I am 75 yrs old and will fly into Seville next month in order to walk the Camino de la Plata. I walked my first Camino in 2007 starting from Poitiers. The Plata/Sanabres will be my 11th Camino. Last year I walked the Frances for the 4th time followed immediately by the Ingles. I always walk the complete route and always stay in albergues. I never train for walking a Camino believing that the walk is 90% in the mind. I frequently see people half my age giving up because they lack the motivation to push on through. I have had health issues but prefer to walk rather than sit at home feeling sorry for myself. After a long Camino I always feel physically, mentally and spiritually refreshed. In recent years there has been a growing number of people in their 80s and beyond walking Caminos. With some research you should be able to find a Camino that will suit your ability. Buen Camino. .
As a Seniors, my wife and I walked the Camino in 2015,.our average day was 20 ks. We started in St Jean Pied de Port so the first leg took us to Roncesvalles, on to Santiago stayed the night then decided to carry on to Finnester, stayed two days and felt we still hadn't finished so walked to Muxia ! we did over 1000ks. I was 66 years young and my wife 65, we are both Trampers from New Zealand. We used the John Brylee book, (spelling of his name might be wrong) and took all the hardest routes to keep off the roads as much as possible. After the first hundred ks I threw my boots away and purchased hiking trainer type shoes, the best move made, my feet were swelling up because of the heat, they were well used boots ! I got a couple of blisters on the top of my toes. We carried our packs all the way, we started our trip in San Francisco, then flew to France then onto the Camino so we needed to have our stuff with us , Diane had 7.5 kg and I had 8.0 kg, we were away for three months and spent fifty days walking the Camino. Our packs were of a type that you could put all the back straps into a zip pocket so they wouldn't be a problem with the Airlines ! they had a carry handle on the edge. One thing that we did was when stopped for our breakfast, we started at 5-30 am each morning to beat the heat, we stopped and took off our shoes and socks to let your feet breathe and dry, and your socks. The first 100 ks was the hardest then it was like a walk in the park but the first stint to Roncesvalles was hard and cold ! Met so many young people that wanted to walk with us and chat and made sooooo many friends ! We have thought about doing the Portugal Camino but of course Covid stuffed up many of our plans ! Buen Camino from New Zealand
It all comes down to how much time you have, or want to spend. Myself and my goddaughter did The Camino Portuguese from Porto. We did not get up at the crack of dawn, and did not walk everyday. We often explored the town we were in (churches, monasteries etc.), and always stopped before we were exhausted. I wore old Jambu's with no socks. Slapped vaseline on during the day, no blisters. Wore rubber Birkenstocks at night to give my feet a break. Carried a Gregory 38 litre backpack, that weighed 8 kilos when I started out, more with souvenirs when I reached Santiago. Bring a hat, the sun can be tortuous. It helped speaking Spanish & Portuguese (they actually speak Galego, a combination of both), my goddaughter had a phone plan that really helped. Missed a lot of vegetables in restaurants. As in real life there were good kind people, and those you just had to shake your head over. I am in my late 60's, my goddaughter in her midforties, neither of us athletic, though we like walking. You can do the martyr tour, or the comfort and joy pilgrimmage. Up to you. I never once walked 20 kms. Walk 5, 10 or whatever works for you.
What do you mean by missing a lot of vegetables? I am Vegan for 20 years and it could be a deal breaker if I cannot find adequate food. I would have assumed there would be a lot of veggies on the way. Thank you for your help.
@@billiejean1495 There were not a lot of vegetables served in the restaurants. In the marketplaces yes, if you plan on cooking yourselves. Only two higher end restaurants we ended up at had grilled vegetables on the menu. Salads are often lettuce, tomatoes and raw onions.
@@TheLearningLounge Thank you so much for answering. I am really surprised. As long as I can get fruits and veggies somewhere....I can eat raw. I eat mostly raw anyway, or as often as I can I try to. But that is a bummer. I just turned 70 this year. I was planning a trip when covid happened. My feet were in great shape then....I don't know what happened but I am having foot problems now...all stemming from wearing heals all the time when I worked...is what the doctor said. Damaged nerves around my ankles. I wonder if I can still hold up. I didn't hesitate before, not thing for a minute I couldn't do it but what a difference only a few years make. Thank you for being so honest. Would you recommend going it alone at my age?
@@billiejean1495 Firstly, I did the Camino Portuguese, so the food options may be better on the Camino Frances. My feet are gnarly, so I hear you. Experiment walking with different footwear, then you’ll know. I met people that went alone, and they seemed fine. You’ll meet people, but I’m glad I went with someone who was laid back, patient, and younger (45). I met a couple in their 70’s, who had walked from Italy, who were travelling with their 40 year old daughter.
I did the whole thing in 2015 when I was 70 and had a knee replacement in my right leg. I had no problem on the French Camino - it's a walk in the park, just a very big park. Wear your favourite walking shoes and above all, start small. I did 5km the first day and upped it, taking rest days in cheap hotels in the towns. You do not need to carry much water, the water in Spain is mostly drinkable and is marked "Non Potable" if not. The biggest secret of all is to be in no hurry. I took two months, saw more than most walkers. When you get tired, stop, so book your first two or three nights at very short distances and then "walk free" so you are not committed to a certain distance. I started at Roncesvalles out of Pamplona and did not do Day 1, which has a more-than-average share of the failures and casualties. Sandy's advice is generally good but the thing is to find your own formula! I always stopped as soon as possible after 1400, found a bed, had a sleep, did laundry, went out in the evening or joined in what was going. You need to book on a site like Hotels.Com after Sarria, when it can get busy. I used cheap hotels about twice a week and always in the cities, when I stopped two or three days. To walk through Burgos and Leon without stopping is madness, yet people do! Pensioners could walk the Camino in 2015 and take two or three months and have more money in the bank on completion than when they started! I stayed a night in the Leon Parador for about 90 Euros and had a night free with the Little Sisters of the Poor in Carrion! Everything in between. A typical "Auberge" was 10-15 Euros for a bunk and at that time a single "en suite" in a cheap hotel was 30-40 Euros. It's a very cheap holiday, "Menu de Peregrino" ranges from 10-15 Euros (or did!!) gives you a simple starter like a salad, a bit of meat and potato and a piece of fruit BUT (as Sandy tells you) you get a quantity of wine, often a bottle a head. Every year there are more places to sleep, to eat, to have a beer. Be free, with no planes to catch, no jobs to get back to. Stay in Santiago a few days while you sort out your trip home! I had to wait three days for the ferry home from Santander, which I spent walking up and down the beach in the sea. My feet loved it! The Camino is an experience to be enjoyed, not the Normandy Landings. It can be over-planned, over dramatised. About 100,000 people a year do it! Just do it! Age is an advantage. "90% of the people envy you!" wonderful young Italian told me, walking with me for half an hour to chat as he overtook me. "You can stay as long as you like anywhere, see what you want, enjoy everything. I gotta be back at work in a fortnight!"
