The Way - Day 21

 Back on  the trail - carrying all our things - my blister still with me - Arlene - bandaged knee - compared to everything else - minor.  The path out of Burgos had us walking on pavement alongside a running stream of water - very peaceful - morning prayers - Thank you God - for all your blessings - things we might have missed if it hadn't made some sound.  Walking west towards  the sun - always in our face - thank you for sunglasses and wide brim hats. Thank you for the lightweight puffy jackets to keep us comfortable in the chilly mornings and that these compact down so small they fit in their own pocket.  Every morning thanks for the blessings we often miss.  In Lent - thank you for this time to - reflect - take notice of all the good things that are around us - the people who bless our lives - God is so good. 

Bubbling stream - very peaceful - heading back to the dirt path that is the Camino 

Camino Angels - As we were walking we noticed our shadows in front of 

us - were those really shadows - or perhaps our Camino angels.

A field of sunflowers 

Harvested Field - Lots of Brown - Hot 

We are not alone - Other pilgrims - not many 

Village Fountain - Do Not Drink The Water 

We were warned to drink only bottled water since our digestive system would not be happy with the local water - good advice whenever you travel 

Local chapel - time to pray - heading into a very dry - hot area 

Typical Camino trail - gravel - dirt - dry - quiet - prayer time 

Stacking stones - religious cult?  - We added our own - more time to pray 

More downhill - knees did not like - **Notice the trail goes down and to 

the right of the pilgrim ahead into the mountains in the back ground 

The mornings were usually chilly for the first hour - then "puffys" came off compacted down - stuffed into our packs - within the next hour - very hot - our ultra lightweight t-shirts - shorts very damp from perspiration - all would be washed when we found our albergue for the day - shower - put on our second set that were dry inside our packs - after a shower - wash the sweaty ones - pray they would be dry by the morning. Everything we wore - carried - was hi-tech quick drying clothes - except for our wool socks - those would be pinned onto our pack and air dried the next morning as we walked. Luckily it did not rain except the last day so we saw many pilgrims with clothing pinned to  their backpacks - rule #1 - keep your feet dry.

Community Gymnasium

Local gymnasium used for over flow - pilgrims - cots - concrete floor - one bathroom - cold water.  When we entered this town the Camino was getting more crowded.  Most of the time it was only the two of us - occasionally joined by a few others - those who walked very fast quickly left us - those who walked slower - left behind.  Here the three albergues were filled up - next albergue - 11 Kilometers away - we had to stop - no choice.  Happily they opened a local gym with cots for the night.  Unfortunately - one shower - cold water only - not fun - one restaurant - completely filled.  They did have a small local grocery so we purchased a few items - two small bottles of wine with twist off caps and that was dinner.  More prayers - God bless us - please!  We did sleep well surprisingly - In Lent we pray that everyday is productive - that we end our day with a good sleep.  

Buen Camino

Deacon Dale 

The Way - Day 20

Day #3 in Burgos - like it or not - returning to the Camino path tomorrow - hopefully my blister  had enough time to heal - even though Burgos is a very nice town - we were not on vacation - rather on pilgrimage - a big difference.  It is interesting that at restaurants when you ask for the menu - you get a card with everything they serve - in Northern Spain - on Camino - when you request Menu - that specifies a specific meal for pilgrims - three courses - soup - salad - fish - meat - desert - coffee - bread - wine.  When you requested - menu - you got all three courses plus a full bottle of wine for each person including your ice cream and coffee. Because many pilgrims drank their full bottle - lots of snoring at night. 

Peregrina Arlene con vino tinto 

On pilgrimage with beautiful weather - we fell in love with outdoor dining.  Pilgrim Menu about €7 to €9 - Dinner at 7:30 PM  in bed by 9:30 PM - Albergue doors locked at 10:00 PM  This casual day minimized walking - time to sit - pray - reflect - prepare for the next day. 

