<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>In a message dated 5/22/2002 1:25:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time, nblahaaTHOMASAQUINAS.EDU writes:<BR>
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<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">I'm hoping to sleep outside most of the time, weather<BR>
permitting. I'm also a bit concerned about the issue of numbers of<BR>
pilgrims, though I'm hoping I wont' run into that as much if I avoid the<BR>
albergues (is that a fair assumption?). Because I only have about a month,<BR>
maybe less, I am wondering if a route other than the camino frances would<BR>
suit me better, such as the camino del norte along the coast </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>
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I would advise against bringing a tent - too much weight to carry.<BR>
The albergues or refugios are great - That is part of the experience not to be missed<BR>
You will have plenty of solitude - the trails are rarely crowded<BR>
You can do the Camino Frances in a month<BR>
The Coastal route may take longer and is more difficult I am told - I want to do that or the Portuguese Camino next<BR>
Howard Mendes, NYC</FONT></HTML>