Days 14, 15 and 16

Day 14 Burgos- Hornillos 21 km

To be completely honest, I can't remember too much of the day. The camera ran out of space as well so above is the only picture we took. I guess what I am saying is that the day's walk passed quickly. We stayed in a very small farm town that was originally founded by the Romans. We stayed in the side building of a 15th C gothic church. The power was out so we ate salad with George, a fried of ours from France who is walking the camino for the fourth time and happens to be 84. It was a lazy afternoon. We stretched and ate peanuts on the steps in front of the church. 

Day15 Hornillos - Itero de la Vega 29.2 km

This was one of my favorite days so far. We woke at five and were walking by six in the morning. So the first hour and a half we walked in the dark. There was a bit of moonlight to keep us on track and it was magical. We have now been walking through the  plains with fields of wheat and hay. The landscape was amazing. We would cross a plain and then dive into a belly and come back up to anther plain on the other side. It all used to be the same elevation but erosion occurred and created the valleys. We were pleasantly surprised when we came across the ruins of an old monastery that had an arch over the road. The monks were known for accepting and treating lepers.

 We passed the town of Castrojerez with the ruins of a pre roman castle on the bill above it. 

Finally the treat of our day was that after walking about 18 miles we came out of the plains and stayed in a 13th C farm building restored by an Italian fraternity.

There was only room for us on the floor but they put two mattresses together for us in the loft. Out our window was a river and a 14th c bridge going over it. The picture above is of the refugio from the bridge  All of this was set amongst wheat and hay fields. The Refugio also had no electricity so everything was lit by candle. The two italian ladies who ran it led us in a prayer, washed our feet one by one, and cooked us dinner. We had salad, wine, and chicken noodle soup over candlelight. 

After dinner, the ladies passed around a guitar until someone would play it. I ended up playing for the dinner party but the only song the international crowd could agree on to sing together was "La Bamba." 

Day 16 Itero de la Vega - Carrión de Los Condes 37 km

Today we set out for our longest day yet. We walked 23 miles today and heard along the way that really bad weather was coming and to get off the road soon.  We pushed it though and made it to our goal. We definitely raced the aforementioned bad weather into town. 

When we got in the first church was full. We proceeded to the next place which is a convent. The sisters took us in right as the weather rolled overhead. Again there was no room for us but they put a mattress down for us in the halway. We had a sing along hour with the nuns which was fun. 

Then we went next door to the church and heard a classical guitar concert. This Spainard could play this guitar in ways I cannot express in words. The church was just about the best venue you could ask for as well. 

We were asked to stay afterwords for a benediction and the priest wanted to speak with all of the pilgrims and made a special blessing service for us.  We have felt very cared for in this town. Now we end the day on our mattresses in the hallway and are thankful not to be stuck out in the rain. After 23 miles our legs are throbbing with pain but we will push on tomorrow. I leave you with a picture of Arwyn with eukalele in tow.