Thanks Ginger. I just landed in Europe and we are about to start three connecting walks. The first being The Stevenson which begins in Le Puy. Happy walking!
Loving these videos. My girlfriend and I look forward to every new episode and are learning so much! Being in our early 50s we were a little intimidated to tackle the Camino, but you give us hope! 😎
There is nothing intrinsically wrong with any of Sandy's material but there is a very strong abstract point to consider. This is, that the moment you accept outside assistance in the form of baggage transfer or pre-booked accommodations, you have lost the freedom that I found the most inspiring thing about walking the French Camino. (I did this in 2015 when I was 70 and had had a knee replacement) If you go for the traditional way - and bearing in mind that we "oldies" are usually affluent enough to have good credit cards - you can, with very little effort, fine-tune your Camino day by day. Examples - is it really pouring with rain? Move into a cheap hotel and wait it out. Rest up, do your laundry, soak your feet. Do you pass through a town or village you like the look of? Well, find a bed and spend the rest of the day sight-seeing. Are you not feeling too well or do your feet hurt? Same thing. Once you have signed up to a schedule you are committed to it and it may not suit you on the day. You may well have fallen in love with someone on a different schedule! Seriously, you lose a lot. I had a friend who walked through Burgos (following the Brierly schedule!) and sent me a postcard, "Interesting looking town. must try to get back and look at it sometime"!! Madness! You're there, take a look at it! I am not an "anorak" on this. I met an Australian lady in her eighties who was doing an assisted walk from Sarria and very embarrassed about it, un-necessarily so, as I tried to tell her. BUT, as a senior, you have some big advantages over the pack. One, you can take all the time you need. I left home in England on the 5th April and arrived back in mid-June. Go to Spain on a one-way or open dated ticket. Two, we are usually not pushed for money. I met a young, pretty Danish hairdresser who had sold her business to do the Way and my respect and wonder is infinite. She will get back, rent a chair and start all over and considers it worth it... Three, you will pay quite a lot for your "assistance" and the money you save will buy you out of trouble if you run into any. Nowhere to sleep? Get on your smartphone, book into the nearest hotel, call a cab and get another back in the morning to where you left off! Finally, an "independent" walk will enhance your experience. You will rub shoulders with all sorts - not necessarily pleasantly! - whereas " assisted" you may well find yourself with essentially the same group every night and will not have been to Vespers with the Little Sisters of the Poor in return for a free bed, as I did! I slept twice for free and spent one night in the Leon Parador....if it's good enough for Martin Sheen it's good enough for me! My longest day was 26Km, racing into Santiago as I'd been invited to a completion party, and my shortest was half a Kilometre when it was raining heavily and I felt "off". I am not telling anyone to do the Way my way, but I do suggest you think about what I have said. No offence, Sandy, but it's an experience, not a military operation. Less planning, more laughter!
All comments and perspectives welcome Michael, appreciate your perspective. I have done numerous Caminos and other long distance walks and for the record I have done the Hostel-Gites thing, so I get it. However what I tried to stress, perhaps unsuccessfully, is that you don't have to it one way and if you want to sleep in a hotel or have your baggage moved (for whatever reason) do it, it's about the walk (for me) and I walk every step. No judgement first rule of the Camino. Both approaches have merit, pros and cons - but I can say many many people like me just couldn't take the snoring, coughing, people getting up at 5:00 am, some partying day after day...some say "that's part of the experience" but I need a good night's rest. Some people have physical limitations and need transport or a private room...I speak for myself of course but others don't mind the albergue aspect one bit. I'm just back from the Camino Norte - had it arranged and bags moved - slept like a baby, met countless wonderful people,, saw all the amazing sights and walked 1,000km. Having done it it all ways (including some camping) the way I do it new suits me. these days BUT I agree everyone should figure out what works for them...I'm trying to share options. Thx and Buen Camino Michael!