Pilgrim Menu Board

Non pilgrims - locals - tourists - benefit from the very reasonable prices at restaurants.  In a large part the pilgrims from around the world fuel the economy for Northern Spain in the small villages.  Even though most locals did not speak English - with minimal Spanish - very easy to get around Spain - most people were very friendly - even though tipping is not normal in Spain - nobody ever refused a tip when offered especially with a big smile and friendly muchas gracias.  That added to the spirituality of the pilgrimage - helping to add to their economy.

Europe is loaded with statues every where you go - even on Camino 

in very small villages - always statues.

Public Square - Gathering place for peregrinos - locals 

Public waking area - places to sit - relax - pray - meditate - thinking about the next day 

Our last day in Burgos - tomorrow loaded with back pack - trekking poles - we continue onwards to Santiago.  The first ten days of pilgrimage completed - looking forward to another twenty or so.  Yesterday - Third Sunday of Lent - half way of our Lenten journey - twenty more days of prayers - reading - reflection on our present journey.  How are you doing - any blisters yet?

Buen Camino

Deacon Dale  

The Way - Day 19

Day #2 in Burgos - Our Swedish peregrinos getting ready to get the replacement battery badly needed so they can continue their pilgrimage - without their electric bicycles - walking the Camino not possible.  We left them here and wished them well - inspired by their can do attitude.  So often during Lent - roadblocks along the Lenten path - health - job issues - pop up that makes our spiritual journey difficult.  As long as these are only pauses - not a complete stop - we can always pick up where we left off - recharge our batteries - continue on.

Foldable Electric Bicycle 

Trying to minimize how much walking we did while healing in Burgos - still taking advantage of these rest days  - keeping our minds focused on pilgrimage.  Surprise - we came across this sightseeing train - took us all around Burgos - saved my feet from unnecessary walking. 

Choo Choo 

Another pilgrim sculpture in front of the Cathedral

Very Large Pilgrims - In Spain Peregrinos Highly Regarded

Back On Our Feet 

El Cid 

W/C Water Closet - Public Toilet - Yes a Toilet

Heading Back to our hostel

Our second day - resting in Burgos - no kilometers walked today - walking in sandals - left hiking shoes at hostel - getting fresh air on our feet.  Spent a fair amount of time visiting the Cathedral - praying - always praying on Camino - always during Lent - one prayer after another - Lord have mercy - Jesus I trust in you.

Buen Camino

Deacon Dale 

The Way - Day 18

September 1, 2013 - 6 days into our Camino experience - time to cry - uncle - my blister was getting the best of me - time to take a break and give my foot a rest from the daily trekking.  Burgos, Spain is a good sized city where we stopped a few days to see if I could get a handle on my blister.  It was a big enough city that we could use the time to discover what Burgos had for visitors. Lord - we come before you seeking time to rest - time to heal - very appropriate many days - even this Lent. 

Not Too Shabby Waiting Area in the Community Hostel 

Here we met a few pilgrims - one lady who had traveled from Montana - against her doctor's advice - already scheduled for knee surgery.  Here waiting for a bus to help return her home - wishing she had listened to her doctor.  Any pilgrimage - best to take seriously any - all advice - helps to avoid bumps in the road 

Welcome to Burgos 

We also met an older couple in their 80s who were biking the Camino with battery powered bikes - the wife had a defective battery - had taken the bus here waiting for a replacement battery from Sweden their home bike dealer.  Very friendly pilgrims.  Inspired by their age and energy - positive attitude.  Often in Lent when we feel like we are failing - need to seek those who can encourage us to continue - not surprisingly - they are all around us.

The entrance gate towards the Cathedral at Burgos 

Walking through the gate - the first view of the Burgos Cathedral - very impressive - little did we know that we would return here 4 years later in 2017 and again in 2023 while leading a pilgrimage to Fatima - Lourdes.  I was privileged to preach here during Holy Mass - adding to my list of giving a homily in an international church - a special blessing for a deacon. 

Burgos Cathedral

One of many side altars

Besides all the altars and other religious artifacts -  dozens of paintings.  One special one - Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (c. 1040 – 1099), better known as El Cid - a Castilian nobleman and undefeated military leader in medieval Spain - during the golden age of the Templars.

