.
I suggest you give yourself plenty of extra days total time, then just walk each day as much as you want.
You don't need to plan ahead - and unless you WANT a support van, you don't need one.
If you feel a stage is too long, you can call a taxi first thing and have it take you a portion of the daily stage and drop you off within the limit you're able to walk.
I haven't walked the Norte in a while, but I doubt you'll have the issue of full albergues that people who walk the Camino Francis have.
After reading all of this, I can't wait to write for the 80+ folks on the Camino. I'm trying to time my first walk from Sept 25, to arrive at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral on my 'ochenta compleano' Nov 2. Granted, my 4-year old forum photo will likely look different next year….
Pepin, aren't you nice. I'm usually taken for early 60s. Good genes, good wine and blessed many times over Now…as for walking the 800 kms and looking younger, I doubt it. I may in fact look 80:>) and that wouldn't bother me in the least. Thanks for your note.movingmaggie, You don't look you are in or close to your 80's! Your photo shows a lady around her late 50's or early 60's. I am 30 years old with 30 years of experience in being 30! And you look almost at my age or even younger.
After, almost 800kms of walking, on your "Cumpleaños" you will even look younger, for sure.
Any way, Salud y Buen Camino.
Hi Lydia. I'll be 66 soon and I plan to do the full Frances from St Jean. There is some good advice in this 60 plus discussion. I am taking notes of the good advice, like, start off slow. I am a runner but all my joints are on their way out so!.... I am going to do the Camino while I can! You've done quite some walking already. Don't regret in years to come that you didn't go on the walk you are thinking about now. How's that for encouragement?!I am 68 today. I have walked the C.Frances from Roncesvalles to Santiago over three years. and most of Pamplona to Santiago last year. I was hoping to do part of Camino del Norte next spring. but have just read that the bit from Irun to Bilbao is harder than anything on the Frances. so maybe it is not for me.
I would love to start in St.Jean and go over the Pyreenees. Can anyone give me a bit of encouragement.???
Flights from Dublin to Bilbao in May are just €9.99 at present. It seems a pity to waste such good value.
I want to book and know what I am going to do. I know I can book and keep options open. bus to San Sebastian or Pamplona or Biaritz ??
Please encourage me somebody. The family here think me a bit cracked!!
Having completed my 'pilgrimage' from Saint Jean to Santiago on October 7, 2015, I have sensed a difference between 'trekkers' and 'pilgrims'. For the former, it may be an exercise in physicality. For the pilgrim, it may be a metaphor for life.I would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
Did my first camino frances aged 57 reaching santiago in 31 days thought I was doing alright till I met an American gent aged 72 what an example ,though a bit heavier and not as fit I have from now till to late June 2016 to prepare . Buen Camino.Did my first Camino in 2014 at age 66. SJPP to Santiago, Finisterre and Muxia. 912kms/570 miles in 34 days with a 9kg pack.
My second Camino this year at age 67 was SJPP to Santiago, Finisterre and Muxia and then the walk back to Santiago. 1,006kms/629 miles in 49 days. After last year's experience, my pack weight was reduced to 5kg.
Next year's plan for my third Camino at age 68 is SJPP to Santiago, Muxia and Finisterre in 41 days.
Member of the over 60 gang here. In reference to next year is to be a year of Mercy and the Holy door is to be open. Full disclosure: I was not familiar with the term, so I did a google search for Holy Door (please don't tell my Catholic Nun cousin that I didn't know). Now that I know the religious meaning, will the Holy Door be open from January 1st to December 31st of next year? If not, then when? Thanks in advance and que la luz de Dios alumbre su camino.
Thanks Bota for the link. Que la luz de Dios alumbre su camino.
Hi Robert V. I am now 72. I have booked flights to and from Madrid in late April in order to walk from Burgos to Leon. This is continuing a Camino I started from St. Jean in 2012. I want to get to Santiago with this "French credential".
However last night I read that Pope Francis has said that next year is to be a year of Mercy and the Holy door is to be open. As the next holy year in Santiago is 2021 I think that I am exploring the idea of maybe going all the way to Santiago. Problem is I am expecting my sister home from abroad for the first time in many many years and she arriving 21st May. I would need to arrive home 24 hours before her!!!.
