enthusiasm. It can be difficult, slow, and uncomfortable. VanSant it not doing anyone any favors by saying otherwise. I did the path once, a long time ago and it was a waste of time. If you want to visit PR and DR do it on the way back from the West Indies.
When the Christmas winds blow you can beat into then for days and only make a few miles.
Luperon and Samana bay get boring very quickly and you might be stuck there for weeks waiting for the right weather.
Just my opinion. Libel lawyers stay away.