Day 20 Atapuerca to Burgos

Staying in an Albergue means minimal sleep for me as you always have someone making a noise or heading out to the loo in the middle of the night.

I really felt for the Irish guy next to me, he was in severe pain with shin splints. 

The Albergue began to emerge around 5:30am just as I was in the mood to sleep.

I looked out the window and noticed clear skies. Woohoo, I could trade the Seal Skinz socks for the Salomon socks.  This also mean't not dressing the backpack with its lovely raincoat.

This Albergue did not serve breakfast so I munched on two muesli bars to kick off the morning. 

Then headed to the showers, again the only one showering in the morning, lots and lots of hot water.

I packed up and headed to the restaurant down the road for breakfast. 

I bumped into Lauren a 19yr old Australian I met last night at dinner. She was full of fun and reminded me of Caitlin Firth. I joined her and an American for breakfast. We headed off together and don't think I have laughed so much in ages. It helps when you trying to warm up the old decrepit knees.

From the town of Atapuerca it's simply straight up a hill for 2.4km's to Punto de Vista a high point at 1070m. (See pic of me at Cruceiro)

The views of Burgos are really beautiful from that viewpoint.

Then the sun disappeared for the day, nothing unusual I guess. 

We carried on through an old town called Orbaneja Riopico, stopped for coffee and some food. 

We set off again and then we crossed the freeway. It was either the muddy river trail to Burgos or through the industrial area.

Lauren and the rest of the group took the muddy trail. I went via the industrial area, very boring but I was grateful when it started raining. The shins do however pay the price of walking on roads and sidewalks.

I popped into a coffee shop and bought a double espresso in order to get the owner to help with my poncho.

It's not easy to get it on and over your backpack alone. I must say in general the Spanish people are rather friendly and helpful.

Entering the busy city did not impress me much. I have become a country kinda guy, I need nature to remain calm. The need to become alert while walking the streets is not my idea of fun. 

Eventually I got into old town and checked into the Jacobeo hotel. A room to myself with a private bathroom, at least I can have a good nights rest.

Today really felt good, the body is tired after 20km's of walking.

That's me done for today. Not much to blog today.