On the 24th of April 2013, I walked from Espinoza Del Camino to Atapuerca, a distance of about 22 kilometres. I was no longer feeling the aches in my legs as much as I had since the start of my pilgrimage and I had begun to hope that the blisters of my feet were now on the way to healing and would not come back.
I was mistaken about the blisters.
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The Way early in the morning as Stuart and I left Espinoza Del Camino.
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Stuart just after we left Espinoza Del Camino; it was early in the morning.
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Our walking on the 24th of April 2013 took place in the approaches of these mountains, but we did not have to actually climb any mountains that day. Snow still clung to the mountain tops.
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Whenever and wherever we walked, there were always many other peregrinos who were also walking. I took this photo on the 24th of April between Espinoza Del Camino and Atapuerca.
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Strolling through the forest on the 24th of April 2013 just before reaching the Camino Stonehenge.
More peregrinos walking towards the Camino Stonehenge on the 24th of April 2013.
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The many concentric circles of stones that I called the Camino Stonehenge on the path between Espinoza Del Camino and Atapuerca. I do not know what significance the rings of stones have. Photo taken 24th of April 2013.
The tiny blue star shaped flowers growing near the concentric circle of stones made by peregrinos on the way from Espinoza Del Camino to Atapuerca; photo taken 24th of April 2013.
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In English, the sign says
According to Wiki, the World Heritage site at Atapuerca
Atapuerca was designated a World Heritage Site on the 30th of November 2000.
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Diary Entry Made on Wednesday 24 April 2013 at 5:40 pm
Stuart and I arrived at Atapuerca at about 2:00 pm after a hike of about 21.9 kilometres according to Brierley but I am confident it was more in the region of 20 kilometres based on the time it took and the rate we walked at. Perhaps I miscalculated.
Stuart rang the albergue and reserved us a 2 bed unit for €35.00. It was delightfully clean and modern with reasonable showers.
Apart from the final 2 kilometres, we spent most of the walk tramping through forest. From Espinosa Del Camino to Villafranca de Montes de Oca, the Camino went through fields of deep green. Then it climbed steeply for about 3 kilometres (45 minutes). It was hard work and very pleasant. The Camino was flat for a long stretch, running through a forest on each side. It was very peaceful and relaxing walking.
At one point, pilgrims had made a "Camino Stonehenge" - hundreds of small stones have been laid out in concentric circles around a central stone. It had all been carefully laid out on green grass. At about this spot there were also wide swathes of tiny blue star shaped flowers. They were gorgeous and I took photos.
From there it was an easy descent to Ages and then to Atapuerca 2 kilometres down the road.
My feet have practically stopped aching (relatively speaking). I will try walking tomorrow with a single pair of socks and no bandages/ strapping on the feet. The calves and thighs are complaining a bit but I can walk through that.
Distance Walked Today: 21.9 kilometres.
Total Distance Walked So Far: 252.8 kilometres.
Total Distance Covered So Far: 265.2 kilometres including the 12.4 kilometres by taxi.
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Soul Song Number 14 - A Walk in the Forest
(24 April 2013)
The morning air was bitingly cold as we stepped out that morning.
I shivered inside my gloves and jacket,
Willing the pain to vanish from my feet and legs.
Soon we were striding into the sunshine,
Once again, truly made alive by the simple act of walking.
At first, the Way wound through fields of green.
After a short rest, we were climbing.
Upwards, upwards we paced,
Legs and shoulders protesting.
As we rose, the houses disappeared.
Now we were in a forest,
A forest grown specially for pilgrims.
The Camino Makers knew that pilgrims need the sounds of the forest.
Is there anyone who doesn't like a walk in a forest?
Not on the Camino there isn't.
As the forest came to an end,
We walked through a sea of flowers,
Star shaped delicacies made solely to make us feel wonderful.
How you loved walking across the Roof of the World.
You thought nothing else could make you feel any better.
But of course you were wrong.
Soon you saw the Camino Stonehenge,
Thousands of stones lovingly laid out in concentric circles.
The work of pilgrims filled with the joy of this place,
Just as you were.
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