Monte do Gozo –> Santiago de Compostela (5km)
That’s it. It’s over. Ok, well it happened four days ago now, but still, it’s over.
If I’m honest, arriving in Santiago was a bit anticlimactic.
That’s not saying I didn’t like it. To use the cliché, it’s about the journey, not the destination.
The last time I wrote, things were very different. I was sitting in a hot albergue, somewhat unaware of the road ahead.
We left Villafranca super early in the morning since it was going to be a long walk. I always hate waking up early, but it does feel good to rack up 10 kilometers before 8 AM. Things were good until we hit the steep climb up to O Cebreiro.
Day 24: Astorga –> Foncebadón
Day 25: Foncebadón –> Ponferrada
Day 26: Ponferrada –> Villafranca del Bierzo
If I’m honest, I’m finding it harder and harder to write about my time. Most days are the same, we just pass through different towns. We get up, we walk, we stop for breakfast, we walk, we walk, we walk. I’ve got my Camino family, so I spend most of my time with them.
Camino Day 20: Mansilla de las Mulas –> León
Camino Day 21: León Rest Day
Camino Day 22: León –> Hospital de Órbigo
Camino Day 23: Hospital de Órbigo –> Astorga
For the past few days, my friend hadn’t been feeling very well. I wasn’t sure if I’d be walking to León with him or solo. But like Michael Jordan in his flu game, he powered on the 18 kilometer journey to León.
A few days have past since the day we all broke. The meseta is a strange place. One day we’re fine and the next day is a struggle. When we left Burgos, we were a group of six. At the time of writing, I’m part of a duo. Let’s recount what happened.
Day 15
The Middle of Nowhere –> More Nowhere (30+ km)
Last night was horrible. Not only was it hot, but some loud, British woman was making bizarre sounds in her sleep, making it near impossible to sleep. I awoke several times during the night, hot, as well as afraid of oversleeping.
Day 12
Agés –> Burgos (around 20km)
Day 13
Burgos Rest Day
Day 14
Burgos –> Hornillos del Camino (21 km)
After spending a hot night in Agés (I think almost no one slept with a blanket), we set off early for Burgos. The guide books warn you to prepare for the shock of city life, but we were ready to be around civilization again.
The path to Burgos only includes one hill. It’s steep, but manageable. At the top of the hill, you can see Burgos from a far. Plus, it’s downhill and flat from there.
Day 10
Santo Domingo de la Calzada –> Belorado (22.4 km/14 miles)
Day 11
Belorado –> Agés (28 km/17 miles)
I didn’t sleep too well on Wednesday night going into Thursday. Not only was I given the top bunk, but I could hear the church bells ringing in the hour several times throughout the night. On top of that, several people’s alarm clocks were going off at 5 AM to ensure they got a head start.
Day 9
Nájera –> Santo Domingo de la Calzada (21.3 km/13.2 miles)
Ring. Ring. Ring.
I could hear the bells from the monastery in the distance, waking me up 45 minutes before I planned to get up. I laid in bed a bit before forcing myself to get dressed.
Nothing was open in Nájera for breakfast, so I ate half of my Cliff bar for sustenance before making it to the next town in about 5 kilometers. The hike wasn’t too exciting. More of the same, really, with grapevines going on for a while.
Day 8
Logroño –> Nájera (28.9 km/18 miles)
I was not looking forward to getting out of bed today. Not only had I spent the night in a private room (and I’m pretty sure I was the only one in the entire pensión), but I also was about to embark on one of the longest days on my journey. 29 kilometers … what was I thinking?