If at first you don't succeed, try-try again and again, and again....

[Old Hillwalker]

I walked my first Camino in September of 2013 at the age of 74. I was quite fit from years of hiking and backpacking in my home state of New Hampshire, but in no way a true athlete. However I walked from SJPDP to Santiago in 32 days with two days off in the middle. Easy peasy. The next summer I walked from Pau, France to Puente la Reina on the Camino Aragones. When I was first walking the France route I remember being fascinated by seeing a small Refugio just after the Col de Lepoeder crossing the Spanish border out of France. There I saw a sign for a trail intersecting called the GR 11, the Ruta Transpirenaica, and thinking to myself. Hmmm, maybe someday.


The third year, I stayed at home and kept wishing that I was in Spain. So on the fourth year of this personal Odyssey I went back to Spain and started on the GR 11 where is crosses the Camino Frances in Burguete (2016) After getting a taste of this route I returned the next summer at the age of 78 back onto the GR 11 (2017)

Unable to keep Spain and the Caminos out of my blood, I Began the Camino del Norte in Irun in 2018 but due to a foot problem developed from badly fitting shoes I quit in Deba. I returned to the Norte again in 2019 and walked from Deba to to Bilbao where I took a bus to Santiago to meet some friends who had just completed the Portuguese Camino as they completed the International Appalachian Trail completing the route from Georgia in the US to Morocco. 4800 miles over a period of about several years.

Since I was now in Santiago, instead of returning to Bilbao and continuing, I walked instead to Finisterre and then went home.

The following year, 2020, Covid hit and I stayed home again, sorely missing walking in Spain.

However, the next September, 2021 I was back in Bilbao and continued my Camino but only made it to Santander. Old and tired at 82 and still carrying my full pack.

Here we go again. Last September, 2022 I returned again to Santander and this time made it to Gijon where I took a bus to Oveido to spend a few days and visit the wonderful Naranco World Heritage site.

It was a wonderful visit until I came down with a healthy or unhealthy if you will, bout of Covid, which sent me home again after a bit of isolation.

Today as I write this it is June 24th 2023 and I have a ticket from Boston to Santander to begin again in Gijon on August 31st. I am trying again to finish the Camino del Norte at the ripe old age of 84. I will be training all summer at home, and for the very first time letting Correos carry my main pack.. So there you have it. The Camino del Norte on the four year plan. Sincerely, Old Hillwalker

 

[lovingkindness]

Buen camino! I wish you every success...

 

[PeregrinoSteven]

I walked my first Camino in September of 2013 at the age of 74. I was quite fit from years of hiking and backpacking in my home state of New Hampshire, but in no way a true athlete. However I walked from SJPDP to Santiago in 32 days with two days off in the middle. Easy peasy. The next summer I walked from Pau, France to Puente la Reina on the Camino Aragones. When I was first walking the France route I remember being fascinated by seeing a small Refugio just after the Col de Lepoeder crossing the Spanish border out of France. There I saw a sign for a trail intersecting called the GR 11, the Ruta Transpirenaica, and thinking to myself. Hmmm, maybe someday.


The third year, I stayed at home and kept wishing that I was in Spain. So on the fourth year of this personal Odyssey I went back to Spain and started on the GR 11 where is crosses the Camino Frances in Burguete (2016) After getting a taste of this route I returned the next summer at the age of 78 back onto the GR 11 (2017)

Unable to keep Spain and the Caminos out of my blood, I Began the Camino del Norte in Irun in 2018 but due to a foot problem developed from badly fitting shoes I quit in Deba. I returned to the Norte again in 2019 and walked from Deba to to Bilbao where I took a bus to Santiago to meet some friends who had just completed the Portuguese Camino as they completed the International Appalachian Trail completing the route from Georgia in the US to Morocco. 4800 miles over a period of about several years.

Since I was now in Santiago, instead of returning to Bilbao and continuing, I walked instead to Finisterre and then went home.

The following year, 2020, Covid hit and I stayed home again, sorely missing walking in Spain.

However, the next September, 2021 I was back in Bilbao and continued my Camino but only made it to Santander. Old and tired at 82 and still carrying my full pack.

Here we go again. Last September, 2022 I returned again to Santander and this time made it to Gijon where I took a bus to Oveido to spend a few days and visit the wonderful Naranco World Heritage site.

It was a wonderful visit until I came down with a healthy or unhealthy if you will, bout of Covid, which sent me home again after a bit of isolation.

