Day 12
Stepped out of the albergue at 5:45 AM into a cold, misty morning. I walked in the dark for several km and a good portion of it was unmarked. At one point I thought I might have gone the wrong direction and turned around to see what was behind me. I realized what I thought was a car’s headlights in the distance were actually pilgrims’ headlamps walking the same direction. A good sign.
Spotted a little black cat hunting mice by the side of the road. She was doing her best. Unlike a lot of cats on the farms, she purred loudly and let me scratch her forehead. I gave her some treats while she waited for her proper breakfast to come out of a burrow.
In the first town there was only one small shop open. The owner was being an entrepreneur and selling coffee in small paper cups to the pilgrims. I noticed it was all coming out of a Kuerig machine and decided to keep walking.
Not a lot of photos from this morning’s hike as the fog was quite heavy. I knew from studying the guide there was one huge hill to climb – then it would all be downhill. The hill’s path was bordered on the right by sheep farms – caught a couple sheep bringing equally curious.
On the left was a military practice zone and the path was increasingly ominous as it went on.
Scenic view from the top:
The trail evened out and joined the street. A little fox terrier was out for a morning stroll, hunting mice along the road when she could sense them. She loved that I’d packed her some treats and became my walking buddy to the cafe in the next town, where her cuteness got her several snacks.
Peta walked in behind me at the cafe and we sat and had breakfast together. Mine was cafe con leche, fresh orange juice, and a tuna fish pastry. We headed out separately.
The hike into Burgos was a real slog. I think last time I’d taken the scenic route along the river. This time – not so much. In the shoulder of the road around the airport. Then through miles of an industrial area. There were no service facilities so eventually I stopped in at a gas station – then bought a can of mineral water on my way out.
Met Peta a few kilometers from town center and we hiked together through the city to the municipal albergue. Centrally-located. Gothic exterior-completely renovated inside. All the mod-cons. Only 10€ per bunk.
Didn’t take long to settle in. After shower, laundry, and a nap I finally found an Orange internet shop to fix my phone so my SIM card will work. Now I can use WhatsApp even from the trail. It wouldn’t have been the end of the world if it hadn’t happened.
I’m going to see if I can get to mass st the cathedral by 7:30.
More later…
If you’d like more information about my walk for charity:water, tplease follow this link. Thank you!
https://www.charitywater.org/marilyn-peterson/marilyn-s-camino-for-water
Two postcards in one day – what a treat! Cute dog. I guess you have a headlamp as well? I admire your brave pilgrim spirit. Those soldiers in the military practice zone are super well camouflaged because I cannot see any of them in the picture. Glad you had some breakfast company. Gothic exterior with all mod cons sounds like a desirable description in so many ways! Hope you make to mass and find more inspiration than you did in the industrial landscape