This will be a very short blog. I’m exhausted from today’s 21.5 kilometer hike over the highest point on the Camino which is the Iron Cross (La Cruz de Ferro). It is here that the pilgrim will place a stone or object that they have been carrying with them on the Camino which could also symbolize something they’ve been carrying with them for a long time before the Camino. The pilgrim places this object at the foot of the cross immediately lightening one’s weight they’ve been carrying. Pilgrims have been doing this for centuries. Heike, Nancy, Andrea and I were able to take part in this very moving tradition today.
We made it to to top of the Camino’s path today and placed our objects at the foot of the Cross. We then had to negotiate a steep descent along the path to get to today’s destination. Nancy’s knees held up remarkably well. Heike and Andrea seemed to get stronger throughout the day. I was the “soft egg” today as I became physically worn out by the time we stopped for the day.
Last comments are that the beauty of the landscape we walked through today was absolutely breath taking. How fortunate are we to see such beautiful country that few people are able to take in! I was also surprised by the emotions evoked while at the cross today. I will close with a few photos taken today. I plan to explain at a later blog.
camino500 
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! Tell Nancy to share some of these pictures on FaceBook so I can tag them. xoxoxoxoxox
Hang in there, Joe. May God bring you a full recovery quickly after a good night’s rest!! Blessings, Bob
Hear Hear, Bob. Enjoy a nights rest Joe. It is a little lighter than before you climbed to the iron cross. I hope the days stay beautiful and warm.
JJ,
Thank you for your support and well wishes. Please give your fellow engineers all my best!
Joe – I am so humbled by your faith and dedication! You, Nancy, and Andrea are truly making me eat my words! Hang in there and may the weather turn in your favor! From the Irish:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand
Louise,
Thank you so much for sharing my favorite Irish sayings. It’s great hearing from you! We’re learning to take this Camino one day at a time. We’ve now travelled almost 300 of our 500 kilometers! I cam’t lie, it’s a grind but we’re making incredible lifetime memories. Much love and affection from Joe, Nancy and Andrea
Thank you SO much for your postings. I love reading about your progress every day. My prayers and Love are with you. Blessings, Linda
Hi Linda,
I’m so happy to learn that you’re appreciating my posts. I hope to get one in this evening. You’re prayers and love are felt all the way to Spain. Buen Camino! – Joe
Joe,
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your writing and photos are beautiful and your family bond is an inspiration. Ps Reggie came through his procedure yesterday with only minor complications and may be released tomorrow. I am confident your prayers made a difference. 🙂
Terry, that is FANTASTIC news regarding Reggie! Yesterday afternoon as we walked out a village called Acebo I was specifically thinking of Reggie and his pending operation/procedure. I started praying for his quick and complete recovery. I am so happy to learn that he will soon be released from the hospital and back to your arms! wishing you and your family all the best. – Joe