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OR, if you have the time, walk the Primitivo to Melide. It joins the Frances there, and gets busy. Take the bus back to Ponferrada and walk the Invierno! They're both worth it!
If you love the camaraderie, then I wouldn't recommend the Via de la Plata. It is often very solitary with many long stretches. Have you considered the Primitivo? I agree about timing - not very many pilgrims in the middle of winter. And yes, there's only one time for your first time. Reconsider...
In 2021, we walked from SJPP to Burgos, then bussed to Oviedo. We couldn't choose between the Primitivo and the Invierno. So we bussed back to Ponferrada from Santiago and did them both!
A Camino is hard and requires a lot of "want to". Having to drag someone would ruin the experience. I agree - go solo - you'll be as alone as you choose to be.
In the fall of 2022, I walked the Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago, the bussed back to Ponferrada and walked the Invierno to Santiago. There are lots of options!
I don't think the Camino is something you can push someone to do. Neither of you will truly enjoy the experience. He may not deal well with the challenges, and you'll be worried about him not having a good time. I agree that it would be best to have your own experiences. Do you want to go to the...
I've used Polar Steps twice and love it. You can just upload when you get wifi. No limit to the number of pictures. I also loved the book they made for me!
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