My husband and I walked the Camino five times in our retirement carrying our own packs. We did train , we had no blisters because were wore double socks. The first time was faster than the last time. We had broken in our hiking boots. If things go wrong there are buses just in case of emergencies. This was the best time of our lives.
@@gogr2409 I wear trail runners now (Brooks as I need a wide toe bed). But shoes / boots are very personal as feet are unique, there are so many choices. Just wear them for a month before you go to get things broken in I wear Wright Socks - double layer and they work for me. Buen Camino
Congratulations ! I walked the Portuguese camino from Tui last year ( I was 67) I have trained walking every day for more than 2 months ahead of the camino...but max 9/10 km a day ...I had no blisters and no problems I want to go back next year.
Nothing says you have to do a day's stage in a single day. Take two days each. There's aubergues all along the way. Take all the time you need. 3 miles an hour, 4 miles a day = 8 days from Sarria to Santiago. Take longer if you want. Rest days. Definately break in your boots. Luggage? What are you carrying? Spare socks, shirts and underwear. Some small items. Water bottle and fanny pack with snacks. A fleece and a rain poncho. Travel light. I had all sort of packing and hostel experience, all over Europe, (mostly by train) but my first camino, I was 55.
I just finished the French Way, out of shape, bad knees, and slow! It took me 40 days. I began on my 67th birthday. I did not plan to walk. I did not train. I did not have my gear fitted (got shoes in Armenia 🇦🇲 on my way to France)! Carried my backpack for the final 100 km. Used the transfer service earlier. I stayed in hostels or private rooms in hostels. It took me 12 hours to walk the scheduled route, each day. I was always the last person arriving (hence booking private hotels)! I couldn’t race, to get to a hostel, for a bed. I walked the final 100 km really slowly (retired with no job to rush home to)!
I’m 63 and just walked the Camino Frances (well … 2/3 s of it) Started in Saint Jean Pied de Port and went to Logroño then took a train to León and finished from there. It was amazing!! I did some training - walking 5 miles “around the block” which was pretty flat. I had to go to the mountains to get a little hill training. No blisters! I used running shoes and 2 socks (Injinji liner toe socks + Darn Tough Socks on top). Go for it!
This is all really spot-on advice, especially the bit about practicing beforehand. I headed off to walk the Camino starting from Vézelay (in France) which makes a total distance of about 2000km. I did it basically in two goes, and I was 65 when I started. It can definitely be done, and the experience blew me away. I would add a few things to the advice 1) Invest in your gear, it'll be worth it. The backpack is really, really important (almost as much so as the shoes) and wants to be both lightweight and have a good belt support which puts the weight on your hips not your shoulders. All your gear should be lightweight as much as possible. 2) Invest in merino undergarments: incredibly lightweight, wash easily and dry quickly, very warm. Don't wear cotton! It absorbs your sweat and takes forever to dry. 3) Walking poles are a must. I was dubious at first, now I wouldn't walk without them. 4) Unless you've booked everything end to end, then get a good guidebook which shows you all the albergues, restaurants, the routes, etc. In France a really good one is "Miam-Miam Dodo" (which means roughly "Yum-Yum, Sleepy-byes"). In Spain there's a couple of good ones which come as apps on your phone: Wise Pilgrim and Buen Camino. Regarding baggage transport... when I set out on the Camino I knew absolutely nothing other than a rough idea of the route, and it never even occurred to me that I could get my baggage transported. In the end, it felt to me as if carrying your own gear all the way was somehow part of the deal - but there are people who physically can't and that's fine (by the way the Spanish Post Office is very well geared up for this, and easily allows you to organise your baggage transfer from one day to the next). But the thing about carrying everything yourself is that it really forces you to think: what do I absolutely need, and what can I do without? And I found that to be very much a lesson that I carried forward into life. At the very least, don't just say "it's going in the van, I don't have to bother about weight": you'll lose something of the experience. I loved it so much that when I finished, I even wrote a book about it: www.amazon.com/Way-intimate-journey-along-James-ebook/dp/B084TR3PL1/ref=sr_1_1
I did the camino May 2019 (I was 66 at the time) no issues my walking goal was 20-23 km a day was a wonderful experience (we has everything with us) “buen camino”
If you walk on the verge instead of road, no sore knees nor blisters , change stride, rotate your feet and body, right left, then left right ect, walk backwards every now and then, few strides, helps reset the joints
Yep. Did my first Camino at 62 in 2019, and it bit me in the a$$. I didn't realize that 99% of the videos I watched to educate myself about the Camino were filmed by young people that failed to mention the difficulty, or just said "No problem! Anybody's can do it!". Everything you said is 100% spot on! I wish I had seen a video this accurate and to the point before I started.
Well thank you for the kind feedback A.-N. Hopefully you get a chance to do another Camino (there are a lot of beautiful walks out there) - and I have a lot of videos for seniors!
It all depends on your health ...and physical condition... some 70 year olds walked better than 30 years old ... The max I have walked a day was 25 km in warm weather.
Great video! Set your intentions, train slowly train long! I walked for over a year with a pack before I walked. Finished aged 69 without blisters or injury. Buen Camino!
Thx for your kind words . I’m on the Camino Norte now, pretty long, pretty tough walk, but like you, I trained hard. I walked for two months with a bag full of sand just to get used to it no problems and no blisters used to getting older and smarter.
Last year I made Camino Primitivo, which is probably the hardest one (not the largest) and I met there a lot of grown people. Everyone has his own pace, this is not a competition. My elder 16 y.o. daughter came with me on this "adventure" and she could talk and make friends of all ages. The Camino is an incredible experience that I recommend everyone.
The guy says there is a lot of information on the internet about boots and shoes for the Caminos. Unfortunately most of it is rubbish. I never get blisters when walking up to 40 plus kms. My tip is when trying Camino footwear take out the insoles and stand on them. If your feet overlap the soles you can almost guarantee getting blisters Next you must buy your footwear a size bigger than your normal size. Your feet will swell whilst walking. Next, I suggest wearing toe socks with lightweight merino wool sock on top. This advice has stood me in good stead for many years. Lastly, amuse yourself whilst walking by counting the number of top brand shoes, such as Solomon, Nike and Merrell, you see discarded along the trail....all very narrow fit shoes. Ultreia et Suseia.
my husband and I did it in full in our 70s two years ago .1000 mile socks and good boots ment we did it in full without getting any blisters .We did train and travelled light.
