San Juan de Ortega

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Traveler Camino Santiago de Compostella
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- Jun 2, 2022, 11:37am
- ⛅ 68 °F
- Altitude: 3,287 ft
- Spain Castille and León Barrios de Colina San Juan de Ortega 42.376667, -3.43542°22’36” N 3°26’6” W
Day 16
San Juan de Ortega
June 2, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
About 4 hours to do 12 km.... but then I got rewarded by being able to see the festivities which I surely would have missed if I walked the usual speed

And the senoras are .... yep you guessed it by the flag, right? BARCELONA 😃Read more
Traveler That's great that you were able to see this!
6/2/22Reply
Traveler yes indeed
6/2/22Reply
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Traveler Camino Francés 2022
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- Aug 2, 2022, 6:30am
- 🌙 14 °C
- Altitude: 1,011 m
- Spain Castille and León Barrios de Colina San Juan de Ortega Monasterio de San Juan de Ortega 42.375736, -3.43597342°22’33” N 3°26’10” W
Day 11
Another sunrise
August 2, 2022 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 14 °C
I was the first one to get up at albergue Cuatro Cantones in Belorado, and I started walking in the dark, at 5am, with 15°C. It felt a bit cool, and great for walking.
Today I had a route of 27k ahead, the first half being a slightly uphill walk to Villafranca Montes de Oca, and the second half a steep climb (one of the top 10 climbs of the whole Camino, I've been told) over La Pedraja, and finally a descent into San Juan de Ortega.
I had to start that early, because the forecast for today was 35°C.Read more
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Traveler Camino Francés 2022
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- Aug 2, 2022, 7:36pm
- ⛅ 30 °C
- Altitude: 1,009 m
- Spain Castille and León Barrios de Colina San Juan de Ortega Monasterio de San Juan de Ortega 42.375624, -3.43584842°22’32” N 3°26’9” W
Day 11
Manolo
August 2, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
I have seen this man a few times in the last 3 days, and last night we were at the same albergue.
This morning he started after me, and passed me on the way. He arrived at San Juan de Ortega before me.
We just compared our walk stats, and he walked the same distance in half an hour less. He's turning 71 in September.
Well done Manolo, you're a legend! 👏👏👏Read more
Traveler Un genio Manolo!!!
8/2/22Reply
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Camino de Santiago
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- Oct 7, 2022, 10:50am
- ⛅ 15 °C
- Altitude: 1,089 m
- Spain Castille and León Barrios de Colina San Juan de Ortega 42.376667, -3.40542°22’36” N 3°24’18” W
Day 20
The Ups & Downs of Getting to Cardenuela
October 7, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Yesterday, I didn't feel like I earned my nice, hot shower at the end of the day. Today I certainly did!

Our day began at 8AM with climbing a long uphill & seeing the sun come up. It was so chilly we could see our breath. It ended at 4:30 after a steep & rocky climb in the hot sun into our final destination of Cardenuela. The large, cold beer in the frosted mug was the best beer I've ever tasted! In between we passed through 4 villages, visited 1 church, stopped at 2 cafes, enjoyed a peaceful woodland trail, had a group of high school students pass us, came upon 5 goats, walked along a hot & boring road, and saw a labarynth. There was much more, but I'm too tired to recall many more details!Read more
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Camino de Santiago
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- Oct 7, 2022, 12:36pm
- ⛅ 19 °C
- Altitude: 1,015 m
- Spain Castille and León Barrios de Colina San Juan de Ortega 42.375, -3.45333342°22’30” N 3°27’12” W
Day 20
12 or 13 kms to Cardenuela Riopico
October 7, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
A long day for us, the official distance was 24 kilometers, but it felt longer. We got to our Albergue this afternoon at 4:30.

We walked 4 km mostly through another shaded forest trail, the we emerged back into the sunny wheat, sunflower and potato fields.

We had lunch in a beautiful village Ages!

And we saw another pterodactyl nest in the church bell tower!

After lunch we had 8 kilometers left through fields and an exposed ridge climb, before walking down the Rio Pico valley to our destination for tonight. Albergue Santa Fé.

