We got a ride from our accommodation back to Los Arcos where we had breakfast. Fortunately I checked the weather and we had our rain gear with us. 

We had a small breakfast in Los Arcos which was delicious but maybe if we had skipped it we would have missed some of the weather. We walked 1 km out of Los Arcos and heard a very loud and long clap of thunder. 

We met Marielle and Mark from France as we were walking. They started from their hometown and have walked 1200 kms. So we had a lot in common. She has a roller car that she pulls behind her. 

The rain started gently 2,5 kms before Sansol. The lightning and thunder started long before that. It wasn’t very close at this point. But after a previous Camino being stuck out in the open with lightning close I swore I wouldn’t do it again. 

2 kms before Sansol the skies opened, it was pouring. Our ponchos were soaked inside and out. A small tienda/store in Sansol was the only shelter and it was crowded. We decided to keep moving. We passed by the bus stop and there were several pilgrims seeking shelter or waiting for the bus. 

We made it down the steep incline which was thankfully not slick and then up through the water pouring down the streets in Torres del Rio. We made it to a cafe which was packed with soaked pilgrims. We finally found a seat while the thunder and lightning continued. 

Several pilgrims took a cab to the next town, others waited until things seemed a bit better, not great but better. We heard about a pilgrim who was not feeling well and so we offered to share a cab with her, two other pilgrims joined us, and then another pilgrim asked if he could ride too. It all worked out.

I’m not really bothered by rain but I won’t play with lightning. Interesting thing is many of my photos are black. I’m trying to figure out how to restore them, so far I haven’t figured it out. I will be happy to have help. 

Lesson: storms come and go. How do you choose to ride them out. One pilgrim said he would be out walking with a tin foil hat ( he was taking a rest day). Others commented I am here enjoy and learn, I have nothing to prove. Many pilgrims weathered the storm literally and have amazing stories. I have stories from weathering storms too as I’m sure you do as well whether literal storm or virtual storms.

It was a good day. I hope you are have a great day too. Buen Camino!

PS we were drying our shoes in the window sill and another rain storm hit so our boots are soaked again. Thank goodness for the lady at the grocery who gave us plenty of newspaper to dry them.

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