Today as I write this it is June 24th 2023 and I have a ticket from Boston to Santander to begin again in Gijon on August 31st. I am trying again to finish the Camino del Norte at the ripe old age of 84. I will be training all summer at home, and for the very first time letting Correos carry my main pack.. So there you have it. The Camino del Norte on the four year plan. Sincerely, Old Hillwalker

Absolutely inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us! All the best on the next stage of your journey! Buen Camino!

 

[Robo]

@Old Hillwalker Have an amazing journey! Buen Camino.

 

[John Sikora]

Thanks for inspiring me again at the young age of 74. Just finished the last part of the Sanabres, Ingles, and Muxia routes. You have me thinking about taking on the Norte.

 

[GuyA]

I walked my first Camino in September of 2013 at the age of 74. I was quite fit from years of hiking and backpacking in my home state of New Hampshire, but in no way a true athlete. However I walked from SJPDP to Santiago in 32 days with two days off in the middle. Easy peasy. The next summer I walked from Pau, France to Puente la Reina on the Camino Aragones. When I was first walking the France route I remember being fascinated by seeing a small Refugio just after the Col de Lepoeder crossing the Spanish border out of France. There I saw a sign for a trail intersecting called the GR 11, the Ruta Transpirenaica, and thinking to myself. Hmmm, maybe someday.


The third year, I stayed at home and kept wishing that I was in Spain. So on the fourth year of this personal Odyssey I went back to Spain and started on the GR 11 where is crosses the Camino Frances in Burguete (2016) After getting a taste of this route I returned the next summer at the age of 78 back onto the GR 11 (2017)

Unable to keep Spain and the Caminos out of my blood, I Began the Camino del Norte in Irun in 2018 but due to a foot problem developed from badly fitting shoes I quit in Deba. I returned to the Norte again in 2019 and walked from Deba to to Bilbao where I took a bus to Santiago to meet some friends who had just completed the Portuguese Camino as they completed the International Appalachian Trail completing the route from Georgia in the US to Morocco. 4800 miles over a period of about several years.

Since I was now in Santiago, instead of returning to Bilbao and continuing, I walked instead to Finisterre and then went home.

The following year, 2020, Covid hit and I stayed home again, sorely missing walking in Spain.

However, the next September, 2021 I was back in Bilbao and continued my Camino but only made it to Santander. Old and tired at 82 and still carrying my full pack.

Here we go again. Last September, 2022 I returned again to Santander and this time made it to Gijon where I took a bus to Oveido to spend a few days and visit the wonderful Naranco World Heritage site.

It was a wonderful visit until I came down with a healthy or unhealthy if you will, bout of Covid, which sent me home again after a bit of isolation.

Today as I write this it is June 24th 2023 and I have a ticket from Boston to Santander to begin again in Gijon on August 31st. I am trying again to finish the Camino del Norte at the ripe old age of 84. I will be training all summer at home, and for the very first time letting Correos carry my main pack.. So there you have it. The Camino del Norte on the four year plan. Sincerely, Old Hillwalker

Absolutely made my day…so inspiring. Buen Camino…walk proudly into Santiago
Compostela…a great journey!

 

[Teddie]

An excellent feel good post.

 

[PhxRiles]

Absolutely awesome. An inspiration to us all.
I have a friend who hiked a major part of the Frances in May 2019 at the age of 81. I hiked from Leon to Santiago several weeks later, and on to Finisterre. I believe he's hiking part of the Aragones this year at age 85. Age is only a number...

 

[Explore_KB]

I walked my first Camino in September of 2013 at the age of 74. I was quite fit from years of hiking and backpacking in my home state of New Hampshire, but in no way a true athlete. However I walked from SJPDP to Santiago in 32 days with two days off in the middle. Easy peasy. The next summer I walked from Pau, France to Puente la Reina on the Camino Aragones. When I was first walking the France route I remember being fascinated by seeing a small Refugio just after the Col de Lepoeder crossing the Spanish border out of France. There I saw a sign for a trail intersecting called the GR 11, the Ruta Transpirenaica, and thinking to myself. Hmmm, maybe someday.


