We broke out the ponchos today

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Originally uploaded by johnpigott0820

We left the albergue in Estella around 8:00 and set off prepared for the wet weather that was forecasted last night. We all wore t shirts and turtle neck mid layers, but no vests and no jackets, only ponchos over the lot. Robin and I used the Altus and they worked fine especially in the gusty winds. No flapping all over the place. We were a bit cold starting out (temps were around 40 F) but as always we quickly warmed up as our daily up and down interval training continued. We made our way through the darkened streets of Estella and onto the camino bound for Los Arcos (21 kms). Light rain was falling and the wind was cold and gusty. Then it just got worse. We made the obligatory stop at the wine fountain at Irache, had a small taste and moved on. Our intermediate stop was to be in Villamayor de Monjardin, where we hoped to find a bar open for a coffee. No such luck. As we crested the town the wind was realy picking up and very cold. This was poncho snapping wind with a chill rain as a perfect accompaniment. We had another 11.5 kms to go to Los Arcos and nothing in between. No nada. So we could only carry on coffee less and cold. As we descended down from Monjardin the mist shrouding the nearby hills crept down into the valley to envelop us in a continuous light to moderate rain. We pushed on with no complaints. We were all thankful we were capable of doing the work ahead (at least we were today). The rain made the camino muddy in a few spots but were able to find good footing most of the way. I can´t imagine what it would be like if it was solid mud the whole way. The one section we hit made it very difficult to maintain traction (even with good boots). One step forward and a half step sliding back. Ugh!! Despite all of this we arrived safely in Los Arcos at 1:40. We are now bedded down in the Casa Alberdi (private hostel). We are now washing and drying clothes and gear in expectations of similar weather tomorrow. Everyone in our group is doing well. No injuries or blisters. Spirits remain high. Fet stayed dry. The camino just amazes me. A final note, I apologize for not being able to respond to the comments and encouragements we have recieved so far. We are very thankful for them and will certainly need them as our journey continues. Stay tuned and thank you all.