Day 18 Lugar do Corgo to Ponte De Lima 14km

Today was as awful as the forecasters said it would be. We set out at 9am and it was bucketing rain, and it rained and rained and rained. We walked through mud, puddles, miniature lakes, and splashing cars. Our outer rain gear, which was admittedly limited, gave up the ghost after about an hour. Our walk, at 14km, was relatively short, but we were completely wet through when we got to Ponte De Lima. It is a day we won't forget. We could not even take a photo (any here are borrowed from yesterday). The woman in the cafe, where we took a break at half way, looked appalled at our arrival and quickly produced cardboard to put under our squelching backpacks. We were not a pretty sight!

Oranges ready for harvest

Last night's dinner was a bit of an event. I counted 18 at the long table including pilgrims and the host family. So, around the table there were French, Canadian, Dutch, German, Irish, American and Portuguese - a regular Tower of Babel! A lovely chicken and potato dish was gobbled up, and this was accompanied by red and white wine home brewed on the premises, a selection of ports, and something called fire water!! After the food, one of the German guests was persuaded to play a guitar and sing some 60s songs. Then the Portuguese contingent took over and made a wonderful noise - they were super.

Sleepy dog at Fernanda's 

The forecast for tomorrow is for more constant rain, but not with the volumes experienced today. Mary accessed a drier here at the very modern youth hostel, so we will be dry starting out. Subsequent days should be better.