This morning we started out by moonlight and the rising sun as we climbed up to the Cruz de Ferro, (Iron Cross) the highest part of the Camino, about 4000+ ft.
Today's topography
We had been warned about the possible cold weather on the mountain and what a rough day of walking it would be, so we bundled up in layers and took extra jackets, hats, gloves and scarves for the mountain. Amazingly, as the sun got higher in the sky, we peeled everything off - it was quite a warm day - didn't need any of it!
As we climbed, we got warm and stopped for a beverage in a tiny village of Foncebadon and then continued on up to the cross. The climb was much easier and gradual than we expected - I am thinking our legs are a lot stronger than when we did our first climb from St. Jean Pied de Port!
The Cruz de Ferro is the place that pilgrims traditionally lay down any burdens they brought on the Camino. People usually bring a rock from home to leave at the base of the cross. I took a stone that was given to all congregants at a service at church in June and left it there with prayers for healing and thanks for this wonderful experience.
The cross is on a wooden pillar and the base has been piled with stones for years. One has to literally climb the mound to leave their stone. There were many pilgrims there this morning and it didn't feel as sacred a space as I expected. The Aussie guys whom we've run into so often, Greg and Klaus, were there, so we had a photo op.
It was wonderful to be in and to see the mountains and the views were wonderful - incidently, almost every ridge had windmills on it.
The majority of the walk today was down hill and was at times very rubbly and steep. I found myself being very attentive to where my feet went and picked my way down the hill. We were among the slower walkers and I found myself feeling grateful for the thousands of pilgrims who came before me and made a smoother path in the rubble.
We arrived in the lovely village of Molinaseca and had a reservation in a small hotel. It is wonderful to have a double room, private bath (with a bath tub - guess what I did this afternoon!), and sheets on the beds!
We got our laundry done, shopped for snacks and a picnic lunch for tomorrow, visited the church where a wedding was occurring and met up with our Aussie friends for a foot bath before dinner. It was a lovely evening having dinner with a fun group by the river.
Today my angel card was 'trust'. First thoughts as I was picking my way down the mountain was trusting my feet, legs and body (and myself to be able to do this.) Second thoughts went to trusting the doctors caring for Hildy. They know what she needs and how to care for her. I am relaxing into trusting the whole Camino community from the other pilgrims, to the WONDERFUL Spaniards whom we've met along the way - people who have cared for us, who are patient with our broken Spanish, who try to help in any way they can and who always have a smile. I trust that I will be taken care of not only by my fellow humans, but by a divine presence that is always here. I trust that I will get what I need. As they say on the Camino, you will get what you need, maybe not what you want!
Hildy update: Hildy continues to improve and has a monitor on her brain and the doctors and other family members can see when she is responsive. She knows when people are there and speaking to her and she responds strongly to pain. Her shoulder surgery is scheduled for Monday after which they will start to wake her up. She is in a lot of pain right now, so she is probably in the best place consciously (or unconsciously) for her healing. Everyone is so much more relaxed and hopeful which is a relief.
Thank you all for your prayers, best wishes, love and light. They all make a difference and we are so grateful.
Thank you, Barbara for the Ode to Holly's boots. In case you aren't reading the comments - here it is - I love it - thank you Barbara!
Holly’s Boots
Tough and strong
They’ve lasted long.
In day and night
They’ve seen the sights.
Room for toes
But not for woes
Holly’s boots
Have roots.
Lew and I watched "The Way" yesterday and it was as if we knew much of what we were seeing due to the incredibly descriptive blogs and pictures you have posted daily! Sending you much love and wishing you Buen Camino...see you soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the Boots Ode gave you a chuckle. I forgot to mention on yesterday's post, how much I like the shadow pictures. I'll have to send you one we took in 2008 in Wyoming - shadows are a lot of fun to play with. I think the foot baths are great - what a good idea. So glad you have found so much support and peace in the Camino community. Sending love and hugs to you right where you are right now.
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