Road to Burgos

 

It was a difficult day traveling from Atapuerca to Burgos. At the start, there was this rocky uphill path. 

Then a fairly uneventful time.

Until shortly before Castanares, when I felt a burning pain shoot up my left Achilles tendon that stopped my walk.

 This was brand new.

Contrary to Raphael's advice of paying pain no attention, I decided to go with, "listen to your body."

There are two ways into Burgos. Both very long. The "official" route is through the industrial part of town on concrete and asphalt all the way. 

The "alternate" route is through a beautiful park on a dirt path along the River Arlanza. Both ways are long. As all pilgrims that I saw turned left toward the park trail, one said laughingly, "this industrial way is a broma (joke) no?" 

The day was long. Every step felt an effort. A few things helped to get to the old city of Burgos and our hostel. When we got close, Mando said it was four bridges away. 

Counting bridges gave me a goal. Also, knowing you all are caring for us on this journey, along with a dab of arnica, made the going that much easier. Arrived safely at our destination with (I believe) no permanent injury. Maybe my pride.