Autumn Gold - Does Retirement Work For You?

Рет қаралды 7,714

Күн бұрын

#camping #campervans #bikepacking
Do you struggle with the retirement years or are your older years genuine autumn gold? Here are a few thoughts on how I cope with becoming older, and how I deal with the inevitable health issues that may inflict us from time to time.
I'm based in the Scottish Highlands and I use a VW campervan to access the great outdoors, where I climb hills, ride my e-bike or gravel bike and just visit some of those places I've never been to. I've been climbing hills and mountains all over the world for 50 years and I'm a former editor of Climber Magazine and The Great Outdoors Magazine.

Пікірлер: 64

@EdExploresScotland Ай бұрын

It's a lovely poem by William Henry Davies, one my mother was very fond of. She used to quote it so often that for a while I thought she'd written it. Spot on about not turning hikes into route marches. It's nice sometimes to push yourself, but we can see so much more of all that is around us if we simply stop to stand and stare. Cheers Cameron.

@philiptaylor7902 24 күн бұрын

Wonderful sentiments Cameron, thank you.

@ChristineLester-h7u Ай бұрын

That was a real ‘pick me up’! After a grim summer weather wise and having become 65 your mention of plantar fasciitis has made me feel so much better. Ive been struggling with it since the end of April and only just beginning to be able to walk. In September 2022 i was off to trek in Nepal (for MND Scotland) I was the fittest id ever been it has been getting me down. Onward and upwards now!!

@davidhall8745 Ай бұрын

Some wise words Cameron. I retired at 60 and we sold up and now live in the van . We are wardens on a small site in Dumfries and Galloway until the end of September. I have struggled a bit with some of the transitions including leaving work and moving into a van. Further I stepped down from my MRT role which had been a big part of my life for nearly 20 years. I am just finding a new rhythm to life. Slow travel and a new e-bike. Time now to just wander and ponder rather than thrash up the hill with the summit as the goal. Thanks for the timely reminder how lucky I am to have the health and time Dave

@RonBryson-i2k Ай бұрын

Well I never thought you were 75 Cameron. I have just turned 70 and thought you were younger than me. I have met you 3 times out and about but just to say hello. I am about to go on a 4 week trip in our caravan starting at Pitlochry and intend going onto Vrackie and maybe the first summit of Bein a Glo. Thank you for your video it is great to watch and has spurned me on to be a bit more ambitious in my travels. Would have loved a campervan when I was on my Munro round but have always been caravanner so share similar hobbies. Great watch and will be thinking of your words on my next trip out.

@martynrobinson7200 Ай бұрын

Thank you, Cameron, for those wise and carefully thought words. As a long term meditator I recognise the importance of finding the time to ‘stand and stare’, to appreciate each moment as a blessing, both the hard and the easy moments. There’s an old Zen saying: “ Every day is a good day.” It takes a bit of time and effort to get that phrase to work for you but if you can it will transform your life. I am entering that phase of my life now so your words were very welcome. You certainly got a thumbs up and a subscribe from me and I look forward exploring your channel.

@michaelfinn1317 Ай бұрын

Thanks Cameron for this little film and well said. Couldn’t agree more with you. I retired at 60 and now at 71 can’t understand how I had time for paid work. Of course we all have challenges and sometimes it’s not easy to get out on that bike ride. Motivation can be hard for me. If the weather is bad it’s easier to stay home. Thanks for the little push to carry on.

@anushgray8506 Ай бұрын

Many thanks Cameron, I now understand why I enjoyed the short trip into the forests and hills yesterday on my e bike! (the e bike has transformed my life for the better, after a severe ankle injury prevented me doing the big mountains).

@colinblack7049 Ай бұрын

Excellent wee talk Cameron, as an older person who has also passed my three score and ten years I find short walks in unpopulated places are better. Mostly because of my prostate problems, when you gotta go you gotta go. But you're right, sometimes it's nice just to sit and look.

@thecraftyweaver Ай бұрын

What a lovely video 👏 I'm at least 20 years off retirement (I hope!) And everything you said applied to me too, I have recently decided that, after a few busy years for my business, I am going to make more time again to be outdoors. The summits don't matter, just enjoying being outdoors, with my 2 dogs, enjoying nature and the weather here in the Outer Hebrides is all I need. It doesn't matter if I manage a mile or 10! Just slowing down and enjoying what we have is what everyone should try to do. Thank you for your videos, looking forward to the next one. Happy campervaning 🤗

@kennymacleod6006 Ай бұрын

Superb Cameron-for me this video was- for a number of reasons- a well timed and probably much needed boost of motivation as well as a boost of realisation regarding time/opportunity/my own good fortune and especially highlighted what can still be done- a kick in the ass you could say when aspects of life bogs you down..many thanks .

@peter236uk1 Ай бұрын

Great film be kind slow down enjoy our surroundings awesome

@markhogg3776 11 күн бұрын

i always enjoy the scots magazine i do buy it for your monthly part its my favourite part of it

@CameronMcNeishOutdoors 7 күн бұрын

Cheers Mark. Hope you're well.

