Its raining, its pouring and I am in Villafranca Montes de Oca

Today I had to test all my raingear - and it worked. But before I get to that, let me go back to yesterday in Belorado (finally got the name correct.) After doing my blog, it started raining, so I just stayed in the dormitory. And it continued raining and I fell asleep and only woke up at 9.30pm. I think I was exhausted, as I was also cold and occasionally experiencing cold shivers. So I sat in the lounge for a bit and at 10.00pm went back to bed and slept till about 7.30am. I couldnt believe I could sleep so much.

By morning I was feeling fine, but still decided to have a half day today. So I set out for Villafranca, 12km away, instead of walking all the way to San Juan de Ortega. I started late, and was walking along when a fine drizzle started. SO out came the raingear- packed on top of everything as per instructions from the Willsons, and put on rainpants, jacket and raincover on my backpack. One important learning - it took me about 5 min to do it - so I must learn to anticipate heavy rain! It was a lovely mornings walk. THe rain was like a drizzle most of the time and it was pleasant and cool walking. The paths are normally stony and rocky and full of gravel, and all the time I look for a smooth part. Today I looked for the stones and gravel because walking in mud is not fun and the stones give grip to ones boots.

I reached Villafranca about 12.00 with some people from Germany and we decided to try the new Auberge, and I am glad we did. It s a lovely and clean place with all the facilities one needs.

I wont do much exploring as it is cold and wet outside. In any case this is a half rest day, so I intend to take it easy.  I found my Kiwi friends here, Rob and Debs, and we shared a bottle of wine and caught up on all the people and events of the last few days.

I have heard (on the camino web ie what others say) that tomorrow the sun will shine. Hooray!
Tillthen, Adios