Thanks Sandy, Helpful info and guiding me in my decision making. Am hoping to walk Camino Frances from mid April 2022, covid willing. My first Camino at 68, not a regular long distance walker but walked parts of Nepal 10 years ago. Fitness regime most helpful, have Keens, will get packable poles and hope to carry all I need in a 34lt Osprey pack. Sink plug a great tip, keep them coming, cheers from Australia
Thx John for the feedback. I'm envious, your first Camino will be special. We walked on our 60's and while we were pretty prepared there's no question you get stronger as time goes on. When we arrived in Santiago I couldn't believe it we were there already, the adventure was over, bittersweet. Take your time, take rest days and savour it all! We are supposed to walk Le Puys in France May 2022 - Covid willing!
Thx Dana -have never weighed it (my bad) but guessing 4-5lbs or a couple of kilos. Most of the weight would be the pack itself (not much but a pound or two) and water - then you have food, clothes, sun screen, poles etc but water is heavy! Buen Camino !
Enjoyed your video. I’m planning on walking May 2023. My plan is not to be on a time schedule, so how do you know day by day where you’re going to end up and even if your going to get a bed? Using this service, how much should I budget for?
Hi, well it can be complicated. I suggest if you want to be totally open just walk and see how you feel and then find a place when in town, or book in the morning or a few days before. I’m on the Camino now and it’s very busy so that is a factor too. You can get free quotes by calling these companies Hope this helps
Thx Mark. In my experience that would be a hard fit. The larger backpack is usually full so fitting another 24-32 liter pack inside would be a stretch...of course you could go with a very small minimal day pack BUT you have to carry rain gear, water and a snack as a bare minimum. Any more questions just let me know!
Thank you so much for these fantastic videos!! Could you please let me know what company you like for the baggage transport? I’m going to walk the Francés in May 2023, and want to use this service. Did you have to wait for them each day to pick up your bag, or could you just leave the bag at the hotel/hostel if you left early? Thank you!
Hi Ken, thx for your very kind words. There are a number of baggage transfer companies, I like Jacotrans, very popular - but you can check out others like Correos & Caminofacil. Also for more detailed info on your walk Google "Camino Forum" they have great info. Have a fabulous walk, I'm doing the Norte in April!
@@seniorswalkingthecamino Thank so so much for getting back to me Sandy! I’ll look at Jacotrans, and I’ll also spend time on the Camino Forum. I hope your Norte walk is absolutely amazing in April!! Ken
Which model of Osprey are you carrying? I've been considering an Osprey but not sure which one I prefer. Yours looks sensible and big enough with great features!
Hi Coletta, I'm out of the country for 6 weeks but will check when i am back. I love my Osprey, they make both men and women's and they adjust to your particular body frame which is important. And they have years of experience - go to an outdoor store that carries them and try them on. Buen Camino
Hi Sandy. Nice, informative video. Before I ask my question, let me state I have no experience in hiking (other than day walks), let alone 800kms on the Camino. So, you have much more experience than I have. I have a question about the size of the main pack because that relates to the size of the day pack. After much to-ing and fro-ing, I'd settled on a 38L pack (Osprey Kestrel). I did so after being pulled in one direction by those who suggested 28L, and another group who recommended 48L. If you watch enough TH-cam videos and participate in enough Camino Facebook groups, you'll know what I mean! With that in mind, I was surprised to see you recommending a 28L as a day pack because as Mark Steele writes below, I think there would be times when I'd carry both packs (e.g. to and from the airport, occasionally during the walk). What size main pack did you use and how did you manage when you had to carry both a 28L day pack and a presumably equal or larger main pack? Thanks in advance for your help.
One thing about opinions - it's true when they say everybody has one. Again I'm only talking about what worked for me...i think there are a lot of ways to successfully walk the Camino and pack for it. My wife and i were planning to do some touristy things after the walk - go to Lisbon and other places and so we brought clothes for that...and so we each had a small travel suitcase (that also had stuff we didn't need everyday) and a day pack. Baggage transport company took the suitcase each day, day pack has what we used on the trail. When we finished we changed our sweaty clothes for fresh stuff, ditched the Tilley sun hat and exchanged hiking boots for shoes. Hope this helps
@@seniorswalkingthecamino Hi Sandy. Thanks for the quick response and the useful info. I like your idea of the 28L day pack and the smaller suitcase since when I'm finished, I'll head to southern Spain to spend time with some friends.
