Artieda

Today, Thursday, overcast weather made the walk from Arres to Artieda pleasant and refreshing after last night's soaking rain. The path consisted of mainly pebbled and dirt roadways with a few big puddles. Rain storms continue to follow us, and sure enough, by the time we reached the albergue it started to sprinkle.

Our group of walkers included Susanna and Michael and brothers Javier and Pedro. The brothers have walked other Caminos together -- Javier lives in Spain and Pedro in France so their walk brings them together. They both speak English, and Pedro told me that last year he drove Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica with his wife and son. 

The path wound through wheat fields and tree groves. Different types of birds were singing, including the Cukoo, which sounds just like Dad's clock he and Mom bought in Germany. Susanna said if an area has Cukoo birds, this means it's environmentally sound.

Dad took a "selfie" of everyone with his iPad.

Artist walker Joaquin from Malagra, Spain paints a watercolor at the albergue in Artieda.

A 'Salud' at dinner by pilgrims from Spain, Switzerland, Japan, and U.S.

Before dinner we all got a chance to see the local church, San Martin, located right next to the albergue. Originating in the 12th c., the church underwent alterations in the 16th. c.