Lessons Learned on August 4, 2018: there were five major lessons I learned that first day, lessons that have been an important part of my planning and hiking The Path ever since.

August 4, 2018 – Lesson the First: Many of the people of the Camino, pilgrims and volunteers and businesspeople and folks who live nearby, are simply wonderful. They offer help before they are asked. The many kilometers since that day have only reinforced that lesson.

August 4, 2018 – Lesson the Second: Get in line for limited albergue bunks as soon as possible.

August 4, 2018 – Lesson the Third: Be prepared to sleep outdoors on any given night as beds can be a very limited commodity. For me, this is now a Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape that doubles as rain gear and an emergency shelter. Despite never failing to find a bed, the many kilometers since that evening have taught me that lesson multiple times.

August 4, 2018 – Lesson the Fourth: Carry snacks that can control hunger until getting a “real meal” is advisable. Getting a “real meal” late in the day should probably be after arranging for a bed. See “Lesson the Second.”

August 4, 2018 – Lesson the Fifth: Carry something that can be used as bedding, especially as top and bottom sheets, because albergues do not provide this. For me, this is a Browint silk sleeping bag liner. For many, it is a “three season” sleeping bag.