@@jjquinn2004 Hi John, as noted above I will use 34lt Osprey pack pack for walking and will also take a 40lt wheeled duffle (Osprey) with me and forward it from SJPDD to Santiago as I will travel on to other parts of Spain and Portugal after. Coming from Oz so needed more than just trail clothes...lots of ways, good luck
Since you have done a lot of the Camino, or all of it ? Which one is the most in nature most of the time? And which is the shortest? I will be a first-timer and an '😊older' woman on her own.
Hi Laura...yes I have done 5 Caminos and quite a few other walks. The shortest Camino is Camino Inglese...starts in Ferrol (northern Spain) and walks down to Santiago - just 5 days. Nice and not too hard. Many people do the last 100 km of the Camino Francis that takes maybe a week. For something a little longer try the Camino Portuguese starting in Porto - we loved the coastal route - 2 weeks. As to the most nature, i think Le Puy also known as the Via Podiensis in France - beautiful and off the beaten track, in nature. It's 800km but many people do the just 10 days from Le Puy to Conques- a lot of hills but again beautiful. And if it helps there are many, many women walking and many single older walking women - some tour companies like Follow the Camino and maybe Camino Ways offer women only groups for the hike. You will love it!!! Buen Camino
@@seniorswalkingthecamino Thank you so much for your reply! I wish I could pick your brains, your videos are sooo helpful! I couldn’t find an email address anywhere for you. Is it on your home page on YT?
In my day pack, I carry a change of socks, rain pants, raincoat, sunscreen, water, hiking poles, sun umbrella, passport money, sunscreen and food for two people ( we eat lunch on the trail( because you can’t count on cafés being open.
The Camino has devolved from a religious pilgrimage route into an item that needs to be checked off on a tourist bucket list. There are many places I would like to visit but won't because they are now totally destroyed by too many people. Why do you think it necessary to know everything about the Camino. It's a very long walk. You start in France and end in up in Finesterre on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. You will be uncomfortable the first few weeks when dormant muscles get a work out. The extra weight will start to melt away. Slowly you will turn into a hiking machine. Unless you're in a big city, the drill is this. You get up at 6am. After quickly dressing and taking care of bodily needs you head out. Leaving your auberge, you will turn either right or left depending on which side of the street you spent the night. Why so early? Because you want to get in as many hours on the Camino before the sun comes up. If your hiking mid June to mid September, it's going to get very hot. If your Camino begina in early May to mid June, you'te definitely going to need rain gear to stay dry but more importantly to avoid hypothermia. All along the Camino you will find farmacias with remdies for your ampollas. It is a good idea that when you stop for lunch, you take off your shoes and socks and inspect your feet for any developing problems. If you can you may want to wash your feet in some cool water from a fountain and put on bandages if necessary. Then change your socks, preferably a wool sock. That's basically it. Just follow the the yellow arrows. As your Camino mantra to guide yor pace, just remember Simon and Garfunkels' admonition, "Slow down you move to fast, you've got to make the morning last." Go for it and be dressed appropriately when you enter a church. One last thing if you depart at 600am you will arrive at the time when most auberges are opening their doors to pilgrims. If you arrive around 2 or 3pm you will have first dibs on the auberge's beds. The auberges get stuffy when filled wil pilgrims and their mochillas many with unwashed, stinky clothes inside. If you get there first you can choose the one closest to a window for ventilation. Buen Camino and don't overplan. The best things on your Camino will be totally unexpected.
You've got our attention! : ) No long speeches..just good experienced info and pleasant to listen to!
Thanks Ginger. I just landed in Europe and we are about to start three connecting walks. The first being The Stevenson which begins in Le Puy. Happy walking!
Loving these videos. My girlfriend and I look forward to every new episode and are learning so much! Being in our early 50s we were a little intimidated to tackle the Camino, but you give us hope! 😎
Thx Chris - anyone can do it, just be prepared and take your time. I'm excited for you as it is an adventure of a lifetime. More videos on the way!
