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<P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Mary Frances,</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>I don't think you need a lot of
physical training before you start the Camino. You will be getting more fit as
you walk. However, I would recommend taking your backpack (with its Camino
contents) on a longer walk before you leave - say 15 - 20 miles. You may decide
you don't want to carry all that weight. Also, make sure you have very
comfortable hiking boots. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>I would highly recommend doing the
climb over the Pyrenees to Roncevalles. You will love it! The only unknown is
the weather on your first day, and this can make a big difference. It can be
very hard or even a little dangerous in some bad weather conditions. I walked
that route in August, and we were lucky to have perfect weather. But it is
pretty difficult since it's the highest climb of the Camino and it's on your
first day. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>I hope the end of May is not as crowded
as August. One way to be assured to get a bed in an albergue is to start each
day early and stop by 1 or 2:00 p.m. when the albergues open. In many towns (but
not all) you can also get a room in a private hotel. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>-Eva</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Glenview, IL</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial size=2>-----Original Message-----</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial size=2>From: Pat Harrison [</FONT><A
href="mailto:Pilgrim_OCDSaATT.NET"><U><FONT color=#0000ff><FONT face=Arial
size=2>mailto:Pilgrim_OCDSaATT.NET</FONT></U></FONT></A><FONT face=Arial
size=2>] </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial size=2>Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2004 8:54 PM</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial size=2>Subject: Santiago Pilgrimage</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </P>
<P><FONT face=Arial size=2>Hello All:</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial size=2>I am new to this email list. I am writing to help me
make a decision about doing the Camino with my husband this year. Right now, I
do not feel that I am in good shape and don't know if the next four months of
getting into shape would be sufficient to do the Camino. My husband has his
heart set on doing the Camino and I don't want to disappoint him. Yet, I am 55
years old and aware of my limitations. If we went, we would leave on May 23rd
and fly into Paris. We would start the pilgrimage in St. Jean. I have
reservations about hiking through the Pyrenees. Could someone give me an idea of
how rigorous the hike through the mountains would be to get to
Roncevalles?</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial size=2>Also, in reading various email threads, I learned
that 600,000 to 900,000 people are estimated to do the Camino this year. Another
concern is about sleeping accomodations. I don't really want to sleep on the
floor of a Refugio if there are no more beds available or sleep on the ground
under some tent that the Spanish army would set up. Did anyone do the Camino in
1999 when St. James feastday fell on a Sunday, too? If so, what were the crowds
like, what does one do if there are no sleeping accomodations? It is the unknown
that is causing me to have anxiety. Any information would be beneficial to help
me make a decision.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial size=2>Thanks very much!</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial size=2>Mary Frances Harrison</FONT></P>
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