- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF: April/May 2018. CF Aug/Sep 2018. CF May/June 2019.
CF: Aug/Sep 2019, CF: Aug/Sep 2020
Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here. |
---|
ALWAYS the best way to find a compañero.Somehow we ended up continuing to SdC, because we had the same pace
Thank you Mr Happy Feet for such a warm introduction…. not so sure about the ‘old man’ part but there is a 45 year age gap between us so guess I’ll just have to suck it upHello hello Camino community!
My buddy @tigermike seduced me to create an account and join! This endeavour he is planning to execute is the perfect argument to do so. First of all - also on this channel - good luck in succeeding this personal challenge, much endurance, alot of cidre and of course always a bright smile whatever might happen. Thank you for taking us with you. I am looking forward to accompany this journey through this live-thread - sadly not in person!
But that does not mean I won't take this challenge myself. I want to be cocky with my youthful naivety and announce that I want to beat this challenge in the future!
So for anyone interested: I want to give a small insight of how I met this loco peregrino. How he helped me in a way to fuel up the little spark that was left into the flame that helped me through a very hard time in my life. That's for most fellow pilgrims the reason to go on this little walk. In August of 2021 I started on the Camino Frances very spontaneously with a buddy. After just a month of preparation we started. I never had in mind that I will not finish this - I call this my "silent confidence" - something untypical, because I tend to overthink. I got hooked, speeding day by day, like a bloodhound. Passing pilgrims with a "Buen Camino" and a big smile. On day three the camino family experience happened in Puente la Reina at Jakue. A gathering of people with a variety of nationalities, having too many beers, sharing things about the experience. A very exhausted old man joined and started to gain all of the attention through telling hilarious stories and his wisdom he gathered from past caminos - eloquently making everyone laugh. It was @tigermike ! Somehow we ended up continuing to SdC, because we had the same pace . Alot of joking around, sharing positivity and our eternal motivation - the breasts of Fatima - kept us going. He got me my caminoname "Mr. Happyfeet"! Everything else is history!
At the end of 2022 I got a request from him to do another Camino over Whatsapp. A gift in disguise reflecting on it. Because by being stuck in the loop of everyday life and procrastionation, I would have not considered planning to do one in the near future. A offer I could not refuse. Reliving the camino of 2021, rediscovering memories I thought were forever lost and making lots a new ones. Definetly the Camino that is the reason I will continue to do caminos over and over again in my life!
May the breasts of Fatima bless you and the cidre along the way keep your guts healthy my friend.
Mr. Happyfeet
Yes I was worried too! Great to see the update!Thanks for the update, I’m fairly confident I’m not the only random stranger who was starting to worry that we hadn’t heard from him but he’s clearly in the zone know best of luck to him
Loving your posts and following your journey. I don't normally follow the ‘live from Camino’ threads but this really captivated me. Wishing you all the best!
You are going to enjoy them!!!Thanks to you both for cheering me on. Just arrived in Fromista, very hot afternoon, now for a long cool one… or two
Thank you Mods for taking down that grossly offensive, mean spirited and totally unwarranted bovine drivel. I am happy to report that, despite mental and physical exhaustion that I haven’t experienced since military days that I arrived safely in Hornillos, on schedule albeit rather late 19.15hs.
Another very long day, 46.6kms and am looking forward to the true Meseta now as the vineyards have given way to sunflowers and vast open wheat fields. Thank you everyone for your kindness and good wishes. I can’t tell you just how much your positive energy means to me right now. All best from the Camino. Mike
Will do…Ooh!
Please take pics of the golden brown ocean on meseta.
That’s one of many reasons why I love late summer, early fall caminos on CF.
Buen camino.
How cool is thatJust taught myself how to grab a screen shot on my iPhone…
Easy once you know how… hey ?
Magnificent!!I’m all in.
Made it safely to Religeos but quite late, for me, so will let the screen shot do the talking…,
That's amazing - took me 10 days getting from Burgos to Villefrancha del bierzo where I am now. My longest was Carrion de los condes to Bercianos that nearly killed me but especially my feet.Okay guys it’s official.
