Up the mountain to the Iron Cross

Gorgeous day to be alive!! What perfect weather to walk in as well.

We all started off rugged up, but the further up the mountain we got, the hotter it got.

I love the early morning golden light on buildings.

Foncebadon is one of the mountain towns which was abandoned for years, but ou now gaining some regular residents. It has three Albergues!!! And shockingly - a well stocked store. It was a welcome stop for breakfast and breather before the iron cross..

The Iron Cross stood magnificently against the blue sky.

Though ot has a revered feing, I couldnt help but feel a little ripped off and disappointed. I'd thought it might have been.. Bigger??

The mound of stones, bearing names, wishes spells and blessings - cast there over years - it leaves an eerie, sad energy, not incomfortable.. But one of waiting, of slight desperation, of lingering hope. 

I set a stone for Age... And put a message of love for him on the rock wall. 

I have been carrying these stones, in heart shapes the whole way. One is whole, the other two shattered and broken.. This circle of pain has been broken today as I cast the last two into the pile. 

Me on the top of the rock pile at the Iron Cross. Pensive snd thoughtful after some barefoot meditation in the pine forest.

The path ahead.. Onto Santiago..222 km to go.