Mountain Climbing

Wow. This was one of the most beautiful days I've ever seen. It was also a challenging day both physically and emotionally. 

It's hard to pick just a few photos to share here because I took dozens on my handy little iPhone. The irony is not lost that although i have to carry my heavy albatross DSLR camera, i was not able to use it to record the über magnificent scenery.  However, at least I had the iPhone and memories to last my lifetime. 

It was a physically challenging day due to the rocky, muddy footpath that led to possibly the highest point on the camino. Just to make it a little more challenging, it was a severely cold day, with very strong headwinds, and snow and rain for almost all of the 6 hours I walked up and then down the mountain. 

I'm snuggled in my sleeping bag now (at 6 pm) because the persistent cold rain outside is discouraging me from venturing out to find food. Which is unfortunate, because I'm not far from a beautiful little town which would be so much fun to visit otherwise. Sadly, I am not able to explore and enjoy most of these ancient medieval villages due to the cold, wet weather. 

I'm lucky to even have a bed to sleep here in Molinaseca tonight: there's nowhere left in area for the slower pilgrims to stay. 

It was a taxing day emotionally, as well. Today I arrived at the Cruz de Ferro, where pilgrims traditionally leave stones from home. The ritual occurred many hours into the cold, hard accent up the mountain, so i had lots of time to ponder what i wanted to leave behind me, symbolized by a Stone. My hands were completely numb and it was raining and windy, so i substituted the peanuts in my pockets for the stones I had brought. 

One of the benefits of not wearing any makeup and being whipped by snow and rain is that no one can tell when you cry. 

My precious little peanuts are nestled under that wooden cross among thousands of other stones. The letting go will be harder for me than getting my peanuts to the cross.  But I am at peace with my intent. 

Somehow after I moved on from that point, I felt a bit lighter and happier. It feels like I've done a lot of internal work here on my camino and i believe i will be better for it. 

I found myself immersed in this weird exercise i have come to enjoy where I quietly sing a little song that develops as I go along. It's fun and I surprise myself with what comes out. 

We shall see how much of my Camino experience stays with me upon my return to regular life at home. But I sure have some powerful memories to cherish forever.