I am certifiably loco
Leon in 10 1/2 days
Are you at La Perala ?That's amazing - took me 10 days getting from Burgos to Villefrancha del bierzo where I am now. My longest was Carrion de los condes to Bercianos that nearly killed me but especially my feet.
You still look pretty perky despite the miles and the blister!Meanwhile….
This loco-posed selfie of an evidently loco peregrino might amuse…
My blisters developed blisters, bless them…. Quite a little family to keep me company.You still look pretty perky despite the miles and the blister!
Thanks for the kind words. I’ll check in the morning but after a good night’s rest I should be good to go…Yes, I am a nurse and appreciate that you are taking care of things before they become a problem. Hope they are better tomorrow and you can return to your accelerated Camino!
To avoid infection I would keep thread out of any kind of blister.The ‘water’ variant are seldom an issue.. a needle and thread usually sorts them out, with lashings of antiseptic cream.
The ‘blood’ variety demand respect however ….
I have visited fellow peregrinos in hospital with sepsis so a very serious infection can develop rapidly… just saying’…
Agreed of course. Thread must beTo avoid infection I would keep thread out of any kind of blister.
Ex military? Been there, done that. When you know how to and are careful, it works. Can go awfully wrong though if you are inexperiencedAgreed of course. Thread must besterile and then you really must know what you’re doing. So absolutely Sir, mea culpa, not a ready solution for the uninitiated….
På svenska ... imponerandeAbsolut, tänkte inte att förmedla fram det som en allmän lösning…
18 months on secondment with some very tough Vikings not far from Kiruna back in the mid 80’s.På svenska ... imponerande
No - In Villafrancha del bierzo. Going up to towards o'cebreiro but stopping at la faba. This is a short day today. Like you - I'm dealing with blisters too. Have also had a blood blister - I dealt with immediately.Are you at La Perala ?
Great place and have stayed often. Dropped in yesterday around 3pm on my way from m Ledigos to Reliegos to say ‘hola’ to the lovely lady owner and her excellent staff.
Ahh, I see. That is not too far from here actually and I have many friends in the mountains close to Kiruna.18 months on secondment with some very tough Vikings not far from Kiruna back in the mid 80’s.
And I know that it might be hard, but it would probably be better to take a full day off and keep off your feet rather than do a half day - because in your case that's still 20 - 25 km!
And I know that it might be hard, but it would probably be better to take a full day off and keep off your feet rather than do a half day - because in your case that's still 20 - 25 km!
On my last Camino I had a problem similar to yours. Due to a shoe problem. I was making between 30-40 each day but on one day I was slow as a snake and everyone kept rushing past me thinking "someone help that poor old man". I ordered myself to take it easy the following day and so It did. In the end I rushed past all of those that got past me later on the camino. So I did partially recover.16 hours on the road today, over 72,000 steps but only 46.3 recorded kms…???
Okay so I have been hobbling.
My left foot post blood blister evacuation gave me a great deal of discomfort all day.
But it wasn’t until I eventually reached my hotel in Rabanal, stripped down and bath ready, that I saw why…..
A monster blood blister had developed probably 60mm square.
Operation went well, I have a good emergency kit, so now it must rest.
I have to say though that I am not optimistic….
The towel might have to be thrown in….
Seeing this I take back what I wrote... you must stop and so you wisely do.Thanks everyone but I am very sorry to say my Camino is finished.
My foot is not going to heal up anytime soon and a wise pilgrim knows when he’s beaten.
I had no intention last night of posting this image and the mods are at liberty to take it down if they feel it too gross. But it serves as a salutary reminder that we must all, always, take care of our feet.
I broke the rules and am now paying the price…..
Yikes - my b-blister was the size of a pea and it's all fine now. In fact - my feet are in top shape, so it's onwards but in a slightly slower speed. I have settled with only 30 km a day.Thanks everyone but I am very sorry to say my Camino is finished.
My foot is not going to heal up anytime soon and a wise pilgrim knows when he’s beaten.
