April 21, 2017
I finally resigned to the fact I am 99% positive I got bed bugs. I woke up this morning with an additional 6 spots on my body. I woke up at 1:30am itching up a storm and every hour or so another itch would come. I had the pleasure of walking today with:
- a horrible cough again (thank you cold wind from last night)
- shin splints (so much downhill today)
- upset stomach (let’s just say I haven’t used the bathroom in multiple days, but Maartje got me some food that should help)
- AND 10+ bites on my body
Hiking (majority of the day) alone was difficult. I hiked a bit with this fella Dai (from Japan) I met him on the bus to Saint Jean on March 23rd. It was crazy to run into him because he was so far ahead of me, but he took a couple days off and WAM we ran into each other. After a couple miles we stopped to take a break and I let him know I was going to hike alone. No surprise he was super nice and didn’t take offense AT ALL. He just said “Buen Camino” and that was it. No big deal. *okay Ashley remember this, ha!*
Today was a short day but it took me soooo long to complete. I kept worrying about if I would get to say goodbye to a Michel (he started earlier than me and was going to hike an extra 10km.) But to my delight, I saw him as I walked into town and he decided to stay in the same town instead of hiking extra. PHEW. So basically I worried over nothing, typical.
It’s hard to say goodbye to pilgrims…For instance, Dai took a couple days off to take a bus AHEAD just to say goodbye to a fellow pilgrim. The relationships we make here are not the same as at home. It’s like we cut through all the bullshit and become family at warp speed.
Today was hard, no beating around the bush. I had ample scenery to enjoy and yet I found myself crying and worrying. But the good part of it was that I was alone (for the most part) and for that I am grateful. I stopped to take photos when I wanted. I cried when I wanted. I laughed when I wanted! (Specifically a butterfly flew into my face and I couldn’t help but cackle at the hilarity)
So when I got to town, I made it my mission to get my bug bites under control and washed everything. I didn’t quite think that through because it left me with NO clothes, aka I had to stay in my room for 2 hours waiting for laundry to finish. It’s Europe and all but I’m still a prude and won’t walk around in a towel, haha! The lady at the albergue took such sweet care of me and made me feel so calm.
After I got my clothes and took a much needed nap, I joined the group for a homemade meal. This is the first time I’ve made food at an albergue. I’ve always gone out to eat. Mainly because I am not talented in the kitchen! But I’m a great assistant, ha!
After posting this I plan on going to look at stars again. So long as I can stay awake 😂
Just 3 of the new 6 bites on my back 😡 growing up in the south I know what mosquito bites look like and they are not this😩
The sunrise this morning. I am pretty sure I have seen more sunrises here than my entire life combined.
After a brutal climb with congested lungs, this was beautiful 🙏🏼
These green fields… reminds me of Virginia
Right before I saw Michel, and right after the butterfly smashed into my face 😂
My room, all 3 beds to myself. Again– determined to sleep well tonight- bed bug free!
Our dinner in the beautiful albergue. Loving the chandeliers.
My beautiful bathroom 😍 nicer than my home haha
-Ashley
El Camino Chronicles 
I sure hope you got those bed bugs off of all your stuff. I can tell by the marks you shared that they are indeed need bugs and the are far more itchy than any other bite I’ve ever had! 😬
Did your legs (shin splints) get better? I found a gal online named Elisha Celeste that has since excellent blogs and videos for pain relief, I highly recommend you check her out. Her technique has already made A HUGE difference for me!
Oh, and if you’re interested I’d love to help you learn to cook when you get back! I’m already in need of some girl time with Heather being gone, so that’s one thing we could do if you want. I know you’re not looking forward to your trip ending but Jamey being gone still, but I’m sure other doors are going to open for you, as long as your mind and heart are open. I’m sure looking forward to spending time with you! 😊
Get yourself healed up! Love and hugs, Chrissy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I got all the bed bugs away! Thank goodness!
And I will definitely check her out. I feel like my shin splints come back every day at the end of the day but are gone in the mornings.
Yes to the cooking! I would absolutely love that. Count me in! I messaged Melissa and told her she should come up for a girls night too ❤
It’s hard to accept he will still be gone for so long but i think being around you and Niko will really help me feel his presence even more. I can’t wait to wrap my arms around you!!
LikeLike