Yesterday afternoon was a lesson in relaxation, there was nothing to do except sit in the veranda with a drink and relax. Not too much of a hardship!
At about 6.50pm there was a mass exodus to the church, twice a year the timing works such that the sun comes in through a church window and lights up the relief work on a pillar. It occurs around 7pm if the sun is out and lasts about 10 minutes. It is obviously a spectacle as locals were turning up in the car load with tripods and cameras.
I have to say, it was interesting, I am not sure that I would go as far to agree with the hotel description of a miracle but it was impressive.
After the sun moved on, I headed over to the bar for dinner. Limited options but fun since we all ate together, and I have to say that my cheese omelette and salad was very good. We then collected our breakfast picnic for the morning and headed back to the hotel.
The temperature here has dropped considerably, however, it was lovely to reach the room and find the radiator on.
This morning as we left the hotel at around 7.45am it was a very chilly 7 degrees, quite a shock, although we are up at 1,100m. Still for the first time I had trousers, a long sleeved top and my rain jacket and was pleased to be wearing this.
Still as we walked on, the weather warmed up and I shedded layers. Today was mainly a downhill 26km into Burgos. Not the most inter as the outskirts of the City are not great. However, we followed the scenic detour along the river (we did have to walk between an industrial concrete plant and an airport to get there though!).
No churches or chapels on the way today were open, but it felt like a sunflower walk today as the fields were full of them.
The arrival into Burgos marks the end of the phase of the Camino for the body. The next phase is for the mind. It is supposed to be reminiscent of an LSD trip, I have no comparison but apparently it will test me mentally!! Good job my body is now ready.
The trip has 3 phases, for the body, for the mind and for the spirit. I can’t believe I have just completed the first third.
I have a rest day tomorrow and I am just planning an outing outside of Burgos for tomorrow to the Abbey in Santo Domingo de Silos to hear the Benediction monks sing. That should help prepare me mentally I think. Hopefully I can get this arranged.
Now off the plan other visits and get my laundry done.