I had no intention last night of posting this image and the mods are at liberty to take it down if they feel it too gross. But it serves as a salutary reminder that we must all, always, take care of our feet.
I broke the rules and am now paying the price…..
I admire your reaction. There are many sayings about experience and wisdom and discretion, but you know them all. I just say, congrats, you did your level best. Safe trip home.Thanks to everyone for your kind words and wishes. Naturally I am extremely disappointed by what has happened but…
I have learned the hard way over the years to listen to my body. The night before last when I popped the minor blood blister obviously didn’t do the business. Yesterday was grueling to say the least. A 5 o’clock start to make up the 6km deficit to San Martin and then the day’s trek to Rabanal. I arrived around 8.30pm, and that’s way too many hours and I knew something was wrong….
So for now I remain in Rabanal, foot cleansed, dressed and elevated. There is no doubt my Camino is finished so now begins the arrangement of travel plans back to the UK.
Some may be curious why I haven’t yet sought emergency medical help.. and I would naturally advise anyone in my situation to do precisely that. But I have ocean sailing skipper on my skill sets and with that comes an ability to stitch yourself up in times of crisis !
My foot issue, although unpleasant, is manageable. The hardest part will be dealing with the emotional disappointment….
I was so close, so close
Thank you so much kind Sir. Am feeling understandably down and dejected right now and your words are genuinely appreciated.@tigermike , I seriously feel for you.
But whilst you haven't succeeded in what you set out to do, neither have you failed.
The only real failure, is failing to try.
It has been great following you! You have not failed: Those who don't try, fail. Miserably.First and foremost, thank you, thank you to everyone for your kind comments, condolences (?) and best wishes.
Baled out of Rabanal yesterday morning at 06.30, a waiting taxi took me to Astorga train station from whence I caught the 07.07 to Palencia and changed for the northbound train to Santander. I love train journeys, and this one didn’t disappoint meandering as it did through some truly spectacular scenery. We stopped short of Santander and were taken the final half hour or so by bus.
With a few hours to kill before my 16.15 RyanAir flight to London Stansted, I searched TripAdvisor for recommendations for a top fish and seafood restaurant as I wanted my last meal in Spain, for now, to be memorable and fresh-caught fish, prepared by a top chef, is hard to beat in my book.
So after a brief taxi ride to ‘Pena Candil’ and I was treated to a truly excellent lunch; its odd just how great food can warm the soul at times – and I don’t mind confessing that I was in need of cheering up.
You don’t want to hear about the next few hours of flight delays, bus+train+taxi journeys until I eventually unlocked my front door at about 11pm…all I can say is that it felt good to be home.
Earlier in the day I received word from my South African cardiologist buddy Mark – he saved my life following a cardiac ‘event’ back in 2005 and we have been great friends ever since.
He double-stented me at the time but the accompanying angiogram revealed further ‘issues’ that were eventually resolved with a triple-bypass in January 2006.
Over the years Mark has been my go-to guy in times of need. He is an elite sportsman, father of three and internationally renowned for some of his pioneering procedures in angioplasty. Each year he competed in, inter alia, The Cape Argus Cycle Tour, a 109km race around the Cape Peninsular consistently crossing the finish line in under three hours. It was Mark who suggested I take up road cycling as heart muscle damage had curtailed my running days. Last year was my tenth ‘Argus’ and although I will never manage a ‘sub-three’ or ‘sub-four’ for that matter, I did get close once !
Anyway, because of my heart condition I was always flagged by the organisers for a pre-race medical and failure means no-race. Of course I always failed; BP and blood-work off the charts...
So I would then ask the medics to call up Mark and he would always intervene on my behalf and reassure them that I was good-to-go, even taking personal responsibility if something went wrong – which it never did and I loved every single race.
35,000 people from around the world compete very year in early March with the entire road system closed off for the day – what a privilege !
Mark organised the comprehensive medical kit for my trans-Atlantic ocean sailing voyage in 2015 and ensured that I was capable of using it. And these days I carry a much, much scaled down version with me on every Camino.
