Said our tearful good byes to Judy and popped into a bar for coffee and lo and behold...there were the Finns with the cameras rolling...it was fun to see them again.
Hiked up 400 meters today and descended 600 meters...rather an up and down day! The vegetation was very tundra-like and the trail was rough and rocky. Because we were walking through clouds, it was cold, damp, and misty. Finally reached the summit of the Camino, Monto Irago at 1504 meters. Located here is the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross) which rises out of a long wooden trunk planted in a huge mound of stones. The Romans called these cairns ´Mountains of Mercury¨in honour of the walker´s deity. Many pilgrims add stones continuing an age-old tradition. Everywhere were stones with messages, trinkets, and pictures of lost loved ones. We placed a stone in honour of seven women we know who died much too soon of cancer. We wrote: ¨In celebration of their lives lived with remarkable courage - Susan, Barb, Amy, Wilma, Carol, Nesta, and Pat¨. We are Seven Camino Chicas walking for our Seven Fallen Sisters and we felt their spiritual presence with us.
As we approached a simple refugio in Manjarin, a bell was rung in greeting by Tómas, a modern-day Knight Templar. The sun began to break through at points and the clouds lifted in order to reveal the incredible beauty of these lush, green hills/mountains. Stopped to picnic on some rocks, Monica producing cheese, bread, turkey, and jam. Tourists were actually pointing and taking our picture.....I felt a little like a mountain goat in the Rockies! Today we felt like Heidi in the Alps and found ourselves singing, ¨The Hills Are Alive¨. Once again no internet available.
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4 comments:
Kathy you eloquently capture the spirit of the camino...I have enjoyed you colourful discriptions of the days events....I can totally relate to Monica's abilty to conjure up a lovely trailside picnic...usually there would some wine involved....say hello to all the chicas for me...
You should all be reaching Samos soon. In Samos is a beautiful Monestary, which I believe you can visit. One of the aldeas before Samos is El Mason, where I am doing a rehab job. The town is comprised of just three houses. It may be too late, but before Samos is a small village with a church that supposidly has the Holy Grail. I will post again today with a place to eat there and the name of the waitress.
Hi Bob, You certainly have Monica pegged! She has read this and is chuckling! Happy Thanksgiving from all the chicas!
We are waiting anxiously for your post. We pass Samos tomorrow so thanks for the info. We will check out your rehab lol
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