There is nothing intrinsically wrong with any of Sandy's material but there is a very strong abstract point to consider. This is, that the moment you accept outside assistance in the form of baggage transfer or pre-booked accommodations, you have lost the freedom that I found the most inspiring thing about walking the French Camino. (I did this in 2015 when I was 70 and had had a knee replacement)
If you go for the traditional way - and bearing in mind that we "oldies" are usually affluent enough to have good credit cards - you can, with very little effort, fine-tune your Camino day by day. Examples - is it really pouring with rain? Move into a cheap hotel and wait it out. Rest up, do your laundry, soak your feet. Do you pass through a town or village you like the look of? Well, find a bed and spend the rest of the day sight-seeing. Are you not feeling too well or do your feet hurt? Same thing.
Once you have signed up to a schedule you are committed to it and it may not suit you on the day. You may well have fallen in love with someone on a different schedule! Seriously, you lose a lot.
I had a friend who walked through Burgos (following the Brierly schedule!) and sent me a postcard, "Interesting looking town. must try to get back and look at it sometime"!! Madness! You're there, take a look at it!
I am not an "anorak" on this. I met an Australian lady in her eighties who was doing an assisted walk from Sarria and very embarrassed about it, un-necessarily so, as I tried to tell her. BUT, as a senior, you have some big advantages over the pack. One, you can take all the time you need. I left home in England on the 5th April and arrived back in mid-June. Go to Spain on a one-way or open dated ticket. Two, we are usually not pushed for money. I met a young, pretty Danish hairdresser who had sold her business to do the Way and my respect and wonder is infinite. She will get back, rent a chair and start all over and considers it worth it... Three, you will pay quite a lot for your "assistance" and the money you save will buy you out of trouble if you run into any. Nowhere to sleep? Get on your smartphone, book into the nearest hotel, call a cab and get another back in the morning to where you left off! Finally, an "independent" walk will enhance your experience. You will rub shoulders with all sorts - not necessarily pleasantly! - whereas " assisted" you may well find yourself with essentially the same group every night and will not have been to Vespers with the Little Sisters of the Poor in return for a free bed, as I did!
I slept twice for free and spent one night in the Leon Parador....if it's good enough for Martin Sheen it's good enough for me! My longest day was 26Km, racing into Santiago as I'd been invited to a completion party, and my shortest was half a Kilometre when it was raining heavily and I felt "off".
I am not telling anyone to do the Way my way, but I do suggest you think about what I have said. No offence, Sandy, but it's an experience, not a military operation. Less planning, more laughter!
All comments and perspectives welcome Michael, appreciate your perspective.
I have done numerous Caminos and other long distance walks and for the record I have done the Hostel-Gites thing, so I get it. However what I tried to stress, perhaps unsuccessfully, is that you don't have to it one way and if you want to sleep in a hotel or have your baggage moved (for whatever reason) do it, it's about the walk (for me) and I walk every step. No judgement first rule of the Camino.
Both approaches have merit, pros and cons - but I can say many many people like me just couldn't take the snoring, coughing, people getting up at 5:00 am, some partying day after day...some say "that's part of the experience" but I need a good night's rest. Some people have physical limitations and need transport or a private room...I speak for myself of course but others don't mind the albergue aspect one bit.
I'm just back from the Camino Norte - had it arranged and bags moved - slept like a baby, met countless wonderful people,, saw all the amazing sights and walked 1,000km.
Having done it it all ways (including some camping) the way I do it new suits me. these days BUT I agree everyone should figure out what works for them...I'm trying to share options.
Thx and Buen Camino Michael!
Thanks Sandy,
Helpful info and guiding me in my decision making. Am hoping to walk Camino Frances from mid April 2022, covid willing. My first Camino at 68, not a regular long distance walker but walked parts of Nepal 10 years ago. Fitness regime most helpful, have Keens, will get packable poles and hope to carry all I need in a 34lt Osprey pack. Sink plug a great tip, keep them coming, cheers from Australia
Thx John for the feedback. I'm envious, your first Camino will be special. We walked on our 60's and while we were pretty prepared there's no question you get stronger as time goes on.
