My 4th attempt (injury or time constraint issues) at the Camino Frances is commencing the end of March'12, and since I am planning on 7 wks to complete (includes travel time and a few rest days) my plan is to leisurely cover 18-20K a day so I can "stop-and-smell-the-roses", adjust my pack, have another cafe con leche, visit with fellow pilgrims,explore and soak up as much Spanish culture as I can and still manage to complete my walk thru Northern Spain with my 66yr. old body and spirit intact. I've not walked in early spring and am concerned about rain and mud. I have a pant and jacket rain set (only used once in my previous walks) but I'm thinking maybe a good poncho that would cover me and my pack and a pair of gaitors might be the way to go. Would appreciate any comments.