@markhogg3776 6 күн бұрын

@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors yes im good thanks i hope you are keeping well to👍

@allyrobertson5684 Ай бұрын

Still a few years to go for me yet (52), but having seen many of my colleagues in the NHS retire and return to work or unfortunately die soon after they retired, I intend to make the very best of my retirement when it comes around. I’ve often wondered how I’ll transition from big mountain days, pretty much every weekend, when my body starts to struggle. I think a bike is definitely a good way to go though. I love the poem you shared, I have used this with mental health patients when explaining mindfulness 😊

@Rightbyme Ай бұрын

Well done sir. You’re looking well… I used love your wild walks program on tv

@CameronMcNeishOutdoors Ай бұрын

Thank you.

@domo3552 19 күн бұрын

@CameronMcNeishOutdoors Ditto Rightbyme. I bought Cameron's The Munros book and the two Wilderness Walks VHS box sets from Nevisport in Fort William 24 years ago, my first copy of TGO from the WH SMITHS opposite and my life hasn't been the same since! I've had a few close scrapes healthwise over the years, but made it through though thankfully. I'm fortunate to now be pretty much retired and rent out my home to be on the trail (backpacking), but am looking forward to getting my 20 year old Marin hardtail bike & panniers out of storage and do some longer trips abroad, then maybe a campervan. I wouldn't be moving towards these activities due to 'slowing down' in my autumn years, rather that the idea of them excites me to discover new adventures and experiences. I'll probably sell my home & downsize to a log cabin at some point, with dog, TV & VHS to dig out those Wilderness Walks videos again. The Pyrenees episode with Nick Crane had an enormous impact on my life - too much to say here! Many thanks for the years of inspiration resulting in many memorable adventures and friendships.

@DunkfaeOotnAbootWiUs Ай бұрын

Aye Cameron , it's all aboot takin yer time and takin in what yer seeing that's wit we value in oor wee you tube channel , its oor life noo since retirement 😊

@CampervanEcosse Ай бұрын

Went to Mull a few weeks ago...highly recommended

@TheLittleCottageGB 25 күн бұрын

Well I was looking forward to getting a camper and exploring outside of my part of Scotland but looks like the killjoys and NIMBYs want to put a stop to that. They hate campers because they are self contained. They wouldn’t have a problem if it was the same amount but in cars, and stopping off to stay in hotels and their AirBnBs. 😂 I suspect the housing problem would be even worse if there were more people needing AirBnbs and not being self contained. Nimbys.

@paulhuggan-cammack2928 Ай бұрын

Wise words Cameron. I'm a retired British International Mountain Leader and I am now 70, and still getting out and about. In fact I am walking the Cape Wrath trail in September and plan to keep walking for many, many more years. You will not remember but we met on a number of occasions many years ago through involvement with the Backpackers Club. More power to you Cameron. Kind regards, Paul.

@walkstonowhere 27 күн бұрын

Yep, that about sums it up. Thank you. Literally just retired at 60 and you’ve just vocalised exactly how I feel. 👍. Not the end, just the beginning of a new era.

@donaldmacdonald3112 Ай бұрын

Thumbs up. Cameron. Great Positive Attitude as Always. Top Man

@thenoworriesnomad Ай бұрын

Great video, I'm 58 and in a van, 7yrs in and I now work just 10wks of the year driving trucks, I earn enough for my needs incl. a winter trip to France, life is way to short to sometimes..

@davidmathie9512 Ай бұрын

Very well put together video .A lot of sound advice and wise words . Off for two weeks in Kintyre .Lovely part of Scotland .

@peterpowell1878 Ай бұрын

Thank u Cameron u truly are a inspiration to us all

@hamshanksproductions7161 16 күн бұрын

With you. Retired at 55, now 59, brain 25 😊, and hoping to spend long periods outdoors. Summits will be good. But as you say, not essential. Regards

@martinbeattie6509 17 күн бұрын

Hi Cameron, you might remember me from days gone by. I’ve just retired from teaching at age of 62 and bought a motorhome and hope to tour with my e-bike and some way of getting on the water. Loved this episode, maybe we will cross paths as I make my way up the west coast 😂

@johnbrown3951 19 күн бұрын

Another great watch from yourself and your channel. I did really enjoy the quote about cutting toe nails and wondering what else could be achieved whilst in that position which is so true. I do like to look at the countryside whilst out and about on my ebike but that also stems from a period where I lived in Stornoway where the scenery never really changes from one season to another except knowing it is in our out of the fishing season. I do really appreciate Scotland for its beauty whether on the Morayfirth on holiday, Deeside from where I grew up the Central belt where I enjoy my retirement and the remainder for just enjoying.