I hate not having time to go to Santo Domingo de Silos for 3 nights before I start walking and maybe not having a few days in Santiago to do the tour of the Portico de Gloria again.
Buen Camino
Hi Mike, What did you have in your 9kg and 5kg packs? I need some encouragement to keep my pack light. Well done for those walks and now plans for a third That's good encouragement for us that are over 60. I've been very impressed at all those in this thread who have written about their Camino experiences.Did my first Camino in 2014 at age 66. SJPP to Santiago, Finisterre and Muxia. 912kms/570 miles in 34 days with a 9kg pack.
My second Camino this year at age 67 was SJPP to Santiago, Finisterre and Muxia and then the walk back to Santiago. 1,006kms/629 miles in 49 days. After last year's experience, my pack weight was reduced to 5kg.
Next year's plan for my third Camino at age 68 is SJPP to Santiago, Muxia and Finisterre in 41 days.
Hi Robert,Hi Mike, What did you have in your 9kg and 5kg packs? I need some encouragement to keep my pack light. Well done for those walks and now plans for a third That's good encouragement for us that are over 60. I've been very impressed at all those in this thread who have written about their Camino experiences.
I am 69 years old. This is my first Camino. I Am in fair to good shape. I ordered some ASO ankle stabilizers but do not at present have any trouble with my ankles. Wondering if I should bring stabilizers for my ankle and braces for my knees or if I should just purchase wraps if I need them along the way. I've read some things that using ankle stabilizers if not needed could be more harmful than helpful. Any thoughts about knee or ankle support would be appreciated. Thankshi walked camino francis 2010 at 68 walking the ingles from 29 11 2011 then on to finisterre an muxia start training early good luck john 8)
Dear Bossie......are you going again?Hi, Newfydog:
Where do you stay, then? Have any suggestions for places to stay on the Camino Frances?
I'm going in late May 2012 and trying to figure the best way to get rest and have a little privacy.
Being in the "2nd half of my life," I'm thinking I'll need a bit more rebound time than those fabulous youngsters!
Thanks!
Boz
I hope to...I may do stages now that I have moved to Spain and have closer accessDear Bossie......are you going again?
I see that you have not had an answer to your question. If you can fly into Santiago or Coruña from London you could walk the Camino Inglés from Ferrol. Stages suggest 5 days but you can take longer if that suits you, so long as you check out where there is accommodation.Hello every one!
My name is Nora.
I would like to go to Camino from London. I have only 2 weeks to do it. Which city do you suggested to me to fly from London?
Thank you for your help !
Thank you very much for your answer Tia!
I booked my ticket,already. I could find out which way the best for me from London.
I honored your answer!
Have a good day
Nóra
Hi, I am 66 ner mounth and my husband is 67. We made daly walk around 10 km for a mounth or two before our walk. We started in Pamplona and got of after 200 km. I think the main point is to adjust to your own strenth. We walked ourself meeting lots of friend ly people.I would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
I walked the Camino from Burgos to Finisterre when I was 71. The Camino will indeed take care of you if you have taken care of yourself before walking. Do train with walks and light conditioning. Good boots and a light pack are essential. I was always among friends though I arrived to walk alone. I walked in April and May. Good food. Wonderful auberges. Have no fear One foot in front of another is your goal. I look forward to my next Camino as I turn to 73.Hello,
I think we are all a little apprehensive about starting alone, its not purely a female concern. Mine at 71 is centred mainly around health, safety and total lack of Spanish. I have often been told that the Camino will take care of us, but I am not 100% sure of this.
Peregrinos look after each other. Ultreia Keith.
Ah...to be 68 again with all that vigour, innocence, and enthusiasm. I'm 81. Allow me to encourage you. I walked from SJPdP to SdC from September 21 to October 23 this year. I met many, MANY people in their 60s and 70s. Also met a 12-year-old. Just do it. Being "cracked" is an advantage not a handicap. Am seriously considering Le Puy to SJPdP for 2018.I am 68 today. I have walked the C.Frances from Roncesvalles to Santiago over three years. and most of Pamplona to Santiago last year. I was hoping to do part of Camino del Norte next spring. but have just read that the bit from Irun to Bilbao is harder than anything on the Frances. so maybe it is not for me.
