My usual day on the Camino de Santiago started somewhere around 6am. I had been a student right before traveling the first time on the Camino and would have though I was doing well if I was awake before 9am. So six in the morning was just a bit of a shock to start with, and not one that I easily got used to.
However there are what I and others called the “bag rustlers,” these are pilgrims that think it is a good idea to start in the dark at 4.30, 5am or 5.30. Personally I would liked to have killed some of them. Sleeping in albergues demands tolerance, the bag rustlers test it to the limit.
The only other people that push the tolerance to the same extent are the snorers. Buy good ear plugs, a must. The worst ones as to be expected are the ones that have had a few drinks…
So given my aversion to mornings at the time, I would often be the last to leave the albergue in the morning, about 6.45 or 7.00am. If there was a nearby cafe or bar I would have my morning coffee and something to eat, otherwise walk to the nearest one along the way.
Then simply walk. I did not hurry and walked at my pace. Some days I walked with other pilgrims, sometimes on my own. Simplicity itself, just bloody wonderful. Nothing to do but walk and eat and talk – if I wanted to – an incredible break from my norm.
Often I would not finish walking until 3, 4, or 5pm. Having had a long slow lunch somewhere.
Once I reached the albergue I would shower and wash my clothes. I had one set of clothes for the evening and another for walking, no others. Then perhaps an afternoon sleep for an hour or talk with pilgrims, some that I might not have seen for a day or so. Sometimes some pilgrims need help, help fixing blisters, advice on how to care for very hot feet, (a basin of cold water for 20min, great). Then about seven in the evening a meal somewhere. I would be in bed and fast asleep by 10 or 10.30pm.
Get up and do it all again, great.