El Cid 

Outside the Cathedral area - a large garden area to walk - wander - sit and talk - pray - reflect - rest your sore feet.  We visited this area a number of times while in Burgos - minutes away from our hostel. 

Burgos garden area near the Cathedral 

This garden - very near a running stream - very peaceful - very prayerful.  In Lent special blessings when a restful place is discovered - helps to make prayer time special - seeking a quiet space to pray - always a benefit in Lent. 

Buen Camino

Deacon Dale 

The Way - Day 17

On this walking pilgrimage we quickly settled into a daily routine - sleep as late as possible - too many early walkers who disturbed our sleep - 5:00 AM - lights still out - rustling noises as they dress and repack their back packs in the dark - some with flashlights or hiking head lamps trying to gather all their belongings - too often - those lights shining into the eyes of those trying to get more sleep - the noise from shuffling all their stuff also making it difficult to sleep. We had to leave the albergues by 10:00 AM at the latest - that allowed the staff time to clean the facility and bunk beds.  Most days we were up and ready to leave by 7:30 AM which still allowed us plenty of walking time as well as stopping early enough to get a bed.  Some people reserved ahead - not knowing how difficult each day would be - we planed our day by ear and using a guide book to know where the hostels were located - we had a good idea when to stop - time of day - how bad my blisters hurt. We learned very early that those who walked until dark often found the albergues filled and no beds available.  Taking that into consideration - time of day - distance walked - making sure we had a bed - had us stopping by 4:30 PM at the latest.  Less people in the albergue - a better choice of bed - away from the bathrooms - closer to the windows for a good breeze since they are not air conditioned.  Just because we were back packing did not mean it had to be too rough of an experience.  In Lent as we try to follow our plans for prayer time - accomplishing our daily spiritual exercises - fitting those in with our daily obligations sometimes challenging - so we adapt. we pray - constantly listening to God's voice

Back into the country side 

Another beautiful day - although we were prepared for rain - we only had light rain on our last day of pilgrimage.  This section mostly flat - near here we met a couple from the Philippines - during our time in Spain we met pilgrims from 24 countries - all spoke English 

 

A new style Camino marker with yellow arrow & Filipino pilgrims

Random monument dedicated for pilgrims who died while walking 

Pilgrim biking the Camino 

Walking through a grape field - didn't pick any

A Camino directional sign with local history 

Village of Najera - Our albergue for tonight 

This night we experienced semi-private dormitory beds - two bunk beds in a shared room. One of us on top the other got the lower - just to be fair to the others sharing the room

Dormitory bunk beds

Alburgue entrance - Must leave boots & trekking poles at entrance

 to avoid bringing dirt to bed area & pray they are still there in the morning 

We ended our day early enough to find a place to eat and wander around the town. The alburgues all lock their doors at 10:00 PM - so must be back or you get locked out. The 

sunsets in Spain - always beautiful - time to pause - give God the praise for another fruitful - spiritual - safe day. 

 

Beautiful Sunset 

At bedtime - always time for many prayers - prayers of thanksgiving - prayers of praise - intercessory prayers for self - those at home - those also walking the Camino.  In Lent as any other night - final prayers for the day - thank you Lord - Jesus I trust in you  

Buen Camino

Deacon Dale  

The Way - Day 16

Walking through all the villages gave us the chance to see many small churches - those in the distance we simply walked past - in the villages a chance to walk inside to visit.  Always time for a prayer inside the church - those prayers added to the dozens of prayers spoken as we walked.  During Lent - always opportunities for extra prayers - a simple Glory Be - Hail Mary.

Parish Courtyard

City of Navarrete - Welcome

An early arrival - time to wander here - visit some local sights after checking in at today's albergue.  Time to relax - a glass of wine - Tappas - waiting for dinner time.  More quiet time for reflection - prayers - listening to God.  Lent is an excellent time to pause and listen - to God -your heart - your thoughts.  In Spain or at home - take advantage of this gift. 