I would love to start in St.Jean and go over the Pyreenees. Can anyone give me a bit of encouragement.???
Flights from Dublin to Bilbao in May are just €9.99 at present. It seems a pity to waste such good value.
I want to book and know what I am going to do. I know I can book and keep options open. bus to San Sebastian or Pamplona or Biaritz ??
Please encourage me somebody. The family here think me a bit cracked!!
My wife 61 and 1 62 walked the Camino Frances this past summer (end of Aug to beginning of Oct 2017) We were not experienced trekkers, but finished the Camino in 34 days including one day of 37kms. We travelled with out set plans, three times we sent our packs ahead because of feetX2 and shoulder painX1. It was hard and very satisfying. If you are in reasonable health you can do it. When we got to Pamplona we mailed 25% of our packs contents home. Think lightweight and good shoes--you will know your feet very well by the end of the trip.I would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
I would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
Congratulations movinmaggie !Pepin, aren't you nice. I'm usually taken for early 60s. Good genes, good wine and blessed many times over Now…as for walking the 800 kms and looking younger, I doubt it. I may in fact look 80:>) and that wouldn't bother me in the least. Thanks for your note.
Perhaps my story will help you.I would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
Perhaps my story will help you.
I turned 72, two weeks prior to leaving for SJPdP. I walked for 35 days, averaging 14.3 miles per day and took five days off: one day in Burgos to be a tourist and enjoy the cathedral and a meal along the river at an outdoor café; three days in Leon to recover from food poisoning (I lost 15 pounds and did not have it to lose), and the last day in Astorga to have a chipped molar repaired due to eating a very hard bocadillo. I arrived in Santiago in early November, found the pilgrim office to obtain my Compostela and since it was warm inside and the line was long, proceeded to pass out due to lack of water and food as I wanted to make the mid-day mass. I was carted to the hospital where I received an IV and a serious lecture about taking time to eat and drink.
The other part of my story started a few months earlier, in April of 2017. My fingers became numb while painting and after a week without improvement went to the ER where I was diagnosed with a bad disk in my neck that was creating inflammation. After another week of no improvement (my feet were then becoming numb and I was losing my balance), I was referred to a surgeon who wanted an MRI. Once he saw it, I was told that unless surgery occurred quickly I would be paralyzed and in a wheelchair as another disk was creating a crescent indentation in my spinal cord, shutting down the electrical impulses needed for the nerves to work. I could not hold a glass of water and had very limited feeling in both hands. I was also told no exercise. After surgery, and permission to exercise was granted, I was only able to walk less than a mile with a staff for support and had but ten weeks to train prior to leaving for Madrid. I covered 550 miles during those ten weeks and felt that I could make the trip with a walking staff to support me as my balance had not recovered.
I received much help along the way from very kind pilgrims and locals. I was blessed to be able to do this and I hope that you will try as I did. The Camino should be on everyone’s bucket list as it is an experience of a lifetime. Buen camino!
Old thread but your story of courage and determination will help others. Thank you. For me it was an honor to share a couple of days with you in our 2017 camino [I was just looking at the photos in my cell phone, one of them taken by you that wet morning in front of Puente de Magdalena as we entered Pamplona]. Thanks again, y que la luz de Dios alumbre su camino.Perhaps my story will help you . . .
No problem with lots of new comments on this thread it is a Pinned FAQ and worthy of continued interest.You've been snagged by an old thread. The OP has long since completed his camino
Thank you for your post I am planning to walk next year in May and June I will be 72 this Dec. I too have disc issues and I have arthritis through out my body I did the Sarria to Santiago and then Fisterra to Muxia total 146 k two years ago with the help of my son this time how ever he will not becoming with me only a neighbor I am trying to make my pack as light as possible but having some issues with that I hope that I will be able to carry it I will be using poles I have to use them all the time any way or a walker so poles are a must At times I feel a bid discouraged and think maybe I am bitting off more than I can chew as we want to go from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago then to Fisterra and end in Muxia she will be 65 and is in fairly good shape but has never hiked before I am in poor shape and other than the hike my son and I did two years ago have never done any thing like this ... I know it seems like a big haul but because I don't know what tomorrow holds I just feel a need to do this but at times question my sanity ..hearing your story helps me to push forward ....Thanks for your story it gives me encouragementPerhaps my story will help you.
