40k in the rain

After an evening alone, I woke up early to meet friends who were 6k away. I left in the dark, and with an overcast sky, I had no moon or stars to light my way. After a half hour, the light revealed the trees and road so I could put away my phone flashlight.

Typical to the rest of the trip, the distance markings were off. My book said it was 10k to the town, but the woman at the albergue said only 6k. Given that I made it in a little over an hour, I am inclined to believe the woman.

The rain held off and I walked through the forest with a pilgrim from New York, as my Russian friend took off faster than we could keep up. The walk was nice but certainly not as scenic as other parts. Once the rain hit, we just put our heads down and charged through. We arrived in the stopping city (according to the guidebook) at noon. We had lunch at a place with the rudest cafe owner I have encountered on the trip. Just a lesson to not let someone else's negativity bring me down.

I had planned to stay, but my Russian friend encouraged me to continue. So, we walked an additional 14k. With each incline she would say "this is the last one." Yeah right! We finally arrived at Monte de Gozo, a 40k walk for me.

Finally at Monte de Gozo!

We checked into the largest albergue yet. I can't imagine this place in summer. There are 30 buildings with a total of about 400 beds. I have said every single day that I am glad I came in the spring. We were all in one building in half-filled rooms. Four of us went to dinner, which wasn't terribly good, and then hit the sack. Only 5k tomorrow to arrive in Santiago!