Because of poor internet and other issues, I have fallen behind in posting these updates of our pilgrimage. Therefore, I am posting day four and day five.
Day 4
We left Foncebadon at 6:15 am to continue our ascent to Cruz de Ferro, Iron Cross, the highest point on the entire Camino. Thankfully, we had left ourselves only 1 1/2 miles from the top, and the ascent was easier than I had remembered it being six years ago. as is the tradition, each of us deposited around the cross a stone that we had brought from New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or Madrid.
The 12-mile descent from the top was probably the most difficult segment we will have to deal with on the Camino. The Rocky paths Were incredibly difficult and dangerous. Later in the day, everyone we met and spoke to agreed that it was a grueling descent. But we made it.
After two rest stops, we arrived at our destination, Molinaseca, one of the loveliest villages on the Camino, with a river flowing through it, and restaurants lining the shores.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the Camino is getting to meet along the way New friends that you have met earlier. It certainly was the case in Molinaseca.
It was the night of the EuroCup, with Spain playing England. After a very nice supper, we went to a local bar that had a large TV screen. The three of us watched the first half together, along with the locals, but brother Ronnie and I returned to our hostel, and Sean remained for the second half. He arrived after the game draped in a Spanish flag, given to him by one of his new friends in the bar.
Day 5
Sean had decided to spend a day of solitude along the Camino. So, he left the hostel before brother Ronnie and I, and he took a different path to our next destination than we would take several minutes later. Brother Ronnie and I spent much of the day Walking a bit of a distance from one another, reflecting and praying. It was a wonderful day for the three of us, and it was a much easier walk than the previous day. Of course, the day was special for the Spaniards because Spain won the soccer match and Alcarez was the champion at Wimbledon.
We arrived at Cacabelos Around 3 o’clock. Sean had arrived about one hour earlier. Our usual pattern repeated itself: showers, washing clothes, relaxing. The fourth bunkbed in our room was occupied by a delightful young man from Taiwan. Theodore had graduated last week from medical school and was taking a break before returning to his country.