Day 40. Pedrouzo (Written)

The operative word for today is “mud.” For the first time since I’ve been here, over a month, we had to deal with rain all day. At first, it was just a drizzle, but there were a number of downpours, prompting many people to run for cover. As a result, much of the walk required having our heads down, evading puddles and slick muddy terrain. Luckily, it was not too cold, but my raincoat did not breathe well, so when we finished at 2:00pm I was drenched from perspiration. We walked about 20 km from Santiago, so it all ends tomorrow.
The wet weather and cloudy skies were great for self reflection; even those travelling in groups were quiet and mechanical. Cathy and I usually start off walking together but I generally move on at a faster pace for two hours, then I stop at a café where I wait for her to catch up, then we meet to have coffee or water together. Then the cycle begins again for the next two hours. Cathy met up with Sandy and Diane, the other Kathy and Laurel again today, while I chatted with a couple, Adele and Mark, from Coquitlam, BC who have a son presently working in Whitehorse as a geologist, but will be in Yellowknife this summer exploring for lithium. Adele and Mark shared an umbrella, so while one was uncover the other was getting drenched.
Much of our talk these last few days have focused on getting together in Santiago with the friends we have made along the way. Some of us plan to bus or walk to Finisterre, 90 km further, taking us to the ocean. At this point we plan on staying in Santiago two nights, then leave for Porto, Portugal on the afternoon of the 10th, but that is still subject to change.Read more