Stage 13 Burgos to Hornillos/Rabe de las Calzadas

Beautiful sunrise this morning 

My alarm went off this morning at 5:30 AM. As I made my way to the bathroom, I saw Lea making herself coffee in the kitchen. Justin wasn’t up. 

Lea and I got ourselves ready to go. We ask each other about Justin. Neither of us knew when or if he was getting up. at 6 AM as we were about to leave, Jayne got up and rousted Justin saying, “get ready to go“. Otherwise, I suspect we would’ve just left him behind. He quickly got himself packed. Justin did not have a phone charger. He was going to leave without one. He said he assumed the better Albergues would have one for him (really?). I said he should take his moms and let her get a new one. He did. We said goodbye to Jayne and left at 6:15, Lea Justin and me.

As we started our walk, I asked Justin whether he would have gotten up, without his mom waking him up. He said that he was waiting for somebody to wake him up. I thought that was a bad omen. There won’t be anyone to wake him up and take care of him on the Camino. 

It took us a while to find the path out of Burgos. We found it and got into the procession of Pilgrims walking in the dark. 

After walking for a while I separated from Lea and Justin to get some time alone. Peaceful and contemplative. 

A bit later, we walked together for a while, before Justin went off ahead. I discussed The entire Justin situation with Lea, telling her exactly how I felt. I told her she could take care of Justin if she wanted but I could not and would not. 

Lea and I had a chance to have deep conversation and get to know each other better. At one point she started to cry for no reason. Despite that she has a hard life, I told her I am impressed by her strength, independence, maturity and people skills.

We got to a town for our customary breakfast. We met up with Sean from Limerick. No sign of Justin. We expected to see him but didn’t. 

After breakfast, Lea and I began walking. At 9:30 a.m. we reached our destination Rabe de las Calzadas (way too early). We had to stay here because the main town ahead, Hornillos was fully booked. So, tomorrow we have to walk an extra 8 km. Total for tomorrow will be 18-19 miles - yikes! We will set out very early. 

We tried to check into our hotel here in Rabe, but it is too early. So we found a nice cafe along the Camino. We are having coffee an fresh squeezed orange juice. Pilgrim watching. Seeing some friends walk by. Just saw the doctors from SF. 

10:45 a.m. well caffeinated. Relaxed. Feet out of sandals, feeling good. 

I am finding myself. I look in the mirror and I like what I see. I look in my mind and I like what I think. I am happy.

Love,

the bear