2 kms to Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross) (Day 25)

Today after a 26.5 km hike with an elavation gain of 2000 ft all packed to the last 5k, I arrived to Foncebadón. It is a mountain village at almost 5000 ft (the highest village on the Camino) and absolutely stunning. Below are a few photos including the albuerge we are staying tonight. The last photo is the view from my room.

Tomorrow morning, I will summit the crossing and just at the peak there is the famed Cruz de Forro or the Iron Cross.

While the original is preserved in the Museo de Los Caminos in Astorga it is an iron cross on a long pole. At its base, a mound has been forming over the years as there is tradition to throw a stone, brought from the place of origin of the pilgrim, with his or her back to the cross to symbolize their journey. It is also believed that the rock symbolizes your burdens and by throwing them at the peak of the Camino (and less than 240kms from the finish) you leave them behind forever.

Well I didn’t know the rock symbolized your burdens and asked Amy to pick me a stone thinking that I would carry it for us as a symbol of our relationship.

Amy spent literally 0.3 seconds to pick a stone (which was offensive to me) and since then (Day 2 of Camino) I have been carrying the rock as a symbol of the life we built together. Only last week I learned the rock is actually my burden(s). Which has really messed up my thought process for tomorrow. I am not superstitious but don’t feel comfortable throwing the rock.

Below is the photo of the iron cross from the internet. Since it is only 2k away, tomorrow my plan is to be there at sunrise.

The views today were once again spectacular. Everyday I fall more in love with Spain (minus their food). Tomorrow will arrive to Ponferrada, which is another famous medieval town of Spain that I am excited about.

Today, I walked with Rick (an electrophysiologist) who is in between jobs and also Rwie (the rugby player from NZ). Enjoyed getting to know them more as I haven’t had that chance before. Particularly Rwie who had very different perspectives than mine around sensitive topics like abortion made me think that the Camino has helped me be more accepting of others beliefs even when they are profoundly different then mine.

Kms today: 26.5 kms

Kms total: 585 kms

Steps total: 158.4k Amy, 787k Ahmet

photos from the day.