The climb to Ponferrado

It's been another gorgeous day in the mountains. I awoke very early to make it to the Cruz de Ferro by sunrise. (It's an ancient ritual site that dates back as far as 2500 years! It's a sacred oak trunk and in the 11th century an iron cross was added to it.) Leaving a stone is a significant rite of passage and the most famous point on the Camino. We walked in moonlight and arrived just before daylight. I took a moment to practice and learn about the Axis Mundi (the oak tree that connects earth and heaven) and thought about gratitude, letting go, forgiveness, etc. I didn't intend to spread Liane's ashes there but I ended up grabbing a handful and releasing it on the mound in addition to my rock. 

I continued on over the mountain stopping at beautiful rest points, soaking my feet in the river in Molinasca then on to Ponferrado.