One of the Canadian Clan likened the stream of pilgrims to a slinky toy – that coil of metal wire that can “walk” across the floor and even go down stairs as it expands and contracts.

In the morning people head out the door singly, in pairs or groups, some having had breakfast and others optimistically planning to stop at the first bar for cafe con leche.  (However, all of us have had the experience of having to walk 8 km or so before finding coffee.) Once on the path, people tend to spread out, often completely out of sight.

Then one person will stop for a rest and maybe refreshment at a cage or bar. Ten minutes later another happens along. Before you know it, there’s a veritable party.

This photo was taken halfway along the 17-km no-amenities stretch between Fromista and Carrion de Los Condes where there was only a concrete picnic table and benches. I stopped first and by the time I started off again, this was the scene.