My clothes that I'm not wearing fit into the 8 liter size, but I don't take anything bulky like hiking pants. If I did the 12 lier size might be better.
I think that you should have a reservation, but I don't think that the albergue (or other accommdation) checks the bags to make sure that their owners have a reservation.
You can contact the transport company that you plan to use and ask if they deliver there. If not, ask if they have an alternate delivery point in town.
As @C clearly said, there is no required itinerary - you are free to create your own. One good resource for planning your stages is this website.
https://godesalco.com/plan/portugues
And yes, the albergues (and other accommodations) will be open.
Be aware that there is a new route out of...
There's no regular service, but others have done it. Here's a thread that should be helpful:. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/just-back-from-salvador-luggage-transfer-report.75066/
I wore hiking sandals the last time I was on the Norte, and will do so again this year for my May/June Norte/Primitivo Camino. I bring a pair of waterproof socks that pair well with my sandals for really wet days.
I also quite clearly indicated that I did not want a Compostela, but I didn't look at my certificate until I got home, and didn't know that I was given a Compostela until I compared it with the certificate I received on my second Camino and saw that they were different.
I don't see why an atheist would want a Compostela. Fortunately, the Pilgrims Office offers a "Welcome Certificate" as well as the Distance Certificate.
That's pretty surprising coming from a Spanish teacher. In all the Spanish classes I've taken I've been told that vosotros is used in Spain. But here in North America it's generally not taught.
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