You’ve heard the rhyme. Good night. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.

But did you know that bedbugs are a very real threat on the Camino? I’ve seen some pretty bad bites, talked to people who had their albergue shut down the day they were leaving due to an infestation, and heard from a friend that one couple gave up after two bedbug attacks.

I was actually pretty freaked out about the bedbug thing when I started my walk, which is why I treated my backpack and sleeping bag with permethrin, and I check the mattresses regularly each night. Yet, despite my best efforts, two big bites appeared on my neck today and then two more on my face.

So I am now sitting in my dorm room in a T-shirt and boxer shorts while all my clothes, backpack, and sleeping bag are washed in hot water and dried. (The clothes I’m wearing will go in the laundry next.) I’ve gone through everything else I’m carrying (e.g. each page of my passport, each item in my first aid kit, removed my phone from its case) to make sure I didn’t have any stray hitchhikers.

It wasn’t my best day. The only bright spot was a care package I picked up at the post office along the way from my hubby (who is awesome). But it was a scenic walk. Enjoy the photos!

Today I walked 20 miles.