Day 13: Ages - Burgos, 22.5 km.
The Albergue I stayed in last night was such an experience. The last picture from yesterday is of the darling couple who ran it. I stayed on the 3rd floor of the house with a roof line that ensured I could never stand up straight and could barely sit on the bed without hitting my head on a beam. It was donation requested. The best part is they offered a vegan peregrinos menu he cooked himself with all you can drink vino tinto, it was amazing.
Marina and I were up and out early to try to make it to Burgos in time to explore the town. With over 22 kms to cover, we were moving at a good clip. The morning was misty and beautiful. We were serenaded (or quite possibly mocked) by cuckoo birds who apparently only "cuckoo" for a couple weeks in spring. Walking through the mist with the call of the birds is quite a lovely way to start the day.
I'm sporting some new blisters, this time on my heal, and didn't have a great “feet day”. (see last pics below, if you can stomach it) Getting into cities can be a slog, making my way around the airport and through industry, so that seemed to irritate my feet. The last 8 kms was along the river. It just felt long, really really long. Everyone who we encountered was saying so.
I beat my friend Bryan’s arrival to the hotel I booked, for the very first time, a real hotel, AC Hotel Burgos by Marriott, that was not a pilgrim’s place to overnight. It was clean and white and comfortable and a complete change of pace from the last 13 nights on the road. I decided to take my first day off from hiking tomorrow to acclimate with having a friend from the states join me and to spend some time experiencing Burgos. I had decided at the start of the journey I would take it as whatever pace felt right, just being in the moment and following the signs, inner guidance as well as Camino guidance. Luckily I had time to shower the road dust off before he arrived. He's like a new shiny penny and I am definitely not, even after a long, hot shower!!! Haha. He arrived in time for a fabulous dinner on the plaza!! Plenty of fabulous vino tinto to be had!!!
