DAY 19: September 12 (Atapuerta to Burgos 22+km)

Despite the creaking floors, clunking doors and Spanish bed pillows (we will include a photo), we had a good sleep. Our early peregrinos driven by 1. avoiding the heat of the day 2. needing to get to an albergue in time to get a spot, are up before dawn, head lights on and gone. Everyone was very considerate about being as quiet as possible when leaving—kind of them. We actually had the breakfast room all to ourselves:-) We will soon be known on the way as “the lazy peregrinos”.
Our walk began a bit chilly as we had a head wind coming from the north. It was very comfortable especially as once again we began climbing and quickly warmed up.
Unless you look very carefully at your map, you do not see that this land is crossed with river valleys and small mountains. Thank heavens, the meseta is just over one of these “hills”!
There was an infinity labyrinth once we reached the top. This has been built out of rocks by peregrinos and each pilgrim passing is to walk the labyrinth and add to it….so we did.
Enroute we walked portions with a nun from Slovenia, women from Sweden and Italy, and a sweet couple from New Jersey. He is a young pastor and she has just finished divinity college.
There are two routes leading to Burgos—one through the industrial area and the less travelled one through a nature preserve. We chose the less travelled and discovered it was also less marked. Dad and his GPS app kept us on track.
Once again our hotel is by the church and the plaza under our window is festive tonight:-) It is decorated with balloons and sun flowers, a crowd is milling about, there are competing musicians, and earlier fireworks. We are beginning to think this is just how Friday is celebrated in Spain.