Our first 3 days on the Camino! What did you think!? Can you believe how many hours the first day took? 😂 We can't wait to hear from you in the comments. Buen Camino friends!

I did it last summer - at age 56. I have been a Colorado back-country backpacker all my life- and I had faith that my frame of reference/latent condition would be enough - I didn’t train much at all beforehand, and I was 40lbs overweight. Day one was about energy & water management, and Orisons coffee came at a most welcome time. Difficulty,I’d guess, would be about a 6/10. Difficulty is physical, but totally manageable- we were laughing and telling stories and completely okay all the way to Roncesvalles- later the difficulty will become emotional. Wonderful wonderful wonderful experience. (BTW, I intermittent fasted every day (1meal- dinner) and dropped 30lbs) Buen Camino.

My wife and I completed our Camino in 2015. I had just retired and my wife had been retired for a year. We were 65 and 64, the main area we found created problems for many was carrying to much gear/clothes etc, i had a pack with 8.5 kgs and Diane 7.5 kgs, only stayed in Albergs and tried to average 20ks per day. The first 100ks was the hardest and yes getting to Roncavalis was hard but after that it was all downhill lol We initially were finishing in Santiago but after staying the night decided we were toooooo fit to stop ! lol. Finistere was our next goal, achieved easily and what a lovely area that is, the last Camino marker, o.oo ks. Caught with so many people at Finistere, stayed a couple of days and walked all around the area sightseeing then on the go again up to Muxia, after two days of walking to Muxia we felt we had completed our journey, in all we completed over 1000 ks, we used the John Blighly book and took all the hardest routes up over the hills and through bush areas. We met so many people and made so many friends it was something that won't leave your mind, it is etched into my memory forever ! We never had any problems getting accommodation eg Albergs, always had Pilgrim meals, got more stamps than were required, had some fantastic conversations' with so many young people asking why are you doing this ! cos we can and we are fit, a life changing experience for us. My good Lady and I had only met in 2014 and when we completed our journey she asked me to move in with her as this time together shows you all about how strong your relationship is. Was it worth walking 1000 ks ? hell yes. We got married in 2018 and are contemplating Portugal Camino ! Buen Camino ( We walked for 50 days total )

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

That’s amazing Royce! Not sure our experience is as impressive as yours (not at all!) but definitely inspiring to hear 💛 thanks for watching!

@roycejohnson929

Жыл бұрын

@@SamandKelly We noticed after that first 100 ks ( aprox ) it got a lot easier, it became a walk in the park so to speak and you really start enjoying your Camino and the memories you will take from it, good and bad. Keep your chin up and enjoy the experience. Buen Camino

@fernglez60

Жыл бұрын

Do you have any information on the John Blighly book, I can't seem to find it anywhere.

@aairsick

Жыл бұрын

@@fernglez60 Brierly

@therentveil1197

Жыл бұрын

At 59 I walked in the 2017 heat wave of 102 F from SJPDP to Santiago then bused to Finistere & Muxia. Forever humbled & thankful I had zero blisters. I want to return this fall and enjoy cooler temps and the joys of walking in the rain. Buen Camino. 🌻💛

You are by far the closest to what I imagined the beginning of the travel would be. I love all the complaining and 'bitching" (😂😂) because I think it's quite realistic. I'm now more confident and one step closer to biting into the Camino. Thank you for sharing!

I did the Camino in 2015 when I was 70 and I did not do, and I advise other elderly walkers not to do, the stage across the mountains to Roncesvalles. It is really quite dangerous. There is no real way of dropping out, only one small auberge on the way - which is quite close to the start - and if you are not reasonably young and fit (under 70!) you may be caught out overnight. There are more casualties - from sprained ankles to death!) on that stage than any other, at a stage when you are not physically and mentally ready for it. (You will get stronger as you continue the Way!) Unless you are a reasonably seasoned hiker I would suggest starting at Roncesvalles, accessible from Pamplona, rather than risk ruining your trip.

Lovely video! OMG, the first day!!! I did it alone at 57yrs, totally not in shape and actually left my second water bottle at breakfast! It was a hot August day and the next place for water was 7hrs in. Needless to say I got a heat stroke and spent several hours resting and rehydrating at the water spigot…thank God for two German angels who accompanied me the rest of the way to Ronsevalles! Crazy first day, no kidding!!!

