<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>Just returned June 21 after going from St. Jean to Santiago. Totally
<BR>disagree with Karen. Hiking boots are a must! The trail is very difficult
<BR>in many places. Very rocky, hilly and sometimes you have to walk in stream
<BR>beds, on mud and wet rocks. In places you have a lot of cow flop and sheep
<BR>manure on the path. I don't believe that anyone can make it easily and
<BR>safely with running shoes. Also, I stayed in every refugio I wanted to get
<BR>into and that was 27 out of 32 nights. I'll admit that some were full by 4
<BR>pm which is why it is advisable to get any early start, before sunrise.
<BR>Sometimes if you arrive after 2 pm you may have to sleep on a mattress on the
<BR>floor. It might be more crowded in the summer months though. Bring a small
<BR>flashlight so you can find the yellow arrows and shells that mark the Camino
<BR>before it gets light out. I'll also admit that I got lost twice as did many
<BR>other peregrinos, but you usually can find someone to guide you back to the
<BR>trail quickly.</FONT></HTML>