These have been challenging days because of the weather.
We thought it couldn't get any worse than yesterday and we were wrong. Yesterday, even with our rain covers over our packs and ponchos over that, still everything is wet. My bed sheet was even damp last night. I put it in the dryer for a while with not much effect. The dryers here are very different from what we have. Took a long time to dry out all of our wet clothes.
Today the rain poured down almost the entire time of walking. The wind got so strong that we were nearly airborn. I felt like a kite about to lift off! It was really quite a challenge as we walked into the wind and were being confronted with driving rain slamming us in our faces.
We finally found a place to get in out of the weather where we stopped for something warm to eat. The wind was so strong that, while we were outside the cafe, it blew their 4-5 foot sign over and ripped, torrentially waving the canvas awning as water poured off of it like a waterfall.
Needless to say we were glad for a respite, however we were very cold and soaked to the skin. We teased about this experience giving new meaning to "walking on water." Our boots sloshed as we trod on, our pants stuck to our legs, our long sleeved clothing was drenched. There was simply no getting away from the cold since we were so wet.
I had a couple of cups of hot tea with bacon and eggs.
We started out again when the wind and rain calmed down a bit only to have it all kick up with more ferociousness than earlier. We were way past the point of caring about the rain since there was no way that we could be anymore wet and cold.
I can't help but wonder why this is happening now during these final days of our Camino de Santiago? Almost feels like a desperate attempt to keep us from succeeding. On Saturday I visited Urgencia to see a medical doctor. I knew I was coming down with bronchitis so I thought it best to get an antibiotic. She agreed with me and I started taking the Medicine Saturday evening. This weather has been even more of a challenge to my breathing and energy. So what is this all about?
In the evening we attended the Pilgrims Mass at the Santiago Church in Melide. The priest was amazing in the way that he welcomed all of us. He came into the congregation to find out where everyone came from and spoke a welcome in several languages. At the end of the Mass we all circled the altar for a blessing and sprinkling of holy water. It was all very moving.
We connected with the mother-daughters team from Australia: Helen, Angela Hatton? And her sister. Enjoyed a wonderful meal together and had the restaurant call the Albergue to ask what to do since we would be getting back after curfew.
Today was another day of rain and cold. I have certainly had enough of this weather.
Tomorrow is supposed to be only cloudy. We will walk to San Lazaro and James will go into Santiago to meet up with his "wee" wife. More on that another time. Actually there is so much that I pondered today that I have not written.
The relative ness of suffering .....
What is suffering one day is negligible in the light of the next day's challenges.
Bathroom and hall lights on timers...being left on the dark...bowing to the bathroom door!
Paths became rivers....almost lost my shoe to the mud.
I'm falling asleep. Got to go now.
Buen Camino,
Pilgrim Carol
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