a tough day

Was raining when we got up this morning---i.ve been really blessed with the weather---really glorious days---but today was not one of them---by the time I got going at 715 the rain had stopped and it looked like i was wearing all my wet weather gear for show---but about an hour into the walk there was a shower followed by another---and then it became more persistent and the wind picked up---gusting so hard at times that it would blow me a couple of steps across the road---and for a time the rain was coming from head on---i worked out that if i put my head forward enoughthen the brim of my hat would stop the rain on my face---but i could then only see 2 feet in front of me (so to speak). Great to take 5 minutes respite from the rain to catch up with Mum and Maz---Sorry you got the short straw Jo---those calls were from one of about 6 phones that didnt work today. Finally got to the outskirts of Palas de Rei and there was a brand new Albergue--great to get out of the rain and get my dripping wet things off and claim a bed----and then i realised there was no meals available and no bars ,shops, restaurants nearby---no washing machines,dryers,no internet---the place was very clean but no warmth or positive energy. For the 1st time on this journey---and despite it still pouring outside--I decided to move on---About 1km further was the town with lots of bars, shops etc--and an Albergue---when I walked in there there were about 10 people sitting around waiting to be attended to but no official in sight---a woman I knew said she was staying but ¨¨it was very basic¨¨---and it looked a cold grey place. I finally looked up my guide--would have normally done this earlier but in pouring rain it does have its problems---and I had noted that there was a 3rd Albergue in this town---SOOOOO for the 2nd time on this journey I walked out into the rain again. The 3rd Albergue was only another 100m further on---and more like im used to--a warm welcome---and small rooms --but crowded--the good ones often are---the camino is now stacked with people who have started walking in the last few days--i would say more than half of them---so there are a lot more people around--and a lot more strangers---ran into Jethro this morning in a bar--still full of beans---but has been slowed down with foot trouble--and Andres from Iceland---was doing huge distances---but was laid up for 6 days with stomach problems--finally on anti-biotics---but moving again today---walking entirely on my own again today---and content with that---i.m limping a bit on my left ankle again---its crying out for a weeks rest---i.m promising it a week starting Thursday---Love to all --your support has been so significant in getting me thus far---hopefully a few more kms tomorrow