Day 15 - Rabe de las Calzados - Hontanas

The wind came up very loud in the wee hours last night.  We are supposed to be on the meseta (high plains) in the morning.  By the time we finish breakfast and get all our gear on the wind has stopped but it is raining hard!  Once we get going it is not so bad.  The rain has softened the track so it is easier on our feet.  We stopped in Hornillos del Camino for our cafe con leche and a change of socks for me on my right foot plus a plastic bag (my right side got all of the rain).  Past SanBol and smack into the mud!  The mud lasted into Hontanas.  Our legs were very tired carrying that heavy gumbo the last 4kms.  Here at the Albergue Santa Brigada there is a special courtyard with a hose and drain for washing the mud off of your boots, sticks and rain pants.  We had lunch, showered (best shower so far) and rested.  We will have a pilgrim´s dinner tonight - salad, chicken paella, dessert (vanilla custard with cinnamon) and wine of course.  Almost forgot, as you come into Hontanas there is a tiny hermitage of Santa Brigada with an amazing tiny domed rock ceiling.  It is finished inside and painted blue with a mural of flowers around it.  It was so unexpected that we almost missed it!  We are both feeling good, getting lots of rest and enjoying the outdoors.  Our hands are very brown from the sun.  This is a beautiful way to see a beautiful country.  Today Joanne and Brian are celebrating their 20th Anniversary!  Buen Camino!