I turned 72, two weeks prior to leaving for SJPdP. I walked for 35 days, averaging 14.3 miles per day and took five days off: one day in Burgos to be a tourist and enjoy the cathedral and a meal along the river at an outdoor café; three days in Leon to recover from food poisoning (I lost 15 pounds and did not have it to lose), and the last day in Astorga to have a chipped molar repaired due to eating a very hard bocadillo. I arrived in Santiago in early November, found the pilgrim office to obtain my Compostela and since it was warm inside and the line was long, proceeded to pass out due to lack of water and food as I wanted to make the mid-day mass. I was carted to the hospital where I received an IV and a serious lecture about taking time to eat and drink.
The other part of my story started a few months earlier, in April of 2017. My fingers became numb while painting and after a week without improvement went to the ER where I was diagnosed with a bad disk in my neck that was creating inflammation. After another week of no improvement (my feet were then becoming numb and I was losing my balance), I was referred to a surgeon who wanted an MRI. Once he saw it, I was told that unless surgery occurred quickly I would be paralyzed and in a wheelchair as another disk was creating a crescent indentation in my spinal cord, shutting down the electrical impulses needed for the nerves to work. I could not hold a glass of water and had very limited feeling in both hands. I was also told no exercise. After surgery, and permission to exercise was granted, I was only able to walk less than a mile with a staff for support and had but ten weeks to train prior to leaving for Madrid. I covered 550 miles during those ten weeks and felt that I could make the trip with a walking staff to support me as my balance had not recovered.
I received much help along the way from very kind pilgrims and locals. I was blessed to be able to do this and I hope that you will try as I did. The Camino should be on everyone’s bucket list as it is an experience of a lifetime. Buen camino!
I think we all feel like this, sometimes!I just feel a need to do this but at times question my sanity ..
we are planing to go about May 7th 2019 or there abouts from Canada and be there till almost the end of June We hope that will give us enough time to finish up in Santiago and go on to do Fisterra and Muxia as well We will be starting from St. Jean Pied De Port we maybe a bit over estimating our selves but that is the plan I am going to be 72 my neighbor is going to be 65 I am a slow walker I have arthritis and back issues but going to give it my best shot any way .... don't plan on a support van or on sending our packs on a head We are working to try to get into shape before we go; we are not supper women and need to work hard to pull this one off especially me with all my medical issues but God willing all will be fine ; we will most likely go from St. Jean through the Pyrenees on the lower Valcarlos route and not over the Pyrenees on the Napolian route to Ronscevalles once there we will hope fully continue on the French way across Spain ( if anyone wants to join with us they are welcome we will not be going fast or breaking any records just one step at a timeI would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
I was 72 when I started from SJPdP on September 27, 2017. I spent the first night at Orisson and loved it. I averaged a little over 14 miles per day (35 days of walking) and if I had not experienced food poisoning, would have enjoyed it more. Folks are very kind and helpful. I trained in the mountains where I live in North Carolina walking aver 550 miles prior to the camino, but surgery during my training slowed me down somewhat. Take it easy and you will make it. Walk at your own pace and enjoy the experience.we are planing to go about May 7th 2019 or there abouts from Canada and be there till almost the end of June We hope that will give us enough time to finish up in Santiago and go on to do Fisterra and Muxia as well We will be starting from St. Jean Pied De Port we maybe a bit over estimating our selves but that is the plan I am going to be 72 my neighbor is going to be 65 I am a slow walker I have arthritis and back issues but going to give it my best shot any way .... don't plan on a support van or on sending our packs on a head We are working to try to get into shape before we go; we are not supper women and need to work hard to pull this one off especially me with all my medical issues but God willing all will be fine ; we will most likely go from St. Jean through the Pyrenees on the lower Valcarlos route and not over the Pyrenees on the Napolian route to Ronscevalles once there we will hope fully continue on the French way across Spain ( if anyone wants to join with us they are welcome we will not be going fast or breaking any records just one step at a time
I am 63, I have done the camino twice and hope to make 3 in May. I have dodgy knees and have Parkinsons disease. Now if I can do it, so can you! It is not a race, don't think you have to do so many km in a certain time,enjoy yourself, rest when you feel like and don't forget, a long distance walk is only a lot of short distance ones put together! Relax, listen to your body and have a great time, Buen CaminoI would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
I am in my 60 s and found that I was going a lot more than a lot of younger pilgrims!!I suspect you won’t be able to walk the six to eight hours a day that younger walkers will be doing, so be mentally prepared to stop after the two to three hours you can do. If you find yourself behind “schedule,” there are buses, taxis, and trains. Don’t ruin your experience with false expectations and discouragement. There is no wrong way to do the pilgrimage.
