Thanks to my day sponsors, my 5000 step sponsors and all thos saying a prayer or uniting with me in spirit.
Yesterday, after a brief rest, I went to visit the Museum of Human Evolution. GIven the historic finds at Atapuerca of early hominids, a museum was constructed at Burgos to display these finds and to explore evolution. What a marvellous museum! The first floor was dedicated to the many findings from nearby Atapuerca, the second floor to the theory of evolution, the fourth floor to the development of human culture, and the fourth floor to animals now extinct. Interestingly, on the third floor, when looking at ancient burial rituals, a 45000 year old tomb from Australia was the example - it commented on the use of red ochre then and now amongst the Aborigines. On the fourth floor, there was a special exhibit dedicated to the Tasmanian Tiger - the example of modern extinction.
Having enjoyed the museum, I simply wandered around the town of Burgos for a couple of hours. It is a wonderful city. Having done this, I went to the Cathedral for the rosary and benediction followed by Mass and then had a simple dinner before returning to my hotel to prepare for today's big day.
I left my hotel at 5.45am. The first 4kms of walking was through the suburbs of Burgos. The next three kms were basically through nothing in particular, except for highway and railway overpasses. A section of the camino was closed off due to road works. One particular local, a woman of indeterminate age and of unclear mental health had decided to assist pilgrims to walk the old path. She had built arrows out of rocks and scattered yellow flowers on top of them. She met me on a bicycle and showed me the way out of the Burgos surrounds. She then followed me on her bicycle until she was sure I was in the clear. She then returned to the starting point to do the same again for another pilgrim.
After another couple of kilometres, I finally came to a small town. Nothing there appealed to me, so I walked the next two kilometres to another small town. I was greeted with great joy by the cafe owner when he found out I was Australian. He had an enormous bulletin board covered with souvenirs and money from different countries from different pilgrims. An Australia flag, Australian money and several Australian symbols had pride of place. Unlike the pilgrims before me, he gave me a special gift of a Miraculaous Medal, which I have tied to my backpack (I should probably tie it to my phone!).
After this town, it was another 8kms until the next town. We had entered the area known as La Masetas - which are basically plains. It was long, straight, and hot. The only bar in that next town offered no shaded area and was next to a construction job. It was not conducive to much of a rest. So, without much ado (just a coffee), I headed on my way.
I expected another way-station after about 5kms. But, there was nothing. So, I just kept walking and walking and walking that final 10 kilometres. It was hot and boring. With about 2 kilometres to go, I encountered an Italian woman whom I have bumped into on and off since Granon. She was seated under the only tree to offer any shade in that entire ten kilometre journey. We chatted for a while, which allowed me to rest my feet, and then I set off again.
I have finally arrived in Hontanas, steeled into the municipal hostel, washed myself and my clothes and had a hamburger. Not sure what comes next....
Hasta il luego!
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