<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>I spoke to this woman (from Denmark with two children, ages 3 and 5). Although she herself was in top physical condition, and the children, I stress at times, seemed to be doing fine, there were some definite signs of strain. There are some stretches of the Camino that are nothing but mud and she had a VERY difficult time navigating those areas. Additionally, she had a difficult time pushing her tram up the steeper portions and had to rely on help from other foot and biking pilgrims. I stayed in refugios with her four times and the children (and unfortunately other pilgrims) weren't too happy. I thought they did well for what they were experiencing, but I wasn't certain that it was in their best interests. There were many times that they seemed distressed and not at all at ease. Just my opinion, of course.
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<BR>I agree with Howard that the Camino is difficult for both the parents and young children. There are also stretches of the Camino where you are walking on very busy highways, mostly with the sun at your back, so oncoming drivers do not see you, thus making it exceedingly dangerous. This, for no other reason, would be the thing that would keep my kids at home.
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<BR>Another consideration is the heat. You said you were walking June. Last Spring, when I walked, the Rioja area was steeped in a heat wave, with temperatures reaching above 104 degrees. And that was before reaching the meseta! Ugh!!!
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<BR>On a more positive note, I met a wonderful family from New Zealand (husband, wife, two daughters, ages 11 and 14). These girls were able to care for themselves and were expected to do so. I think their ages greatly contributed to the success of the trip. They had the trip of a lifetime and were as happy as clams!!!!
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<BR>I hope this helps somewhat. And I hope will get some sort of feedback from those who have direct experience with walking with a child or children.
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<BR>Buen Camino,
<BR>Gabrielle</FONT></HTML>