It's been said before but do get your weight of back pack down to below 10km, a must!!!! last year I went 42 km in one day, because I was enjoying myself and lost track of time! Buen CaminoMany thanks to all the comments posted.
I will be walking, trekking, crawling (?) through my first Camino beginning around May 8th starting in StJPP. I have not done much long distance walking in preparation. I have had two hip replacements (either side). I know that when I begin to walk the hip acts up. Nevertheless my cranky hips simmer down after thirty minutes of walking.
I will try to keep my backup weight under 12 - 15 kilos (no more than 35 lbs). Sadly I also suffer from a bad back which will necessitate my carrying a back brace.
After reading several books on the Camino, I know I will develop blisters. I intend to take vaseline, moleskin and a first aid kit.
I intend to walk the Camino Frances and hopefully reach Santiago by the 45th day with planned 2 day stops in Pamplona and Burgos. Am I being realistic?
I am a faithful reader of the comments through this blog. Any further suggestions for a sixty year YOUNG man traveling alone.
Utreia e sus eia Deus adjuva nos!
John in NJ.
I am in my 60 s and found that I was going a lot more than a lot of younger pilgrims!!
Each pilgrim is unique. My comment is based on the statement of condition by the Poster. I am in my seventies, and just returned from nearly six weeks on caminos in France and Spain. It gets tougher each year because I do not maintain camino-conditioning at home. The first two weeks are now conditioning weeks, and it is not possible for me to do the "journeyman" days as when I was in my sixties! The hardest part these days is not being able to live up to my expectations. The "usta" syndrome adds a psychological dimension that I did not face fifteen years ago, and each year there are more "ustas." I usta walk dawn to dusk. There is a reason that there are not a lot of ninety year old pilgrims. A few unique individuals can do it, but the number decreases each year.I am going to be 72 my neighbor is going to be 65 I am a slow walker I have arthritis and back issues but going to give it my best shot any way .... don't plan on a support van or on sending our packs on a head We are working to try to get into shape before we go
Excellent advice!As part of that over-60 crowd for 7 caminos, I think you can do it. Press yourself just enough for the first part to be "conditioning." Avoid overdoing it. You aren't 20, and your recovery time will be longer than in your youth. Take care of your feet. Take breaks. Stop when you are tired. Do not follow the standard camino stages; if you are good for only 6 km, then walk only 6 km. Do not try to keep up with the interesting people you meet. It will only pull you off of your own pace. Expect to hurt. Expect most of the hurt to go away each night. Accept discomfort. Avoid misery. Everything about a camino is optional, so do not burden yourself with a lot of artificial rules or expectations, particularly the rules and expectations of others. There is no right way. There is no official route, just the path the local juntas set. Most of the traditional route of yore is under pavement. There is no such thing as cheating (except if you accept a Compostela when you did not meet the criteria).
One step at a time. Have no goal except that next step. Have fun! Buen camino.
I would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
I feel the same way. I just wish that I had discovered the Camino and my talent for long distance walking earlier in life.I walked my first Camino at 57. I’ll turn 61 on my second next year. I feel amazingly alive when walking. I hope to walk ‘til I drop.
I walked my first Camino at 57. I’ll turn 61 on my second next year. I feel amazingly alive when walking. I hope to walk ‘til I drop.
