Burgos to Hontanas

We have entered the Meseta! Some people skip this stage as it is considered boring, and visually it is, especially after being wowed by the cities of Pamplona, Logrono, and Burgos up to this point. Some skip it due to time constraints too, but personally I am glad I have the opportunity to do it. It ties in the first and the last 1/3 perfectly. The first 1/3 is referred to as the “Body” portion where the body is getting conditioned, becoming stronger, and of course is the most sore! The second third is often referred to as the “Mind” section where the mind is opened up to receive the gifts this pilgrimage has to offer, and often, for me, becomes the emotional section (fair warning!!). The last third is referred to as the “Soul” section, or the spiritual portion, where the soul is lifted and the blessings are realized. So, I feel, if you skip this ‘boring’ section by the time you reach the end, you don’t get the full benefits of the pilgrimage. I’ve done Camino’s that were only a couple weeks in the past (half of the Frances, full Primitivo & Portuguese) and while they were beautiful and an amazing experience, I was left feeling like it wasn’t enough. This is why I like pilgrimages that are 4-5 weeks straight. My friend Nathalie from Brussels typically does 10 days a year and picks up where she left off each year. Lucky for me I have had the pleasure of walking with her on the full Primitivo, 10 days of the Norte, and 10 days of the Frances. I’ve also walked the Primitivo with Luba (Slovakia) and 3 weeks of the Frances. I met these two incredibly strong women in 2016. I’m so grateful to have had their company on my walks. I miss them!! For Nathalie, walking for 10 days at a time works for her and her career, it is satisfying, and she isn’t coming from so far away to do it. For Americans, New Zealander’s, etc., it is a long way to travel for only 2 weeks. It takes me a week just to adjust from the jet lag! So, now you know why I go on these walks for so long!! I’m not crazy, I just want to experience what I know is waiting for me in Santiago.😊🙏🏻
Today was a great day. I’m feeling strong and I feel like I am definitely in the groove. Still no blisters or anything I’m concerned about physically. I feel so fortunate! Many have blisters, are hobbling down the path, dealing with blisters, inflammation and shin splints. It sure makes this already hard endeavor so much more challenging. We passed through a small village today and there was a painting on the end of a building that said “Denise…” I suspected right away what Denise they were referring to. Denise Thiem. An American pilgrim from Arizona that was murdered on the Camino by a resident wacko from the Astorga area. My heart sunk remembering her, and remembering when this happened. It is the only time it has happened and if I recall correctly this murderer changed the arrows that we follow and lured her to his property. It took time to find her wack job, but they did, thanks to her family and senator (Arizona) John McCain pressuring the Spanish government to let the FBI step in. So, the mural pained for her was not only an opportunity to remember and honor her, but a reminder that while I feel safer here than anywhere in the USA, to always be mindful of my surroundings. Here is the story of sweet Denise:

https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-mysterious-mu…

Arriving to Hontanas is always such a surprise! You walk and walk and walk forever and you’re unable to see any sign of the village and then all of a sudden you come upon a valley and bam, there it is. The end of the day. Is such a welcomed sight! I booked us a room in an albergue which is probably one of the best in town. We have a room with 2 queen beds, our own shower, and laundry is done by the Hospitalaria. There is a communal dinner (Yay! Love these!!) at 7 and right now I’m relaxing in this room that I am so grateful for. We heard that everything in the previous town and this one was booked up, or as they say here “Completo”. I’m so glad I had a sleepless night a few months ago and booked all our nights in advance. It has saved us a few times!! I can’t get connected to WiFi in the room so I’ll head upstairs to log in and post this. More tomorrow..Ultreia 🩷 Czytaj więcej