Singing in the rain (not)

We awoke to a gray sky - but no rain. 

 

 So after breakfast we started our day.  It was cool but a perfect temp to walk.  By 7:15 we were on the road - cautious but grateful.  Rain gear already deployed as the forecast was a long day of rain.  We got past Estrella and had a chance to drink from the " Fuente Del Vino" - a free wine fountain provided by Bodegas Irache.  Not my normal drink of choice at 8:30am - but tasty.   Chris went for the large cup.  

Soon after the rain started to fall and it would continue for the balance of our 16 mile walk.   I enjoy a little rain but the temps dropped to 40 degrees and the winds howled.  Our roads become mud pits and the beautiful fields we crossed offered no protection from the elements.   It was cold.  We pressed on with more focus on our destination then our surroundings and arrived in Los Arcos at 12:45.  A small shop offered cafe con letchie - but frozen hands could barely grasp the small cup of welcomed warmth.  We checked into Casa Abella (grandma's house) and started the drying process.  We had dry clothes to change into - but the most important item - our shoes -had a long way to go in order to be dry for morning.  

The storms passed by 4:00 allowing us to dine in the small town and then go to a Pilgrims Mass.  After Mass the priest called up all the Pilgrims for a blessing and passed out prayer cards in their native language - very nice touch.  

 

 

Chris and I dined tonight with a lady (Petra) from Holland who touched us with her story.   Her older sister (65) was in quite poor health but wanted to walk the Camino as her dream.  Petra agreed to walk with her last March.   A walk that usually takes 30-40 days took them 90 days   Each day they walked as far as her sister was able and then her sister would sleep the rest of the day.   Petra helped deliver  her sisters dream.  A very personal Camino - and great shared joy when they reached Santiago.   This year Petra is back to walk her Camino.  Everyone has a story.  

We got challenged today with the weather but the Camino -like life - has it's rainy days.  Those days help you appreciate  the sunny days even more.  The forecast is for good weather ahead.  We will see them with rose colored glasses.