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This was my experience too, and I think now the Compostela is pre-filled it is all a lot faster than it used to be. Having said that, I think it's a bit of a shame the computer does all the work now and the signature isn't done by the people in the office but efficiency is definitely a positive...
Yes - but beware, the result if you're wearing shorts is an important need to apply sunscreen to the backs of your legs at a very early hour!! Several days I wondered why I was getting red legs when I was applying sunscreen then realised it was about 7am in the morning early walking!!
Depending on the stretch you are walking the other 'problem' if you're too early is you sometimes come up against the Spaniards on their way home from a good night out! More than once (especially at Pamplona the day after the Feast of San Fermín!!) we had to join in some singing and dancing in...
I remember as a complete Camino novice waking at 5.30am in SJPdP because everyone else in the alerbergue was doing so and walking for about an hour before the sun came up, then getting to Roncesvalles before they even let people in, and finding there is absolutely nothing to do there! Lesson...
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