Day 21. Villafranca montes de Oca to Atapuerca. 18 km.

We left at 7 a.m. in the dark.  The skies were filled with stars and it was easy to see the constellations.  It was pretty cold so I wore my rain jacket and rain pants.  It was a very steep uphill climb and since we had had no breakfast stopped on the trail to have our box juice, Pamplona meat and cheese on bread we packed up from our dinner the night before.  

To our pleasant surprise, Maritza the woman from Turks and Caicos bounded excitedly at seeing us and gave us a big hug.  She has a bad back and so walks   a short distance and her husband picks her up and takes her to the trails.  We first met her on the trail fro Roncessvalles.  It was so fun to see her.

We were bound for Atapuerca, the town where human remains dating back over 900,000 years were found.  The archeological digs are on going and analysis show human activity going back over 900,000 years ago.  We arrived on time to attend the 4:30 guided tour.  It was strange riding a vehicle after 21 days.  

We had a really great dinner at the local restaurant.  The owner was funny when taking orders then asked us to all stay behind for a cultural show.  He asked each country groups to perform.  We sang the national anthem. The French sang frere Jacques, the English God Save the Queen.  We had an Irish solo, German song, and a  song of course from Spain sang by the restaurant owner.  The one girl from Iceland passed.