April 28 - Day 15

Day 15 - Ages to Burgos - 23 km

Breakfast at albergue included eggs and toast, more substantial than most albergue breakfasts. Good thing, since the next town didn’t have any cafes open.

We walked through a dense fog for the morning. It felt a bit eerie, like we were all alone. Except for a couple a fluorescent pack covers ahead of us. At one point we came upon a huge flock of sheep and on the other side of the trail was a military zone, with a triple barbed wire fence. Not very effective though, as there was also an open gate. And all it appeared to be was a big field of rocks.

The trail was very rocky as well, and wound upwards in the mist, finally descending out of the fog and into some small villages.

We stopped at a cafe and ordered the hot chocolate. Sounded good but very thick and rich, like warm pudding in a glass.

Today was the first time my body complained loudly. Other days I have been sore and tired, but today my right shin hurt, like a stab in the front of my leg with every step. Made the walk feel even longer.

One the the pieces of advice I heard many times was to turn left to enter Burgos. That way you avoid the loud, harsh industrial area. Instead you walk along the river through a park. Good advice. It was a nice area, but so long! We kept wondering if we would ever arrive.

And we did, about 1:30, so not even late. Just ready to quit for the day. We stayed at the Burgos Hostel, which is not just for pilgrims, there was a group of teenage girls for some sporting event, a family, and a group of women with neon wigs. One dressed in white. Was it a stagette?, and why would you stay at a hostel for your stagette?

Shower, snacks no laundry - too tired. Met up with Kathy and Penny! In fact our whole group was now in the same city! We did see everyone today but very briefly.

Rachel and I went for a walk to see the Burgos Cathedral. Wow! It is amazing! Renovated around 1997, it is gigantic, and full of many different and ornate chapels! A bit much for us.

Then we met with a group that we met at the beginning of the Camino for dinner and wine. Followed by ice cream. Very nice.

Booked ahead two days due to Spanish holiday for May 1. Very busy!

Tired now but lots of activity in hostel. All our room is pilgrims but walls are thin.

Today’s lesson: I am not invincible after all.

Hot chocolate, pastry and lunch sandwich 6.50€

Hostel 16.50€

Pop 1€

Burgos Cathedral tour 4.50€

Supper 15€

Ice cream 2.50€