Burgos Most of Spain doesn't get going until 10am and it is still dark until about 8.30 and so it has been a leisurely day doing a bit of shopping, getting some more euros, eating tapas, and getting my clothes washed. Margita and I looked around the wonderful 13th century cathedral and there are strong associations with the Camino even way back then. It is gothic architecture and a building which occupies the central location in this city and dominates the heart ...

Atapuerca to Burgos The morning has some unexpected sights and sounds - a large number of sheep at the top of the first ridge and then open land with various monuments established by peregrinos throughout the years. The walk is enjoyable downhill and through small hamlets past trees whose leaves are turning to yellow and brown. The sprawling city of Burgos contains within its centre the fabulous cathedral and other historic sites which pilgrims have visited throu...

Villafranca to Atapuerca It's a wet start to the day up steep hills and through forest tracks. I soon hear my heart thumping with the early morning exertion and I stop as the rain gets heavier to put on waterproof trousers. I am walking with Margita who is an experienced hiker from Oregon and a very serene and spiritual companion. I really enjoy her company. We also meet up with Ed, Carol, and two new Camino friends, Sherry and Alan from Vancouver. The track thro...

Belarado to Villafranca A cloudy blustery day gives me time to think and reflect on the Camino so far and to consider what brings people here. There are two concepts of 'Camino' - one is the physical path from the French Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia; the other is the personal Camino which is your own individual journey. People are walking for different reasons - some based on deeply held religious or faith beliefs; some following bereavement or r...

Santo Domingo to Belarado Saint Domingo is a hero around these parts as he was a great supporter of the Camino many centuries ago, building a bridge for peregrinos and providing places to stay. Part of his legend is associated with chickens and appropriately, two roosters from the garden of the albergue crowed at six o'clock this morning. The Way moves from La Rioja to the province of Castilla y Leon and each region has its own ideas of how to signpost parts of t...