It was a perfect ending to my abbreviated Camino. A gorgeous day in Burgos. Emotional church service at the Cathedral. A leisurely stroll through town along the river and window shopping.
Attended a Picasso exhibit of 100 of his religious-themed paintings and drawings at the cathedral catacombs. It contained a lot of interesting historical information of which I wasn’t previously aware.
Met my friend Trish from Australia in the afternoon – she’s been a day behind us but used her ‘tramping’ superpowers to catch up. 💪🙂
We walked to the promenade for beverages and tapas in the shade. Then went to the cathedral area to meet more friends – Linda and Gerwyn. Since I’d eaten already I just had a coke – the cokes in Europe just taste better. And later followed it with dessert as a big finale – one of the best ice cream cones I’ve ever had … Mora (blackberry) and Manderina (tangerine).
We said our goodbyes about 8:30 pm and I headed back to the hotel to start packing.
I love and will miss the beauty and culture of Spain, the warm hosts and townspeople, and the atmosphere of the Camino.
I love the daily routine of hiking – up and out with the sun (or rain), the slow pace of hiking through beautiful terrain, stopping regularly for excellent coffee and snacks, the physical challenge of a long day of exercise, the sound of songbirds, the breeze on a warm day, the farm animals, the families of cats. Cobblestone and old doors. Poppies. Stork families in the steeples. Amazing churches.
But there’s no doubt for me that the best part of the Camino is meeting people from all over the world and spending the time to get to know them while we walk and in the evenings. It’s the people who make the places truly special. I set up a Camino2026 chat group on WhatsApp and will now live vicariously through my friends’ updates. And I’ll cheer (and probably cry) when they reach Santiago. Go well, my dear friends. Buen Camino! 💕🌻🌈🇪🇸☕️🥾🌅
Grand totals from SJPD to Burgos:
Days walked: 13
Floors climbed: 250 (61 of which occurred during that first brutal day’s climb)
Miles: 187.9 (Km: 302.4)
Steps: 475,271
Funds raised thus far for charity:water: $1885
Our neighbors who will get to have clean water for life: 47
That last number is, really, the most important. The people being given clean water are our neighbors (see Matt. 25 💕).
It costs an average of $40 to bring clean water to one person. I would be so grateful if you’d consider donating to my fundraiser. https://www.charitywater.org/marilyn-peterson/marilyn-s-camino-for-water-2026
The fund raiser remains open for another 3 weeks. Funds go directly to charity:water – not to me – and you get a tax receipt for your charitable donation. Win-win. 😃
More later…
I’m proud of you,Marilyn. Mother
Thanks, Mom!! 🙂