Sarria

After breakfast at the hotel we said goodbye to the bustling city of Madrid as we traveled by bus into the peaceful countryside. It is a seven hour bus ride to the Sarria where we will begin the walking part of our journey.

Christine and Marcia at Cruz de Ferro

We stopped outside of the town of Foncebadon to hike for a few miles. It felt good to get out and stretch our muscles. The highest part of the pass is called Cruz de Ferro where there is a large iron cross on a hill of stones. It has become a significant place on the journey. Pilgrims stop and leave a stone or an item to symbolize something they intend to leave behind or let go of on their journey. We saw notes and flowers along with a cell phone and several packs of cigarettes. It was a reminder od all that is surrendered to do this sacred journey.

On the Camino 

We finished our hike and boarded the bus again and traveled to Molineseca where we ate lunch outside. After lunch we traveled to O Cebreiro for Mass. Marcia, Mark and I were blessed to participate in the Mass in this wonderful picturesque town. From there we took our final bus ride into Sarria. We had a delicious dinner at our hotel and prepared our packs for tomorrow's journey.

Each day we pray for all our loved ones at home and send blessings of love and gratitude. XOXO

City Tour

Had delicious tapas for lunch today. Had a tour of beautiful city of Madrid. We viewed the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor. The Plaza Mayor has been the center of festivities, bull fights and royal coronations . These would be attended by as many as 50,000 spectators. It is still used today for public celebrations.


 Father Mickey is the spiritual advisor for our group. He said Catholic Mass for us at a beautiful cathedral.

Cathedral in Madrid

Madrid

View from our hotel in Madrid

We arrived safely into Madrid. Air travel was ease and grace. Thanks for all your prayers. We have some down time to shower and rest before we meet for lunch and some sightseeing. Weather is beautiful. Should be in the 80's today.

Gratitude

As I walked this morning I was filled with a sense of deep gratitude. I reflected on all the prayers, acts of kindness and love I have received. I am so grateful for the strength in my body and for all the health practitioners that keep me on track. I am truly blessed by my family, my spiritual community and my loving friends.

For me this pilgrimage is a walk of love and gratitude. For all that has been given and all that is yet to be received. Thank you God.

Preparation

Maria and I walked the Alameda Ridge on Sunday. It's a beautiful neighborhood with lots of stairs. It was a great workout. It was our last walk together before we leave on Sunday for our pilgrimage.

Even with all my aches, pains and complaints I came back from my chiropractor with a good report. She put me back into alignment and sent me off with her blessings. Praise God!

Now it's time to assemble all the supplies, lotions and potions I've collected. I pray for the angels to guide me with packing. That was something Laurence was great at doing. I accept help, clarity and wisdom. Thank you God.

The Pilgrim's Journey

My first blister in seven months showed up today. Not from hiking...from wearing dress shoes the other day. Bummer. Caught it in time before real damage could be done.

 We hiked again in Forest Park. It was a short hiking day. I needed to head home and prepare to officiate a wedding this afternoon.

 We leave three weeks from today! Trying not to go into overwhelm thinking about it.

 From our pilgrimage booklet:
 "The pilgrim must embark on this journey with joyful anticipation, being willing temporarily to separate himself from the world and to offer him/herself in humble service to another. A successful pilgrimage involves a commitment to leave behind one's problems and to focus instead on seeking to learn more about our heavenly Father, making one's heart full of desire for special graces, praises, petitions, and thanksgiving, returning home transformed, renewed and restored by the abundant blessings received."

 I accept!