Hi tom
Hey Rick, great to hear from you. I hope you and Therese have a wonderful Camino. I’m walking the Frances again next Mar/Apr. I look forward to living vicariously through your posts.Three weeks Theresa and I are leaving for loir valley wedding and then onward to Coimbra Portugal to walk the Portuguese Camino. I've only had 3 weeks to train and now I'm 31 lbs. heavier...yikes
I am 60 and walking for the first time starting mid September. Will stay at Orisson and am open to anything along the way, not in a hurry. I have done very long walks for a week, but never for this long. Starting a new chapter in my life and this seems the perfect way to do it. I will be walking solo.
Have some questions: I was gifted a 45 Liter Deuter pack and a "safety yellow" separate rain cover. It this too large a pack (it fits well, I am tall) The next size down is less than one pound lighter. The safety yellow is alarmingly bright. Returning them would bit a bit of a thing since they were gifts but doable for sure. Any thoughts? I am packing light and reading all these suggestions but there are so many
I am 60 and walking for the first time starting mid September. Will stay at Orisson and am open to anything along the way, not in a hurry. I have done very long walks for a week, but never for this long. Starting a new chapter in my life and this seems the perfect way to do it. I will be walking solo.
Have some questions: I was gifted a 45 Liter Deuter pack and a "safety yellow" separate rain cover. It this too large a pack (it fits well, I am tall) The next size down is less than one pound lighter. The safety yellow is alarmingly bright. Returning them would bit a bit of a thing since they were gifts but doable for sure. Any thoughts? I am packing light and reading all these suggestions but there are so many
Jill,Made my trip to REI and thankfully the pack my knowledgeable friend bought is the right size and features for me. It is a fine color, it is the rain cover that is as bright as the sun standing next to it. Got the shoes sorted out I think, and now I am ready to try it all out together and get ready. Thank you Dave et all for all the good advice that for some reason was not intuitive for me. This is not new for me, just been a very long time. Jill
Made my trip to REI and thankfully the pack my knowledgeable friend bought is the right size and features for me. It is a fine color, it is the rain cover that is as bright as the sun standing next to it. Got the shoes sorted out I think, and now I am ready to try it all out together and get ready. Thank you Dave et all for all the good advice that for some reason was not intuitive for me. This is not new for me, just been a very long time. Jill
I am 60 and walking for the first time starting mid September. Will stay at Orisson and am open to anything along the way, not in a hurry. I have done very long walks for a week, but never for this long. Starting a new chapter in my life and this seems the perfect way to do it. I will be walking solo.
Have some questions: I was gifted a 45 Liter Deuter pack and a "safety yellow" separate rain cover. It this too large a pack (it fits well, I am tall) The next size down is less than one pound lighter. The safety yellow is alarmingly bright. Returning them would bit a bit of a thing since they were gifts but doable for sure. Any thoughts? I am packing light and reading all these suggestions but
Your pack and raincover are fine as long as it fits, keep pack weight about 13 lbs. not including water. It is very important that walk the Camino by "start like an old women for a week or two and finish like a young girl". Go slow and walk short distances initially. Don't get caught up by other pilgrims asking you to walk further like 30-40 km. You can decline, thank them for the time you walked with them and go relax at the albergue. Walk your Camino. It will all be amazing.
I would love to hear from some senior trekkers about how they planned their Camino adventure. I am planning to walk next year in my 60th year with my 63 yr. old brother. We have concerns about being too ambitous about the distance we can reasonably walk in any given day. We are in good health, but not experienced long distance hikers. Should we join a tour with support van? We would like to try the Camino del Norte in September. We want to walk, but be realistic about it. Any advise would be appreciated.
I would suggest that you walk and go as far as you feel comfortable, use trekking poles which can take 20 % of pressure off your joints. I personally wouldn't hire a support van as when you are over there you can always use a bag transfer service if you feel the need or a bus or taxi if you need to get somewhere. My husband is plus sixty, hadn't walked more than 5 km a time and he had no problems. Do the pace you want, don't feel you have to keep up to or slow down to anyone else, enjoy your journey
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