The third year, I stayed at home and kept wishing that I was in Spain. So on the fourth year of this personal Odyssey I went back to Spain and started on the GR 11 where is crosses the Camino Frances in Burguete (2016) After getting a taste of this route I returned the next summer at the age of 78 back onto the GR 11 (2017)

Unable to keep Spain and the Caminos out of my blood, I Began the Camino del Norte in Irun in 2018 but due to a foot problem developed from badly fitting shoes I quit in Deba. I returned to the Norte again in 2019 and walked from Deba to to Bilbao where I took a bus to Santiago to meet some friends who had just completed the Portuguese Camino as they completed the International Appalachian Trail completing the route from Georgia in the US to Morocco. 4800 miles over a period of about several years.

Since I was now in Santiago, instead of returning to Bilbao and continuing, I walked instead to Finisterre and then went home.

The following year, 2020, Covid hit and I stayed home again, sorely missing walking in Spain.

However, the next September, 2021 I was back in Bilbao and continued my Camino but only made it to Santander. Old and tired at 82 and still carrying my full pack.

Here we go again. Last September, 2022 I returned again to Santander and this time made it to Gijon where I took a bus to Oveido to spend a few days and visit the wonderful Naranco World Heritage site.

It was a wonderful visit until I came down with a healthy or unhealthy if you will, bout of Covid, which sent me home again after a bit of isolation.

Today as I write this it is June 24th 2023 and I have a ticket from Boston to Santander to begin again in Gijon on August 31st. I am trying again to finish the Camino del Norte at the ripe old age of 84. I will be training all summer at home, and for the very first time letting Correos carry my main pack.. So there you have it. The Camino del Norte on the four year plan. Sincerely, Old Hillwalker

Buen Camino. Keep us posted on your journey.

 

[John Crawford Howell]

You inspire me, Old Hillwalker. I did the CF in 2017 at age 75 and took 45 days as I was in no hurry. I have vacillated about whether and when to go back and do it again. Your stalwart example brings me closer to the return. Thank you for sharing your story.

 

[jbreuner]

You rock, Old Hillwalker!! Keep on keepin' on, and Buen Camino!

 

[WayWalker]

Buen Camino! I totally get ot!

 

[Former member 21738]

I walked my first Camino in September of 2013 at the age of 74. I was quite fit from years of hiking and backpacking in my home state of New Hampshire, but in no way a true athlete. However I walked from SJPDP to Santiago in 32 days with two days off in the middle. Easy peasy. The next summer I walked from Pau, France to Puente la Reina on the Camino Aragones. When I was first walking the France route I remember being fascinated by seeing a small Refugio just after the Col de Lepoeder crossing the Spanish border out of France. There I saw a sign for a trail intersecting called the GR 11, the Ruta Transpirenaica, and thinking to myself. Hmmm, maybe someday.

This is the one of the posts I really enjoy reading in this forum and thank you very much for sharing your experience!

It’s truly inspirational. I’ll be doing my very first Camino (CF) in mid April next year when I’m 69 years young. I’ll follow your “footsteps” for as long as I can, Old Hillwalker! Buen Camino!

The third year, I stayed at home and kept wishing that I was in Spain. So on the fourth year of this personal Odyssey I went back to Spain and started on the GR 11 where is crosses the Camino Frances in Burguete (2016) After getting a taste of this route I returned the next summer at the age of 78 back onto the GR 11 (2017)

Unable to keep Spain and the Caminos out of my blood, I Began the Camino del Norte in Irun in 2018 but due to a foot problem developed from badly fitting shoes I quit in Deba. I returned to the Norte again in 2019 and walked from Deba to to Bilbao where I took a bus to Santiago to meet some friends who had just completed the Portuguese Camino as they completed the International Appalachian Trail completing the route from Georgia in the US to Morocco. 4800 miles over a period of about several years.

Since I was now in Santiago, instead of returning to Bilbao and continuing, I walked instead to Finisterre and then went home.

The following year, 2020, Covid hit and I stayed home again, sorely missing walking in Spain.

However, the next September, 2021 I was back in Bilbao and continued my Camino but only made it to Santander. Old and tired at 82 and still carrying my full pack.

Here we go again. Last September, 2022 I returned again to Santander and this time made it to Gijon where I took a bus to Oveido to spend a few days and visit the wonderful Naranco World Heritage site.

It was a wonderful visit until I came down with a healthy or unhealthy if you will, bout of Covid, which sent me home again after a bit of isolation.

