When future peregrinos (pilgrims) ask us about the Camino, they seem intrigued by how many times we have walked, especially now that we are considered seniors. We see it as an opportunity to soak in the presence of God, steep in the beauty of our surroundings, see His provision as we go, and get glimpses into the hearts and lives of fellow pilgrims from all over the world.
Five TOP TIPS for Seniors on the Camino
- If you want to walk every step of the Way, plan on more walking days than if you were younger. In addition, add some rest days to your overall itinerary.
- Arrange for transportation for your heavy backpack, and carry a day pack with only your valuables, water, snack, and dry socks. Carrying less weight can make this do-able for seniors.
- If your budget allows it look for lodging in addition to dormitory-style albergues; for instance, small guest houses, hotels, and private albergues might suit seniors better.
- Plan to walk less distance than you might have when you were younger, and take plenty of breaks to rest and stretch during your daily walk.
- Take rest days so your body can recover and you can keep going.
If you are wondering whether you will meet seniors on the Camino, we can answer a resounding, "Yes!" In fact, we have met many pilgrims who were older than we are, some by more than a decade. However, you might consider letting the following suggestions shape your itinerary if you think of yourself as a senior.
Do Seniors Walk the Camino?
A couple of years ago we didn’t know if there would be any more walks on the Camino for the two of us, much less a Pyrenees crossing. Our first Camino was in 2007 when we were in our 50's. But then in 2016 my husband Wick heard from his cardiac team that it was time to replace his leaky heart valve. In November he had the surgery and we entered a longer recovery time than we anticipated. Finally by spring he was past some setbacks and able to venture out onto our driveway for some easy short walks using his Camino walking poles for balance and confidence.
Listen to Your Doctors, and Listen to Your Inner Self
He increased his distance under the watchful eyes of his docs, and his strength began returning. Since he had the blessings of his cardiac team to walk the Camino as a senior, and was feeling good, we set our sights on a fall trip to Europe. We would attempt to walk the first section of the classic Camino Francés route from St. Jean Pied-de-Port, France (SJPDP) over the Pyrenees mountains to Roncesvalles, Spain. Most people agree that this is one of the most physically challenging sections on the Camino. However, it is also one of the most beautiful!
We Had a Plan, but Could We Do It?
On September 27 we set out before dawn from SJPDP for what we call our 10th “Camino-versary.” (I know, we are big nerds!) We had managed our first Pyrenees crossing in September of 2007, and now we would try it 10 years later with Wick’s new heart valve. It was a gorgeous weather day, just like it had been 10 years ago. Eleven hours after leaving St. Jean we arrived in Roncesvalles. Our phone’s health app recorded walking 37,993 steps, 18.8 miles, and the equivalent of 228 flights of stairs climbed. Our maps show this section takes you to nearly 5,000 feet in 11 miles, then descends steeply to 3,300 feet in the last few miles. Anyway you look at it it's a tough section for everyone, even young'uns who are more fit.
As Seniors , the Distance Took Longer, but We Did It
“A prayer with every step” was how we walked for the last couple of hours. The sun was dipping behind the ridgeline we were walking beside bringing an early dusk into the forests in the final stretch. Our strength was flagging, but God gave us his strength to keep going. Thanks be to God, we did it! When we arrived we were completely spent. No reserves, but replete with the beauty of the walk and God’s presence. It will always be one of the most memorable days of all our Camino walks.
Seniors on the Camino: Five Top Tips
If you are wondering whether you will meet seniors on the Camino, we can answer a resounding, "Yes!" In fact, we have met many pilgrims who were older than we are, some by more than a decade. However, you might consider letting the following suggestions shape your itinerary.
- If you want to walk every step of the Way, plan on more walking days than if you were younger. In addition, build in rest days to your overall itinerary.
- Arrange for transportation for your heavy backpack, and carry a day pack with only your valuables, water, snack, and dry socks. Carrying less weight can make this do-able for seniors.
- If your budget allows it look for lodging in addition to dormitory-style albergues; for instance, small guest houses, hotels, and private albergues might suit seniors better.
- Plan to walk less distance than you might have when you were younger, and take plenty of breaks to rest and stretch during your daily walk.
- Take rest days so your body can recover and you can keep going.
When people ask us about the Camino, they wonder why we have been walking the Camino as seniors for so many years. For us it is an opportunity to soak in the presence of God in the beauty of our surroundings, experience His provision as we go, and interact with the hearts and lives of fellow pilgrims. Even if you don’t know God yet or doubt His existence, we would encourage you to walk the Camino with your spirit open for what God wants to reveal to you. It can come in many forms. Watch and listen for Him. He loves you so much.
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