So long old friend,

[Paintboy2]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

 

[C clearly]

I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

It is wonderful to read of your contentment with the experiences that you've had. Congratulations on this last Camino, and best wishes for whatever else you will be doing!

 

[Rachel from Seattle]

Well done, Paintboy2.

 

[chinacat]

Congratulations!!
307km is a huge distance to have achieved with the physical challenges you’ve encountered.
You took ‘Do it now’ to heart 6 times in as many (C19 notwithstanding) years and all without setting foot on the CF!
Rest easy …

 

[mspath]

Paintboy2,
What a wonderful achievement this is!
Thanks for sharing your efforts and thoughts on the forum.
Wishing you all the best in the future.

 

[VNwalking]

And from those 6 caminos you will have a store of wonderful memories to last as long as you do.
Well done, @Paintboy2 - over 300kms is no small distance for anyone, let alone someone with injuries.

 

[woody66]

so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

Oh yes you are defo the man!
What strength of character you must have had to keep going.
But you will have all those great adventures to carry with you forever.
I wish you all the best
Woody

 

[dougfitz]

Well done, @Paintboy2. I don't know how you found time to both recover from the surgeries and walk, but that is a superlative effort.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

@Paintboy2, what a wonderful attitude you have. I hope when my time comes to permanently hang up my Camino hiking shoes that I can do it with a similar level of maturity, contentment and satisfaction that you have shared with us today.
All the best to you in future endeavors, whatever they may be.

 

[sillydoll]

Robert Spenger (long time member of this forum) thought he would never get his 10th Compostela. Shortly after doing his 9th Camino at age 85, he had to have a triple heart bypass. 3 years later he had a knee replacement. But in 2013, aged 89, he joined a Slow Camino group from Sarria to Santiago and, with a bit of help he walked for 17 days with the aid of two tri-pod crutches to Santiago and earned his 10th Compostela. Then, just because he could, he joined the same group in 2014 and walked a Slow Camino on the Camino Ingles.

 

[JCarpenter]

With your generous attitude toward others, would we be surprised to see you helping out at an albergue if the Camino tugs at you? I don't think so. You have something others can learn from.

 

[NM99]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

Congratulations on your latest and last Camino, and on your contentment. I completed my first Camino this May-June at age 59-going-on-60. Your lovely post is a reminder that time is not always on our side. If not now, then when?

 

[Gadflyparexcellence]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

Your story will serve as great inspiration to countless number of people both in answering the call of the Camino and in resiliently facing life's challenges. Well done. You are a true role model.

 

[Brmickelsen]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

You Paintboy2 are tough! What an example you are to stamina & grit. And an inspiration.

 

[TrvlDad1]

Well done and we’ll said! There comes a point in life for all of us when facing mortality with grace is the measure of success.

 

[Ivan_Prada]

Hello @Paintboy2:

Congratulations on your achievement. You are an inspiration for many (at Lear to me).

I practically turn 68 last month, and done partial Camino after diagnosed with Parkinson’s a couple of years before, it was a challenge; but we did it ( my wife and I).
It was a challenge, because many times my mind was saying to make a turn but my body wanted to keep going straight and this worries my wife, who wanted to call off the pilgrimage.
So, after returning from our Camino, I began to plan the next one; but, Covid got in the middle. Have not stopped planning, just getting better prepared.

Take care and Buen Camino…….

 

[PNeer]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.Br

Bravo you! and a reminder that I should not delay...

 

[Vancouver Rose]

It is wonderful to read of your contentment with the experiences that you've had. Congratulations on this last Camino, and best wishes for whatever else you will be doing!

Agreed. It fills my heart to hear your reflections. I'm walking my first (and probably only) Camino in a few weeks, and hope I'll find the fulfillment you have.

 

[Greg Petropoulos]

I agree with JCarpenter! You have a lot of knowhow and experience to offer to the Pilgrims by volunteering at any number of Albergues. Your “old friend” is still there waiting for your return!

 

[lt56ny]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

You still have many other caminos to walk for a very long time. Buen Camino mi amigo!

 

[Natale]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

Well done Pilgrino you've accomplished much! Buen Camino and best wishes.

 

[WhiteBear]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

Well done Paintboy2...this year will be the first camino on my new knee...after 2 covid years wife and I shall again live the camino...and you will be in our thoughts...much respect and happiness to you

 

[pepi]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

I wish I had your wisdom; was at the same point walking my 6th last year and swore that it would by my last...at 77yo. Yet , a year later there I am actually readying my pack to leave next week. Old fool.