When we arrived in Santiago I couldn't believe it we were there already, the adventure was over, bittersweet.
Take your time, take rest days and savour it all!
We are supposed to walk Le Puys in France May 2022 - Covid willing!
Enjoying your videos
Thx Kate -appreciate the feedback
You do not need water disinfectant tablets or filter ? Thanks
No
If the water says potable it’s safe to drink
And safe in the albergues etc
All good
Hi Sandy, excellent information... thank you! Any idea what the weight of your packed daypack is on average?
Thx Dana -have never weighed it (my bad) but guessing 4-5lbs or a couple of kilos. Most of the weight would be the pack itself (not much but a pound or two) and water - then you have food, clothes, sun screen, poles etc but water is heavy! Buen Camino !
Enjoyed your video. I’m planning on walking May 2023. My plan is not to be on a time schedule, so how do you know day by day where you’re going to end up and even if your going to get a bed? Using this service, how much should I budget for?
Hi, well it can be complicated. I suggest if you want to be totally open just walk and see how you feel and then find a place when in town, or book in the morning or a few days before. I’m on the Camino now and it’s very busy so that is a factor too. You can get free quotes by calling these companies
Hope this helps
Great video, thx! Question: Off the Camino transport, can the day pack fit into the larger backpack?
Thx Mark. In my experience that would be a hard fit. The larger backpack is usually full so fitting another 24-32 liter pack inside would be a stretch...of course you could go with a very small minimal day pack BUT you have to carry rain gear, water and a snack as a bare minimum. Any more questions just let me know!
Thank you so much for these fantastic videos!! Could you please let me know what company you like for the baggage transport? I’m going to walk the Francés in May 2023, and want to use this service. Did you have to wait for them each day to pick up your bag, or could you just leave the bag at the hotel/hostel if you left early? Thank you!
Hi Ken, thx for your very kind words. There are a number of baggage transfer companies, I like Jacotrans, very popular - but you can check out others like Correos & Caminofacil. Also for more detailed info on your walk Google "Camino Forum" they have great info. Have a fabulous walk, I'm doing the Norte in April!
@@seniorswalkingthecamino Thank so so much for getting back to me Sandy! I’ll look at Jacotrans, and I’ll also spend time on the Camino Forum. I hope your Norte walk is absolutely amazing in April!!
Ken
@@kenkwm My pleasure Ken, I'm excited and still have 5 months to go!
Which model of Osprey are you carrying? I've been considering an Osprey but not sure which one I prefer. Yours looks sensible and big enough with great features!
Hi Coletta, I'm out of the country for 6 weeks but will check when i am back. I love my Osprey, they make both men and women's and they adjust to your particular body frame which is important. And they have years of experience - go to an outdoor store that carries them and try them on. Buen Camino
Hi Sandy. Nice, informative video. Before I ask my question, let me state I have no experience in hiking (other than day walks), let alone 800kms on the Camino. So, you have much more experience than I have.
I have a question about the size of the main pack because that relates to the size of the day pack. After much to-ing and fro-ing, I'd settled on a 38L pack (Osprey Kestrel). I did so after being pulled in one direction by those who suggested 28L, and another group who recommended 48L. If you watch enough TH-cam videos and participate in enough Camino Facebook groups, you'll know what I mean!
With that in mind, I was surprised to see you recommending a 28L as a day pack because as Mark Steele writes below, I think there would be times when I'd carry both packs (e.g. to and from the airport, occasionally during the walk).
What size main pack did you use and how did you manage when you had to carry both a 28L day pack and a presumably equal or larger main pack? Thanks in advance for your help.
One thing about opinions - it's true when they say everybody has one. Again I'm only talking about what worked for me...i think there are a lot of ways to successfully walk the Camino and pack for it. My wife and i were planning to do some touristy things after the walk - go to Lisbon and other places and so we brought clothes for that...and so we each had a small travel suitcase (that also had stuff we didn't need everyday) and a day pack. Baggage transport company took the suitcase each day, day pack has what we used on the trail. When we finished we changed our sweaty clothes for fresh stuff, ditched the Tilley sun hat and exchanged hiking boots for shoes. Hope this helps
@@seniorswalkingthecamino Hi Sandy. Thanks for the quick response and the useful info. I like your idea of the 28L day pack and the smaller suitcase since when I'm finished, I'll head to southern Spain to spend time with some friends.
