From our bedroom window we awake to the sun rising over the Burgos Cathedral which among many things houses the crypt of El Cid. Our Hotel was the historic Meson El Cid.

Before our departure from Burgos this morning, we have a guided tour with a local historian. The Burgos province now marks the beginning of a new stage in our pilgrimage to Compostela, as well as a significant change in the rhythm of the Camino. Gone are the mountains which have been our constant companions since Roncesvalles as we must now traverse the austere and solitary plains of the Castilian tableland that forms the center of Spain. As it turns out, plains does not mean flat.

Our lodging this evening was at a family country home just outside of Hornillos Del Camino. Our hostess for the evening prepared a traditional Spanish meal which included vegetable soup, fresh tomatoes, grilled peppers and various other home grown delights.

It is rumored that Martin Sheen's grandson met and fell in love with our hostess' grand daughter during the filming of "The Way". In any event they eventually married.