13 May 2023

Santander to Peñacastillo (minor accident)

Stage: 12A

Walked: 14,67 km

Planned: 5 km

Steps: 19,679

I had the worst night since Irun -when I couldn’t sleep because of my anxiety to begin El Camino.  As I was fighting the pain in my splint, I would intermittently fall sleep in my hostal bed, isolated from the world by a thin curtain. At 2:00 a French peregrine -whom stayed with her husband at my same hotel the night before, opened my curtain, took me by my arms and shook me very heavily -out of frustration because I was snoring. It felt wrong and horrible.  I panicked in the moment and the violent episode saddened me deeply from the human-interactions point of view. So much I could not reconcile my sleep.  At 5:30 I got off my bed and started to get ready for my journey from Santander to Santillana Del Mar. Having slept so little the night before, the journey started very low key, reflecting on what happened the night before. Thousands of thoughts going back and forth. I walked very upset but efficiently the first 7 km and decided to get breakfast in Peñacastillo - to wash away the episode and continue. When I was about to reach the restaurant, my both feet got somehow locked in the sidewalk in the edge of some loose tiles. I ended up smashing my face against the ground.  Everything happened so quickly I could barely believe it. I started to bleeding heavily and immediately. I used water to dilute the blood it and wash if my face and recover from the impact. As I touched every part of my face, I honestly thought I had broken bones in my nose and jaw.  I was convinced of it. I use the camera in my phone to confirm I was alright. I immediately booked a hotel in the area and headed for the emergency services. After x-rays and examination from a physician, I was let go with ice and pain killers and recommended rest for 48h. Nothing serious happened. No broken bones or damaged tissue. I still don’t get it but I thanked and still thank God. I ate something and headed back to the hotel. Had a hot shower and put ice on my face for the rest of the night. The camino was now on hold.