Heading out of the albergue in Arcade at 9:30 bundled up for the rain, wind and cold!
Not too far into the walk and serious disrobing occurred. Light intermittent rain, mild winds and nearly tropical warmth made for nice walking through forested paths.
Typical Galician mile markers appeared too often. I really don't need to know I walked 500 meters!
More signs on the pilgrims path and a little church to hide in while it rained.
The short walk brought us into Pontevedre very quickly! The beautiful 18th century Santuario da Peregrina welcomes you into the historical center.
You climb the 64 steps to the dome where you see the scallop shell floor plan (maybe not during mass...). 
I loved the squares and arcades through this city. Our hotel was so perfectly in the middle of it all.
The weather seemed to quiet the streets a bit, but we still witnessed families out and about. Renting little Go-Karts and cruising around or just kicking the soccer ball about - families active in their community, a wonderful sight! Returning to our hotel and persuading at least one more Peregrina to join us, we headed to a local tapas bar. The pleasures of pilgriming - sharing wine, fried snacks, conversation and laughter.
Getting ready this morning we were trying to prepare ourselves for the weather. Putting on garmets and shoes that were still damp made for a little bit of grumbling. And today was supposed to be more intense rains and winds. My emergency rain cover (think, saran wrap) was not going to last another storm.
Walking out of the city and crossing the old Roman bridge, I spied a rain poncho hanging by a hardware store window. My squeal of delight heard, we all rushed in and bought one. What a sight!! And what a chore getting them on!!
And keeping them on in the wind! I had to hold the sides down throughout or I found it billowing up over my head!
But we did and we walked on. It was a walk through rivers and forest! Sheets of water fell and we were completely soaked!
Signs of civilization. We had reached Cadas de Reis. The town is small and quaint with thermal spas. Resting for a bit, I put my soaking wet feet in the hot water. Ouch!! Too hot!!
Over another old Roman bridge, I found my albergue. And yay! Wash and dry laundry service!! After showering and arranging my bed, I went in search of food. I found a couple of my fellow perigrinas and together we found a perfect lunch spot! My first Spanish pilgrims meal complete with ensalada mixta and paella!! I was so happy.
Cheers to the simple life - good food, good friends, and a good walk!
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