Richard and I now have our backpacks packed and are ready to set out for our 700 km Camino Trail walking adventure. For quite some time, I’ve had it in the back of my mind to write a post about our plans for this trek. I was delighted when Sue, from Sizzling Toward Sixty, gave me the nudge and asked me to write about this trip on her site.
As some of you may already know, my husband, Richard, turns 70 this September. For his birthday, Richard and I have decided to take the leap, challenge ourselves and celebrate together by walking 700 km on the Camino Trail in Spain. We both love the Camino and have done two separate eight-day sections previously. (You can check out posts on our last Camino experience here). We had always wanted to walk the full Camino Frances but kept putting it off. Finally, we decided if we didn’t do it now, when would we do it?
You can read more about our plans over at Sue’s site.
I hope to see you there!
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Retirement Reflections 
Be safe and have a blast! Happy birthday, Richard! What a lovely way to celebrate together.
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Thanks so much, Janis. Three more sleeps. We are excited now! I will definitely keep you posted.
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You continue to inspire so many people Donna. Keep sharing your love of writing! It’s great reading all about your life and travel adventures in your ‘retirement’ stage!
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Hi, Cath – Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I greatly appreciate you keeping in touch. When I first saw your message, I thought that you were writing to say that you were going to join us on the Camino. We would have loved that!
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I’m so glad you took the leap and will hike some more of the trail. The “now or never” approach never fails! 🙂 Have a great time, drink lots of water, enjoy the scenery and take many photos! Happy early 70th birthday, Richard! Have a safe trip there and “bon courage”. 🙂
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Thanks, Liesbet – I am using your ‘life less ordinary’ as my mantra and inspiration. I hope to at least post pics….and more if the internet is cooperative!
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How exciting! Please be safe and have a wonderful time, Donna! Happy early birthday to Richard!
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Thanks, Jill – we are greatly looking forward to it! Richard is loving the early birthday wishes!
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Have a great time! Another blogger friend of mine (from your neck of the woods too) did it about 2 or 3 years ago. She loved it.
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Hi, Kate – Your comment got me thinking that maybe there was something about Canadians and the Camino. I just checked the stats, and unfortunately my hunch was incorrect.
Apparently, each year 46% of Camino hikers are Spanish.
15% are Italian.
13% are German.
9% are American.
8% are Portuguese.
5% are from France.
4% are Irish.
3% are British.
2% are Korean.
Canadians did not rank on the stats that I could find. There goes my theory!
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Hmm…no Americans on that list either.
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Yup – 9%. But I still haven’t found stats on Canadians on the Camino. Now that this has peaked my curiosity, I will keep on looking!
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This is so awesome for the two of you!!! What a great way to celebrate, and to enjoy life & its adventures. Wishing you sunny skies, and no blisters.
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Thanks, Pat – The skies will likely be VERY sunny….and my first aid kit is blister-ready! How was your safari adventure? Photos please!
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How exciting Donna! Have a wonderful time and we will look forward to reading about it AND seeing your great photos as well. May the adventure be everything you hope for. ~Kathy
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Thanks, Kathy – We’re very excited! Expect (numerous) photos soon!
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Thanks for being a guest writer on Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond, Donna. I love your attitude to life and it is so exciting for you both to celebrate your husband’s milestone this way. Have a wonderful, safe trip and can’t wait to read more of your adventures.
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Hi, Sue – Thank you for inviting me to Guest Host on your site…and for giving me the nudge to do this post. I hope to keep everyone updated with regular photos (internet gods willing)!
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Cheng and I Wish you both a very safe and pleasant journey. Congrats to Richard for his 70th birthday.
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Hi, Rens- Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Richard is looking forward to Skyping with you soon!
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All the best to you both for your trek and to Richard for the Big Birthday.
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Thanks, Anabel – Richard and I greatly appreciate your good wishes.
Good wishes right back to you and John for your trek in the Canadian Rockies!
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How exciting Donna. Have a safe trip. Take it slowly. And happy Birthday to Richard when it arrives. Louise
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Thanks, Louise – I greatly appreciate your kind words. I know that you have been considering the Camino. If you ever have any questions, feel free to drop me a line anytime!
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Hi Donna,
This is amazing news. Have a wonderful time. I look forward to reading about your adventures!
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Thanks, Fran – I look forward to continuing to read about your adventures as well. Let’s stay in touch!
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Donna, Wow! This adventure is truly taking “the road less traveled”. I can’t wait to hear all about it. Stay safe and enjoy. Happy birthday to Richard…this is a wonderful way to celebrate.
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Thanks so much, Joe – I love following your adventures as well. I think that we both prefer the road less traveled.
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WOW! Did not realize how many miles (had to convert it) you all would be walking/hiking! Best of luck to you two and have fun. Can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back home 🙂
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Thanks, Dee – Yup, it’s a long hike! I plan to keep you all posted with photos at least…and hopefully a few posts if I can find enough wifi. Thanks for your kind wishes!
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Ten kilometers for each yea. Very impressive. My sister has done the Camino twice, that’s as close as I’ve gotten. Have a great and rewarding trip!
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Exactly – 10 per year….which means I should technically stop a bit earlier….but once you reach more than 500 kilometers whose counting? Thanks so much for stopping by, Tom. I greatly appreciate it. Hope all is well with you, B and your new home!
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I read this over on Sue’s blog and think you are both wonderful advocates for being active, happy and encouraging others. Your walk sounds amazing and I wish you both the very best for your trip. Happy birthday to Richard!
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Hi, Debbie – Thanks for stopping by here as well. I greatly appreciate it. I will keep you posted on our upcoming adventure!
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I love that you’re doing this. I’ve always been enthralled with the idea of the Camino Trail, and have read the adventures, in books and blogs, of many people who have walked it. I’ll live vicariously through you as you do your thing. Safe travels and tender mercies.
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Thanks, Ally – Richard and I are greatly looking forward to this. One more sleep before the adventure begins!
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Oh WOW! How inspiring! I love to walk, but I have a feeling I won’t be doing anything quite that ambitious when I reach my 70th birthday.
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Never say never!😀
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So much fun! I’m sure you are off on your adventure! Have a blast and be safe!
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One more sleep! Then we’re off. I’ll keep you posted!
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