 

[Bumpa]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

Congratulations Paintboy2. Your courage and tenacity are to be admired and applauded. This comes at an optimum time for me as I reach for my 79th birthday in a matter of days and was contemplating writing something about seniors, health and a Camino.

I have just finished a book entitled: "This is Happiness" by Niall Williams. It was recommended to me by a friend, Steve, who is also a fellow
Camino walker. It concerns the coming of electricity to a small town in County Clare. The passage which resonated particularily with me is written by an elderly man. He says: "I write to you from the coming apart bicycle of an old man's health. I had to read it several times and I thought that it was a wonderful analogy of bicyle and health.

First the tires start to lose air. then the brakes begin to squeal and then the bloody chain falls off. My parts are starting to feel that way. However, I will go to Spain once more next Spring as I believe that you can ride a bike some distance on flat tires and if you are careful, you may not need brakes. We are what we are and must not give in too early as you have not.

So to all, in our Camino community, whether you are planning a physical walk or one confined by your imagination and hopes; be buoyed by Paintboy2's story and I wish all of you a Buen Camino

 

[Walton]

Well done Paintboy - You gave it a real crack and then some!

I recon you will be remain present by halping forum members, offering sage advice and watching those Camino Youtube videos.

Who knows, a year hence, you might heal your body a bit and one can never say never!

Life is for living and you have shown us that!

 

[DLJ]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

Congratulations on the six, walk or not, stay with the "Spirit of the Camino."

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Just to say, I am loving these many awesome uplifting replies to @Paintboy2. They are all truly inspirational and uplifting, no matter where we find ourselves "today"!

 

[Pilgrim9]

Well done, Paintboy2.

During your six pilgrimages you will have accumulated much experience and trail wisdom relevant to those just starting their first few. I hope you will remain active on this forum.

 

[Paintboy2]

Well done and we’ll said! There comes a point in life for all of us when facing mortality with grace is the measure of success.

Not so fast TrvlDad1. I've got lots of other stuff to do before I cash my chips. Thanks for the best wishes.

 

[Rex]

Well done PB2!
Thanks for the reminder that attitude and perseverance can overcome a host of ills. Best wishes in the next adventures and please continue sharing your exploits.
Life is one long adventure and you are making the most of it.

Buen Camino

 

[Sparleb644]

Your attitude after ending this year’s Camino is inspiring. It’s a posture I try to have after each Camino. We never know which one will be our last. Gratitude!

 

[Herbst]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

Well, I am trying to do it now. Starting in October to finish the Camino my sister and I started. As you eluded to, we went in September 2019 and 8 days in could not find any bed…. So we made the difficult decision to stop. Well, I will be a 70 yr old line female the Camino starting in Longora in early Oct..
and I am going back while I still can! I will think of you along the way and light a candle.
I have no doubt there is still much for you to add to the world!!!!!

 

[Dani7]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

Well said. Well done. Well wishes for what life brings you in the coming years. All the best

 

[Paintboy2]

Congratulations Paintboy2. Your courage and tenacity are to be admired and applauded. This comes at an optimum time for me as I reach for my 79th birthday in a matter of days and was contemplating writing something about seniors, health and a Camino.

I have just finished a book entitled: "This is Happiness" by Niall Williams. It was recommended to me by a friend, Steve, who is also a fellow
Camino walker. It concerns the coming of electricity to a small town in County Clare. The passage which resonated particularily with me is written by an elderly man. He says: "I write to you from the coming apart bicycle of an old man's health. I had to read it several times and I thought that it was a wonderful analogy of bicyle and health.

First the tires start to lose air. then the brakes begin to squeal and then the bloody chain falls off. My parts are starting to feel that way. However, I will go to Spain once more next Spring as I believe that you can ride a bike some distance on flat tires and if you are careful, you may not need brakes. We are what we are and must not give in too early as you have not.

So to all, in our Camino community, whether you are planning a physical walk or one confined by your imagination and hopes; be buoyed by Paintboy2's story and I wish all of you a Buen Camino

Thanks Bumpa, 79 gets younger every year. Have a good walk and I'll be looking for your posts along the way.