When I walked the Camino in 2016 my backpack was 11LBS. Pack less was the lesson. If you think you need it leave it at home. To quote an unknown person... Do not pack your fears

I really like the fact that you are so open and honest about the trials, tribulations and the pains of hiking, but with all of that I find your story to be very inspiring. In time your bodies will forget the pains but the memories will last for a lifetime.

Ventura!!!! So excited to see you two again! We first met at the 100k mark, and then happily ran into you again during your arrival in rainy Santiago, making your way to the Pilgrim’s office to get your Compostela 😊 congrats on finishing the Camino and on your marriage💕 what a wonderful honeymoon! Wishing you both the very best. ~ Karen

I love how you show yourselves on the verge of tears. Sooooo many other vloggers she the beauty and the many many steps count, but not the true reality of wanting to break down.

Everyone has a different level at the beginning, but no matter where you are starting physically, it's your mental and emotional condition that matters the most. For some, El Camino de Santiago feels incredibly difficult and for others it's almost like Disneyland. Get some trekking poles and Tylenol, and don't forget that your camera gear weight makes up for not carrying a sleeping system and all your food, keep it up and finish the entire thing! You've got this!

Just watched your video. It bought back that first day so vividly! We completed our Camino last month it was the most wonderful experience even if at times we wondered what we were doing! Keep going, stay strong

Thanks for being real guys! Start my first camino in a few days and this video put me at ease. Cant wait to try that spiritual croissant!

@stephenluke8855

10 ай бұрын

Are you still walking my boy Hot tip Use vasaeline on yer knob to avoid soreness

I'm having a ball watching your journey. You make me smile, and all of the familiar sights make me get all teary eyed.... It's going to be fun watching you guys go through the "pilgrim experience"! I can't wait to see it unfold. And I can't wait to be back in my happy place (The Camino) for number 28.... Buen Camino Chicos!

Excellent. Looking forward to next days!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for mentioning how physically demanding the Camino can be. I watched a bunch of KZreads before my Camino in 2019 and almost nobody mentioned the difficulty. This gave me a false sense of how physically fit I had to be (was 62 at the time). "Anybody can do it!" they said. "No problem!" they said. What a load of poop. I did finish the camino in 2019 from SJPP to Santiago, but I had a hell of a time with all the steep climbs and steep rocky descents. It was great in the end, but I sure would have trained differently if people were as realistic as you guys in their reports 👍

Awesome video guys, thanks for sharing. That camino Frances is more beautiful than I thought...

Thank you for your raw honesty.

Thankyou for sharing your experiences. Motivates me into seriously considering getting on one. Looking forward to future videos.

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!! 💛

You guys are so inspiring! I had never heard of the Camino before this and I am loving learning more about it. Thank you for keeping it real and showing the ups and downs. Love your videos!

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Ahh thank you so much Eleanor!! That’s soo amazing to hear, seriously! We will always try to show the *reality* of what we’re doing. Thank you for watching 💛💛💛

Great video... I love how you are telling this story. Looking forward to the next instalment. You are doing so well.

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!! More to come 💛

Loving your video and your authenticity! No sugar coating! This seems like a terrific way to mark your new beginning! Great job! ❤️

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

thank you for saying that!! exactly what we are doing. no BS! we love the support- you're so kind! 💛

Missing you guys. Can’t wait for the next video. Hope your journey has continued to be exciting!!

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Aww thank you so much!! We really appreciate you watching. We just dropped a new video this morning! :)

That first day is a beast, but beautiful!

Thanks for sharing. My wife and I are going on our first in three weeks. You make the Camino look great.

Pretty good video. Love you guys I did the Camino in September 2017 and it was awesome.

You guys have done amazing. Hang in there. You will make it through to the end. We are all rooting for you both🎇🎇

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching Gloria!! 💛

Can’t wait for next episode! Y’all are fun to watch and inspiring

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Aww thank you for watching Candy!! More to come 💛

Very funny and real....love it! I'm doing the hike in September

Great video! Thank you for doing this!

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Aw well thank YOU so much for watching & commenting Matt! More to come 💛

This is so awesome! Hope you are proud of yourselves 😊💛

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Aw thank you guys!! We are ☺️💛🫶🏼🫶🏼

You guys are the best. Looking forward to following along with you from my breakfast table. Will be thinking of you. Buen Camino (sp).

Thanks or sharing. I know it took even long getting this shots of you both. Good for u! Happy life to u both!

