Started this morning at 6:30 to get an early jump to get to Burgos to rejoin Jana.
The first part of the walk was up a steep hill and into a forest, and then down into a valley with some remote town. This part of the walk was very pleasant.
The second half was on metropolitan sidewalks and was just urban jungle. This was not pleasant. It was just city streets, and the Camino path was not marked. I lost track of it a couple of times. But I knew she was near the Main Cathedral Square, and kept going in that direction until I found the Square. I think I may have added an unnecessary mile... Overall, the walk today was just shy of 15 miles. With half on concrete, and a bunch of afternoon touring on concrete, I am looking forward to resting my feet.
After getting cleaned up, we toured around the Cathedral. Tomorrow, we are taking an extra day here to go up into the forest to tour the old fortress walls, and will very likely go into the Cathedral (when it gets hot outside).
We also have some re-evaluation to do. Booking is becoming near impossible, and forwarding a suitcase when there is no guarantee that city can take you is very precarious. it is getting very frustrating for Jana to try to plot a path.
Today, the first part of the walk was bird-friendly, and productive. Once I got the the metropolitan area, though, so much traffic noise, not much other than pigeons, house-sparrows, and magpies. 33 species found, including 3 new ones. I also spotted my first two Spanish owls, but am unable to take credit for them.
Pictures!
I left Agés early, before sunrise, at about 6:30AM.
A bit down the street, and the first rays of sun were cresting the hill:
The early light on the field played nicely with the rolls of the earth:
The first town we passed, Atapuerca, has a UNESCO heritage site for very early human remains. Sadly, I the schedule did not allow for a diversion here. However, we may be visiting a museum in Burgos dedicated to the Atapuerca site.
Owl #1, that I cannot claim a credit for:
The walk got more interesting as we deviate from roads and started a long hill-climb. A European Greenfinch in the early dawn light:
A Red-Backed Shrike (center of frame):
Sheeeep!
A European Goldfinch:
The tail end of a Western-Bonelli's Warbler. They were everywhere today, but they hop around like crazy and stay mostly buried in the foliage, so are not ideal photo candidates:
As we neared the top, a picture of the valley down below where we started the morning:
The hill was split by a barbed wire fence. Crossing is not advised.
A European Blackbird gathering fluff - presumably for a nest:
At the top of the plateau was a cross. A number of pilgrims add a single rock as they pass:
Looking back from the other end of the plateau:
And before we start our descent, a look down to the valley below:
A Northern Wheater:
Wildflowers on the descent:
A European Stonechat that bolted as I took the photo:
A glimpse of the first town, at the base of the hill:
In the distance, a Wood-Pigeon eating a flower:
Not a great photo, but a Eurasian Skylark. Their chatter is constant in the wheat fields here, but they stay almost entirely below, in the stalks. I've heard thousands, but have only seen a few:
My second owl:
Another day with only a handful of poppies. I probably took pictures of all of them. In the second photo (the only field of poppies), they are nicely backlit by the morning sun.
2nd Breakfast on the road. Ham, egg and peppers in a sandwich:
More wildflowers:
Walking through a small town, a wishing-well from used tires:
At this point, we hit civilization hard. Not much nature from this point forward. I did see two White Storks on the Airfield property:
Also next to airport property, a Western Yellow Wagtail:
And one of the new birds today - a Whinchat:
A couple of industrial churches:
Urban wildflower:
A Black Redstart -
A Rumba Mower:
And now into Burgos proper. Only a few more miles to go:
Passing a Santa Maria church. One of the landmarks Jana gave me was the Santa Maria Cathedral. Who would have thunk that a Spanish City might have multiple catholic churches that included the name Maria? (And this is a Clark problem and not a Jana problem):
Approaching the old district:
And I turned the corner - and there is the 'correct' Cathedral!:
The last 8 miles were difficult walking through metropolitan zoo. But this part of Burgos is very cool. Once I found Jana, we did some exploring (not just around the Cathedral - but the Cathedral is so impressive, it dominates the photos). We will likely to the official tour tomorrow
El Cid is buried here, and the restaurant across bears his name:
Non-Cathedral Artwork:
And more Cathedral Stuff (at the backside):
our late lunch today - and what is that in the background?
Hope things straighten out. We just got back home. All’s well. Dad
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