Can I just wing it?

 I walked in 2010 without a penny in my pocket, any spanish or detailed knowledge. Live the dream, go for it! If you forget anything it’s ok, the camino provides.

Ivar (Can I just wing it?) — the answer to that question is YES! 

I know there is a lot to be said for being prepared (for anything you do these days) and in today’s world with all the research facilities, that seems to be what is expected. However, when it comes to the camino I think the less you know the more every moment will surprise and pleasure you — not only about the Way and what you will discover there, but even more so about yourself and what you will discover there!
The more you prepare, the more you have expectations — and if you have expectations on the camino you are going to either disappointed – if they do not materialise, or left feeling jaded when they do and are nothing like you expected them to be, or prevent you from being open and ready for all the surprises and opportunities and revelations that await you.

I am a 60 year old woman who wears high heels,  who has never been fit, never walked further than ten kilometres – for fun, never owned a backpack — never mind carried one! or a pair of hiking shoes or a sleeping bag, never slept in a dormitory with strangers (not even friends), likes my steaming hot bath every morning, my fluffy white towels, my crisp cotton sheets. I did not prepare at all other than buy the little guidebook in St Jean which gave me an idea what one can do in a day, of where the refuges are and a little nutshell history of each place I walked through. I walked in the middle of winter, so most of the refuges were closed — but I still managed to find a bed — even if it meant walking a few hours more than was comfortable;  there were very very few fellow pilgrims around, but those that were there were helpful, respectful of your space and solitude, interesting to catch up with occasionally at various refuges along the way. I know if you should walk in the middle of summer it will be a completely different experience — and that the crowds may make finding accommodation difficult but you will always fndn something  – the people on the Way are special. They all share the Camino spirit.  The yellow arrows and the shells will show you the way. There are many signs along the Way — and you will learn to read and understand them.

I loved every second of the camino, every experience, every challenge, every success — and the rewards are HUGE. At least once a day I yearn to be back on that dusty little path. At least once a month I wonder whether that is not exactly what I should be doing.  

Buen Camino to you!

Yes! Just wear the best walking boots you can afford and wear sunscreen and a hat so you dont pass out / get blisters and miss out on the camino!
I hated reading about it too, enjoy.

Just go!
The way will find u!
And like Shannon said: “If you forget anything it’s ok, the camino provides.” It looks incredible, but it happens like this. )
Enjoy it!

course you can – just go with the flow and no agenda

That’s what I did. I read “Walk in a Relaxed Manner” and the next thing I knew I was in St Jean Pied de Port and on the Camino. It was terrific. Bon Chemin! Buen Camino!

Go with an open heart, be respectful and try to put more in than you take out.

Just go. And walk. You’ll wonder why you waited so long!

I think it’s better to go without prior research. Your experience will be different anyway than that of other people who have gone before you. I’d recommend taking earplugs and compede and comfortable walking shoes and you’ll need a silk or cotton sleeping bag liner for the hostels, but apart from that just follow the yellow arrows and you’ll be fine!