What an amazing experience you both have this 🔥so excited to watch your adventure stay safe 🌺💕🌺

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Christine!! More to come 💛

As a 67 year old man who has spent his life traveling with my wife of 42 years, I just want to say that you will never forget this adventure. Keep traveling together and I guarantee you will have an amazing life when you look back on your marriage.

@rlsuarezv

8 ай бұрын

..... As a 63 year old with a wife of 65 years : I must resign myself to travel alone !

Love love your videos!!! Can’t wait to see more ❤

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Aww thank you Elsa!! 🥰💛💛

Awesome video guys, you’re killing it! 🙌🏻

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Aw thank you friends! 🙌🏻💛💛

You guys are a true inspiration. It is my dream to partake in a camino journey. Only issue for me is doing it alone since my wife of 40 yrs would never do this. Congrats to both of you.

Loved this! It's on my bucket list! Love all the kitties, too! :)

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Awe thank you so much for watching Cathy! Hope you get to do this too one day 💕🫶🏼

Thank you for sharing!

Best of luck you 2, you are both insane but I bet you never forget it!!

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

hahah definitely insane!! thank you for watching & for your words of encouragement!!

This is great video all around, from music to videography. 100% fine.

Love the videos!!

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

ahhh yay!! So good to hear. Thank you so much for watching. 💛💛

Love it!

Excellent commentry guys, 2019 and again 2022 post 3 days Camino Portuguese from Lisboa/Sanitago again that first day was still taxing being totally Camino fit?10kg pack and 3yrs older 66, your honesty on the first day is absolute correct!!!your open fun style is what makes you guys fun to listen to congratulations from NZ

🥐🥐 Hello from Philadelphia! Happy Thanksgiving and Congratulations. Here's to many years of marital bliss. 💗💗

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Aw thank you so much! Happy holidays 💛💛

loved the video. I like the white poncho it looks bigger and seems longer.I wanted to do this trip. The way keeps calling me every day. However do to family right now I am not able to do it my mon is very ill. Again thatnks for sharing your camino walk with us all.

We love your Camino videos! Denise, my wife, and I walked our first Camino this last June. It was our 30th anniversary celebration! Somewhat similar to you guys doing your honeymoon on the Camino! It's a tough but amazing and beautiful experience. Make it your own and enjoy every second of it! Buen Camino!

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Hi Jose! Wow that is soo amazing!! How cool!! You totally get it. Congrats on your camino! thank you so much for watching and for your amazing words of encouragement 💛💛

Thanks for the memories I was just where you were 1 1/2 weeks ago, Buen Camino

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Wow really!? thank you so much for watching!! Buen Camino 💘

I honestly had never heard of the Camino de Santiago before until you mentioned it. I appreciate you guys sharing the highlights, as well as the challenging times on your journey! Those were some long treks, and you two were killing it! I’m definitely adding this to my bucket list, and I appreciate all the tips you’ve shared. 😁 The “giant cat” on day 1 had me rolling. 🤣🤣

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for saying that Kassidee!! That’s exactly why we share this. To hopefully inspire someone to try something new. We appreciate you so much for watching & leaving such a sweet comment. Now time to fight off more scary wild animals 😂😅💛

Great start..... already enjoying your journey. We did it this April as our Golden Wedding Aniversary adventure!

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Ahh that’s amazing! Thank you for watching! Buen Camino 💛

Loved your honestyI thought I was fit also, but impossible to adequately train in flat Florida. Using TWO walking poles saved the day(s). You got lucky finding open beds so late in the day. Yes, the first stamp in your Pilgrim Passport is great. Most cafes and all open churches on the Camino have stamps. Buen Camino!

My friend Monique and I (from Canada) met you that first night in Roncevalles and had dinner at the same table! Glad to see you kept your sense of humour. Have you made it to Santiago??

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Aw how fun! Hi how are you!!? Yes we did! ☺️💛💛

Buen camino. Paz y luz.

Hello I did the Camino last year and it left deep impression inside me. I am curious to see how you nice couple evolve during the trail. Buen Camino

My favourite bits were all the animals you saw! So adorable!!! That horse rolling around, the fuzzy caterpillar, the "hyena" 😂😍 to name a few. You guys were doing great! If you hadn't been moaning a little it wouldn't have been realistic. This is the sort of thing that I would have loved to do pre-back injury, if I had known about it, if I had been able to afford a Euro trip. So living vicariously here, thanks for that! 😁❤️

The old day pilgrims used to 'offer it up' (the suffering) a lot 2 b said 4 that perhaps. Lovely video.

