Into the mountains

I’ve been walking through increasingly hilly terrain, a big change from the Meseta. There was a wonderful “hippie oasis” along the way, called El Jardin de Alma. They had a huge assortment of teas, coffee, juices, and snacks, all on a donation basis. I sliced a couple of oranges and put them through the squeezer. Almost everyone who came by stopped for a while.

I spent a night in Astorga, where I toured the Gaudi Palace. In addition to his interesting architecture, there were many rooms of religious art.

I’m in Foncebadon tonight, after walking in a light rain for a couple of hours. It’s a tiny town with one street and many albergues. Tomorrow I will continue to climb to Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross). It is a tradition to bring a small stone from home to leave at the foot of the cross, thereby leaving a burden behind. Your burden could be any negative emotion you’re carrying, whether it be guilt, regret, fear, grief, etc. or it could be in memory of lost loved ones.Read more