So it was naturally Mark I needed to contact once I was in Rabanal and the full extent of my foot issue became apparent. Mark, being Mark of course, was trekking at the time with friends in the Zimbabwean Mountains with only a Sat-Phone with which to communicate. True to form he got back to me as soon as he was able, around mid-morning yesterday, with his expert diagnosis. A classic over-use injury, the blood blister not caused by abrasion but simply by excessive strain.
That 16-hour or so plod the day before – I overdid it plain and simple – believing, as ever, that I am in some daft way ‘invincible’. Well it turns out that I’m not - lesson painfully learned and not to be forgotten….
So 541kms in 12 days proved to be too much for this stubborn septuagenarian peregrino and is not to be repeated, or perhaps even attempted by others, without very serious forethought and preparation.
Just have to say that I am one lucky guy and even though I failed, at least gave it my best shot and, apart from that final day, it was an awesome experience. I am also blessed with having such good and loyal friends and the solid medical knowledge to patch myself up in times of need. A hiking boot is a dark and fetid breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and I was fortunately able to dodge the potentially catastrophic sepsis bullet.
For anyone out there with a similar threatening condition, DO NOT do as I did, YOU MUST seek urgent medical assistance.
The Camino is there to be loved and appreciated in all its beauty, enjoy the experience, walk with a smile and if things go awry, STOP and endeavour to put it right without delay.
Don’t do as I did, I am completely loco – you probably all guessed that by now, meanwhile…
Hasta la vista y..
Buen Camino !
Forgot to say: In my army days, I had great fun trying to teach British (and other NATO soldiers) how to master the art of skiing and winter warfare, with only some success....First and foremost, thank you, thank you to everyone for your kind comments, condolences (?) and best wishes.
Baled out of Rabanal yesterday morning at 06.30, a waiting taxi took me to Astorga train station from whence I caught the 07.07 to Palencia and changed for the northbound train to Santander. I love train journeys, and this one didn’t disappoint meandering as it did through some truly spectacular scenery. We stopped short of Santander and were taken the final half hour or so by bus.
With a few hours to kill before my 16.15 RyanAir flight to London Stansted, I searched TripAdvisor for recommendations for a top fish and seafood restaurant as I wanted my last meal in Spain, for now, to be memorable and fresh-caught fish, prepared by a top chef, is hard to beat in my book.
So after a brief taxi ride to ‘Pena Candil’ and I was treated to a truly excellent lunch; its odd just how great food can warm the soul at times – and I don’t mind confessing that I was in need of cheering up.
You don’t want to hear about the next few hours of flight delays, bus+train+taxi journeys until I eventually unlocked my front door at about 11pm…all I can say is that it felt good to be home.
Earlier in the day I received word from my South African cardiologist buddy Mark – he saved my life following a cardiac ‘event’ back in 2005 and we have been great friends ever since.
He double-stented me at the time but the accompanying angiogram revealed further ‘issues’ that were eventually resolved with a triple-bypass in January 2006.
Over the years Mark has been my go-to guy in times of need. He is an elite sportsman, father of three and internationally renowned for some of his pioneering procedures in angioplasty. Each year he competed in, inter alia, The Cape Argus Cycle Tour, a 109km race around the Cape Peninsular consistently crossing the finish line in under three hours. It was Mark who suggested I take up road cycling as heart muscle damage had curtailed my running days. Last year was my tenth ‘Argus’ and although I will never manage a ‘sub-three’ or ‘sub-four’ for that matter, I did get close once !
Anyway, because of my heart condition I was always flagged by the organisers for a pre-race medical and failure means no-race. Of course I always failed; BP and blood-work off the charts...
So I would then ask the medics to call up Mark and he would always intervene on my behalf and reassure them that I was good-to-go, even taking personal responsibility if something went wrong – which it never did and I loved every single race.
35,000 people from around the world compete very year in early March with the entire road system closed off for the day – what a privilege !
