Day 19 Villafranca Montes de Oca to Atapuerca

Today I managed 18.5km's at a reasonably fast rate. I am rather delighted that I could walk so fast again.

Breakfast was at 7:30am, coffee and a pastry. I managed to load some information to the blog and Facebook. 

It was a great morning as the rain had stopped. I would much rather have mud than rain, at least you remain somewhat dry, on top anyway.

Leaving the road you enter a very muddy path going straight up above the town, yet again very grateful for trekking poles.

I was taking it extremely slow as the knees take a good 4km's to become pain free at a very easy pace. It's not pain that requires drugs more discomfort, the cold weather does not help either. 

After that initial climb it levelled off and I really enjoyed my walk with all trees around me.

I met a lovely Australian lady by the name of Leigh, we had a good chat until we reached Monumento de Los Caídos. A monument to the fallen Caídos during the Spanish civil war.

The energy levels kicked in and I sped up in a big way, it did not take me long to arrive in San Juan de Ortega after 8.5km's of walking from the monument.

San Juan was a disciple of Santa Domingo and became known for his great works to serve the pilgrim's to Santiago. He built bridges, churches, hospitals and hostels throughout the region.

I was a little hungry, so I popped in at the bar. It felt crowded, about 10 people and that's all I could handle. I bought a drink and left quickly.  I am finding it very difficult to be around a lot of noisy people. 

I left the town and entered beautiful woodlands, I was all alone, not a pilgrim around. I listened to birds and enjoyed the solitude. Yet another moment of absolute silence occurred, it was just amazing. I stood still and all I could hear was my own breathing. It's not often we have these moments in life, I took it all in before walking on.

I then walked down a steep hill into the town of Agés, rather an interesting town but I had sights on Atapuerca. It was only 2.5km's from Agés so I picked up the pace and hoped I would find a bed. 

Atapuerca is a UNESCO World Heritage site, declared in 2000.

This town is apparently where our ancestors came from.  The earliest human remains were found dating back 900000 years providing a record of the way of life of the first human communities.

I walked into the town and most places were full. I checked in at Albergue El Peregrino for a grand total of 8 Euro for the night, sharing with 5 other people. It has its advantages and disadvantages.

At least they have washing machines that dry as well and that was 6 Euro a load. It will be good to head off with clean clothes again tomorrow.

Tonight I will find a restaurant serving a pilgrim menu, I need to load up as tomorrow I need to cover some distance to make Burgos.  It's a total of 20km's.

That's me done for this day.