Early morning departures are a feature of the Camino. Here my walking partner is heading down the sleepy streets of Hornillos del Camino before sun rise. The morning routine is first waking up to the sound of someone’s alarm or the rustle and crackle of plastic bags as those who seek to do a longer daily distance feel an urgency to be on their way. Others of us let this first flush of overly early enthusiasm depart, which leaves a more tranquil space for packing our own bags and dressing and preparing our feet for the rigours of the day. It is all too easy to be sucked into others walking urgency and far more relaxing to let this rush pass you by. Besides, it is also important to take time to prepare the feet: protecting current and potential problem areas and is, in effect, an honouring of the workers of the forthcoming day. Then there is breakfast: sometimes I have bought some food, other times the hostel provides and occasionally I partake of a cafe breakfast, particularly when some delightful sweet pastry is on offer. After this routine, I am usually walking by seven thirty or eight before the sun is fully up. Towns and villages are quiet at this hour and the sounds are footfalls, pelegrino chatter and the occasional bark of a woken dog. My pace gradually increases as my body eases into my stride and then I am on my way.