I felt the strongest, most capable and empowered on today’s Camino than I have at any time in my adult life. Today we walked 18 miles across difficult, mountainous terrain. While it was the most physically challenging day of our Camino, it was also the most rewarding. There’s something about hiking up, over and through mountains that energizes the soul. Perhaps that is why the location of Cruce Ferro is located at the first mountain peak on today’s Camino, about 4 miles up steep mountain slopes.

We reached Cruce Ferro after a steady uphill climb through rocky and muddy trails. The peak is 5000 feet above sea level. At the sight is a large cross on a tall, but thin pole. At the base of the pole, millions of pilgrims across the years have placed stones they’ve carried on the Camino holding their burdens, sorrows, regrets. It was an emotional day for me knowing I would be leaving several stones I’ve been carrying with me this entire journey. One of my stones has my name engraved on it. It symbolizes my personal sorrows and regrets and pains. I’ve spent this entire trip carrying those burdens. Three other stones have names engraved on them of loved ones who recently passed away, before their time, before they could make such a journey on their own. I have carried two of those stones, one for my Dad, Arlen, who loved to travel and would have loved this adventure. The other for my niece Brittany who, at the age of 19, passed away last year in Argentina. She was full of life, love and had so much to live for. I know she would have loved this experience. The third stone has a friend,  Ludwig’s name engraved on it. Eladio has carried the stone in his pocket the entire journey, sometimes bringing it out at different spots along the Camino.

When Eladio and I arrived at Cruce Ferro, other pilgrims were having their brief moments and prayers, placing their stones. After a short break to replinish ourselves, we brought out the stones, placed them on the table where we were sitting, and refelected on the significance they represent. Eladio climbed to the top of the rock mountain, placed the stone with his name, then of Ludwig’s. I then climbed the rocks, found a spot that seemed right and carefully placed the stones of my Dad, Brittany and then my own stone. After climbing back down, Eladio and I looked at each other and with just that look, we could see we were having similar thoughts. To leave our own stones felt freeing, with a calmness; however, it was difficult and emotional leaving behind the stones of my Dad, Brittany and Ludwig.

First thing in the morning up the mountain trail

Departing Rabanal del Camino up the mountain trail

Arlen’s stone as we prepared it to place on Cruce Ferro

Brittany’s stone as we took it out to place.

Taking out Ludwig’s stone at Cruce Ferro

Taking the stones to find the perfect spot

Eladio about to place his and Ludwig’s stones

Me placing the stones at Cruce Ferro

Arlen’s , Brittany’s and my own stone placed at Cruce Ferro

My Dad’s stone placed on Cruce Ferro

Eladio’s and Ludwig’s stones placed on Cruce Ferro

The stones are now all placed on Cruce Ferro

Rick on top of Cruce Ferro

Having placed the stones, our final photo as we continued our journey

Cows grazing mountain meadows

Walking the mountain ridge between peaks

This 70 year old lady passed me up like I was standing still.

Wildflowers in small mountain village

House in the mountsins

Templar Castle in Ponferrada

Templar Castle in Ponferrada

In the city of Ponferrada