Today was an epic day on the Camino. Following yesterday’s gentle 24KM walk gaining 311M in elevation, today I kept climbing an additional 507M to reach the highest point in the whole journey at 1515M and then just like that walked down 400+ M all in a 20KM day. The way down was crazy steep at times and with very dangerous rocky paths, see photos below. The views were great, entering different type of mountain range as I get very close to Galicia, in about 3 days.

Just before I reached the peak, visited the Cruz de Ferro (The Iron Cross) a landmark in the pilgrimage where pilgrims leave behind a rock they have carried from home. Many interpretations on the tradition, for some is to stop carrying stuff that no longer serve you on the life journey, for some is about loved ones they lost. I left my rock that Joanne picked and she put my name on it. It did mean a lot for me to leave it there symbolically. You can ask me when you see me if you want to know more.

It was particularly sweet today because honestly I was afraid in the last 3-4 days that my leg and feet problems would not have let me do it. Between the ice, voltaren, compeed (for blisters), Leuko tape and walking in sandals when I could, they held up today.

Tomorrow, more descend. Let’s hope the feet are happy after a nice sleep.