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Redondela is a bustling junction where several Camino routes converge from the south, and being about 100 kilometers from Santiago, it attracts a steady stream of pilgrims. Translation: it’s a bit of a pedestrian traffic jam! Picture a constant flow of walkers, chatting away in groups of four or five, completely blocking the trail. Navigating this gauntlet wasn’t exactly easy, especially for someone like me who prefers a more introspective pilgrimage. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy a good Camino chat, but there’s a time and a place for socializing.

And then, there was the rain. Oh, the rain! It poured all day, soaking us right down to our bones. I had two layers of rain gear, and my backpack was triple-protected—it stayed dry (thankfully), but I was a walking puddle. My main strategy was simple: escape the crowds. Spoiler alert: the crowds were relentless. At every village, I hoped for a cozy café to dry off and warm up, but the cafés were packed to the brim with other waterlogged pilgrims. With their doors wide open and soaked patrons shedding rain everywhere, it was just as wet inside as out. So much for drying off.

By the time we finished the day’s trek, we decided we’d earned a little comfort. We booked a hotel for some much-needed relief—warm showers, adjustable heat, and, most importantly, space to spread out and actually dry off. After a long, wet slog, it felt like pure luxury. Sometimes, you’ve got to treat yourself, especially on a day like today!