We had beers on the patio in with two Dutch women, who met while walking the Camino. Great conversation!

Dinner at 7 PM, bed is probably not far behind!

Tomorrow, we walk to the city of Burgos!Read more
Traveler Your making incredible time. Well done.
10/7/22Reply
Traveler Bien fait pélérins
10/7/22Reply
Traveler We are missing you. Two days out of Burgos in castrojeriz.
10/8/22Reply
Traveler missing you guys as well. you are too fast!
10/8/22Reply
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Traveler Camino Francés 2022
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- Aug 2, 2022, 3:00pm
- ⛅ 32 °C
- Altitude: 1,009 m
- Spain Castille and León Barrios de Colina San Juan de Ortega 42.375, -3.43666742°22’30” N 3°26’12” W
Day 11
A good plan
August 2, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C
The plan worked very well: I arrived at Villafranca by 8am, and stopped for brekky. The temperature was 14°C there and I hadn't realised how cold my hands were. My fingers were stiff and I couldn't undo the clips of my backpack!
There was only one place to eat there, the restaurant at the hotel/albergue. I had a Colacao (hot chocolate) and a croissant, served by Salam, from Algeria, who was very excited to meet an Argentinian for the first time.
The trail from there to my destination of the day was nice, with more shade than direct sun, and I made it to San Juan de Ortega before midday, with 26°C.
I checked in at albergue El Descanso de San Juan, had a light lunch, shower and siesta 👌Read more
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Mikka To the End of the World
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- Jul 24, 2022, 11:40am
- ☀️ 29 °C
- Altitude: 1,051 m
- Spain Castille and León Barrios de Colina San Juan de Ortega 42.37792, -3.41722542°22’41” N 3°25’2” W
Day 8
Forest
July 24, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
What threatened to be a hot and dusty day was made much more bearable by long stretches of forest that broke up the red clay paths leading into the Atapuerca Valley. Here archeologists discovered the remains of some of the earliest Europeans, and Santiago Ramón y Cajal discovered the microstructures of the brain.