Today as I write this it is June 24th 2023 and I have a ticket from Boston to Santander to begin again in Gijon on August 31st. I am trying again to finish the Camino del Norte at the ripe old age of 84. I will be training all summer at home, and for the very first time letting Correos carry my main pack.. So there you have it. The Camino del Norte on the four year plan. Sincerely, Old Hillwalker

 

[walkingstu]

I will turn 70 on the Camino this year. Your words are very encouraging!
Thank you

 

[AllisonMarie]

I walked my first Camino in September of 2013 at the age of 74. I was quite fit from years of hiking and backpacking in my home state of New Hampshire, but in no way a true athlete. However I walked from SJPDP to Santiago in 32 days with two days off in the middle. Easy peasy. The next summer I walked from Pau, France to Puente la Reina on the Camino Aragones. When I was first walking the France route I remember being fascinated by seeing a small Refugio just after the Col de Lepoeder crossing the Spanish border out of France. There I saw a sign for a trail intersecting called the GR 11, the Ruta Transpirenaica, and thinking to myself. Hmmm, maybe someday.


The third year, I stayed at home and kept wishing that I was in Spain. So on the fourth year of this personal Odyssey I went back to Spain and started on the GR 11 where is crosses the Camino Frances in Burguete (2016) After getting a taste of this route I returned the next summer at the age of 78 back onto the GR 11 (2017)

Unable to keep Spain and the Caminos out of my blood, I Began the Camino del Norte in Irun in 2018 but due to a foot problem developed from badly fitting shoes I quit in Deba. I returned to the Norte again in 2019 and walked from Deba to to Bilbao where I took a bus to Santiago to meet some friends who had just completed the Portuguese Camino as they completed the International Appalachian Trail completing the route from Georgia in the US to Morocco. 4800 miles over a period of about several years.

Since I was now in Santiago, instead of returning to Bilbao and continuing, I walked instead to Finisterre and then went home.

The following year, 2020, Covid hit and I stayed home again, sorely missing walking in Spain.

However, the next September, 2021 I was back in Bilbao and continued my Camino but only made it to Santander. Old and tired at 82 and still carrying my full pack.

Here we go again. Last September, 2022 I returned again to Santander and this time made it to Gijon where I took a bus to Oveido to spend a few days and visit the wonderful Naranco World Heritage site.

It was a wonderful visit until I came down with a healthy or unhealthy if you will, bout of Covid, which sent me home again after a bit of isolation.

Today as I write this it is June 24th 2023 and I have a ticket from Boston to Santander to begin again in Gijon on August 31st. I am trying again to finish the Camino del Norte at the ripe old age of 84. I will be training all summer at home, and for the very first time letting Correos carry my main pack.. So there you have it. The Camino del Norte on the four year plan. Sincerely, Old Hillwalker

So encouraging to a newbie preparing for her first Camino! Thank you for the inspiration!

 

[Elle Bieling]

Wonderful for you!! Buen Camino! You are the definition of ultreia!

 

[Kay Farinazzo]

Truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing this. One of the best posts I've read.
I hope you share some more of your journey.
Buen Camino Old Hill walker

 

[peregrina2000]

There are so many of us 70+ pilgrims on the forum, and knowing that there are 80+ members out there still going strong is the most joyful message I’ve read all day!

Wishing you a wonderful camino, @Old Hillwalker!

 

[Sue127]

What an amazing and inspirational post @Old Hillwalker. Your determination and obvious Camino addiction will see you back again. As @PhxRiles said, "age is only a number". Buen Camino.

 

[Paynefive]

What an inspiring story! I will start my first Camino in SJPP August 27, and hearing your story fills me with encouragement and excitement! Thank you!

 

[Canche]

I walked my first Camino in September of 2013 at the age of 74. I was quite fit from years of hiking and backpacking in my home state of New Hampshire, but in no way a true athlete. However I walked from SJPDP to Santiago in 32 days with two days off in the middle. Easy peasy. The next summer I walked from Pau, France to Puente la Reina on the Camino Aragones. When I was first walking the France route I remember being fascinated by seeing a small Refugio just after the Col de Lepoeder crossing the Spanish border out of France. There I saw a sign for a trail intersecting called the GR 11, the Ruta Transpirenaica, and thinking to myself. Hmmm, maybe someday.