Thank you. I would add…take Metamucil or make sure you buy salads and fruit at stores. The pilgrim meals are quite heavy in the carbs and often lack on the ruffage. Enough said.
Good advice Susan...being vegetarian however we bought and made vegetable sandwiches for our lunches and also purchased canned lentils and white beans and chickpeas...nature's Metamucil
60 this year but already in full training mode to go 2024 in September. Core training advice is a good one, didn’t think of that one as of yet. I’ll get a gym subscription in the next few months to get some guidance. I also really need to walk inclines on a treadmill, here’s flatland’s galore till no end.
We live in flatland and thought we could climb, but alas that was wishful thinking. It took us about 10 days to develop climbing legs. The surprising thing is that our sore legs at night were fine in the morning.
Thank you for this video. My wife and I will be starting the Camino in May. I will be76 and she will be 66. We love walking. I find the more information a person has the better. Thank you again for the video and the comments as well.
I don't know if you specify, but if you send your pack or luggage ahead, keep your medication on you. Don't send anything you can't live without. Also, 20kms may not be realistic for many people. I ran into an Italian lady who did 12kms max every day. Many people start in Roncesvalles or Pamplona, or even farther along. Your Compostela only states you walked 100 kms. I found the mountains of León between Astorga and Ponferrada very difficult. O Cebreio, if you start right at the bottom, wasn't too bad.
Yes personally at my age I can do 15 kilometers a day tops…and if a have to do more I would rent a car to take me to my next destination. But I believe that I can do 100 kilometers and take about a ten day vacation to do this and smell the flowers, visit places…it is not a marathon. It is an experience where you find yourself walking and experiencing nature, the company of strangers, visiting new places etc…. Go to your own pace…
I have been watching videos on the Camino for about 6 years now, wishing I could go and do it. But I knew deep down that there is no way I could get up that huge hill on day one of Camino Frances. I never knew or understood that you can start anywhere on the route! Now I am hopeful!
This video was the encouragement I needed to begin plans for walking the Camino this summer with my sisters. Thanks for the great tips and we especially enjoyed the journal reading videos. Keep them coming!
Thx Diane - very kind words. If you enjoyed the journals then i will get back to them - words and pictures so people have an idea of the trip. We're hoping to walk Le Puys in May but obviously with France being hit so hard we're waiting to see if we can go. Have a great trip - it will be an adventure of a lifetime!
And Diane here's a fabulous forum where you can get answers to any and all questions - it will be invaluable for your trip. www.caminodesantiago.me/community/ if you have any trouble with the link just Google Camino Forum
Side note: I've just been reading about how heavily contaminated some outdoor weather hiking gear ( like gor-tex) is with pfas "forever chemicals". The less we buy of it, the less we self-contaminate and the faster the manufacturers change their ways and begin to produce chemically safe clothing.... so, win-win. Just a thought.
Sandy. It is an obligation to take care of your feet from the first day, wearing not only the appropriate used shoes, but also the specific seamless socks for walking. I particularly smear petroleum jelly liberally on my toes and the sole of my foot. I also usually put tape on those parts where blisters usually appear (they act like a second skin). It strikes me that no one mentions the back as the second part of the body that you must attend to every day. A contracture or a painful spasm can get you out of the way, remembering that you must carry a backpack permanently. I would like to know what advice you give to take care of your back.
Hi Pax - you're right of course, not enough attention is paid to the back and along with the feet it carries the load. I'm no doctor but i am a senior and both my wife and i have struggled with back issues. What worked for me (I'm just one opinion) was to strengthen my back and i did this through strengthening my core! Strong core is critical so in the gym lots fo core - planks, squats, sit-ups, etc.. Second for me, yoga - lots and lots of stretching, third is get a pack that fits you properly and don't overload it. On the trail - we rested frequently, stretched morning and night and in dire situations we popped an Advil. But the best advice is work to strengthen you back before hiking.
Hi Em Thanks for the feedback. I never know when I do these if they’re of interest anyone but I’m glad you found it helpful. I know there’s not many videos out there from a seniors perspective. Have a great walk.
@@sandyfrench4185 Thanks for the informative video. I can understand where you are coming from as one doesn't really know who is actually watching the videos and more importantly, what one is getting from them. Right now, I am in the preliminary stages of, first having the idea planted in my head by a friend, and then as I go through more of these videos and order books, the more "excited" I get. Was thinking either later this year, autumn, or at the latest next year, mid-spring. Regardless, videos like yours are really helpful in easing one's concerns about what to do or not do. I understand that there is no right or wrong way how to do it, but my intent is to enjoy myself. As to conditioning, I ran marathons before, although when I was much younger, so I understand that there will be discomfort, but one can also prepare themselves to at least enjoy it. Thanks again!
@@em1355 Hi EM - I ran many a marathon and more than a few 1/2 marathons as well...those were hard to train for. My wife and i did basic training for the Camino - walking most days and work-outs on the off days and we bought good shoes and a good pack. We had no issues not even a blister. It was mostly the young people that were hurting because they hadn't done anything and it's not 25km that gets you it's 25k day after day after day. We always walk in the spring or fall when it's cool - the heat is a killer for us. Have a great walk!
@@seniorswalkingthecamino Thanks again! Totally agree, it is the cumulative walking that gets most folks. I have done the Nijmegen march (40 Kms x 4 days x 35 lb rucksack) plus walked over 1000 KMs over a three-month period, BUT that was years ago. Either way, it has been a while, and just want to be somewhat prepared so whereby I can "enjoy" the walk without too much discomfort, although I know full well that discomfort is part of it.
@@em1355 I think you will have a great walk, you have the perfect attitude and experience. I start the Norte April 22 walking to Muxia...finish June 5, nice way to spend the spring!
That's too bad. I would suggest that people start taking vitamin D and vitamin K2 two months before they start the Camino, to help their bones mineralize. Most Americans are low on vitamin D and probably very low on K2. I never worried about my parents (in their 90s) getting a fracture because they took both vitamins and had very strong bones. Cheers.
Thank you for this helpful video! Can you share a little bit about the safety on the Camino, please? I have watched some videos and they keep it very light and then comments scare me. I believe I might end up doing this alone or I’ll never get to do it but being a small, middle-aged female, it is one of my biggest concerns. Thank you.
