The hike from Sarria started in cold weather with heavy frost on the ground. We took an alternative route that took us up into the mountains through little mountain villages. It was like a trip through The Hobbit, everything green, golden, picturesque. 
We take the high road.
Three boys enjoying wheelbarrowing their dog.
Ted is hoping his calves are “approaching awesomeness.”
We came into Portomarin ahead of a major storm system that had been threatening throughout the day. People behind us got drenched.
That storm system continued through the night and into today, soaking us on today’s walk, raining throughout the walk. Our jackets and shoes were soon drenched. Puddles on the trail stretched wider and wider until with our soaked feet we just walked through the water. It wasn’t possible to get any wetter. It was so stormy it was hard to pay attention to the country side. We again passed through many small towns, farming villages not geared toward catering to Camino walkers. After fifteen mles we were all ready to stop for the day. We spent the early evening before dinner drying out our wet clothing. My cellphone was waterlogged and needed to dry out too. Fortunately our room has a heater that helps to dry out our shoes. We washed and dried our wet clothes from the hike.
Only 100 Km. to go!
fruit donations for pilgrims
We finally figured out these are used to store and dry corn.
No choice but to walk in the water
Cow looks on as guard dog sleeps
We are three long days from Santiago or four shorter days, our choice. Tomorrow is supposed to be less wet, but another storm system is moving in and is expected to produce rain for several days after that. Hiking in the rain isn’t bad, as long as the temperature is not too cold. The rain eventually soaks through everything, but if the jacket stops the wind, it’s not too cold.
Walking El Camino de Santiago 