Hello from Vancouver, BC.

[ginger]

I'm Ginger and will join a group on May 14 to walk to Santiago. I'm excited and nervous, all at the same time!

 

[sillydoll]

Hello Ginger,
By the time you start walking most of the low altitude snows will have melted although there might still be a few white peaks on the higher places. The fields, vineyards and fruit trees will be sprouting their brilliant new greens and the scarlet poppies will be spectacular.
Reb mentioned that the storks have returned to their traditional nests - look out for them swooping down to the fields to find food for their young in those gigantic nests on top of church towers and steeples.
Walking with a group presents different dynamics. If it is a group of friends, as opposed to an organised group, set a few ground rules before you go to pave the way for those who might seek solitude.
Everyone has a different pace so agree to walk apart during the day and to meet up again at your chosen destination - allowing some to linger and others to set the pace. If the group bonds too closely, it limits the opportunities of interacting with other interesting peregrinos on the way. There might be a temptation to discuss subjects about home, children, jobs, recipes etc whilst walking so decide before hand not to chat endlessly about these things.
Finding accommodation in the refuges might present a problem for a group - some hospitaleros prefer to offer beds to solitary pilgrims rather than to a large group, especially when there might only be a dozen beds available. The positives of a group is companionship, sharing and encouraging each other.
I walked with 4 friends on the Via Francigena and we decided to rotate the leader of the day role. We took it in turns to be in charge which meant that you had to read an info sheet on the area we would be walking through, the place we were heading for, to be the sweeper - staying at the back - to carry the maps, check that everyone had their sticks, hats, water bottles etc. It works well especailly if you have members of your group who are nervous, dependant on others and need constant help or need to be told what to do. It can be very tiring and restrictive on one person if they are the natural leader of the group.
Have a wonderful walk!
Abrazos,