Since arriving in St Jean Pied Du Port on June 18 my mental calculation of Euros spent is about 50€ per day I’ve stayed in about three hotels but otherwise I’ve been in hostals. A hostal costs about 12-15 euros per night The 50€ includes hostal, food and beer when we arrive in the town or village. I’ve been in Spain 11 nights and spent about 530-550 €. What a deal.

The map has three arrows to help describe where I started, where I am currently and where I’m going. The blue arrow is St. Jean Pied du Port, France. That’s where I started on June 19. Today I’m in Burgos-which is the green arrow. I’m going to Santiago Compestelo which is the red arrow. I hope to be there July 22. While it may appear I’m half don’t be deceived. I’ve walked about 178 miles out of about 500 miles.

Burgos is a city of about 800,000. Thee largest city we have visited. It’s fun because everything is here. I especially love the outdoor cafes. We left at 6 am this morning and hiked about 16-17 miles. Something i have noticed recently is that while there are large wheat and barley fields, there are no houses, barns, or silos in the countryside. Maybe they are way off of the camino but that doesn’t explain why I never see any.

I had a really good day and excited to tell you a little bit about it. On the first day I met Rick, the guy with horrible feet. yesterday on day 11 he told me that he is a Jesuit priest. While we have had good conversations to date we had substantive conversations today. Dee’s answer to prayer is coming about and I told Rick that. We toured the Cathedral in Burgos this afternoon. 12th century built it rivals Italy Very gothic in ways.

Cathedral in Burgos

Also this morning we came upon a large cross and it was moving and i was able to take what I think is a great photo in the mist of the morning. It was in the 40’s when we left and probably got low 70’s in the sun.

We were able to hike with our Israeli friends today. They leave tomorrow and we won’t see them again. Saw our friend Donna who started hiking 500 miles in France and is now hiking this 500 miles back to back. From here she goes to Ireland for another 12 day hike. She is probably early 60’s.

Tomorrow we start the Meseta which is North Dakota in Spain. it is 140 miles of ND and hikers don’t look forward to it. My room mate told me that his friend absolutely loves the Meseta for the isolation that allows a person to think. Tomorrow is a light 12-13 miles and relatively flat.

In closing I hope you all know how much I enjoy your questions and comments. Because we are 6 hours ahead of EDST I look for comments as soon as I awaken.

Finally, I’m sharing a room with David tonight. really nice hotel that costs €54 for two. 27€ each and so nice. They have towels and clean bed linens.