Hello Anne, I too have relied heavily on the internet in the past, but as there are more and more things becoming available (such as Google maps etc) I am finding it more difficult because of the speed of the internet required. I live very close to the capital city of South Australia, but just happen to be on the end of what is called a "paired line" - whatever that means (very, very slow internet!) There are more people here in Sth Aust. who are interested in walking the Camino, but it still does not warrant stores hoarding quantities of guide books etc, and so we all tend to order our guide books from the internet (or cadge off friends who are travelling in the right corners of the word)
I plan, in minute detail, each of my Caminos. Listing all the villages that I will walk through and the places to visit in those towns, what festivals, church services etc are likely to be occurring. Because, like you, we have to work out how long we are likely to take and therefore when to book our journey to and from the Camino I note down all the distances, where the albergues are etc (indeed, this time I have colourcoded the towns with different colours depending what tyrpe of accomodation is available - black means there is nothing availbable - at this stage).
Some are surprised at the detail I go to, but I find that it all helps in my understanding of what I am seeing and experiencing, and it also means that with this kind of information I am much more free to pick and choose and change my mind. For example, I can see at a glance how far I will have to walk till I can get somewhere to stay if I were to walk on past my proposed stop, although I very often stay where I decided because there is some reason - eg a special place to stay, a church service I wish to attend a choir I want to hear etc. Anyway, my preparation is coming to a close as I will be leaving now in less than 3 months. I am starting to get excited, and nervous as I will be much more alone than on previous Caminos (I am starting from North of Vezealy and then taking the Camino del Norte)
Kind regards, Janet