Mark organised the comprehensive medical kit for my trans-Atlantic ocean sailing voyage in 2015 and ensured that I was capable of using it. And these days I carry a much, much scaled down version with me on every Camino.
So it was naturally Mark I needed to contact once I was in Rabanal and the full extent of my foot issue became apparent. Mark, being Mark of course, was trekking at the time with friends in the Zimbabwean Mountains with only a Sat-Phone with which to communicate. True to form he got back to me as soon as he was able, around mid-morning yesterday, with his expert diagnosis. A classic over-use injury, the blood blister not caused by abrasion but simply by excessive strain.
That 16-hour or so plod the day before – I overdid it plain and simple – believing, as ever, that I am in some daft way ‘invincible’. Well it turns out that I’m not - lesson painfully learned and not to be forgotten….
So 541kms in 12 days proved to be too much for this stubborn septuagenarian peregrino and is not to be repeated, or perhaps even attempted by others, without very serious forethought and preparation.
Just have to say that I am one lucky guy and even though I failed, at least gave it my best shot and, apart from that final day, it was an awesome experience. I am also blessed with having such good and loyal friends and the solid medical knowledge to patch myself up in times of need. A hiking boot is a dark and fetid breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and I was fortunately able to dodge the potentially catastrophic sepsis bullet.
For anyone out there with a similar threatening condition, DO NOT do as I did, YOU MUST seek urgent medical assistance.
The Camino is there to be loved and appreciated in all its beauty, enjoy the experience, walk with a smile and if things go awry, STOP and endeavour to put it right without delay.
Don’t do as I did, I am completely loco – you probably all guessed that by now, meanwhile…
Hasta la vista y..
Buen Camino !
Ummmm.So 541kms in 12 days proved to be too much for this stubborn septuagenarian peregrino
Yeah, right!?541km in 12 days and he calls that failed
Indeed.A hiking boot is a dark and fetid breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and I was fortunately able to dodge the potentially catastrophic sepsis bullet
You are such an inspiration! Also, you have the best of consultants! Given what you have shared, once the disapointment subsides, and the seriously painful blisters - oh! You were so lucky to overshoot sepsis! - keep us posted on the next impossible challenge you dream up!First and foremost, thank you, thank you to everyone for your kind comments, condolences (?) and best wishes.
Baled out of Rabanal yesterday morning at 06.30, a waiting taxi took me to Astorga train station from whence I caught the 07.07 to Palencia and changed for the northbound train to Santander. I love train journeys, and this one didn’t disappoint meandering as it did through some truly spectacular scenery. We stopped short of Santander and were taken the final half hour or so by bus.
With a few hours to kill before my 16.15 RyanAir flight to London Stansted, I searched TripAdvisor for recommendations for a top fish and seafood restaurant as I wanted my last meal in Spain, for now, to be memorable and fresh-caught fish, prepared by a top chef, is hard to beat in my book.
So after a brief taxi ride to ‘Pena Candil’ and I was treated to a truly excellent lunch; its odd just how great food can warm the soul at times – and I don’t mind confessing that I was in need of cheering up.
You don’t want to hear about the next few hours of flight delays, bus+train+taxi journeys until I eventually unlocked my front door at about 11pm…all I can say is that it felt good to be home.
Earlier in the day I received word from my South African cardiologist buddy Mark – he saved my life following a cardiac ‘event’ back in 2005 and we have been great friends ever since.
He double-stented me at the time but the accompanying angiogram revealed further ‘issues’ that were eventually resolved with a triple-bypass in January 2006.
Over the years Mark has been my go-to guy in times of need. He is an elite sportsman, father of three and internationally renowned for some of his pioneering procedures in angioplasty. Each year he competed in, inter alia, The Cape Argus Cycle Tour, a 109km race around the Cape Peninsular consistently crossing the finish line in under three hours. It was Mark who suggested I take up road cycling as heart muscle damage had curtailed my running days. Last year was my tenth ‘Argus’ and although I will never manage a ‘sub-three’ or ‘sub-four’ for that matter, I did get close once !