Arlene checking her map 

Plenty of time to visit the local church.  In this part of Spain the locals stay up late at night - sleep late into the morning - not up again until 10:00 AM.  Daily Mass here not scheduled until the evening at 8:00 PM  

Saint Mary's Parish A lot of gold surrounds the altar

Saint Mary Parish 

Weekday Mass 8:00 PM  Sunday 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM  Visiting hours 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM a 

4 hour break then open again 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM  The locals attend evening Mass for about 30 minutes - then head to local restaurants for a routine late dinner. In Lent attending daily Mass - a gift - time for community prayers - Adoration - confession - all gifts from the Church - to each and everyone.  

Buen Camino 

Deacon Dale 

The Way - Day 15

 Back on the trail - note our Camino angels at lower right walking ahead of us. Each morning begins with a prayer then - close by our albergue - a place to get our cafe con leche y tostada. When we first started - Arlene only wanted coffee which in Spain would be espresso - a small coffee maybe one ounce of liquid - I convinced her to get her coffee with more volume -  so cafe con leche - a latte - about 8 ounces along with toast.  It was very important that we consumed lots of liquid during the day. We were carrying about 2 liters of water in our back packs but whenever possible we stopped and had more coffee or a Coke.  She wanted diet and again I insisted that there was no nutritional benefit in a diet drink and had her drink the regular Coke.  Spending six to eight hours a day walking meant we needed lots of liquid to keep us hydrated as well as carbohydrates to fuel our muscles.  The bread in Spain was some of the best bread we ever ate - no preservatives - so breakfast - cafe con leche y tostada.  On the Camino we learned that there were two breakfasts - #1  the simple latte and toast - #2 more cafe con leche and perhaps eggs and more - all blessed by saying grace   

The Back Yard of Spain 

The majority of pilgrims started so early in the morning - perhaps as soon as 5:00 AM - that no restaurants were open - only bars with the coffee and toast.  It wasn't until maybe 10:00 AM that full service restaurants opened.  The mornings were always cool so a hot drink to start the day - mandatory  as well as a light jacket for the first hour.  In Lent we always begin the day with some sort of breakfast and morning prayers. 

Country Chapel

On Camino our days filled with dozens of prayers - Rosary - Chaplets - intercessions for those back home - those in need.  In Lent - in addition to scheduled prayers - always open to stop and pray on a moments notice as we learn of other's needs. We are prayer warriors for all.

Lunch was available about noon and dinner only at 7:30 PM.  Many pilgrims including us - stopped walking around 4:00 PM to ensure that we could find a bed - shower - change into 

dry clothes - relax and wait for dinner time.  To fill that time waiting for dinner hour - some cerveza or vino.  We found on the Camino they had two choices of wine - vino tinto - vino blanco.  Added to the beer or wine - tapas - small servings of food items to hold us until dinner - time to relax - talk with others - meditate on the days events - blessings 

Slippery When Wet 

On the Camino path we discovered every type of terrain possible except for snow - in winter months even that is experienced.

Fresh Spring Water *Note Camino Shell on Wall

Keeping hydrated our number one concern - always selecting the large size drink when we found a place with food or drink.  Our personal water system in our back packs with a sippy tube - available to take frequent sips of water as we walked - freeing up our hands to use our trekking poles which we used about 90 percent of the time when walking. 

City of Logrono

Whenever we entered a larger village or city we were able to take advantage of amenities not available in the small places.  Walking on pavement - a break from rocky paths and eliminating the risk of twisting ankles. In these places we were able to see families out and about which was a break from the hours on the path when we were thee only people we could see. 

Pilgrim Statue

Logrono was our stopping place for this day. After showering and getting into dry clothes - time to do some sightseeing - some vino tinto y tapas before dinner. 

Vino Blanco y Cerveza y Tapas

A simple dinner at The Drunken Duck - a walk back to the albergue for another dormitory 

night of sleep 

Night View of Logrono Fountain 

Laying in our designated bunk - time to reflect on that day's events - time to say more prayers - pray for another good day tomorrow.  As we end this day of our Lenten journey - prayers of thanksgiving - asking blessings for whatever tomorrow will hold.  Jesus we trust in you. Amen.

Buen Camino 

Deacon Dale