Today has been the first day that everything started to run together. We got up this morning (Where are we again? Oh yea Molinaseca.) We pack the bags again. we put on our boots again. We confess our clothes STINK! We have to do a big wash. Yesterday we walked farther than we had planned, partly because it was all downhill. We reached El Acebo, our planned destination by noon so we kept going. Yesterday was beautiful. The clouds stayed just above the mountain tops, so we had no sun and a cool breeze for walking. The wildflowers are all in bloom, and it is truly incredible to see all the colors around every bend. I keep slowing us down trying to take pictures.
We reached El Cruz de Ferro, a mound of stones that was begun in the 9th century. It is topped with a large pole capped with an iron cross. Pilgrims bring stones from their homeland and place them there to rid themselves of their burdens for which they are on the Camino. Caroline and I had brought rocks from our front yard and from the AT at Blood Mountain to symbolize our burdens. It is a very moving experience to be atop this mound, started centuries before, and think that you are adding to its growth. We finished our day in Molinaseca and had a chance to go to mass and participate in a rosary in the church there.
Today we walked only 9 km to Ponferrada and were the second people at the albergue. It is run by a German couple and they let us wash our clothes before they officially opened. It was great to get everything nice and fresh. We walked around the town and went to the Templar Castle and Basilica. We plan to cook pasta Puttanesca tonight here and go to mass.
The weather is warm and sunny, so we are resting for the climbs to come in the next two days.
Caroline is doing well and feeling better now.
I want to tell you that we have written a prayer that we pray every morning. I will post it when I get the chance and have it with me at a computer. But we truly want to make sure that you all know that we are praying for everyone, especially those people that have been helping our family out while we are gone. Your friendship and service is just the kind that is most cherished and we thank you.
1 comment:
I love this story about adding your rocks to the mound that was started in the 9th century. How awesome to be a part of something that is so ancient, to unite yourselves through ritual to those who have gone before you. Beautiful! God's peace to you both as you continue your journey. I'm anxious to read the prayer you wrote. God's peace, Rhonda Boyle
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