Camino for Lent 2009

[amgirl5]

Hi,

I want to walk the Camino for Lent next year. I think Ash Wednesday is in late February. I have a few questions:

1) has anyone walked in late winter?
2) are refugios open? Is there a guidebook that would have this info? (The Canadian one and Lonely planet, don't really have this info in them, at least not updated)
3) is it safe to walk? one as a woman alone at this time of year, and two just weather wise.

So, I'm also considering walking the Ruta de la Plata, though it is a lot longer and I think I've heard there are fewer places to stay.

(I have walked solo two other times, late spring and in early autumn. I did have some weird encounters, getting kissed on the mouth by a series of older men, on my first Camino, and a man exposing himself, on the second, although, I think that was more laziness on his part than anything else.)

I'm guessing that the closer I get to Easter and to Santiago, the more pilgrims will be walking.

I'd really like to be in Santiago for Santa de Semana.

Buen Camino
L

[Douglas]

I attach a very good report of walking the Camino in winter from the Confraternity of St James site.

I think the winter walk has a lot to commend it. But be prepared, and be careful.

[amgirl5]

Thank you. I enjoyed reading the article.

L