I've not yet walked a complete
camino Frances, as I'm doing it in short stages, each between 5 and 12 days. One day I hope to walk it in its entirety - and I'm sure I will be nervous then.
What I wanted to say is, each time on the Camino is different. And I am always nervous before setting out and taking those first steps...
My first time from SJPdP to Puente la Reina was fantastic, because I was with wonderful people I met at Orisson. It even ended with a 'wedding ceremony' in the centre of the bridge, and I'm still in touch with all those involved.
My second time, back in Puente la Reina I felt so lonely without my 'family' and support group. But as I walked on, I met people yet still felt alone; then I met and made some more great friends once I reached Torres de Rio. Sadly I had to leave them after Navarrete. We are still in touch.
My last time, I made friends quickly, but lost them in Burgos. They weren't meant to be, obviously. Then I met more lovely people at my next stop who are coming to visit with me in the UK later this year, and I walked one day with two elderly Frenchmen who I will never see or hear from again, but they totally made that one day so memorable for me.
I'm going back in March to walk for another 8 days. In fact, I'll be starting out with the person who made that second child analogy! We'll meet at Madrid airport and travel on to Astorga together. But we will only walk a day and a bit because she wants to go further and faster than me.
And at the end of April I will return to Spain to walk from Sarria to Santiago planning to arrive on my 60th birthday, and will be walking with my daughter who will be flying from Tokyo to join me. That will be a different Camino for sure!
This doesn't really answer your question, but maybe shows you that it will be different every time, because of the people you meet along the way. I think, just don't expect it to be the same, but be open to a different experience. Whatever happens, you'll still have a blast!
Buen Camino x