The third year, I stayed at home and kept wishing that I was in Spain. So on the fourth year of this personal Odyssey I went back to Spain and started on the GR 11 where is crosses the Camino Frances in Burguete (2016) After getting a taste of this route I returned the next summer at the age of 78 back onto the GR 11 (2017)

Unable to keep Spain and the Caminos out of my blood, I Began the Camino del Norte in Irun in 2018 but due to a foot problem developed from badly fitting shoes I quit in Deba. I returned to the Norte again in 2019 and walked from Deba to to Bilbao where I took a bus to Santiago to meet some friends who had just completed the Portuguese Camino as they completed the International Appalachian Trail completing the route from Georgia in the US to Morocco. 4800 miles over a period of about several years.

Since I was now in Santiago, instead of returning to Bilbao and continuing, I walked instead to Finisterre and then went home.

The following year, 2020, Covid hit and I stayed home again, sorely missing walking in Spain.

However, the next September, 2021 I was back in Bilbao and continued my Camino but only made it to Santander. Old and tired at 82 and still carrying my full pack.

Here we go again. Last September, 2022 I returned again to Santander and this time made it to Gijon where I took a bus to Oveido to spend a few days and visit the wonderful Naranco World Heritage site.

It was a wonderful visit until I came down with a healthy or unhealthy if you will, bout of Covid, which sent me home again after a bit of isolation.

Today as I write this it is June 24th 2023 and I have a ticket from Boston to Santander to begin again in Gijon on August 31st. I am trying again to finish the Camino del Norte at the ripe old age of 84. I will be training all summer at home, and for the very first time letting Correos carry my main pack.. So there you have it. The Camino del Norte on the four year plan. Sincerely, Old Hillwalker

Great! My body is falling apart at 78 but I've got my ticket for Spain in September. I don't carry my pack which makes a big difference. I also did the San Salvador and part of the Primitivo in 2021. My friends wanted to quit the Primitivo and we took taxi to Sarria which I hated. I prefer to hike alone but I have balance problems so don't know what I'll do this time. I loved the Norte. Buen Camino.

 

[VeganCamino]

I walked my first Camino in September of 2013 at the age of 74. I was quite fit from years of hiking and backpacking in my home state of New Hampshire, but in no way a true athlete. However I walked from SJPDP to Santiago in 32 days with two days off in the middle. Easy peasy. The next summer I walked from Pau, France to Puente la Reina on the Camino Aragones. When I was first walking the France route I remember being fascinated by seeing a small Refugio just after the Col de Lepoeder crossing the Spanish border out of France. There I saw a sign for a trail intersecting called the GR 11, the Ruta Transpirenaica, and thinking to myself. Hmmm, maybe someday.


The third year, I stayed at home and kept wishing that I was in Spain. So on the fourth year of this personal Odyssey I went back to Spain and started on the GR 11 where is crosses the Camino Frances in Burguete (2016) After getting a taste of this route I returned the next summer at the age of 78 back onto the GR 11 (2017)

Unable to keep Spain and the Caminos out of my blood, I Began the Camino del Norte in Irun in 2018 but due to a foot problem developed from badly fitting shoes I quit in Deba. I returned to the Norte again in 2019 and walked from Deba to to Bilbao where I took a bus to Santiago to meet some friends who had just completed the Portuguese Camino as they completed the International Appalachian Trail completing the route from Georgia in the US to Morocco. 4800 miles over a period of about several years.

Since I was now in Santiago, instead of returning to Bilbao and continuing, I walked instead to Finisterre and then went home.

The following year, 2020, Covid hit and I stayed home again, sorely missing walking in Spain.

However, the next September, 2021 I was back in Bilbao and continued my Camino but only made it to Santander. Old and tired at 82 and still carrying my full pack.

Here we go again. Last September, 2022 I returned again to Santander and this time made it to Gijon where I took a bus to Oveido to spend a few days and visit the wonderful Naranco World Heritage site.

It was a wonderful visit until I came down with a healthy or unhealthy if you will, bout of Covid, which sent me home again after a bit of isolation.

Today as I write this it is June 24th 2023 and I have a ticket from Boston to Santander to begin again in Gijon on August 31st. I am trying again to finish the Camino del Norte at the ripe old age of 84. I will be training all summer at home, and for the very first time letting Correos carry my main pack.. So there you have it. The Camino del Norte on the four year plan. Sincerely, Old

 

[VeganCamino]

Amazing! I love that you are returning again and again. At age 84, you are having your Uranus return in astrology. Uranus is the planet of surprise and the unexpected. Sometimes when we do brave and bold things, as you are doing, we live into our Uranus in a way that makes this transit easier. Good for you. I hope you have an amazing trip and that you have happy feet.

