Hello Hikers. My plan is walking Frances after it's cold and before it's crowded. I've got plenty of time maybe I'll do 10 miles a day. Main pleasure will be to meet people... though at my pace the visits may be short!
Hello Puttster & welcome!! You know the saying 'it's not about the winning, it's the taking part' ... you could associate that with the Camino too. Over the years, I've met the speedy guys, who are on a mission 'to get there first'; the pretty girls, who are exploring & taking in the sights, stopping @ the cafes & chatting to everyone; the couples, who maybe before have ventured alone, but now their partner is curious to discover what is this 'bug' that pulls their other half away each year; there are groups of young & old, enjoying each others company & exploring the newness of this group tour, & then there's the solo traveller, who takes it all at his/her own pace, meeting all these fellow caminoers along the way, chatting & coffee sipping & maybe joining for dinner at times, but doing it at their own pace, their own way, every day. I've kinda been all of these people (except the pretty girl, tho maybe felt like one @ times; the Camino does that!) & though I enjoyed 'each journey', I have to admit my favourite was the solo journey ... so much so that I did it 3 times. Going solo on Camino is a wonderful experience & though, as a woman, many tried to dissuade me, I would definitely recommend it. Your a guy, so no worries. The Camino attracts those who want something different; there's a challenge in the terrain & heat some days, but the people you meet, the views you see, the friendships you build, the quaint & curious locals you encounter ... the list goes on ... that's what draws people back year after year. I've never done the full Camino, so I'm just going on my humble experience of doing a week at a time ... 7 times, & I'm going back again. By all means, take it at your own pace ... the best way, I believe. You will love it! Buen Camino!