To Hontanas

Walking the plains of the Mensetta today. The green fields stretch for miles, tiny red poppies in direct contrast to the rest of its surrounds. 

The weather is still extremely changable, with the winds chilling to the bone, but the sun scorching sunburn onto unprotected spots.

This is just one of the amazing structures constructed by pilgrims as they pass by. Everyone builts a little piece, the monument growing every day .

The long dusty road stretches out before us, snaking out over the hills.

Our lunchbreak sign. So glad to see it clocking downward.

The sweet, sweet view of our night stop.

Burgos to Rebe de las Calzadas

A very relaxed start time this morning. I just didn't want to get out of that lovely soft bed..... Or leave a bathroom only we had been in. It makes you really appreciate the small things, thats for sure.

Much of our walk today was along stony pathways skirting grimy towns and busy highways; really not a fabulous day for photos.

To add to the grey misery, it was so cold, the thermals had to come out; making it an additionally grim walk.

We passed one of the oldest pilgrim hospitals, Hospital del Ray; now swallowed up by the university.

It was wonderful to see pilgrims we bump into all the way still chugging along. We bumped into a few who are seriously looking at packing it in as well. What people dont realise I guess is, that this is not just (or even) a test of physicality. There are marathons and fitness comps for that. Its a test of courage, tenacity, of patience and surrender; a test for the spirit and emotions. 

We arrived on Rebe by 2, and once again found all the Albergues full. However, some industrious villagers have converted their garages to cope with overflow, so after paying our princly sum of eight euros each, were lead up into the  hilly pathways of the village  and into soneones home. Its clean, good beds and hot water.. So all we need. 

Burgos Cathedral - simply magnificent

One of the truely stunning athedrals of Europe

Burgos Cathedral is a gothic style building, its construction starting in the 12th century. 

Its an outrageously flamboyant cathedral, dripping in gold alters, priceless paintings and  carvings.

Everywhere you turn, its a feast for the eye. No wonder it was so revered in the middle ages. Its staggering to see as a modern person, I can only imagine what it must have been like as a peasant or pilgrim.

There are fifteen chapels (!!!!) and many naves.

I had heard about the really cool 'Papamoscas' (Flycatcher), which is an articulated statue which opens its mouth upon the sounding of the bells every hour..but we missed it the first hour and didnt want to hang round another hour.. Will just have to take thier word for it.

Breathtaking visit none the less.