John, as Hobbes mentioned, the walkers often form into iimprovised "groups" that they really enjoy travelling with, or at least socializing with each day. I know my wife really liked this aspect of it, and spoke very positively of her "circle" of a group that were most often in the same alberque each night etc, so this may happen with your wife also, enabling more "free" time for you to do your own thing for a few days.
of course every person is different, but it certainly was the case with my wife.
I do know that due to the heat, my wife and friends were real early risers and departers, so that they would get a good chunk of the days distance done before it got too stinking hot. No, I can't recall what months she did it....I'll have to ask.