Our day in Burgos was quite nice. We had super accommodations right in the shadow of the cathedral. We had a lovely lunch of noodles and visited the cathedral.

And while walking around after lunch we spotted fellow pilgrim Zora. She was surprised as much as we were to all be in Burgos. She has walked the camino, I think the Portuguese and now is walking back. We agreed to meet for a drink and dinner. What a lovely time sharing stories. 

We made  it to Bilbao by train. I had a bit of a melancholy feeling as we pulled out of Burgos, tears even welled up. Am I sad to be leaving Spain? Will I miss walking? So many more questions. I will be sorting through lots of emotions. 

These two months have been amazing with lots of ups and downs physically and emotionally. 

And we are ready for what’s next. We picked up our extra bag at the Correos and found our accommodation near the airport. 

Tomorrow a shuttle to the Bilbao airport and a flight to Amsterdam. We will stay one night in Amsterdam before our next adventure. Stay tuned. 

We wanted to go back to Santo Domingo de la Calzada one more time before heading back to the Netherlands. We live this place. So we took a bus from Logroño to Najera and then set out after a light breakfast to walk to SDdlC. 

There are fewer pilgrim walking at this time of year at least where we are. We made it to Azofra and had a nice snack before heading out towards the steep slope to that leads to a little park at the top. Often there is a man who offers drinks, fruit, snacks and knickknacks at the top of the hill, but he was not there, probably off season. We also noticed that the park/picnic area is being restored. This has started in the last month because nothing was being done when we passed by here then. This will be very nice. 

After leaving the park you walk into what I refer to as the ghost town of golf. The plan was to build a course and housing and people would come. But it never happened. The golf course is still in use and they are very nice to pilgrims. 

From here there is only about 7,5 kms to SDdlC. The first part over the rolling hills and fields is beautiful. There is a new-ish rest area along this stretch. As we came into SDdlC we noticed so many places for sale, businesses closed, restaurants not open. It made us a bit sad. 

This is our last walking day for this adventure. We figure this year so far we have walked for close to 4000 kms/2400 miles. Climbed a lot!! And have memories for a lifetime. We have met so many wonderful people and have been supported by so many others. We raised €1000 for cancer research. Thank you for the support. 

We still have a few traveling days left so will stay in touch. Then it will be all about getting our car transformed into a camping car and off we will be on more adventures. Hope you come along. Buen Camino!!

We made another short walk from Viana yo Logroño about 10 kms. It was very nice weather cloudy and cool but no rain. The sun shone through several times. The walk takes you from Navarre into Rioja, all the way you are walking through vineyards. 

We are often very quiet as we walk. This means that you spend a lot of time in your head. Sometimes this means that you make plans, sort through a problem, have a song in your head. And other times you are going over past mistakes, hurts, regrets, etc. 

While walking on this day I found myself counting mistakes, regrets bubbled up, disappointments tried to overwhelm…I began taking each thought that came into my head, taking it in my hand and tossing it to the side of the path. This may sound strange but for me it was like shedding things we no longer need to carry, things that no longer need to weigh me down. 

I honestly felt lighter as we walked into Logroño. I believe this will help me in the future. What do you use to help you let go of those negative feelings and disempowering thoughts. 

Wow! The walk in reverse was so awesome!!!! There is a very steep descent when you walk from torres del Rio to Viana. Which means there is a steep ascent walking the other way. 

We decided to take the “short cut” up. Not sure it was really a short cut. 😂

We encountered a few pilgrims who commented on us walking back. I’m still a huge fan and pretty sure it’s our next camino even though we have several planned. 

Viana is a beautiful city as is Torres del Rio. We had a lovely stay in Torres Del Rio. 

Walking back to Viana was also fun. This is a walk that I remember being super challenging on all my other caminos. There is one steep up and this time (after the Primitivo and the Frances) it didn’t seem so hard. I think it’s all in perspective. 

Being active for two months, walking, climbing, being a pilgrim changes all the muscles in your body including your brain and heart. 

I love this about pilgrimage. Which is why I consider myself and everyday pilgrim. Buen Camino!