I have done the
camino Frances route twice and after my first time, I came to a similar conclusion (among other conclusions) that walking the camino can be viewed as a micro snapshot of life.
The initial climb out of Saint Jean Pied de Port over the Pyrenees and the days that follow is much like the beginning of life for most us; stumbling, struggling, eyes wide open full of excitement, getting lost the occasional time, aches and pains, over coming fears, meeting and making new friends, as we discover our rhythm and our way. This is our childhood, our past.
By the time we have reached Burgos and the Meseta, you could argue that we are entering middle life. For some this is long sometimes lonely time, maybe even boring. For others this is joyful time, a time of reflection and peace. It is different for all of us. For many pilgrims that are walking the camino, but not all, this is the present.
As we ascend the hills beyond Astorga and towards Galicia, we know that Santiago is not far away. Again one could suggest this is our autumn years, time to reflect on the past, present and future, question what we have done and why, what is all means. Again for most, this is the future.
Be prepared to discover that you will not find all the answers to all your questions. Thus for some they return to walk the camino once again, and maybe even a number of times, hoping this time to fulfill those desires.