Camino Day 18: Burgos to Hornillos

Date: April 18th, 2022

Distance: 20.6km/12.8 miles

Time: 9:00-2:30pm (5 1/2 hours)

Our bougie Bnb in Burgos was a blast while it lasted. But alas, it was time to carry on. The 5 of us dispersed, to meet again in Hornillos later on. I hugged Iris goodbye, as she was heading on further today. We shall meet again soon, Camino bestie!

The cathedral in Burgos was a grand departing sight.

The morning stint was a long 11km. It felt like it took forever to get out of the city. I made one more cafe con leche stop at the edge of Burgos. Left my poles and had to go back for them. I was walking solo, and I passed some time listening to music and the yoga girl podcast.

I did the exact same thing at the next coffee stop 10km later… Left my poles again and this time I seriously debated going back to get them. (I did.)

At my 3rd and final coffee stop in the tiny town of Rabe de la Calzadas, I chatted with the server who highly recomended a crossiant and asked where I was from. When I told him I was from Colorado, he was very excited to lead me over to the wall and show me some notes from some recent Coloradoans.

After passing the mural people at the edge of the small town, I was completely on my own for the last 8km. Not another pilgrim in sight.

But I didn’t feel alone. I thought about other folks I had met along the Camino. Their stories. Their pain. Death, lost jobs, break ups, break downs, break throughs. The whole spectrum of human experience, walking on this trail. On my first day, I had met a dad and son who were walking for the wife/mother they had lost. Everyone is carrying around so much… but still has so much to give. I have met the most spirited, caring, and loving people here.

I thought about my own grandma in particular, I felt her all around me in that moment. How she too went through so much and still had the deepest love for her children and grandchildren. The human spirit is resilient as hell.

I strolled into town around 2:30pm, feeling lighter after some solo time (and a good cry). I journaled and blogged in the communal area. Nuno took a trip to the grocery store and cooked us a delicious pasta dinner. 🙂

It was lovely to eat a home cooked meal together at our albergue’s table. We played Farkle, then a card game. Sounds of guitar strumming and singing floated over from another table in the communal room.

This space feels like home and these people feel like family. I can honestly say…. all is well.