Day 9, Castro Urdiales to Laredo

The day started in the ickiest alburgue yet, but I got through it. This one might have been a step down from camping though.

It had me getting up early and off to a good start for the 30km trek. This morning the walk was so great. Beautiful scenery a little light rain, but 50 ish temps, it was pretty great. I saw people here and there but walked alone all morning. Up the hills that smell of roses, into a forest with moss covered rocks and to the forest edge where there was a magnificent view of the ocean and a cool breeze that felt so good after the climb.

I came to a gate that was holding in a herd of sheep, I’m not the outdoorsy type and I did wish I had someone with me to walk through them, but they really are more scared of me, haha.

Around 9am or so I came to a cafe. There were lots of other walkers there so I chatted with some, had my coffee and tortilla and set off again. The rest of the day was mostly walking along highways, it’s hard on the feet, scary and just not that great.

I did stop and have a snack and water at a roadside picnic area and met some new people. It’s funny, now that we are a week into the walk we all had met many of the same people. When I introduced myself to Richard (Australia) and Fredrick (girl from Finland) they said “oh we’ve heard about you, you’re from Kansas!” Then Fredrick said she thought I would have a stronger southern accent. I guess the New Yorkers think I do, funny.

After the roadside picnic I walked on, more highway and then…lost again. I got to Leíndo but lost my trail arrows. I haven’t been using an app, so it gets tricky sometimes. I was thoroughly confused and google maps can’t help me find the trail. Just then Susan (NZ) texted that she was in the same town at the cathedral. That I could Google map to, and I was back in business!

We had a coffee with some others and then we all set off for Laredo and the last 10k. It was all highway again until we got to Laredo.

We are staying at a convent. Susan and I have our own room and bathroom! The nuns gave us a sheet and pillowcase for our beds! It feels luxurious.

We went to dinner and it was the best meal I’ve had in Spain, no pintxos tonight! The nice people let us squeeze in at closing time. I had beautiful tomato salad and fresh, quick fried anchovies, with red wine. Then flan de cafe and an Americano. It feels so good to have had a real meal and not just the heavy bread snacks.

We went back to the church for the prayer service and then a mass. At the end of mass the priest blessed all of the pilgrims. It was very moving to be all together for this ritual.

There are so many thoughts swimming in my head, but it takes a lot of effort at the end of the day just to simply recount the events.

Thanks for being a part of my experience! Love you all.

Buen Camino.

XOXO,

Bon