 

[Alister M]

The oldest hiker I have met, on the Frances at Samos, was 86. He used a transfer service for his pack but was wandering along about 15km per day and enjoying himself.

Keep pushing yourself!

 

[KSimons22]

I walked my first Camino in September of 2013 at the age of 74. I was quite fit from years of hiking and backpacking in my home state of New Hampshire, but in no way a true athlete. However I walked from SJPDP to Santiago in 32 days with two days off in the middle. Easy peasy. The next summer I walked from Pau, France to Puente la Reina on the Camino Aragones. When I was first walking the France route I remember being fascinated by seeing a small Refugio just after the Col de Lepoeder crossing the Spanish border out of France. There I saw a sign for a trail intersecting called the GR 11, the Ruta Transpirenaica, and thinking to myself. Hmmm, maybe someday.


The third year, I stayed at home and kept wishing that I was in Spain. So on the fourth year of this personal Odyssey I went back to Spain and started on the GR 11 where is crosses the Camino Frances in Burguete (2016) After getting a taste of this route I returned the next summer at the age of 78 back onto the GR 11 (2017)

Unable to keep Spain and the Caminos out of my blood, I Began the Camino del Norte in Irun in 2018 but due to a foot problem developed from badly fitting shoes I quit in Deba. I returned to the Norte again in 2019 and walked from Deba to to Bilbao where I took a bus to Santiago to meet some friends who had just completed the Portuguese Camino as they completed the International Appalachian Trail completing the route from Georgia in the US to Morocco. 4800 miles over a period of about several years.

Since I was now in Santiago, instead of returning to Bilbao and continuing, I walked instead to Finisterre and then went home.

The following year, 2020, Covid hit and I stayed home again, sorely missing walking in Spain.

However, the next September, 2021 I was back in Bilbao and continued my Camino but only made it to Santander. Old and tired at 82 and still carrying my full pack.

Here we go again. Last September, 2022 I returned again to Santander and this time made it to Gijon where I took a bus to Oveido to spend a few days and visit the wonderful Naranco World Heritage site.

It was a wonderful visit until I came down with a healthy or unhealthy if you will, bout of Covid, which sent me home again after a bit of isolation.

Today as I write this it is June 24th 2023 and I have a ticket from Boston to Santander to begin again in Gijon on August 31st. I am trying again to finish the Camino del Norte at the ripe old age of 84. I will be training all summer at home, and for the very first time letting Correos carry my main pack.. So there you have it. The Camino del Norte on the four year plan. Sincerely, Old Hillwalker

Your story inspired me to continue to return to Spain. Buen Camino! I'll keep you in my thoughts.

 

[John Crawford Howell]

I've mentioned this in an earlier thread, but I met a gentleman on the veranda in Orisson. We stumbled on the fact we were both Marines stationed in Quantico, Virginia. We hiked together off and on until Pamplona. He was 86, I was 75. When we were hiking together, we joked that we were probably the oldest duo on the trail at a combined age of 161 years!

 

[joanonalark]

So encouraging to a newbie preparing for her first Camino! Thank you for the inspiration!

Hope your walk is going well, Hillwalker! I just completed my first pilgrimage, the Camino Frances on 6/16 at the age of 77. It was such a fantastic experience! Joan On A Lark

 

[Old Hillwalker]

I walked my first Camino in September of 2013 at the age of 74. I was quite fit from years of hiking and backpacking in my home state of New Hampshire, but in no way a true athlete. However I walked from SJPDP to Santiago in 32 days with two days off in the middle. Easy peasy. The next summer I walked from Pau, France to Puente la Reina on the Camino Aragones. When I was first walking the France route I remember being fascinated by seeing a small Refugio just after the Col de Lepoeder crossing the Spanish border out of France. There I saw a sign for a trail intersecting called the GR 11, the Ruta Transpirenaica, and thinking to myself. Hmmm, maybe someday.


The third year, I stayed at home and kept wishing that I was in Spain. So on the fourth year of this personal Odyssey I went back to Spain and started on the GR 11 where is crosses the Camino Frances in Burguete (2016) After getting a taste of this route I returned the next summer at the age of 78 back onto the GR 11 (2017)

Unable to keep Spain and the Caminos out of my blood, I Began the Camino del Norte in Irun in 2018 but due to a foot problem developed from badly fitting shoes I quit in Deba. I returned to the Norte again in 2019 and walked from Deba to to Bilbao where I took a bus to Santiago to meet some friends who had just completed the Portuguese Camino as they completed the International Appalachian Trail completing the route from Georgia in the US to Morocco. 4800 miles over a period of about several years.