@@jjquinn2004 Hi John, as noted above I will use 34lt Osprey pack pack for walking and will also take a 40lt wheeled duffle (Osprey) with me and forward it from SJPDD to Santiago as I will travel on to other parts of Spain and Portugal after. Coming from Oz so needed more than just trail clothes...lots of ways, good luck
Is luggage transfer available from St Jean Pied de Port?
absolutely
Since you have done a lot of the Camino, or all of it ? Which one is the most in nature most of the time? And which is the shortest? I will be a first-timer and an '😊older' woman on her own.
Hi Laura...yes I have done 5 Caminos and quite a few other walks. The shortest Camino is Camino Inglese...starts in Ferrol (northern Spain) and walks down to Santiago - just 5 days. Nice and not too hard. Many people do the last 100 km of the Camino Francis that takes maybe a week. For something a little longer try the Camino Portuguese starting in Porto - we loved the coastal route - 2 weeks. As to the most nature, i think Le Puy also known as the Via Podiensis in France - beautiful and off the beaten track, in nature. It's 800km but many people do the just 10 days from Le Puy to Conques- a lot of hills but again beautiful. And if it helps there are many, many women walking and many single older walking women - some tour companies like Follow the Camino and maybe Camino Ways offer women only groups for the hike. You will love it!!! Buen Camino
@@seniorswalkingthecamino Thank you so much for your reply! I wish I could pick your brains, your videos are sooo helpful! I couldn’t find an email address anywhere for you. Is it on your home page on YT?
@@laurabernay happy to answer any questions - sandytherunner@gmail.com
Just wonder why you would need a 28 litre pack and so much stuff, including a change of clothes, for a day's walk.
In my day pack, I carry a change of socks, rain pants, raincoat, sunscreen, water, hiking poles, sun umbrella, passport money, sunscreen and food for two people ( we eat lunch on the trail( because you can’t count on cafés being open.
The Camino has devolved from a religious pilgrimage route into an item that needs to be checked off on a tourist bucket list. There are many places I would like to visit but won't because they are now totally destroyed by too many people. Why do you think it necessary to know everything about the Camino. It's a very long walk. You start in France and end in up in Finesterre on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. You will be uncomfortable the first few weeks when dormant muscles get a work out. The extra weight will start to melt away. Slowly you will turn into a hiking machine. Unless you're in a big city, the drill is this. You get up at 6am. After quickly dressing and taking care of bodily needs you head out. Leaving your auberge, you will turn either right or left depending on which side of the street you spent the night. Why so early? Because you want to get in as many hours on the Camino before the sun comes up. If your hiking mid June to mid September, it's going to get very hot. If your Camino begina in early May to mid June, you'te definitely going to need rain gear to stay dry but more importantly to avoid hypothermia. All along the Camino you will find farmacias with remdies for your ampollas. It is a good idea that when you stop for lunch, you take off your shoes and socks and inspect your feet for any developing problems. If you can you may want to wash your feet in some cool water from a fountain and put on bandages if necessary. Then change your socks, preferably a wool sock. That's basically it. Just follow the the yellow arrows. As your Camino mantra to guide yor pace, just remember Simon and Garfunkels' admonition, "Slow down you move to fast, you've got to make the morning last." Go for it and be dressed appropriately when you enter a church. One last thing if you depart at 600am you will arrive at the time when most auberges are opening their doors to pilgrims. If you arrive around 2 or 3pm you will have first dibs on the auberge's beds. The auberges get stuffy when filled wil pilgrims and their mochillas many with unwashed, stinky clothes inside. If you get there first you can choose the one closest to a window for ventilation. Buen Camino and don't overplan. The best things on your Camino will be totally unexpected.