I'm 69 and Walking 500 Miles Alone – Camino de Santiago (Ep. 1)

I couldn’t wait any longer. After weeks of training, I started feeling like I was just spinning my wheels — so I asked Kimmy if I could leave early and finally begin my Camino de Santiago. I figured I was ready… maybe more ready than I actually was. Getting there, though, was its own adventure. Delays, missed connections, and a long travel day trying to make it to France. By the time I landed in Biarritz, it was already starting to feel real. The next morning, I set out on the Camino. And right away… it hit me. The first day was no joke — steep climbs through the Pyrenees, trying to follow yellow arrows that aren’t always as easy to spot as you’d hope, and realizing pretty quickly that this journey might be tougher than I expected. It was beautiful, but it was hard. From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles… and then on to Zubiri, passing through quiet towns, crossing historic bridges, and starting to settle into the rhythm of the Camino. By the time I reached Pamplona, got some laundry done, and found a little pistachio cheesecake (well earned), I had a moment to reflect — on how it’s going so far, and whether I’d actually recommend this to anyone else thinking about doing it. So far… I’m still in. But this Camino is already testing me. If you’ve ever thought about walking the Camino… or just want to follow along on the journey, I’m glad you’re here. — 🎒 Most Asked About Gear 👇 🥾 Boots → https://amzn.to/4uq3RrG 🧦 Socks → https://amzn.to/4unjReE 🧦 Darn Tough Socks → https://amzn.to/4dwPMC2 🎒 Backpack → https://amzn.to/3PloNkP 👜 Rucksack / Fanny Pack → https://www.rei.com/product/235580/re... 🥾 Walking Poles → https://www.rei.com/product/251371/re... 🧳 Osprey Airporter → https://amzn.to/49bJd6E 🔌 Foldable Magnetic Wireless Charger → https://amzn.to/4ugUuuM 🌧️ Patagonia Rain Jacket → https://www.rei.com/product/201548/pa... 💧 Water Bottle Holder → https://www.rei.com/product/141835/ni... 🎥 Filming Gear People Ask About 👇 📸 Camera → https://amzn.to/4f0ejBE 🚁 Drone → https://amzn.to/4tP0db2 🎤 Microphone → https://amzn.to/4uqWgcB 🪵 Pole / Selfie Stick → https://amzn.to/4cK0Mgm 📍 Mini Tripod → https://amzn.to/4ulydvw 💡 Some links are affiliate links — no extra cost to you. They help support the channel 🙌 — 📍 Route: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port → Roncesvalles → Zubiri → Pamplona 🥾 Camino de Santiago – Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 🗓️ Episode 1 was filmed March 6, 2026 - March 20, 2026 00:00 Getting Antsy & Camino Prep 02:17 Travel Troubles 05:11 Day 1 • Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port → Roncesvalles 11:40 Day 2 • Roncesvalles → Roncesvalles 14:57 Day 3 • Zubiri → Pamplona — 🎬 Watch the Series ▶️ Episode 1:    • I'm 69 and Walking 500 Miles Alone – Camin...   ▶️ Episode 2:    • Why Is It So Hard to Find Food? – Camino d...   ▶️ Episode 3:    • Something Strange Happens Out Here… – Cami...   ▶️ Episode 4:    • I Was Being Followed – Camino de Santiago ...   ▶️ Episode 5:    • My First Hostel at 69 – Camino de Santiago...   ▶️ Episode 6:    • By Far the Hardest Day – Camino de Santiag...   ▶️ Episode 7:    • I Didn’t Check the Map… – Camino de Santia...   ▶️ Episode 8:    • The Camino Changed Overnight – Camino de S...   ▶️ Episode 9:    • I Made It to Santiago… Then Changed My Min...   ▶️ Episode 10:    • I Walked to the End of the World – Camino ...   👍 Follow the Journey 🔔 Subscribe:    / @poppyspath