Hi Theresa, although one must always be cautious, my wife and i have spoken with many solo female travellers on the various Caminos. They have said that they found the route very, very safe and fellow walkers very kind and helpful. I have often remarked as we were walking how many women walked the Camino, it seemed there were more women than men! Young and old, single and in groups, it seems the Camino inspires women to walk and that is a good thing. Also in all my walks I have never met anyone that did not make a lot of a acquaintances and friends on the walk...it's almost impossible not to connect with people as you are all walking to the same place day in and day out. Again iI think it's important to take normal precautions - don't walk alone on the trail in the dark , don't drink a lot of alcohol at dinner and walk home at night, connect with people you walk with etc. I think you will have an amazing experience and for more info Google "Camino Forum" as I'm sure others have posed this question. I wish you a Buen Camino and thx for reaching out. Warm regards, Sandy
i would try walking from St Jean Pied de Ports to Roncesvalles and take buses or train to Leon , Burgos , Astorga , Pamplona and just concentrate walking from Sarria to Santiago
The best things I did for my hiking was Altra shoes with a rock plate, two layers of Bridgedale liner socks instead of a single pair, and using trekking poles correctly -- both poles, with the straps set so that planting the pole takes weight off my feet and propels me forward, and lets me lower myself going down steps. Sit down and air/rest/massage my feet at every opportunity, rather than standing around with pack weight on me.
That’s great advice, Eric. I switched to hiking shoes for Le Puy! and loved them and I’m using them for the Norte in two weeks. Always good to get the weight off the feet let the feet air. My wife uses Vaseline between her toes and always brings a change of socks for the trail. Happy hiking and thanks for the feedback.
Great stuff Sandy! This frank and sensible video certainly gives me a lot of encouragement. I'm planning to do my first Camino Frances next spring, probably from Sarria.
Hi Maikerini Thx for your kind feedback. Just to let you know, Camino Francis is getting busier and busier every year. This year was a record. It will be very busy from Sarria as well. Just plan your first walk when it’s not peak time ideally early spring or later in the fall. Buen Camino
thank you for these videos - very helpful - my partner and i want to do the Portuguese route from Porto...hopefully within the next few years...lots of training yet to do but i want to do this very much before i turn 60 - i am 55 now...something to aim for and a goal to train for... :)
Hi Dawn, so glad you found the videos helpful, and thx for your kind feedback. The Portuguese is a beautiful walk I do hope you do it, you will be thrilled you did!
Hi Rosa , thx for your kind words and feedback. Happy you are finding the videos helpful. As you know they are not slick or fancy ! but hopefully they offer information that is useful in a straightforward manner. I’m actually writing to you from the Camino de Norte!
very important note : Americans should learn a few word in spanish. That´s the most helpfull issue. By the way, I am 70 years old, German and walked the camino five times.
😂 ok ok you are right Americans need to get it together about the language learning for sure...😂😂😂. I'm American i can mostly understand Spanish and French, but can't speak a syllable! Self conscious of accents!
Im 73 years old, been wanting to walk the way ever since the movie. But every year something forbids me to go. Such as having both knees and hips replaced to name a few. Then cellulitis attacks of 5 to 8 days in hospitals 3 to 5 times a year for 9 years. But KNOCK on wood, it has since been manageable for the last three years. So I'd like to try to walk it in about 82 days. or walk as slow as I can. What says you.
Hi James I hope you took the plunge and booked your Camino. I completed half at 69 years old with arthritis lovely physio in Spain looked after my knees...slow and steady wins the race I'm going back this year (74) to complete this time with wired up ankle and steel hip, arthritic toes knees and fingers.. we can do it!
Define "senior"? Edit. Did El Camino last year. Running shoes and small back pack. One change underwear, One change socks. Cap (wore it) Jacket (wore it) Waterproof leggings (never used them) One Track suit leggings (wore them) Book (didn't read it) Sunglasses (used them) One razor. (Used soap where I could find it) Toothbrush and small tube paste (used them) Tiny pack of tissues, used them. So...I m a bit smelly. Showered in the auberges. Conclusion. Tbh, I could have carried all my above gear in my pockets for a month and no need for a back pack.. Wash as you go. Did I say walking poles are a great idea?
What do you think about wearing those shoes that are suppose to be like going barefoot? I think they call them natural shoes or something like that. I mean....if you walked the camino barefoot, there would be no blisters....right?
I don't know BillieJean there are so many sharp stones and sticks and mud and other sharp things that it is not something i would do. I have done many Caminos and I have never seen it...Also I have never had a blister...I think it's because I spend a month or 2 getting my shoes and feet Camino ready. I wear my shoes everywhere so they are worked in and ready to go, I also get a 1/2 size bigger because your feet will swell over the distance of a Camino
Hi Susan...well the path is well marked and there are lots of other walkers...that being said you can easily miss a turn in the forest, at a road split or in town...it happens to everyone at least a couple of times. Usually you don't walk too far as you become attuned to seeing the markers and others, so you realize you're off the path. Most walkers download an app like "Buen Camino" have it on your phone and it does an excellent job of keeping you ion the path. Hope this helps
I am 75 yrs old and will fly into Seville next month in order to walk the Camino de la Plata.
I walked my first Camino in 2007 starting from Poitiers.
The Plata/Sanabres will be my 11th Camino.
Last year I walked the Frances for the 4th time followed immediately by the Ingles.
I always walk the complete route and always stay in albergues.
I never train for walking a Camino believing that the walk is 90% in the mind.
I frequently see people half my age giving up because they lack the motivation to push on through.
I have had health issues but prefer to walk rather than sit at home feeling sorry for myself.
After a long Camino I always feel physically, mentally and spiritually refreshed.
In recent years there has been a growing number of people in their 80s and beyond walking Caminos.
With some research you should be able to find a Camino that will suit your ability.
Buen Camino.
.
As a Seniors, my wife and I walked the Camino in 2015,.our average day was 20 ks. We started in St Jean Pied de Port so the first leg took us to Roncesvalles, on to Santiago stayed the night then decided to carry on to Finnester, stayed two days and felt we still hadn't finished so walked to Muxia ! we did over 1000ks. I was 66 years young and my wife 65, we are both Trampers from New Zealand. We used the John Brylee book, (spelling of his name might be wrong) and took all the hardest routes to keep off the roads as much as possible. After the first hundred ks I threw my boots away and purchased hiking trainer type shoes, the best move made, my feet were swelling up because of the heat, they were well used boots ! I got a couple of blisters on the top of my toes. We carried our packs all the way, we started our trip in San Francisco, then flew to France then onto the Camino so we needed to have our stuff with us , Diane had 7.5 kg and I had 8.0 kg, we were away for three months and spent fifty days walking the Camino. Our packs were of a type that you could put all the back straps into a zip pocket so they wouldn't be a problem with the Airlines ! they had a carry handle on the edge. One thing that we did was when stopped for our breakfast, we started at 5-30 am each morning to beat the heat, we stopped and took off our shoes and socks to let your feet breathe and dry, and your socks. The first 100 ks was the hardest then it was like a walk in the park but the first stint to Roncesvalles was hard and cold ! Met so many young people that wanted to walk with us and chat and made sooooo many friends ! We have thought about doing the Portugal Camino but of course Covid stuffed up many of our plans ! Buen Camino from New Zealand
It all comes down to how much time you have, or want to spend. Myself and my goddaughter did The Camino Portuguese from Porto. We did not get up at the crack of dawn, and did not walk everyday. We often explored the town we were in (churches, monasteries etc.), and always stopped before we were exhausted. I wore old Jambu's with no socks. Slapped vaseline on during the day, no blisters. Wore rubber Birkenstocks at night to give my feet a break. Carried a Gregory 38 litre backpack, that weighed 8 kilos when I started out, more with souvenirs when I reached Santiago. Bring a hat, the sun can be tortuous. It helped speaking Spanish & Portuguese (they actually speak Galego, a combination of both), my goddaughter had a phone plan that really helped. Missed a lot of vegetables in restaurants. As in real life there were good kind people, and those you just had to shake your head over. I am in my late 60's, my goddaughter in her midforties, neither of us athletic, though we like walking. You can do the martyr tour, or the comfort and joy pilgrimmage. Up to you. I never once walked 20 kms. Walk 5, 10 or whatever works for you.
