DAY 12 To Burgos

It was another cool, foggy morning when we left San Juan Ortega.  Our spirits were high as we knew we would be in Burgos tonight.  Real restaurants, supermarkets, deluxe hotels, all of which will take my credit cards.

We quickly walked to and through Ages.  Before long we were walking through Atapuerca.  We were indeed moving at a quick pace.  We travelled on in the fog and soon found ourselves ascending another hilltop above 1,000 meters.  We heard sheep, smelled their aroma, and then saw them.  They were ambivalent to our passing.  Just more peregrine on the Camino.

As we made our way up to Cruciero the terrain became very rocky and somewhat jagged.  Vicky's contempt for the terrain was soon born on me.  It was my idea after all to walk the Camino.  She was in full princess mode and nothing I would do could quickly recover her high spirits.  We soon came upon a poem to pilgrims.  I will have to get someone to translate it for me.

As we were coming down the hill we were joined by a young man and young woman from S. Korea.  I'm not sure if they were a couple.  She had been to the US and was eager to express her love for it.  I told her we love it too.  They explained their was a short cut to Cardenuela Rio Pico that would save us over one kilometer.  We walked with them and Vic's spirit began to recover.  As we entered town there was a bar.  We had few euros left so we split a sandwich, chips, and each had a coke.

I asked the bartender where we could catch a Burgos municipal bus as we have heard many negative things about walking through this side of Burgos.  She said by the hotel.  It turns out the hotel was 5 Kms away.  To make matters worse you have to walk around the Burgos Airport perimeter fence.  I just don't buy into the idea that St. James had to walk around that airport.  Two French peregrine were waiting for the bus and we waited with them.  They said they were going to attempt walking the Mesata between Burgos and Leon.  Not much to see and said to be mind numbing.  We will take the bus to Leon.  My mind is numb enough already thank you.

We arrived downtown and rented a room in  the 4 star hotel Almirante Bonifaz.  We are close to the Cathedtal, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.  Not that we are eager for nightlife today; but if we wanted it we're here.

Tomorrow will be a day of rest and sightseeing.