Hola everyone , 

Well we made it to Burgos.  15.5 miles today. We left 

around 6:15 am and arrived at the Albergue around 1:45.  Not too shabby 

7.5 hours walking with 2 short breaks.  The long walk today was well worth 

our extra time waiting in San Juan for the equinox.   Being at that chur h 

with a large group of local villagers , fellow pilgrims. Bused in people 

from Madrid, children, elders, all there to witness this mystery of light 

that occurs only on the Spring and fall equinox.  To sit in such an old old 

cathedral waiting for  the light is difficult to describe. Gay and I went 

about 45 minutes early so we would have a seat in the side chapel where this 

was to occur. There  was a mass at 6 with the light illuminating the carving 

of Mary's visitation from the angel in the ascension story happening between 

7 to 7 :20.   As j said in an earlier post to be there on that  particular 

town at that specific time of year to witness such an event was a wonderful 

gift. This church is large with multiple arches and high high ceilings. I 

can't quite wrap my mind around the computations that must have been done 

and then translated into  such a magnificient building in order for this to 

occur. I am certainly more curious about sacred geometry after viewing this. 

Our accommodations at the Alburgue were minimal at best but i slept well with 

my ear plug friends and had energy to get an early start this morning.  We 

were rewarded with a magnificent sunrise while walking through an area that 

reminded me of the Cumberland valley.  Our next great surprise to reward us 

after a climb up what appeared to be limestone rock path was a simple cross. 

We have seen numerous crosses along our way , but shortly after the cross on 

a flat top, almost meadow like, except for the fact that it was a rocky meadow, 

was a large labrinth painstakingly laid out with a spiral of rocks  circling 

into the center.  In the center was a rock with the saying "feel the present, 

frame the past." a stick with a boot on top of it  and other mementos left by 

pilgrims.  The labyrinth was so unexpected  and we were delighted. Little 

delights are all  along the way.  For the rest of the walk we were escorted 

by the wind.  A welcome companion to help temper the sun.  We knew the lovely 

beginning of our day walking would eventually give way to concrete and cityscape. 

It was a long walk on concrete and asphalt and our search for an alternate 

route that was listed in our guide book along the river was confusing.  When 

I stopeda local man to ask him where the river was in my very  limited Spanish, 

He graciously walked with us until he could show us the way.  Ah the kindness 

of strangers.   When we finally saw the cathedral we knew the Albergue was not 

far away and  I  could breathe a sigh of relief and let my tiredness seep in 

knowing a bed and shower was nearby.  So laundry done , shower done , writing 

to you and in my journal done. Gay and i hope to meet up with  our friend from 

Canada at 7 in the plaza. She has been resting here fir a couple of days with 

bad feet.   I hope she is doing better.  I feel blessed I am holding up although 

I  take nothing for granted.  Much love  to you all.  We will stay an extra day 

here to rest up and be tourists before we start heading out and into the Meseta. 

Love Camille carpe diem