Happy Trails. 💪🦶🏻🦵🏼

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

ahh thank you for watching!!💛

Excellent

Sam and Kelly - I L O V E D this video so much. Heck. I feel like I love you two so much! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful memory. I think you both are as special as they come. It’s clear you have so much love to give and receive. And so much appreciation for all of it: this beautiful world and each other.❤❤ I’ve harbored a secret desire to do this pilgrimage. I am an avid walker, but definitely feel like I would have to train to do this. Thank you for being honest. It’s certainly a help to anyone who is imagining what it takes, and not acquainted with the reality of it. Hope you all are enjoying all year subsequent adventures. God bless you both.

@SamandKelly

9 ай бұрын

What an amazing comment!! Thank you so much 🥹🥲🥰💛

Fighting off wild animals. Cuddly horses. Hard walking especially as you head up those mountains. What an amazing honeymoon. The Camino is, as you said, one for in front of the other, and that is what life is too. It’s hard but your spirits seem so bright. We are all so proud of you too. Keep going. Blessings. Buen Camino.

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Wow- what a thoughtful comment! Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to write the details that you enjoyed. So wonderful to read! Your words of encouragement are so amazing. Buen Camino!

A tip for any extended hiking trip, wear layers and don’t wear down jackets while hiking. You can strip or add a layer but with only 1 down jacket you are very limited. Also an outside shell for water/wind.

Love the cats !

Hi! I really enjoyed your first 3 days. I plan on going this September, but I might split the first day. I sure prefer the lighter yellow for the rain cape! 😉 I think a private room will be on my list every once in awhile! Anyway, as a European I think it’s great you guys did this as your honeymoon! What a challenge and adventure! I also liked the drone shots and I’m thinking about taking mine. But don’t know with the weight since every gram or ounce counts! All the best! Kaat

Hey!…”Our Honeymoon. WT…..”😂…That was incredibly physically demanding. Kudos to you both for toughing it out…Sampling the local food as you travel is such a treat…Sending hugs 🤗

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

hahah-glad you got a kick out of that! Thank you so much for watching. We can always count on you for words of encouragement 💘

Thank you for sharing your Camino! I love how a croissant became a spiritual experience 😜And for doing the Camino as your honeymoon: If you can male it there you' ll make it anywhere. Looking forward to the next section. Buen Camino!

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Hahah it totally was 😂 great advice! thank you so much for watching & for the sweet comment 💛

Buen camino !!

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

thank you!! 💛

Love watching you! The videos are awesome and this trip is amazing! Random question...what do your bracelets say? 🤣 Keep on trekking!! ❤

Started from sjpdp on Sept 30 2022. It is tough but such an experience

Feeling very inspired by this video guys! The giant cat and the beginning and the rolly horse definitely had me concerned for a minute haha. Now to convince Meghan to do this for our honeymoon 😂

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Aww thanks friends!! Hahah the animals in this vid are wildin out 😂 woo!! Let us know if you need help convincing her 😜

Love her shoes and I need the recipes of your Avo chickpea smash... Im in training. Buen Camino!! 🙏

What time of year did you complete your Camino? We’re considering doing it later this year. Also, 13:18 could totally relate to this with boat life and doing America’s Great Loop at times. Highs definitely outweighed the lows, but very similar words have been spoken 😂

Enjoying your vidios and your comments. by now you had finished but anyway Buen Camino

Those walks into and out of Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, and Leon, and even into Santiago proper were long and challenging. Seemed like they would never end and always on pavement… reremembering is painful.

when you start walking after a rest It's called the Camino Shuffle it lasts for weeks,

Such a wholesome video! Loved it! Felt like i was on the journey with you❤ Random question…what lens do you guys have now!?! The quaility is 👌🏽😍😍

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Aw thank you so much!! We are shooting these videos with the Sony ZV-1 point and shoot, iPhone, and the mavic mini 2. It’s a great minimal setup for adventures like this :)

@ChooseThePathYouTake

Жыл бұрын

@@SamandKelly OMG that's soo amazing! that Sony ZV has been on my mind lately...and boy oh boy is it amazing quality! haha. But you're welcome...glad you both are having so much fun!

