For those of you who are experiencing the Camino with us but may not have read multiple books or seen multiple films, the Cruz de Ferro is a highlight of the Way for anyone who passes it.
First, it is at the top of Monte Irago, about a 500 meter climb from where we'd begun our day in Santa Catalina de Somosa.
There does not seem to be agreement about how the tradition started, but for millennia people have been placing a stone at a spot on the top of the mountain. One explanation I read was that it came from a tradition of bringing a stone from home to build the cathedral at Santiago, but several other pieces place the pile of stones beginning in Roman times as the pass was a common route of travel for merchants and government business. At any rate, a cross was erected on a wooden pole in the 12th century, perhaps by Gaucelmo, a great friend of pilgrims, and the pile of stones has been growing ever since.
The tradition has grown that travelers past this spot bring a stone from home, perhaps a stone of remembrance or of hope, perhaps something the pilgrim would like to leave at the cross forever.
When I first heard of this tradition it touched me, but six months ago it became a mission.
Yesterday I placed a stone for a friend of thirty years who is battling illness. I lifted a prayer for healing, strength, and a good long life for this kind woman.
B carried a stone as well, he has not shared with me what he left at the Cruz.
Our hearts were lightened, the feel of the place was quite amazing.
Our other high point yesterday was meeting up with a fellow F-111 guy, an Australian who was at RAAF Amberley in the late 80's.
He and B could surely have shared stories for hours, we hope to meet them again along the Way (at a point that we don't have to climb over a mountain before we find a bed!)
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truly touching photos of you both and the stones... and what a small world- military always find someone..... stunning pictures as usual...... I'm addicted to your every post !!!
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