Walking The Way

10/8. – Left the Tipi early with Mike and Viola, heading toward Cruz de Ferro (The Iron across) today. This post will be slightly different, as today was very impactful, special and emotional.

The Cruz de Ferro is one of the most spiritual and iconic parts of the Camino de Santiago. The cross stands on a spot that is 4,934 feet in elevation so there was a lot of hiking to get there. Pilgrims bring a rock from home, which they leave at the foot of the cross symbolizing whatever they’ve carried with them that they may need to let go. The climb to the location is a hike, not a walk, with a lot of rocks and boulders and climbing to get there.

Reaching Cruz de Ferro today was physically challenging, emotional, and beautiful. For me, I was hoping I was ready to let go of this rock I have. As I approached the cross today, I stopped to admire its simplicity and importance on this journey. I reached in and took out my rock and held it in my hand, still standing at the base. Then something special happened, a crow landed in the neighboring pine tree and began cawing at me… sending me the message: it was time. Time to walk up to the cross.. time to let the rock go.. keep the love and memories, but let go of this grief. Then I heard Tiffany in my head saying, “enough. It’s time Chuck”. So up the hill I went, tears streaming down my face, as I placed my rock among the others.. and let it go. My new friends Mike and Viola were there to witness and were in awe at the crow. Once I walked down the other side, the crow left.

Leaving Cruz de Ferro, we headed to our final destination, the small town of El Acebo. The descent to get down to the town was treacherous and we had to take our steps carefully down the steep hills so as not to injure ourselves.

My thoughts: one of my most impactful days for me on this journey so far. Feeling incredibly grateful to be on this journey, happy to be amongst my new friends, and humbled beyond belief.