More Great Knockers of the Camino!

I know that since this is my second instalment in this theme, that only the hardware nerds are tuning in now.

Stage 13: Atapuerca to Burgos (21 km - 24 degrees)

I truly found my final resting spot in Atapuerca with my beloved poppies. I am sure I have over 100 photos of poppies on my phone!
Today's journey was a kilometre and a half up, marked by a cross at the top, then a short plateau where we could spot our end destination (Burgos) on the distance, some 16 kilometres away. We passed several unique stone structures and marked our 300 km milestone--just 500 left to go!

500 km to go!

We are meeting some real pilgrims of life along the way. Today I met a young girl who has chosen to walk in fairly flimsy sandals and to be mute for two weeks. She would mouth responses to my questions and even managed to ask questions without using verbal language. I have included a photo of some discarded boots which are seen daily, however this weary pilgrim at least chose a spot where poppies beautify them! The last 6 or so km into Burgos was along a river not unlike my Massawippi. It was a well used trail by  locals for walking, jogging, biking, swimming and fishing. You can see that the young artists are active here also.

Arrival in Burgos was breathtaking! I think that this is the most beautiful city in my travelling log. I can't wait to explore more of what it has to offer on our rest day tomorrow.
We have once again arrived in a city in the midst of a fiesta--this one being the fiesta patronales San Pedro y San Pablo. The 'Giants' joined us in the square as we were eating our lunch. Jim and Laurel had previously seen them in Pamplona but for a first timer they are pretty impressive! Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog to really see the beauty of Burgos!

The Ups and Downs of the Camino!

Stage 12: Belorado to Atapuerca (31 km--24 degrees)

 

We had a great supper last night at the neighbouring albergue.  We are starting to get to know many of the other peregrinos traveling at our pace.

Today we walked over 30 kilometres and so our day began early and we were on the trail by 5:30.  As the sun rose, we left both the weather and terrain of the past couple of days behind us.  Clear skies of cobalt blue and forests of pine and oak gave us a different perspective and helped us forget that we had a long way to go.  At various rest stops throughout the day we continued our conversations with the different people we have met and became acquainted with a few more.  We are starting to feel like we are part of a community and it is a nice feeling.  This has taken longer for us as we have not been staying in the large communal albergues and opting instead for smaller ones with triple rooms.  These allow us to get an early start without waking up a dozen or so other pilgrims.  It also means that the snoring is reduced to only three as well--another bonus.

We climbed and descended a couple of ranges of big hills and eventually found ourselves on a high wide open plateau with beautiful expansive view.  A few kilometres later we walked into Atapuerca, our home for tonight and, as we just found out, the site of a prehistoric archeological dig.  More on that later.

Flora and Fauna Along the Camino

Stage 11: Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belarado (23 km--17 degrees)

Top collage:  snapshots from our evening in Santo Domingo de la Calzada (June 25, 2016) -- a creatively designed peregrino water fountain; a drumming troupe which "beat" their way through the streets; Jim experiencing a close shave; a medieval passageway beside the cathedral

Middle collage:  leaving town at 6:00 am; sunrise behind us as we walked; a cross along the way; coffee and "2nd breakfast" (and bathroom break) at Granon; admiring the scenery

Bottom collage:  arrival at our destination (Belarado) -- church we see from our albergue (note the stork nests on top and the building built into the rocky hillside behind); waiting until 12:00 to check in; our room; elevating our feet right after check-in (got one blister on the trek today); town square

No more olive groves, no more vineyards -- we have left these behind us in the province of La Rioja, as we crossed the border today into the province of Castille y Leon.  Now the Camino leads us through abundant crops of grains, potatoes, peas, and sunflowers, as far as the eye can see, across the rolling hills.  Our trail is gentle and the sky is cloudy, so we make faster time (averaging 5 kms per hour).  Halfway along, I (Laurel) started to feel sandpaper in the toe of one shoe; a quick inspection revealed a dreaded blister!  Luckily, on the spot at the side of the trail, Jim was able to expertly apply a gel-lined "toe toque" that Betty had available.  I subsequently made it to our destination of the day, Belorado.  

Stage 10: Najera To Santa Domingo de la Calzadaza (21 km--16 degrees)

Last night we observed the San Jaun Bautistas (St. John the Baptist) celebration in Najera. Thousands of youth aged 14-20 took over the town and partied the night away. I am not sure what St. John the Baptist thought about his celebration but the youth certainly enjoyed it! I included two photos to show first of all the youth and secondly the mess this morning as we left the town.

We had a short day walking only 21 km in a lovely cool temperature on a fairly flat trail. Although the sky was overcast the light was fantastic at times as evidenced in a few photos. We are now checked into a hotel with a TUB so we feel like we are having a spa day.
I have included one grid for the Grand babies!
Still loving our journey...