Day 15: Cardeñuela Riopico - Burgos

Today I started walking and it was already light out! And not so cold! I "splurged" on a room with just two bunk beds, and sharing with 3 other women (2 German, 1 French) was much more chill than a big room. 

Not the most picturesque day, but also part of the Camino. Following the shells becomes a real scavenger hunt in the cities; you need to stay alert!

I was out by 7:30 and I walked about 2 k until the next town before stopping for the daily coffee. Before I knew it I was to the outskirts of Burgos!

Many pilgrims take a bus the last 10k into the city and I thought I might too, but it was a good morning for walking and still early and I am here to walk, after all! 

I arrived to the historic center around 11 and wandered into an adorable cafe that had loose leaf teas and gluten free bread. A sandwich and green tea later I decided to check out the municipal albergue, which has solid reviews. 

For €5, I have a space shared with just one other pilgrim in this modern and clean facility. 

J from Australia. 

Common kitchen area. 

Bike storage space. 

Burgos is beautiful. 

My legs and body feel good; I am settling into the routine of walking and aches, pains and complaints are subsiding. My boots feel great, my backpack isn't too heavy and I feel strong. 

Plan for tonight: tapas and rest. 

Kilometers walked: 18.44 (Fitbit), 13.59 (Buen Camino app). I did wander around Burgos A LOT! 

Day 14: Villafranca Montes de Oca - Cardeñuela Riopico

The albergue room was busy, in the night and early morning. I woke up just after 6 and stayed in bed stretching before rolling out at 6:30. I left the dorms at 7 and was surprised by a night dark sky filled with stars. Other early pilgrims stopped and marveled too. A group of us congregated around the cafe door below. It was not much higher than freezing, but with 12 k before the next village, coffee was not optional. The café opened on Spanish time... so a little after 7. ;)

An ascent up, along with the double espresso, helped me wake up and I witnessed another spectacular sunrise. The photos really don't do it justice, but I have to try. 

It was a beautiful walk and I chatted literature for a bit with a guy from Sevilla and said good morning to some of the now familiar faces that seem to be on about the same stages as me. 

We passed through pine trees and it reminded me a little of Flagstaff, Arizona. There was a funky rest stop about halfway, with painted wood and stones. 

Two rest stops and some kilometers later I arrived at San Juan. It was warming to sit in the sun in the plaza and let my fingers thaw... I didn't think I would be this chilly on the Camino in September, but I think gloves are in order. 

Picnic lunch spot:

While I was eating my lunch, I saw a fox scurry by!

I climbed another hill and came into a small town. Dinner is at the albergue tonight. 

I'm looking forward to having a shorter day tomorrow and seeing Burgos!

Kilometers walked: 22.41 (Fitbit), 24.48 (Buen Camino app).