Our day began with another long climb, this time in the mist which lifted after about an hour of walking. From the tops the views are, apparently, awe-inspiring. It was a different story today but no less awesome.
In the mist at Cruz de Matagrande
The sun began to burn-off the mist as we completed our descent.
The sun breaks through near Villaval
The fields of sunflowers, which can only be described as past their best, in fact you’d be forgiven for thinking them dead, turned their heads to the sun, just as they always have.
After coffee and baguette at a cafe very popular with pilgrims in the small village of Cardenuela RioPico it was a long slog to Burgos. We took the recommended option in the guide book, the route which took us off the road, behind the airport,
Industry to the left of us and Burgos airport to the right
and then along the banks of the Rio Arlanzon into Burgos.
It was scorching by then and near midday we collapsed amongst some long grass beneath a tree. I was too hot and too tired to voice a passing concern about snakes. Later, after some water, well a lot of water, and yet another examination of the blister situation we started walking again.
The path was a narrow dirt track amongst trees and longish grass, relatively easy on the feet despite the heat. Burgos and our hotel with an entire room and a bathroom to ourselves lay ahead. I was dreaming of real towels, king sized towels, wrap your whole self in them towels, when at my feet there was a crackling, rattling, moving quickly sound.
I screamed before I saw it but saw it I did, and then screamed some more! It was long, it was a blotchy brown colour, it was fast moving. It may very well have been scared of me, but I wasn’t sticking around to find out!
We’ve made it to the hotel – the towels are perfectly gigantic.
An aside: on the matter of the blisters, the third, and last of the three, may actually be improving. Helped along by something called hikers’ wool. Another very kind pilgrim, this time from Kansas, gifted me some. She’d ordered it from New Zealand, how’s that for irony? I’ve never seen the stuff before. It seems to have done the trick.
Categories: Camino de Santiago, Europe, Spain
Jill's Scene 
I’m glad your blisters are improving. I’m back from my trip abroad so am going to be behind for a bit. Hope to catch up soon. It’s good to learn how you solve the problems along the way. Am taking notes in preparation!
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This misty view is breathtaking, Jill. But a snake wasn’t at all fun, isn’t it? Trust you enjoyed the king size towels and the day of rest and that the blisters improved. Looking forward to reading the next days, as I’m still running behind.
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What happened to the rest day?????
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Yikes- not a fan of snakes! And just when I was relaxing too 😦 😦 Loved those misty shots.
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Thoroughly enjoy reading about your adventures along the Camino. Have just binge-read through all 17 days! Enjoy the well deserved rest day and happy tramping!
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Wow, all seventeen, in one go – that’s impressive and thanks, I’m looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow
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Glad your blisters are healing, and that you and the snake were both unharmed. It really does seem that you have to travel abroad to get to know your own backyard; so funny to discover NZ hiker’s wool via Kansas.
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And while in Spain, 😂
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Yep!
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A friend of mine just started the Camino a few days ago – fun to follow both of you in different locations, a couple of weeks apart. BTW, that second picture somehow has a haunting quality to it. Really like it.
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Oh, I wonder where they are? Chances are they might catch us up, we’re moving reasonably slowly.
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yesterday, she posted the route from Pamplona to Uterga on Facebook. How far is that from where you are?
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We walked through there about ten days ago, but then again we are moving quite slowly. She might catch up to us.
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Eek, a snake is scary when they are under your feet. Glad the blisters may be improving. Really glad you have huge towels 🙂 The importance of this cannot be understated. Keep well.
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Oh, no. I never even thought of the possibility of seeing a snake . . . or something moving. That would just about ruin my day. I love that first photo of the fog. So mysterious!
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Great day I would say. I LOVED BURGOS – had the best chocolate con-churros there. Before I left NZ, I did alot of gogling re blister prevention and Hikers Wool; came up, so I did pack a packet. Luckily never had to use it. ENJOY the blissdom hotel
stay
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Blissful, the only word for it 🙂
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