What do you mean by missing a lot of vegetables? I am Vegan for 20 years and it could be a deal breaker if I cannot find adequate food. I would have assumed there would be a lot of veggies on the way. Thank you for your help.
@@billiejean1495 There were not a lot of vegetables served in the restaurants. In the marketplaces yes, if you plan on cooking yourselves. Only two higher end restaurants we ended up at had grilled vegetables on the menu. Salads are often lettuce, tomatoes and raw onions.
@@TheLearningLounge Thank you so much for answering. I am really surprised. As long as I can get fruits and veggies somewhere....I can eat raw. I eat mostly raw anyway, or as often as I can I try to. But that is a bummer. I just turned 70 this year. I was planning a trip when covid happened. My feet were in great shape then....I don't know what happened but I am having foot problems now...all stemming from wearing heals all the time when I worked...is what the doctor said. Damaged nerves around my ankles. I wonder if I can still hold up. I didn't hesitate before, not thing for a minute I couldn't do it but what a difference only a few years make. Thank you for being so honest. Would you recommend going it alone at my age?
@@billiejean1495 Firstly, I did the Camino Portuguese, so the food options may be better on the Camino Frances. My feet are gnarly, so I hear you. Experiment walking with different footwear, then you’ll know. I met people that went alone, and they seemed fine. You’ll meet people, but I’m glad I went with someone who was laid back, patient, and younger (45). I met a couple in their 70’s, who had walked from Italy, who were travelling with their 40 year old daughter.
@@TheLearningLounge Thank you so much for sharing your information.
I did the whole thing in 2015 when I was 70 and had a knee replacement in my right leg. I had no problem on the French Camino - it's a walk in the park, just a very big park. Wear your favourite walking shoes and above all, start small. I did 5km the first day and upped it, taking rest days in cheap hotels in the towns. You do not need to carry much water, the water in Spain is mostly drinkable and is marked "Non Potable" if not. The biggest secret of all is to be in no hurry. I took two months, saw more than most walkers. When you get tired, stop, so book your first two or three nights at very short distances and then "walk free" so you are not committed to a certain distance. I started at Roncesvalles out of Pamplona and did not do Day 1, which has a more-than-average share of the failures and casualties. Sandy's advice is generally good but the thing is to find your own formula! I always stopped as soon as possible after 1400, found a bed, had a sleep, did laundry, went out in the evening or joined in what was going. You need to book on a site like Hotels.Com after Sarria, when it can get busy. I used cheap hotels about twice a week and always in the cities, when I stopped two or three days. To walk through Burgos and Leon without stopping is madness, yet people do! Pensioners could walk the Camino in 2015 and take two or three months and have more money in the bank on completion than when they started! I stayed a night in the Leon Parador for about 90 Euros and had a night free with the Little Sisters of the Poor in Carrion! Everything in between. A typical "Auberge" was 10-15 Euros for a bunk and at that time a single "en suite" in a cheap hotel was 30-40 Euros. It's a very cheap holiday, "Menu de Peregrino" ranges from 10-15 Euros (or did!!) gives you a simple starter like a salad, a bit of meat and potato and a piece of fruit BUT (as Sandy tells you) you get a quantity of wine, often a bottle a head. Every year there are more places to sleep, to eat, to have a beer. Be free, with no planes to catch, no jobs to get back to. Stay in Santiago a few days while you sort out your trip home! I had to wait three days for the ferry home from Santander, which I spent walking up and down the beach in the sea. My feet loved it! The Camino is an experience to be enjoyed, not the Normandy Landings. It can be over-planned, over dramatised. About 100,000 people a year do it! Just do it! Age is an advantage. "90% of the people envy you!" wonderful young Italian told me, walking with me for half an hour to chat as he overtook me. "You can stay as long as you like anywhere, see what you want, enjoy everything. I gotta be back at work in a fortnight!"
thanks for sharing your experience.
Absolutely spot on!
My husband and I walked the Camino five times in our retirement carrying our own packs. We did train , we had no blisters because were wore double socks. The first time was faster than the last time. We had broken in our hiking boots. If things go wrong there are buses just in case of emergencies. This was the best time of our lives.
Thx for sharing - 5x good for you!
Congratulations, that’s wonderful! What kind of socks/shoes/boots do you recommend?
@@gogr2409 I wear trail runners now (Brooks as I need a wide toe bed). But shoes / boots are very personal as feet are unique, there are so many choices. Just wear them for a month before you go to get things broken in I wear Wright Socks - double layer and they work for me. Buen Camino
Always double socks.
Congratulations ! I walked the Portuguese camino from Tui last year ( I was 67) I have trained walking every day for more than 2 months ahead of the camino...but max 9/10 km a day ...I had no blisters and no problems I want to go back next year.
Luggage transport is a fantastic idea! Planning on doing the Camino Portugues...
I did the Camino in May/June 2022 and finished in Santiago on my 70th birthday. I did 40 days with 3 rest days and about 6 short days.
sounds like a perfect itinerary, well done Tom!
Nothing says you have to do a day's stage in a single day. Take two days each. There's aubergues all along the way. Take all the time you need. 3 miles an hour, 4 miles a day = 8 days from Sarria to Santiago. Take longer if you want. Rest days.
Definately break in your boots.
Luggage? What are you carrying? Spare socks, shirts and underwear. Some small items. Water bottle and fanny pack with snacks. A fleece and a rain poncho. Travel light.
I had all sort of packing and hostel experience, all over Europe, (mostly by train) but my first camino, I was 55.
