Footsteps to Journeys

16.2 Miles

We are motivated today! Mainly because we have 2 nights and a rest day in Burgos! In a hotel. With real towels. And a bathtub…bubbles, here I come! Ok…TMI. But, hey…it’s been a long 12 days.

We started out early as is our norm, waking up when our 20 roommates began to stir.  No time for food, we’re on our way by about 7:00. We were soon in the first town, Ages, and stopped for breakfast where we could sit inside and warm up! It was 4°C outside. (39°F) A hot coffee, fresh OJ, carrot cake, and an empanada later, we were good to go. We shared, by the way…Dale is getting really good at it!

We left Ages by way of a medieval stone bridge, built by San Juan de Ortega to assist pilgrims on the El Camino de Santiago.

Gaining Height

Going through Atapuerca, we began our ascent to Cruz de Matagrande Punto de Vista, a high point at 3,543 ft. From here you have your first view of Burgos. At the top is a large cross surrounded by stones.

A Missed Path

Coming down into the valley via a long descent, you have path choices. And a lot of road construction (reminded me of Atlanta). There are 3 paths; through a green parkland, the original main route, or a highway route which goes through a large industrial area. We had decided to take the first option. (Duh!) However, due to limited signage and confusing construction, we ended up on option 3. Not good.

Long walk into short story, by the time we finally reached the old city, almost 5 miles later, we were done in!

Arrival

Going through the Arco Santa Maria into the Plaza, the cathedral literally takes your breath away. Our hotel was right on the plaza across from it. We checked in, and made it to our room, where bubbles awaited my tired, aching feet.

After resting, we ventured out into the plaza and found a place to eat. As we were waiting for our order to be taken, shouting erupted inside the restaurant (we were seated outisde). The owner was extremely upset about something a customer had done or said. The shouting went on for 10 minutes or more as the owner vented his feelings, and his employees were holding him back. People were stopping all along the plaza walks to look. 

Another pilgrim couple we had met stopped by and ended up sitting with us. It was quite the show! However, we enjoyed a Iong, relaxing meal with an excellent bottle of wine. Not a bad way to begin our “rest day.”

Early start