Sept 22- Pola de Allande

“Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet.” — Roger Miller

I woke to the steady drum of rain, a downpour that had carried on through the night and showed no sign of easing with the morning light. Still, it was only water—nothing that could dampen the spirit of a pilgrim. After a simple breakfast in the albergue café, we pulled on our trusty rain ponchos…hardly stylish, but battle-ready..and set off once more along the trails.

Today’s destination is Pola de Allande. Though the distance is shorter, the path offers no shortage of climbs and descents..each step a reminder that every challenge along the way is preparing us for tomorrow, one of the steepest and most demanding days of the journey.

What I hadn’t expected today was the depth of beauty in the landscape. Even through the veil of rain, the vistas and forests revealed a quiet majesty that stopped me in my tracks. It was a reminder of how extraordinary this part of Spain is, and how worthwhile it is to slow down and truly take it in.

Our hike wound upward through valleys draped in mist and forests thick with ferns that brushed against our legs as we passed. Creeks tumbled alongside the trail, their cool spray mingling with the scent of damp earth and pine. Waterfalls spilled over moss-covered rocks, their steady roar echoing through the trees. Every breath carried the freshness of rain soaked air, every step surrounded by the vibrant green of a landscape alive with sound and texture.

The terrain today kept us on our toes…muddy paths and slippery rocks made for slow, careful steps. But that’s all part of the adventure. Even with ponchos on, my shoes were happily baptized in mud and rainwater, carrying the day’s journey with them in every splash and squish.

For most of the day, the rain lingered. Each time we slipped off our ponchos, hoping for a stretch of clear skies, the drizzle would return..sometimes a light mist, other times a steady shower, keeping us guessing and never quite dry.

While the rain was an additional challenge, my fitness app stated I hiked 110 flights of stairs during the day.. that’s a good deal of climbing and great preparation for tomorrow.

Finally we reached our destination for the day. A small European hamlet.. and a welcome place to get dry and warm.

My thoughts: Today was challenging with the constant rain, and there were moments I felt weighed down by the mud and the gray skies. Yet the Camino has a way of reminding me why I’m here. Even on the hardest days, it offers moments of beauty that stop me in my tracks..a view through the mist, the sound of water rushing beside the trail, or simply the quiet peace of hiking. It feels as if every struggle is met with a gift, and that makes the effort not just worthwhile, but deeply meaningful. Always grateful to be able to be here and hike these trails.