I just finished the French Way, out of shape, bad knees, and slow! It took me 40 days. I began on my 67th birthday. I did not plan to walk. I did not train. I did not have my gear fitted (got shoes in Armenia 🇦🇲 on my way to France)! Carried my backpack for the final 100 km. Used the transfer service earlier. I stayed in hostels or private rooms in hostels. It took me 12 hours to walk the scheduled route, each day. I was always the last person arriving (hence booking private hotels)! I couldn’t race, to get to a hostel, for a bed. I walked the final 100 km really slowly (retired with no job to rush home to)!
I’m 63 and just walked the Camino Frances (well … 2/3 s of it) Started in Saint Jean Pied de Port and went to Logroño then took a train to León and finished from there. It was amazing!! I did some training - walking 5 miles “around the block” which was pretty flat. I had to go to the mountains to get a little hill training. No blisters! I used running shoes and 2 socks (Injinji liner toe socks + Darn Tough Socks on top). Go for it!
This is all really spot-on advice, especially the bit about practicing beforehand. I headed off to walk the Camino starting from Vézelay (in France) which makes a total distance of about 2000km. I did it basically in two goes, and I was 65 when I started. It can definitely be done, and the experience blew me away. I would add a few things to the advice
1) Invest in your gear, it'll be worth it. The backpack is really, really important (almost as much so as the shoes) and wants to be both lightweight and have a good belt support which puts the weight on your hips not your shoulders. All your gear should be lightweight as much as possible.
2) Invest in merino undergarments: incredibly lightweight, wash easily and dry quickly, very warm. Don't wear cotton! It absorbs your sweat and takes forever to dry.
3) Walking poles are a must. I was dubious at first, now I wouldn't walk without them.
4) Unless you've booked everything end to end, then get a good guidebook which shows you all the albergues, restaurants, the routes, etc. In France a really good one is "Miam-Miam Dodo" (which means roughly "Yum-Yum, Sleepy-byes"). In Spain there's a couple of good ones which come as apps on your phone: Wise Pilgrim and Buen Camino.
Regarding baggage transport... when I set out on the Camino I knew absolutely nothing other than a rough idea of the route, and it never even occurred to me that I could get my baggage transported. In the end, it felt to me as if carrying your own gear all the way was somehow part of the deal - but there are people who physically can't and that's fine (by the way the Spanish Post Office is very well geared up for this, and easily allows you to organise your baggage transfer from one day to the next).
But the thing about carrying everything yourself is that it really forces you to think: what do I absolutely need, and what can I do without? And I found that to be very much a lesson that I carried forward into life. At the very least, don't just say "it's going in the van, I don't have to bother about weight": you'll lose something of the experience.
I loved it so much that when I finished, I even wrote a book about it: www.amazon.com/Way-intimate-journey-along-James-ebook/dp/B084TR3PL1/ref=sr_1_1
I did the camino May 2019 (I was 66 at the time) no issues my walking goal was 20-23 km a day
was a wonderful experience (we has everything with us) “buen camino”
If you walk on the verge instead of road, no sore knees nor blisters , change stride, rotate your feet and body, right left, then left right ect, walk backwards every now and then, few strides, helps reset the joints
It's funny, I've never had a drink of alcohol on my 7 caminos. I've still enjoyed socialising.
The new albergue is called 'Borda'.
Buen Camino
Love
Yep. Did my first Camino at 62 in 2019, and it bit me in the a$$. I didn't realize that 99% of the videos I watched to educate myself about the Camino were filmed by young people that failed to mention the difficulty, or just said "No problem! Anybody's can do it!".
Everything you said is 100% spot on! I wish I had seen a video this accurate and to the point before I started.
Well thank you for the kind feedback A.-N. Hopefully you get a chance to do another Camino (there are a lot of beautiful walks out there) - and I have a lot of videos for seniors!
It all depends on your health ...and physical condition... some 70 year olds walked better than 30 years old ... The max I have walked a day was 25 km in warm weather.
Great video! Set your intentions, train slowly train long! I walked for over a year with a pack before I walked. Finished aged 69 without blisters or injury. Buen Camino!
Thx for your kind words . I’m on the Camino Norte now, pretty long, pretty tough walk, but like you, I trained hard. I walked for two months with a bag full of sand just to get used to it no problems and no blisters used to getting older and smarter.
Last year I made Camino Primitivo, which is probably the hardest one (not the largest) and I met there a lot of grown people. Everyone has his own pace, this is not a competition. My elder 16 y.o. daughter came with me on this "adventure" and she could talk and make friends of all ages. The Camino is an incredible experience that I recommend everyone.
Rest days. YES! Take a day here and there to rest and enjoy the village you’re in.
excellent always hearing from pilgrims who have actually been there and are not 16 yrs old! very helpful.
The guy says there is a lot of information on the internet about boots and shoes for the Caminos.
Unfortunately most of it is rubbish.
I never get blisters when walking up to 40 plus kms.
My tip is when trying Camino footwear take out the insoles and stand on them.
If your feet overlap the soles you can almost guarantee getting blisters
Next you must buy your footwear a size bigger than your normal size.
Your feet will swell whilst walking.
Next, I suggest wearing toe socks with lightweight merino wool sock on top.
This advice has stood me in good stead for many years.
Lastly, amuse yourself whilst walking by counting the number of top brand shoes, such as Solomon, Nike and Merrell, you see discarded along the trail....all very narrow fit shoes.
Ultreia et Suseia.
my husband and I did it in full in our 70s two years ago .1000 mile socks and good boots ment we did it in full without getting any blisters .We did train and travelled light.
Thank you. I would add…take Metamucil or make sure you buy salads and fruit at stores. The pilgrim meals are quite heavy in the carbs and often lack on the ruffage. Enough said.
Good advice Susan...being vegetarian however we bought and made vegetable sandwiches for our lunches and also purchased canned lentils and white beans and chickpeas...nature's Metamucil
60 this year but already in full training mode to go 2024 in September. Core training advice is a good one, didn’t think of that one as of yet. I’ll get a gym subscription in the next few months to get some guidance. I also really need to walk inclines on a treadmill, here’s flatland’s galore till no end.
yes some hills will really help you. if no hills do stairs and if no stairs do squats in the gym
We live in flatland and thought we could climb, but alas that was wishful thinking. It took us about 10 days to develop climbing legs. The surprising thing is that our sore legs at night were fine in the morning.
Thank you for this video. My wife and I will be starting the Camino in May. I will be76 and she will be 66. We love walking. I find the more information a person has the better. Thank you again for the video and the comments as well.
I don't know if you specify, but if you send your pack or luggage ahead, keep your medication on you. Don't send anything you can't live without. Also, 20kms may not be realistic for many people. I ran into an Italian lady who did 12kms max every day. Many people start in Roncesvalles or Pamplona, or even farther along. Your Compostela only states you walked 100 kms. I found the mountains of León between Astorga and Ponferrada very difficult. O Cebreio, if you start right at the bottom, wasn't too bad.