Arriving in Agés it becomes clear that no one here takes credit card and that the next ATM is a 100€ cab ride away in Burgos. So it’ll be a quiet and early night for me.Read more
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Traveler Camino23
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- Aug 31, 2023, 8:33pm
- ☁️ 73 °F
- Altitude: 1,011 m
- Spain Castille and León Barrios de Colina San Juan de Ortega Monasterio de San Juan de Ortega 42.375726, -3.43603242°22’33” N 3°26’10” W
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Day 15
Belorado to San Juan de Ortega
August 31, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
Left Belorado late this morning, went to the farmacia for an inflammatory. They opened at 9 AM so I was on the trail by myself for the most part. It was very nice considering. Approximately 24 Km, mostly up hill. Being all alone an unafraid was peaceful. The reward was at the out door restaurant so many people from all over the world showed appreciation for each other. Made the day special.Read more
Traveler You’re keeping that youthful look about you. 😉 you look good! Inner Peacefulness!
8/31/23Reply
Traveler From the map, you seem to have covered quite a distance today. Is it about the same distance daily or does it vary depending upon the terrain?
8/31/23Reply
Traveler Thanks Renée, I am holding up pretty well. The distance was a little longer, the difference for today was the climbing. Glad I was able to get something from the pharmacy. Slept well. Today will be good.
9/1/23Reply
Traveler I know that climbing uphill on the Camino can be quite difficult. How about the downhill, the effect on the knees? Are your knees holding up? By the way, I am soooo impressed. You are doing great and are meeting so many interesting people from around the world - AND turning them into FRIENDS.
9/2/23Reply
You sonetimes mistakenly overlook that the downhill part coming off a mountain requires an equal amount, sonetimes more effort. I totally agregó with Robyn, that going downhill can be just as strenuous. [Vernon]
9/2/23Reply
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Traveler Camino
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- Sep 26, 2023, 6:54am
- 🌙 11 °C
- Altitude: 1,000 m
- Spain Castille and León Barrios de Colina San Juan de Ortega Monasterio de San Juan de Ortega 42.37584, -3.43750542°22’33” N 3°26’15” W
Day 23
San Juan to Burgos
September 26, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 11 °C
A later post tonight as we have hit the city lights of Burgos. What a contrast to San Juan where the only noises were roosters and cow bells!
I must say though that last night we had the best meal. Black pudding, pork loin chops and salad. All for about 35 per person that included 2 bottles of red wine. Burgos region is famous for black pudding made from pigs blood! Best we don't know.
So we had a very early night and then up early and on the road by 645 am with head torches on. We walked about 5 km and came to a cafe in Ages, tiny village and had our coffee and croissant fix.
On we walked with the sun rising and saw our first lot of sheep in ages. Even heard bird song which has been a rare sound.
Climbed a pretty steep hill and walked through forests but the the fun part of the walk was over! After another stop at a roadsidecafe we walked and walked along roads and crossed major highways until we walked into the industrial area of Burgos.
We tried to find the alternative route via a river but alas it was never found!
It was hot and I guess we were getting hangry but on we trudged. I guess it was a good reminder to us that Spain is not just about cute little villages and pilgrim walks!
We did pass on our way the site of some of the first human relics found at Atapuerca and is now a world heritage site.
Finally we arrived at our destination but the hostel didn't open until 4 pm so what were 4 tired pilgrims to do but have a long Spanish lunch under the shade of plane trees.
Burgos is such a contrast to the quiet villages we have been staying at and tonight it was warm and so many out and about. We witnessed the Burgos rugby club being cheered on in the square for winning the Spanish rugby championship and apparently 2 kiwis are in the team
The women here seem very stylie and our rather crumpled pilgrim clothes seemed a bit out of place.
Rest day tomorrow and our legs need it so we will do relaxing sight seeing and laundry! 26 km walked today
Buenos nochesRead more
Traveler A rest day definitely in order
9/26/23Reply
Traveler Enjoy your rest day! Well deserved!
9/26/23Reply
Sounds like you deserved that long Spanish lunch under the plane trees, I hope your legs revive well xx [Rae Gaddum]
9/26/23Reply
Traveler Thanks Rae we sure will enjoy today's rest!
9/27/23Reply
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Traveler Diane’s Camino Frances
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- May 10, 2022, 7:00pm
- ☀️ 23 °C
- Altitude: 1,003 m
- Spain Castille and León Barrios de Colina San Juan de Ortega Monasterio de San Juan de Ortega 42.376095, -3.43727342°22’34” N 3°26’14” W
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Day 20
Belorado to San Juan de Ortega
May 10, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
Today was tough in many ways. I had an early start as there was no accommodation available to be booked in San Juan de Ortega so I had to hope I’d get to the municipal albergue before it was full.

On my way to Espinosa del Camino I passed Sandra from Germany who we had met in Orisson. We chatted a bit and made plans to have dinner together in Burgos on Thursday night with the Australian Sandra. While I was having breakfast in Espinosa del Camino she arrived and in that short space of time she had news from home that her father had died and she was going home. She gave me her rock to carry on to the Cruz de Ferro. I continued on and it was hard to shake the sadness. But I was so pleased that I had bumped into her at just that time. The remainder of the walk was 12 kms without any towns and the last half without shade again. It is getting very hot in the afternoons now. There is rain forecast for the end of the week but still high temperatures.

The good news is that I arrived at the albergue before it filled and even got a bottom bunk. It’s a large room with 11 bunk beds so might be a noisy night with 22 of us. But it’s clean and friendly and the shower was hot. I had a (wine free) communal pilgrim dinner and sat with a young woman who came from Stroud in Gloucestershire and it was a good end to the day.

Monasterio de San Juan de Ortega
24kmsRead more
Traveler Wow! What was the name of the Stroudie?
5/10/22Reply
Traveler Sorry Di, I initially missed the impact of your friend's grief. Sending you love. x
5/11/22Reply
Traveler Her name was Nina. She is travelling on her own.
5/11/22Reply
Traveler That’s ok xxx
5/11/22Reply
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