A great week!

The highlight for me this week, I delivered the stone! I have known about the Camino for over 15 years, but it was only this year that I learned about the tradition of carrying a stone during the journey and setting it at La Cruz de Ferro, about 3 weeks into the pilgrimage.

The idea really resonated with me.  As I understand it, the stone represents an intention, a need, a reconciliation, or an act of faith.  Well, I found this to be a major pre-occupation for me as I prepared for the Camino.  And, constantly on my mind and in my prayers during my pilgrimage and trials.  I found myself looking forward to this more than actually getting to the end-point, Santiago – forgive me St James.

It was an ascent of 1500 m.  350 m on the day itself.  What a day.  The weather forecast was calling for rain and thunder storms for that day.   I woke up to a beautiful comfortable morning.   I enjoyed a beautiful serene walk on a steady climb that seemed effortless.   The trail was very quiet, very few other pilgrims.  A great time of prayer and reflection.

I arrived at the cross on La Cruz de Ferro around 10 am.  The site of the cross above the tree line was something to see.  As with a lot of things on this 

pilgrimage, it seemed to take forever to get to it.  Rather than rushing, I wanted to appreciate each second and step.

There were other pilgrims present briefly, however I enjoyed most of the time by myself.  Walking up the mound of stones, touching the base of the pole.   Observing other markings from other pilgrims.

The stone I placed at the cross was from St Malachy Parish, Kinkora, PEI,  the church in which my parents were married.  The idea I had was to take this stone as representation of our family, living and deceased (and to come), for their intentions and their salvation.   Also, I wanted it to be meaningful for my

 

immediate family.  So, in July while on vacation together, each member of our family, my kids, their loved ones, my grandchildren, my wife and myself, each put a finger print on the stone using finger paint.

At thecross, I spent time in prayer for these intentions, as well as all the intentions shared and requested, as I do each day on pilgrimage.

I write this post on September 1, 2017.  Wow, where does the time go?  I know for myself during the Camino I have lost all track of dates and days of the week.  It’s like living in a bubble.

The upcoming week, on Monday, September 4, is the 5th anniversary of my Dad’s death.  Five years already, hard to believe.  There is not a day I don’t think of him or be reminded of his influence in my life.  Monday will be a day for you, Dad.

Well, I am nearing the end of my Camino. My eta to be at Santiago is September 9th or 10th.

Buen  Camino.