Stage 12: San Juan de Ortega to Burgos

I usually write this blog in the afternoon in a note and paste it over and edit it. I didn’t write anything today. I was unsure whether to write at all. It is almost bedtime and I decided to just write this in one draft and see how it goes. We walked about 15-16 miles today. Mostly flat. A lot of it along roadways. Not very serene. 

We got up at 5:15 am to get an early start. I fear that we woke up all the people in the Albergue. I started out in the dark with Jayne and Lori from Phoenix. We were able to follow the path, marked by yellow arrows, for about five miles. We lost it in a small town. We were on a lesser traveled path because our last Albergue was a few km off the main Camino. We wandered around the town a bit and consulted google maps. Then we saw some pilgrims (distinguished by their backpacks and poles). As we approached them, we saw that it was Lea and Justin. They left about 20 minutes after us.

We walked with them along the main road towards Burgos. The sky was beautiful. Rain had threatened the last couple of days.

After a few miles, Jayne saw a hotel where she would be able to use the bathroom. We noticed that they had a restaurant, so we all had breakfast. All the diners stared at us. I wondered if we smelled bad. 

I need to point out that the Spanish people treat the pilgrims VERY well. They greet us with “Buen Camino”. They are happy to see us and very supportive. Whenever possible, I try to greet the people I meet on the street with a pleasant, “Hola, buenas dias”. 

Burgos is a big beautiful city. When we got to the outskirts, the path took a bit of a turn. It continued a few more miles along a small river into the city center.

It was early to check in to our place. Jayne wanted to see the church. It is a SPECTACULAR Gothic Cathedral. 

Someone said it is over 1000 years old. We met up with the British gals for lunch. I always enjoy their company. It saddens me that we are on different schedules and won’t see each other again.

So that I could remember her voice, I asked Lynda to read a poem: 

Lea told me that Lynda had something on her pack that indicated she was a witch (like an herbalist). I asked Lea if she had ever watched The Wizard of Oz. She hadn’t. I explained that Lynda was a good witch.

After lunch we checked into our APARTMENT! Two bedrooms, two baths, a living room, kitchen and deck with view of the Cathedral. So luxurious compared to the Albergues. We are staying here two nights. After that Jayne and Justin are skipping some stages, taking the train ahead, to get to Santiago early, because of family commitments. (Sorry for that long run on sentence- this is one draft writing). 

Lea and I will continue on ahead together. I have us booked with lodging through next Sunday. With the crowds, it is necessary to book ahead. 

Justin, Lea and I took a walk to get tobacco for Lea and a few other things. I got a new straw hat at the dollar store $2.50 this time. We found some peaches. 

Jayne and Lea went shopping for groceries. Jayne made us all bow tie pasta with Alfredo sauce and a mixed salad for dinner. She said a prayer before we ate. I found Chunky Monkey ice cream for dessert.

Lea is cooking lasagna for lunch tomorrow. The doctors from San Francisco and my pals Juan and Maria from Miami are coming over. Tomorrow night we are going out for a fancy dinner with all of them.

I soaked and cared for my feet, called my mom, wrote this blog and went to bed.

Love,

the bear

P.S. Happy Birthday Beth