The rain arrived with a vengeance, hammering it down from the early hours and didn’t let up until a brief period in the afternoon.
We grabbed breakfast at the bar, donned the ponchos and began Day 9. It was flat roadside walking for 7km before the start of the only climb of the day.
The path leaves the concrete onto a gravel track with gushing streams of deluge, running off the hill – I was practically wading.
The views were obscured by the cloud cover – it was just an upward, wet slog. At the top you enter a country park to begin the descent into Bilbao.
The outskirts of the city is very steep and the rainwater had turned the roads in water slide – I ended up doing a superman impression.
The descent didn’t let up until well into the city, where it leads you to the river, over a bridge then along the other bank, where my Hostel is located.
I was soaked. the rain was so heavy and constant, the Goretex in my trainers had failed and it even overwhelmed my poncho – unfortunately my credential also suffered.
John and Neill eventually arrived and we all went to get some food. I then visited the Guggenheim. Art work is a little lost on me, but I had all afternoon in Bilbao, as it was a short 14km stage.
The whole Camino gang met up Plaza Nueva, a square surrounded by tapas and pincho bars. We dined on good food and drink, however we were treated to a little bit of Camino Magic, Lyn from Amsterdam was there!
It was one last get together with everyone I had been walking with, before we split. The group are either finishing in Bilbao, skipping ahead or spending an extra day in the city.
I have been told the worst of the walk is now behind me, with the route getting easier past Bilbao. Just as well as my trainers aren’t dry yet!
Stu's Camino 