The Iron Cross of the Camino

It’s said that an abbott from a nearby monastery, in the 11th century, erected this simple iron cross at the highest point on the Camino, originating in France. One theory is that it was erected so that pilgrims traveling in the winter could recognize the Camino in the deep snow. A custom began to carry a small stone from home, while you were on your pilgrimage, leaving it at the cross with the intent of a prayer, or conviction with that stone. Leaving your stone was also meant as the gesture of ridding yourself of any burden that was keeping you from fully embracing your faith. Over the centuries, the pile of stones (and so I imagine prayers, convictions and burdens) has grown to what we see today. I left two stones….one to remember my family and the other for the memory of Rick Mancuso and his family.

Candidly, I was very anxious about today’s walk. My last full-mountain walk did not go well (see page 1, in the Pyrenees!). I’m not a big fan of walking up. Adding to the fact that this was a highest point on the Camino, and with my shin splints and tendinitis…you get the picture. As it turned out, I managed the ascent very well. It was actually enjoyable. The weather was perfect. It was the descent that nearly killed me! The path was rock strewn, sometimes barely wide enough to pass, sometimes only a gully from previous rains. The path was trying at every turn to twist, sprain or break my ankle! It took me hours to get down. Having said all that negative stuff, the scenery was breathtaking. Miles and miles of spring flowers and bushes in bloom…purple heather, yellow and white scotch broom. The high mountain ranges in the distance. At lower altitudes, the wild lavender was also blooming. And other flowers that I have no idea what they were. It was a long and grueling day. I’m in a nice alberque in a nice little village. I’m heading out now to find some dinner.