Good advice Spannyma, thx for sharing
Yes personally at my age I can do 15 kilometers a day tops…and if a have to do more I would rent a car to take me to my next destination. But I believe that I can do 100 kilometers and take about a ten day vacation to do this and smell the flowers, visit places…it is not a marathon. It is an experience where you find yourself walking and experiencing nature, the company of strangers, visiting new places etc…. Go to your own pace…
Lol.. What do you need luggage for?
@@freelancelady Do the math and really think about rest days.
I have been watching videos on the Camino for about 6 years now, wishing I could go and do it. But I knew deep down that there is no way I could get up that huge hill on day one of Camino Frances. I never knew or understood that you can start anywhere on the route! Now I am hopeful!
Es muy importante el cuidado de los pies si se tiene la enfermedad de Diabetes e insuficiencia arterial de extremidades inferiores.
I'm 62 yrs old and will be walking the Camino starting next week...Rest assured UBER is just couple taps away....
Nice! Thanks for this. Heading out in March 2023 as a retirement trip.
Wonderful! My wife and i are walking Del Norte starting late April 2023 - have a fabulous walk!
see you on the road Jim - i start 1st april
How is it going for you?
This video was the encouragement I needed to begin plans for walking the Camino this summer with my sisters. Thanks for the great tips and we especially enjoyed the journal reading videos. Keep them coming!
Thx Diane - very kind words. If you enjoyed the journals then i will get back to them - words and pictures so people have an idea of the trip. We're hoping to walk Le Puys in May but obviously with France being hit so hard we're waiting to see if we can go. Have a great trip - it will be an adventure of a lifetime!
And Diane here's a fabulous forum where you can get answers to any and all questions - it will be invaluable for your trip. www.caminodesantiago.me/community/
if you have any trouble with the link just Google Camino Forum
the answer is of course . I did late year this time .just don't be stupid or timid or fearful .travel lite and not in hot weather
💯 correct. Michael.
Sensible man.
Side note: I've just been reading about how heavily contaminated some outdoor weather hiking gear ( like gor-tex) is with pfas "forever chemicals". The less we buy of it, the less we self-contaminate and the faster the manufacturers change their ways and begin to produce chemically safe clothing.... so, win-win. Just a thought.
very good to know - thx for sharing
Sandy. It is an obligation to take care of your feet from the first day, wearing not only the appropriate used shoes, but also the specific seamless socks for walking. I particularly smear petroleum jelly liberally on my toes and the sole of my foot. I also usually put tape on those parts where blisters usually appear (they act like a second skin). It strikes me that no one mentions the back as the second part of the body that you must attend to every day. A contracture or a painful spasm can get you out of the way, remembering that you must carry a backpack permanently. I would like to know what advice you give to take care of your back.
Hi Pax - you're right of course, not enough attention is paid to the back and along with the feet it carries the load. I'm no doctor but i am a senior and both my wife and i have struggled with back issues. What worked for me (I'm just one opinion) was to strengthen my back and i did this through strengthening my core! Strong core is critical so in the gym lots fo core - planks, squats, sit-ups, etc.. Second for me, yoga - lots and lots of stretching, third is get a pack that fits you properly and don't overload it. On the trail - we rested frequently, stretched morning and night and in dire situations we popped an Advil. But the best advice is work to strengthen you back before hiking.
You shoes are all messed up, imo
Good tip about the rest days!
They are critical. Find a nice town to rest up and explore
Thank you. I would add, metmusal. Enough said!
Enjoyed hearing the perspective of someone about the same age as myself. Thanks!
Hi Em
Thanks for the feedback. I never know when I do these if they’re of interest anyone but I’m glad you found it helpful. I know there’s not many videos out there from a seniors perspective. Have a great walk.
@@sandyfrench4185 Thanks for the informative video. I can understand where you are coming from as one doesn't really know who is actually watching the videos and more importantly, what one is getting from them. Right now, I am in the preliminary stages of, first having the idea planted in my head by a friend, and then as I go through more of these videos and order books, the more "excited" I get. Was thinking either later this year, autumn, or at the latest next year, mid-spring. Regardless, videos like yours are really helpful in easing one's concerns about what to do or not do. I understand that there is no right or wrong way how to do it, but my intent is to enjoy myself. As to conditioning, I ran marathons before, although when I was much younger, so I understand that there will be discomfort, but one can also prepare themselves to at least enjoy it. Thanks again!
@@em1355 Hi EM - I ran many a marathon and more than a few 1/2 marathons as well...those were hard to train for. My wife and i did basic training for the Camino - walking most days and work-outs on the off days and we bought good shoes and a good pack. We had no issues not even a blister. It was mostly the young people that were hurting because they hadn't done anything and it's not 25km that gets you it's 25k day after day after day. We always walk in the spring or fall when it's cool - the heat is a killer for us. Have a great walk!
@@seniorswalkingthecamino Thanks again! Totally agree, it is the cumulative walking that gets most folks. I have done the Nijmegen march (40 Kms x 4 days x 35 lb rucksack) plus walked over 1000 KMs over a three-month period, BUT that was years ago. Either way, it has been a while, and just want to be somewhat prepared so whereby I can "enjoy" the walk without too much discomfort, although I know full well that discomfort is part of it.
@@em1355 I think you will have a great walk, you have the perfect attitude and experience. I start the Norte April 22 walking to Muxia...finish June 5, nice way to spend the spring!
a friend of mine in her 60's, reasonably fit and active, had to quit halfway because of a stress fracture in her hip. Bummer.
That is a real shame! Hopefully she will be able to complete it when she has healed
That's too bad. I would suggest that people start taking vitamin D and vitamin K2 two months before they start the Camino, to help their bones mineralize. Most Americans are low on vitamin D and probably very low on K2. I never worried about my parents (in their 90s) getting a fracture because they took both vitamins and had very strong bones. Cheers.
Thank you for this helpful video! Can you share a little bit about the safety on the Camino, please? I have watched some videos and they keep it very light and then comments scare me. I believe I might end up doing this alone or I’ll never get to do it but being a small, middle-aged female, it is one of my biggest concerns. Thank you.
Hi Theresa, although one must always be cautious, my wife and i have spoken with many solo female travellers on the various Caminos.
They have said that they found the route very, very safe and fellow walkers very kind and helpful. I have often remarked as we were walking how many women walked the Camino, it seemed there were more women than men! Young and old, single and in groups, it seems the Camino inspires women to walk and that is a good thing.
