As is normal for the Camino when you are staying in a dormitory full of people, the day began at around 4:30 with some fantastic pilgrims alarm clock. Before you knew it several were up and getting ready. They are noise challenged and all seem to not have cared if they work the rest of us up. So needless to say I was up early and getting ready to walk. After a quick breakfast and some delicious freeze dried coffee I was off. It was still barely 6 am so a headlamp was absolutely essential. I had a lady ask if she could walk with me as she had broken her headlamp. Her name was Beth, I told her that was an easy name for me to remember as it’s my wife’s name. The first 12 km was a tough uphill and then through the woods on logging roads. We talked non-stop about family, and life. In no time we had covered the 12km and were able to stop for a coffee. After that I walked on to Casteñeta which is where I stayed. It is a very small town with a few alberges about 8 miles from Burgos. The hospitalero was truly grumpy. We had an ok room and now bathrooms. They cooked dinner and provided breakfast all for 24 euros. Not too bad.
Today I was planning on walking into Burgos and spending the day, but when I got there it was only about 10 am. I checked out the Cathedral and sat for a few minutes and then decided that I felt good and that I would just go on down the road. So I walked to Tardajos which is another 10 or 11 km. It was a nice walk and I am staying in a very nice albergue here. It has a nice garden and is well situated to be able to head out onto the Masetta in the morning. I am ahead of my plan which is great and also experiencing new places. As a general rule must people who work and live on the Camino are tired and a little cranky. It is totallly understandable.
Tomorrow I will head to Castrojerez. I am staying in an albergue that is owned by a Korean couple. They cook a Korean food dinner. I am excited.