 

[Nan]

Oh dear. ‘So long old friend’ tugs my heart. I walked the Frances in 2017 with my daughter at 75. Had the Portuguese on my list. To do it alone or with the grandkids If possible. (I think it would be so good for them). But with Covid, sick husband and at 80 I don’t think I will make it. I live in hope but reality clicks in. So after only one walk I think I have to say ‘ so long old friend’ also. Sad.

 

[Paintboy2]

Oh dear. ‘So long old friend’ tugs my heart. I walked the Frances in 2017 with my daughter at 75. Had the Portuguese on my list. To do it alone or with the grandkids If possible. (I think it would be so good for them). But with Covid, sick husband and at 80 I don’t think I will make it. I live in hope but reality clicks in. So after only one walk I think I have to say ‘ so long old friend’ also. Sad.

Don't be sad Nan, be glad. Think of the memories we both have that others don't, or won't. Share your stories, and live in the reverie of days gone by. It'll put a smile on your face for sure.

 

[auburnfive]

An interesting post for those of us who have done multiple Caminos. When to say I’m content with what I have done versus just one more, (even if I have to walk shorter days, use luggage service).

 

[Lindy Loo]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

 

[Nan]

Don't be sad Nan, be glad. Think of the memories we both have that others don't, or won't. Share your stories, and live in the reverie of days gone by. It'll put a smile on your face for sure.

Thank you. We do and it does.

 

[PepperPat]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

You make me think I'm quite nuts for starting my first one in the middle of September and having my 68th birthday about halfway.... perhaps this will be my one and only, as I'll probably require all new body parts by the finish.

 

[pepi]

You make me think I'm quite nuts for starting my first one in the middle of September and having my 68th birthday about halfway.... perhaps this will be my one and only, as I'll probably require all new body parts by the finish.

Haha. Why should you be nuts, because of starting mid-Sep or because of your age?
Don't worry, young man, you'll be fine!

 

[JCarpenter]

I met man in Finisterra, 2015. He introduced himself as a 72yr old man from the south of France. I asked him how long he had been walking. "Five months." I asked him what he would do now that he had finished. "Walk back home."

 

[PepperPat]

Haha. Why should you be nuts, because of starting mid-Sep or because of your age?
Don't worry, young man, you'll be fine!

My age, even though I realize I'm just a spring chicken. My hands don't always work well in the mornings... thank goodness my feet aren't feeling too arthritic! Yes, I think I'll be fine, too, mostly because I don't give up and I'm doing it in the first place... ibuprofen is my friend!

 

[Paintboy2]

You make me think I'm quite nuts for starting my first one in the middle of September and having my 68th birthday about halfway.... perhaps this will be my one and only, as I'll probably require all new body parts by the finish.

I'm excited for you PepperPat. Buen Camino.

 

[Lindy Loo]

You make me think I'm quite nuts for starting my first one in the middle of September and having my 68th birthday about halfway.... perhaps this will be my one and only, as I'll probably require all new body parts by the finish.

You'll get the camino bug and do plenty more I'm sure. I'm about to do my 4th in mid September at 68 - I'm just going to try and go slower than the previous 3! For some reason I flew through them - think I was worried if I didn't go all out I wouldn't last I was wrong though!

 

[PepperPat]

It seems there will be kindred souls on the camino in September-October. I look forward to the meeting.

 

[RemysMimi]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

Buen Camino!!!

 

[Nan]

Walked from st j p de p to Santiago 5 years ago at 75. How I wish I had started earlier! Keep thinking when can I do the Portuguese. But 5 years older and a sick husband reality is setting in. I just read about and enjoy those who are walking now. But I am jealous!

 

[nycwalking]

When Paulo Coehlo said "Do it now" he wasn't kidding. Six years ago I completed my first Camino at age 60. As I write this I'm looking at the early morning sunrise from the lounge at the airport in Madrid, having completed my 6th Camino. My 6th and last! Six years ago I had the knees God gave me instead of these two replacements. Six years ago I had not had the back injury that required a five level laminectomy and I had not had the surgery removing bones from both of my wrists. Six years ago I could walk normally and maintain my balance. Today,, not so much.
So today I sit content in the knowledge that six is enough, and that especially after this one, so crowded and competitive for accommodations, that I'm fine getting out of the way for those who have yet to walk. I may not be the man I was six years ago but I still managed 307 km on the Norte this year before my body declared it over. I'm content, and happy, and I'm done. So long Camino, it's been fun.

Time brings about a change.

However, you made hay while the sun was shining.

Buen camino wherever life leads.