Since I was now in Santiago, instead of returning to Bilbao and continuing, I walked instead to Finisterre and then went home.

The following year, 2020, Covid hit and I stayed home again, sorely missing walking in Spain.

However, the next September, 2021 I was back in Bilbao and continued my Camino but only made it to Santander. Old and tired at 82 and still carrying my full pack.

Here we go again. Last September, 2022 I returned again to Santander and this time made it to Gijon where I took a bus to Oveido to spend a few days and visit the wonderful Naranco World Heritage site.

It was a wonderful visit until I came down with a healthy or unhealthy if you will, bout of Covid, which sent me home again after a bit of isolation.

Today as I write this it is June 24th 2023 and I have a ticket from Boston to Santander to begin again in Gijon on August 31st. I am trying again to finish the Camino del Norte at the ripe old age of 84. I will be training all summer at home, and for the very first time letting Correos carry my main pack.. So there you have it. The Camino del Norte on the four year plan. Sincerely, Old Hill Walker Well, I'm back walking the Norte.. I started in San Vicente de la Barquera yesterday and walked to Unquera today. An easy 10 miles or so. You know, when old age creeps up on you, it's much faster than a creep. I'm determined to complete the Norte this year in my 84th year living on this wonderful Blue Marble. Later all....Old Hillwaker

 

[henrythedog]

Amazing! I love that you are returning again and again. At age 84, you are having your Uranus return in astrology. Uranus is the planet of surprise and the unexpected. Sometimes when we do brave and bold things, as you are doing, we live into our Uranus in a way that makes this transit easier. Good for you. I hope you have an amazing trip and that you have happy feet.

Tell us more. This is not a perspective I’ve come across before. I thought the OP was simply putting some effort in and doing what he wanted to do - which is to be applauded.

 

[alexwalker]

I walked my first Camino in September of 2013 at the age of 74. I was quite fit from years of hiking and backpacking in my home state of New Hampshire, but in no way a true athlete. However I walked from SJPDP to Santiago in 32 days with two days off in the middle. Easy peasy. The next summer I walked from Pau, France to Puente la Reina on the Camino Aragones. When I was first walking the France route I remember being fascinated by seeing a small Refugio just after the Col de Lepoeder crossing the Spanish border out of France. There I saw a sign for a trail intersecting called the GR 11, the Ruta Transpirenaica, and thinking to myself. Hmmm, maybe someday.


The third year, I stayed at home and kept wishing that I was in Spain. So on the fourth year of this personal Odyssey I went back to Spain and started on the GR 11 where is crosses the Camino Frances in Burguete (2016) After getting a taste of this route I returned the next summer at the age of 78 back onto the GR 11 (2017)

Unable to keep Spain and the Caminos out of my blood, I Began the Camino del Norte in Irun in 2018 but due to a foot problem developed from badly fitting shoes I quit in Deba. I returned to the Norte again in 2019 and walked from Deba to to Bilbao where I took a bus to Santiago to meet some friends who had just completed the Portuguese Camino as they completed the International Appalachian Trail completing the route from Georgia in the US to Morocco. 4800 miles over a period of about several years.

Since I was now in Santiago, instead of returning to Bilbao and continuing, I walked instead to Finisterre and then went home.

The following year, 2020, Covid hit and I stayed home again, sorely missing walking in Spain.

However, the next September, 2021 I was back in Bilbao and continued my Camino but only made it to Santander. Old and tired at 82 and still carrying my full pack.

Here we go again. Last September, 2022 I returned again to Santander and this time made it to Gijon where I took a bus to Oveido to spend a few days and visit the wonderful Naranco World Heritage site.

It was a wonderful visit until I came down with a healthy or unhealthy if you will, bout of Covid, which sent me home again after a bit of isolation.

Today as I write this it is June 24th 2023 and I have a ticket from Boston to Santander to begin again in Gijon on August 31st. I am trying again to finish the Camino del Norte at the ripe old age of 84. I will be training all summer at home, and for the very first time letting Correos carry my main pack.. So there you have it. The Camino del Norte on the four year plan. Sincerely, Old Hillwalker

Big B*lls should be your middle name! At the age of 69, I understand from your story that my Caminos have not ended yet: Inspirational, and THANK YOU!