I'm in long-term recovery and I've had the pleasure of walking the
Camino Frances (fall 2012), the Portuguese Camino (fall 2013) and the Le Puy route (fall 2014). I did not attend any meetings along the way, but as someone said in an earlier reply, the camino is as open, friendly, forthcoming as any meeting you could find along the way.
Something that has helped me as I walk the long distance by myself is having a confidential prayer list from family and friends back home. I take the time throughout the day and bring to mind a person and their prayer intention and I focus on that person and send positive, loving energy back to them. When the spirit moves me to begin with a new person, I bring that person to mind and begin praying for them and their prayer request.
This has saved me from some emotional imbalance as I navigate the route, my surroundings, myself etc. The Camino offers (for me) an incredible opportunity to be in prayer mode everyday, all day if I so choose.
I also bring spiritual e-books, audio books on my iPhone. I have a lot of different types of music and speaker tapes that have brought me great joy and contentment as I walk.
My hope is to walk the Arles route this fall. Before I leave, I will contact family and friends and once again as for their confidential prayer requests. It amazes me how honest and open everyone is who share their deepest desires with me. It is an honor and a privilege to carry their intentions with me.
Something miraculous takes place along the camino for me when I am in "pilgrim mode" -- prayer, reflection, meditation. For me, this is step 11 at its core.
I am so grateful for my sobriety, my family, my friends, my health and all the opportunities that I've had to walk the Camino.
I am blessed beyond measure -- who knew???