Anyway, because of my heart condition I was always flagged by the organisers for a pre-race medical and failure means no-race. Of course I always failed; BP and blood-work off the charts...
So I would then ask the medics to call up Mark and he would always intervene on my behalf and reassure them that I was good-to-go, even taking personal responsibility if something went wrong – which it never did and I loved every single race.
35,000 people from around the world compete very year in early March with the entire road system closed off for the day – what a privilege !
Mark organised the comprehensive medical kit for my trans-Atlantic ocean sailing voyage in 2015 and ensured that I was capable of using it. And these days I carry a much, much scaled down version with me on every Camino.
So it was naturally Mark I needed to contact once I was in Rabanal and the full extent of my foot issue became apparent. Mark, being Mark of course, was trekking at the time with friends in the Zimbabwean Mountains with only a Sat-Phone with which to communicate. True to form he got back to me as soon as he was able, around mid-morning yesterday, with his expert diagnosis. A classic over-use injury, the blood blister not caused by abrasion but simply by excessive strain.
That 16-hour or so plod the day before – I overdid it plain and simple – believing, as ever, that I am in some daft way ‘invincible’. Well it turns out that I’m not - lesson painfully learned and not to be forgotten….
So 541kms in 12 days proved to be too much for this stubborn septuagenarian peregrino and is not to be repeated, or perhaps even attempted by others, without very serious forethought and preparation.
Just have to say that I am one lucky guy and even though I failed, at least gave it my best shot and, apart from that final day, it was an awesome experience. I am also blessed with having such good and loyal friends and the solid medical knowledge to patch myself up in times of need. A hiking boot is a dark and fetid breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and I was fortunately able to dodge the potentially catastrophic sepsis bullet.
For anyone out there with a similar threatening condition, DO NOT do as I did, YOU MUST seek urgent medical assistance.
The Camino is there to be loved and appreciated in all its beauty, enjoy the experience, walk with a smile and if things go awry, STOP and endeavour to put it right without delay.
Don’t do as I did, I am completely loco – you probably all guessed that by now, meanwhile…
Hasta la vista y..
Buen Camino !
@tigermike a friend of mine once ran the entire mainland coast of the UK, a marathon a day, it took him almost a year…why did he do it…because he wanted to tryadventure sometimes lies in a mad cap idea which clearly until the point of stopping brought you great pleasure. I still applaud your attempt and can’t wait to see what you think up next good luck bud
Don’t do as I did, I am completely loco – you probably all guessed that by now, meanwhile…
A man from my hometown, a passionate runner, was doing one marathon/day for the whole CF a few years ago, for a charity. If I remember correctly, it took him 18-19 days.Thank you Paul, a brother-in-arms indeed by the sound of it.
Someone mentioned to me on Sunday that 541kms (336 miles) in 12 days is more than a marathon a day; 45kms and 28 miles respectively....he was trying to cheer me up, bless him.
At the time I was thinking of a Tiger Woods quote: "second sucks"....
Well that and the time back in 2014 when I was forced into a wall on a cycle race, crashed badly and had to retire. Thing is, retiring early from anything one has worked hard for in preparation 'sucks' but the important thing to remember, always, is that life keeps these pesky curve balls to teach us a lesson every once in a while..
As my dear Camino friend Liliane taught me earlier this year, the question should not be about why...
But rather: what for ?
Snap… the night before I did the CF I had dinner with an English chap who was running it at just over a marathon a day. I think he was planning to get to SDC in 16 days or so. I never saw him again after he ran past me next next morning (not surprisingly as it took me 26 days) but I often wonder how it all went!A man from my hometown, a passionate runner, was doing one marathon/day for the whole CF a few years ago, for a charity. If I remember correctly, it took him 18-19 days.
A great quote, @Pelerina, and these final words leave much to contemplate.his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
And this.Bow down to your wise body...
Hi again @tigermike - your recent posts remind me of one of my favourite quotes. Ok, maybe a bit 'over the top' for some, but these words from Theodore Roosevelt, that can be applied to so many of life's circumstances, came to mind ...
The man in the arena
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?