Left Cee with overcast skies and the threat of rain. I walked the coastal path, which was pretty much directly on the water's edge as I left Cee - pretty view of town as I rounded the bend.

When I left the protection of the harbor, there were gale force winds for miles. Bubba kept catching the wind like a sail - it was hard to walk straight - I must have looked like a drunken sailor ;). (Funny story - I ran into a nice couple later from DC who said they were eating lunch as I walked by earlier, and they said they were giggling at how I was swerving along the way! - we had a good laugh.)

Then came the deluge. Where is Noah when you need him? The beautiful woodland paths became flowing rivers. There were many ups and downs today - so it was either flowing at me or away from me, but flowing fast! I tried to avoid the puddles in the beginning, but it was futile in the end, and just walked right through the rivers. My waterproof boots? Not so waterproof! My socks were completely soaked and every step sloshed through my toes. And my raincoat? Also not so waterproof either. Bubba's cover? Completely waterproof - go figure.

There was one point that a 20' wide by 50' long section in a flat area was a complete mud pit with the smallest rocks protruding in the center and no way around. I had to perform a circus like balancing act - If I lost my balance, I'd end up in the mud wrestling pit. I used my trusty poles for balance (each time lifting them was an effort and an interesting suction sound). I made it across clean! Whew.

As usual, didn't see anyone else all day. As finisterre came into view, it was covered by a big low cloud. As I got closer, the rain stopped and the sun came out (as if on queue) - well, for a bit anyway ;)

I walked along the white sand beach into Finisterre, and found my albergue easily (right off beach). Sprung for the private room (check out my view!!!).

Dropped my things and headed out to see the town. Highlights:
- So, you may know this about me (or may not), but I'm a sucker for what I affectionately call a "squish a penny" machine. You know, the one where you put a penny (and usually 2 quarters fee) into the machine, turn the crank, and you get an oblong penny with an imprint of the tourist location you are at. Well, believe it or not, the end of the world had a squish a penny!! (Except it was 5 cent euro to squish and a euro fee - but that didn't stop me). Squished my penny and went on my way!
- A Pirate bar?!? (Sadly, not open)
- They had a pretty decent grocery store, which was great as I plan to spend 2 nights here (check out all I got for 7 euro!)

Went back, did some laundry (a REAL washer AND dryer - pinch me!!), and then headed out to harbor for dinner. What I described as a deluge before was simply a slight shower compared to what started coming down at dinner. And I was a 15 minute walk from home. It rained so hard that the roof in the restaurant was leaking. First they brought out buckets, then I had to relocate (grabbing my placement, food, beverage, silverware, etc) to another table (twice!) to avoid the leaks! (Along with others - it was like a strange dance of musical chairs).

After my meal, I was waiting for the rain to let up, when I noticed someone coming towards my table. It is customary for pilgrims to join each other at dinner, but I was ready to make a dash for it, so I didn't look up (how rude of me!). Then I hear a man's voice say, "haven't we met before?" - really?? A pick up?? Ha.

When I looked up, it was Jacques from Sweden!! (He is the man I met at the train station in Porto on my first day who had done many caminos - and was my first pilgrim sighting. When we met that day, he said, "we'll see each other again" - and what do you know?). Tonight marked his 6th month of walking (something I wouldn't understand before but totally get now), and was meeting friends up the hill for a birthday party. He just ducked in to avoid the rain. So funny. It was like a bookend for me. Thinking back when I first met him - bubba was much too heavy, and I was completely unaware of what lay ahead. Now, here I was, completely confident in my role as a pilgrim. Such a change. We exchanged contact info, and he was off. He plans to do his next Camino from Grenada, and promises to tell me how it is.

About 15 mins after he left, there was a slight break on the weather, and I ran home. Dried off, and fell asleep to the sound of the ocean. Ahhhhh....

Tomorrow - off to see the end of the world!

Stats:
Start: Cee, Spain (8:45am)
End: finisterre, Spain (1pm)
Miles: 9.45