@TheJohnmtb Ай бұрын

Wise words Cameron!! Thanks for all your great work. Truly inspirational!! A great pick me up as I'm just coming out of Covid. Can't wait to be out walking and camping and kayaking again. Regards John

@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot Ай бұрын

Very inspirational words and had a chuckle about putting boots on and what else can I do while there. Must admit I am liking slip-ons these days 😂

@jasonnicol8302 Ай бұрын

Great video sir. I would love a wee campervan video again, love your trips in the van, plus your cooking👌👍

@WiltshireMan Ай бұрын

Great as always Cameron. I recited this same poem "leisure" in my recent video. We all need to Stand and Stare and it would be good if we could do it for as long as cows and sheep:)

@stuartsutherland7664 Ай бұрын

Words of wisdom indeed! My neighbour died very recently and he was only a couple of years older than me. Time is running out and I need to use what's left wisely.

@ryanlinfoot Ай бұрын

Cameron McNeish = National Treasure ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍😘

@berylbear1794 Ай бұрын

Thanks Cameron, thinking about packing it in at 61, still to get the camper van. Loved your book Backpackers Manual.

@fionavickers7946 Ай бұрын

We really enjoy your vlogs, have also been to hear you talk at theatre by the lake in Keswick. You speak a lot of sense....,"What if this life..."is definitely our mantra and we are very fortunate in our late 50's to be reducing our work days to just a couple of days a week .....to spend more time in our van 🚐. Why don't you stand for the next PM vacancy, we would definitely vote for you! 😊

@CameronMcNeishOutdoors Ай бұрын

@@fionavickers7946 If there is one thing I have learned over many years it is this - politicians and common sense are incompatible. Enjoy your campervan!

@FredFox-m9v Ай бұрын

Retirement, God's little waiting room ? Nobody to impress any more and nobody cares about you. Particularly the Labour Party in winter time.

@CameronMcNeishOutdoors Ай бұрын

Ach, you'd probably be surprised how many people do care Fred.

@garyboyle695 Ай бұрын

Fred, please save us your Tory loving politics.

@euanglover226 Ай бұрын

Excellent article and very true on so many aspects.

@lindzhoward7752 Ай бұрын

59 and just put in for 'flexible retirement' at work the day I reach 60 !

@harrywatson7072 Ай бұрын

Hi Camay I was looking forward to retire with my wife but she took a bad turn 7 weeks ago and I lost her.

@CameronMcNeishOutdoors Ай бұрын

Sorry to hear that.

@gcsScotland Ай бұрын

It certainly works for my wife and I. We fill our days walking, cycling, loch swimming (my wife), volunteering (maintaining the local path network), exploring in our wee VW van and visiting family. Many of our retired friends are equally active and we often wonder how we had time to work.

@Lakesman5308 Ай бұрын

Retirement works for me only work the days I want and love my job as much as I love the outdoors

@stevecrofts2054 Ай бұрын

I'm a new OAP (66) and have had 2 months of semi retirement. I'm not ready to give up work completely, l feel blessed with the chance to have a little job where l can stay in touch with the working world, enjoy the extra money and then have 4 or 5 Days to do my thing. You have been an inspiration of mine for many years, first from being an avide reader and collector of the Great Outdoors magazine and your books.Hearing you speak and present on TV and at the Great Outdoors Challenge.And now on KZbin. I too have switched to bike packing to get further and not have the gear on my back. How apt that here you are inspiring again by talking about challenges and issues of retirement. Great piece of work Cameron, l look forward to many more

@keithtomkinson4781 Ай бұрын

After 27 years down the coal mine every day is a good day get out there and enjoy it old saying no pockets in a shroud 😅

@CameronMcNeishOutdoors Ай бұрын

I take my hat off to you sir. I've had it easy in comparison.

@richiem7072 Ай бұрын

Very well said that man, thank you.

@silentrabbit247 Ай бұрын

Nice points Cameron, yes "Adapt" as we get older ! I find ultra-light weight bikepacking easier now (No weight on back & using wheels), still do a bit of multiday backpacking too, however not so far each day. Also i've added proper wheels to a 70L canvas airport roller bag ( pneumatic with axle from all terrain child buggie ) which can be used for heavy loads and decent tracks. I remember an article in early 70s Backpacking mag (poss Mr Lumley) who described using a shopping trolley. Find I can still do quite a lot, but certainly need more recovery time. Trips by Kayak (or Canoe) are also great for older ones, a bit like cycling with no hills ! Recently met an 83 yr old woman with sea kayak, wild camping on Handa ! A pair of decent binoculars helps enhance any trip, simply to see the scenery or to watch the wildlife. "I'd rather be on a mountain thinking about God, than in a Church thinking about mountains" "The mountains are calling, and I must go" "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks" - John Muir Enjoyed many of your books, articles & films over the years, good to see you still going. ATB

@katienorthenmore1892 Ай бұрын

thank you for the vlog interesting words, since being ill and not so mobile as i use to be i take great pleasure in very simple things in my garden and the beauty of nature and just watching and learning it gives great peace.

@andywillock1696 Ай бұрын

Great video again Cameron just turned 60 with retirement decision currently on going, 2 more years ❤️ Thank you for giving me some clarity, not sure I expected it to be so difficult. Thanks Andy