On this section of the Camino we come to Cruz de Ferro, a place of prayer and reflection for many pilgrims.

It is a symbol of the challenges and hardships that people face on their journey, primarily not while walking but while living their lives. As a tradition many pilgrims leave a stone as a symbol of their spiritual journey.

I wanted to be at Cruz de Ferro before sunrise as I wanted to see a new day dawn for me.

The act of dropping a stone symbolizes the dropping of a challenge or hardship and it’s time to move on. While we can never forget the past, we can put it down and enjoy today and tomorrow.

I was carrying 3 stones for about 590 kilometres and today was the time to drop them.

We are often asked “If we could change the past, would we?”

Our knee jerk reaction is YES!

Personally my past was not perfect, I made mistakes, did things I wish I didn’t, while I have also done some pretty fantastic things that I am very proud of. Collectively they made me who I am. Would I want to change who I am NOW? No!

There is no perfect life! Even in the movies there are flaws. It’s accepting who we are and celebrating our uniqueness.

The mountain scenery is breathtaking, however I did miss a sign while heading from Riego de Ambros to Molinaseca. I was wandering the hills but I knew where I was headed, I just had to figure out how to get there. I noticed a power line so I just headed in that direction and followed it through trees and bushes until I reached a road and then walked to town!

So today was a day of getting lost and finding myself.

So here are the maps from black pen to blue pen.

There is so much to discuss but for now all I want to say is that I am lighter, freer, happier, healthier and energized for my journey here on the Camino and when I get home.