Day 16 walking. Welcome to the Meseta.... Well almost 7 May

Hontannas 7 May What an amazing day.

31.8kms, more hills and a head wind. We did it.

Day started early, before 6am, with much movement in the Albergue. Apparently doors don't open until 6.30am. Not sure how that works, cos they surely can't lock you in. But there were many people in the dining area, pre 6.30am, packed, boots on and ready to go.

Hotel abba. For Carolyn.

We got away about 6.45am, but it was pressure from the start, with large groups breathing down our neck. Getting out of Burgos is just as difficult as getting into the place. Seriously not enough yellow markers. There was a continuous stream of walkers out of Burgos this morning. Amazing.

Great to talk with Jenny via Skype as we walked along this section.
The suggested stage, 21km to Hornillas took us just on 5 hours. Excellent time, and included a couple of stops for refreshments and hot chocolate. So we were very pleased with ourselves. Thinking 12 noon was too soon to stop, especially given that most albergues don't open until 1 or 2 o'clock, we thought a stop for lunch might be in order, with our final destination for the day a little further.

Time for a rest.... And a bit of chocolate.

But our decision not even to stop for refreshments was confirmed when we rounded a corner and saw the huge crowd gathered on the steps of the albergue near the church. Incredible. Such a huge crowd, waiting for the albergue. Good news for us, cos it meant that a smaller number of people would be heading for Hontanas, where we were headed.

Only another 10km to Hontanas, but took sooooo much longer. Took just under 3 hours, but included our lunch break and check in. Last 10km was hard. I thought we were on the Meseta - flat land, but it certainly hasn't been flat. Yes there are some flat areas, but also ups and downs. Kept seeing signs pointing the way..... They seemed to say, 'Keep walking.'

Then there was a sign saying 0.5km to Hontanas - couldn't even see a glimpse of the town or even the church steeple. Sooo pleased to finally get here, and get a bed.

Sharing our room, aka sleeping space with 2 Canadians who took a taxi from Hornillas to Hontanas. They waited and waited with the crowd on the steps. Albergue was late opening, because the person in charge was in Burgos trying to get medical treatment. The albergue would be full, and overflow was also over subscribed.

When we passed through, Lex commented about just this situation.... with so many people racing to be in line for the albergue, taking all available spaces, making an impossible situation for tired walkers who arrive late in the afternoon. Good to be out of step with that crazy crowd.

As we sit in the street outside our albergue (they don't have a patio area) we see more and more pilgrims arrive, and then directed to alternative accommodation elsewhere in the town. We feel very lucky. Sharing a communal dinner in the albergue tonight - ensalada, paella, postre and wine or water. Love how they serve wine OR water.

Notes to self

• 31.8 km Burgos to Hontannas is a long haul
• Municipal Albergue 5€ p/p and 9€ p/p for dinner. Excellent .
• Every part of me aches. Feet legs, back. Pack doesn't seem to be getting lighter.
• Lex is now carrying my sleeping bag and other sandals. Consider posting some things home.
• Cloud today, so didn't need so much water.
• Carried food because guide book and others said facilities past Burgos weren't good. Not so. Could have purchased things along the way.
• Don't stop for coffee at first place out of Burgos. Walk on to the bar on outskirts of same town. Less crowded and has toilets.

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