Also in all my walks I have never met anyone that did not make a lot of a acquaintances and friends on the walk...it's almost impossible not to connect with people as you are all walking to the same place day in and day out. Again iI think it's important to take normal precautions - don't walk alone on the trail in the dark , don't drink a lot of alcohol at dinner and walk home at night, connect with people you walk with etc.
I think you will have an amazing experience and for more info Google "Camino Forum" as I'm sure others have posed this question.
I wish you a Buen Camino and thx for reaching out. Warm regards, Sandy
i would try walking from St Jean Pied de Ports to Roncesvalles and take buses or train to Leon , Burgos , Astorga , Pamplona and just concentrate walking from Sarria to Santiago
The best things I did for my hiking was Altra shoes with a rock plate, two layers of Bridgedale liner socks instead of a single pair, and using trekking poles correctly -- both poles, with the straps set so that planting the pole takes weight off my feet and propels me forward, and lets me lower myself going down steps. Sit down and air/rest/massage my feet at every opportunity, rather than standing around with pack weight on me.
That’s great advice, Eric.
I switched to hiking shoes for Le Puy! and loved them and I’m using them for the Norte in two weeks.
Always good to get the weight off the feet let the feet air.
My wife uses Vaseline between her toes and always brings a change of socks for the trail.
Happy hiking and thanks for the feedback.
Poles, yes.
Pack.... Really need it?
@@sandyfrench4185 my running shoes cost 50€ three years ago.
If you can run in them you sure can walk in them.
@@Kitiwake agree, I run and walk in my shoes. Maybe start a UA-cam channel on shoes for the Camino
I’m debating to buy Altras. The wide toe box seems comfortable. I’m just a bit concerned about my ankles while on a decline
Great stuff Sandy! This frank and sensible video certainly gives me a lot of encouragement. I'm planning to do my first Camino Frances next spring, probably from Sarria.
Hi Maikerini
Thx for your kind feedback.
Just to let you know, Camino Francis is getting busier and busier every year. This year was a record. It will be very busy from Sarria as well.
Just plan your first walk when it’s not peak time ideally early spring or later in the fall.
Buen Camino
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Jacqui - hope you walk soon!
What or where is the steep climb up on the plateau mentions in the video Can I really walk the Camino ?
thank you for these videos - very helpful - my partner and i want to do the Portuguese route from Porto...hopefully within the next few years...lots of training yet to do but i want to do this very much before i turn 60 - i am 55 now...something to aim for and a goal to train for... :)
Hi Dawn, so glad you found the videos helpful, and thx for your kind feedback. The Portuguese is a beautiful walk I do hope you do it, you will be thrilled you did!
thanks Sandy - enjoyed this and helps me prep for my camino in april
Thx for the kind feedback Richard, I'm walking del Norte in April have a wonderful walk!
Fabulous thanks. Can't wait. Doing it in 2023 and spending my 59th birthday in Lisbon befits the trip. Bien Camino
I'm excited for you - it will be fabulous! My wife and i start Del Norte late April 2023. Thx for your feedback and enjoy Donna!
@@seniorswalkingthecamino sounds amazing. Look forward to your videos. Keep up the great work 👍
Thank You!
Great Tips!
You have the best audio and video
Of anyone on UA-cam...
Congratulations ❤
Hi Rosa , thx for your kind words and feedback. Happy you are finding the videos helpful.
As you know they are not slick or fancy ! but hopefully they offer information that is useful in a straightforward manner.
I’m actually writing to you from the Camino de Norte!
@Sandy French great! Lucky You...
Buen Camino!!! I do think you have the best audio and video out there...
Thank you for your advice
Hope it helps Tom
I’m walking the Camino Norte right now, tough but beautiful!
Great video! Thank you. Good advice.
Thx Elna, glad it was helpful! Buen Camino
Great tips thank you!
You are very welcome Simone hope you have a great walk!
Thank you!
You are welcome Kathy, thx for the kind feedback.
Any ideas on the campostela to finnisterre.?
I have walked it, what would you like to know?
very important note : Americans should learn a few word in spanish. That´s the most helpfull issue. By the way, I am 70 years old, German and walked the camino five times.
😂 ok ok you are right Americans need to get it together about the language learning for sure...😂😂😂. I'm American i can mostly understand Spanish and French, but can't speak a syllable! Self conscious of accents!
true
Im 73 years old, been wanting to walk the way ever since the movie. But every year something forbids me to go. Such as having both knees and hips replaced to name a few. Then cellulitis attacks of 5 to 8 days in hospitals 3 to 5 times a year for 9 years. But KNOCK on wood, it has since been manageable for the last three years. So I'd like to try to walk it in about 82 days. or walk as slow as I can. What says you.
have you considered the Camino ingles? I just completed in 6 days....only 113 Km and all the experience and beauty you can ask for.
Hi James I hope you took the plunge and booked your Camino. I completed half at 69 years old with arthritis lovely physio in Spain looked after my knees...slow and steady wins the race I'm going back this year (74) to complete this time with wired up ankle and steel hip, arthritic toes knees and fingers.. we can do it!
Define "senior"?
Edit. Did El Camino last year.
Running shoes and small back pack.
One change underwear, One change socks.
Cap (wore it)
Jacket (wore it)
Waterproof leggings (never used them)
One Track suit leggings (wore them)
Book (didn't read it)
Sunglasses (used them)
One razor. (Used soap where I could find it)
Toothbrush and small tube paste (used them)
Tiny pack of tissues, used them.
So...I m a bit smelly.
Showered in the auberges.
Conclusion.
Tbh, I could have carried all my above gear in my pockets for a month and no need for a back pack.. Wash as you go.
Did I say walking poles are a great idea?
Someone who grew up without the internet
👍👍👍
What do you think about wearing those shoes that are suppose to be like going barefoot? I think they call them natural shoes or something like that. I mean....if you walked the camino barefoot, there would be no blisters....right?
I don't know BillieJean there are so many sharp stones and sticks and mud and other sharp things that it is not something i would do. I have done many Caminos and I have never seen it...Also I have never had a blister...I think it's because I spend a month or 2 getting my shoes and feet Camino ready. I wear my shoes everywhere so they are worked in and ready to go, I also get a 1/2 size bigger because your feet will swell over the distance of a Camino
@@seniorswalkingthecamino Thank you for the reply.
Is it really obvious what path to walk, there's no chance of walking off track and then realising ''i haven't seen a yellow arrow for 50 now''/
Hi Susan...well the path is well marked and there are lots of other walkers...that being said you can easily miss a turn in the forest, at a road split or in town...it happens to everyone at least a couple of times. Usually you don't walk too far as you become attuned to seeing the markers and others, so you realize you're off the path. Most walkers download an app like "Buen Camino" have it on your phone and it does an excellent job of keeping you ion the path. Hope this helps