It was meant to be a rainy day, all day,so I was dreading the 20 km to the next town. Dressed in rain pants (not the best look), and my rain jacket, with my pack covered in it’s own rain cover, I was all set for a foul day, but shortish walk. And it didn’t rain a drop! The sun even came out for most the late morning/early afternoon making the rain pants a very poor choice!
I was walking with Kim and two Aussie women, Vicki and Chris, who Kim had spent some time with earlier on the Camino. The route out of Burgos was well marked and along a park road, so was quite pleasant. It was flat and we were chatty, so even though it was 10 km to the first little village, it seemed an easy road. And I was pleased to run into Bernard, my Irish friend from the first week at that first shop. Funny how people you think you may not see again turn up.
After Tarjados the path begins a long journey through the Meseta, the high plains area, where wheat, barley and oats are grown. There is little shade; just vast farmland. (I wondered, but avoided singing, whether these were the plains where it rains in Spain). The villages are further apart and the sun can be relentless so water and food are necessary for those journeying across. Once we got to Hornillos, others that I had encountered along the way appeared while we were having our afternoon cervaza at the bar. Rachel, Dave and Tom (the guitarist from Germany) were down at the hostel and Marge and John from Sacramento showed up. Still so strange to me to meet and re-meet so many people.
I am staying tonight at a casa rural just outside of town that is very delightful. Kim was booked in here as well, so we will have dinner here and head back to Hornillos in the morning to connect with the Camino and journey 21 km on to Castrojeriz, where I will be for 2 nights. Yay!
leaving Burgos
crossing the rio Arlanzon leaving Burgos
coming into Hornillos del Camino
the lonely Meseta
The river crossing picture is amazing, Lorrie!!!!!!!!