I miraculously dodged the rain today. I started early by Spanish standards. At 9:15 I was waiting outside the grocery store for it to open. While I leaned against the building, I had time to comtemplate the windy and cloudy sky. A quarter hour later, I was inside picking out something tasty to drink. The hotel water was somewhat brown this morning. After a quick stop at the post office to mail some postcards, I made a guestimate about how to leave town and it turned out to be correct.

The route is through the Canal of Berdún which is not a canal at all but the Aragon River Valley bordered by te Pirenees on one side and another ridge on the other. Today's walk was parallel to the River Aragon or the N240 almost all the time. Not much to report on during the hike. I stopped to watch the Spanish military at a firing range once and later I stopped for a sit next to the small fountain in Santa Cilia. Most of the time I was watching the sky.

I think I left Jaca just in time. The visibility was really poor in that direction. It was probably raining. The cloud cover was nearly complete but fortunately the camino stayed dry although around me I could see rain falling.

All the way to Puenta la Reina de Jaca, I did not feel more than a few drops. I pushed on to the next stop after purchasing some snacks at a gas station. Within 15-20 minutes, I was headed back though. There was only 1 albergue in Arrés and if it was closed that is it for accomodations. My understanding is that it is pretty likely to be closed in the off season too. Plus, there was a lot of rain falling all around. I made it back to Puenta la Reina de Jaca and the shelter of the local bar-hostal/hotel just as the rain arrived here.

It is just a light drizzle but I prefer sitting it out in a bar with my journal rather than standing dripping in front of a closed albergue. This was my planned destination anyway, but I arrived early enough to keep going. I am glad I did not get too far before deciding to turn around.

Tomorrow's destination is Artieda or Ruesta 9 km further. Artieda has only an albergue but Ruesta has a new albergue with meals and a bar. That presumes they are open of course. If not, I am screwed because there really is not other accomodations.

To date:
• 16 days total
• 2 rest days
• 14 walking days
• 217 approximate miles walked
• 70 miles to the main pilgrim trail
• 15.5 miles averaged per walking day