LOL, I always tell people if you get through the first day you will be OK for the rest of it. Well there is that climb up to O'Cebriero but you have your trail legs by that point. I always boast that I "Walked over the Pyreness In A Day".

Buen camino y bienvenidos a mi país

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!! 💛

Well done but that meal at Roncesvalles- I could not believe how paltry it was!! I had the same in July…

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Haha yep 😆 thanks for watching!!

I have been dreaming about this for about 5 years. Thank you for sharing. Wondering why you had to do so much in the first day. That would turn off most people I think. Please tell me how you prepared and how you arrived to your destination. Sorry if you made a video about this already.

Wondering what shoes did you all wear?

it looks like him carrying far too much staff in the backpack!!!! it is probably the first trail you do! Don't worry, from the second you will go lighter:)

I walk at least 15 miles a day as a nurse

First timers don't be too dismayed at the prospect of the first day on the Napoleon route. I walked it the first time when I was 52 years old and had no problems doing so. Just know your limitations, pack lightly (during the summer no more than 12-15 pound pack) and hydrate and bring power bars or the like. I walked the Napoleon again at 53, 54 and 57 years old no problem. If you think it's too much for you walk the ValCarlos route. It's beautiful as well. For sure if you cannot walk 10-15 kilometers on training walks before you go, you are not ready.

I was in a albergue once taking a shat It really stank I knew then god had cleared me out good and proper

which backpacks did you have for the trip?

I’m leaving in April 2023- Camino Frances- been planning for over 3 years- any tips for my journey is welcome- still debating about shoes- 😊

What was your start date from st Jean pied de port?

Did you bring a drone for filming?

What is your recipe for Avocado chick pea smash? Just found you on uTube and am enjoying your videos. I’m 70 years old and doing the San Salvador and Primitivo in Nay. Did my first Camino in 2013.

Im doing at 23 in june and im always active always out running with a weighted vest and always doing martial arts will my stamina and endurance be ok on this walk

Where did you end up for the hiking?

9:32 the pilgrim walk. oh how I miss the Camino

im definately splitting day one into two days when i do it lol. Loved your day though

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

Haha now that is a GREAT idea 😂 thank you for watching 💛 more to come!

:-) Day 1 at 0600 am,i was 1,5 hrs uphill ;-) because i was afraid to come to late to Roncesvalle^^ ;-)

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

That’s awesome!

Hi. New to your channel, enjoying watching your Camino. What’s the brand/name of your poncho. I like the idea of a zip up the front. Thanks.

Hi, glad to see the young out and about. You should have two poles each. You aren’t using them properly. Going down hill you extend the length. Distance. Are you short of time? You don’t HAVE to walk those longer distances. Are you following some guide book that lays out the distances.? Try to see Castle Pambre. On original Camino. Not seen by many as they stick to the assigned route. Keep walking. All the best.

@martinblokpoel7819

Жыл бұрын

Good tips about the poles and the distance James! Here is another one guys. If your shoulders are killing you, you are wearing your backpack wrong. The most important belt of the backpack is the one on the hips. The biggest part of the weight should be on the hips. Have a look over here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/haubu9SSocbFeJM.html

@intrepedo100

Жыл бұрын

@@martinblokpoel7819 yes. I am glad he mentioned the two sets of stabilizers , especially the top ones. We see so many people who have not adjusted them. Also size. Don’t know what size your wife has but as you are not camping, she should have only a 30 litre bag. Currently planning our 18//19 and 20 th international walking trails. No one knows you are wearing the same shirt from 6 weeks ago! As you are late in year, have you looked into the Winter route, Camino Invierno? Keep walking!

Did this in 2017 to Leon. 2018 from Leon to Santiago.2019 Porto to Santiago next primitivo 2024

You better hope Sunny doesn't see the videos where you're petting the kitty cats... He's going to be pissed...LOL.

@SamandKelly

Жыл бұрын

So true!! 🤣🤣💛

Lol, when dropped on the bed, is so real. Everyday, as soon as we got our bed, we stretched out on it and went through the shivers. Our bodies just wanted to stay still for 20 minutes. I found while walking, celebrating anything that brought me joy in that moment helped to distract the continuous stepping. The sun, a snail, the wind, a house made in the 1700s, the views, a flower ... it s a long day. But you sleep so well too. You are exhausted. Keep inspiring.