Good thoughts, here...
I too, enjoyed the solitude of the Camino. The time to separate from hectic, electronically driven lives where there is little or no escape from a constant barrage of information. We don't speak to people, we email them - even if they are across the street or down the hall. Telephones are our constant companions and we are at everyone's beck and call.
The opportunity to walk, think, reflect, enjoy the sights and sounds at my own leisurely pace may be one of the biggest draws back to the Camino. I enjoy being alone with myself - it doesn't frighten or bore me. I relish the opportunity to slow down and just be.
On the other hand, when the going on the Camino gets tough, it is wonderful to have some others around to help you along. People seem to arrive just when you need them - to offer a kind word, a bit of compeed just when you have used your last... a helping hand in threading a needle... :? When I walked from Santiago to Fisterra, I was totally alone for days and at times found the walking to be arduous. I would have loved to have the company of other pilgrims to lighten the burden of distance, tough terrain and bad weather.
So once again, I think the Camino reflects life - a balance in necessary to keep it all running smoothly. I think for me that has been the constant lesson of the Camino. Balance - not too much distance, time, space, solitude, noise, speed - but rather all in moderation keeps everything going well. Isn't that a good lesson for living as well?
Buen Camino,