About 2 km after Foncebedón is the apex of a mountain. This is the location of a nondescript iron cross. the Cruz de Fierro. This is where Pilgrims have traditionally left a stone that represents a trouble or something meaningful in your life; Symbolic of leaving worry at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ.
As I think about leaving my stone our great gift of foresight is brought to mind. As humans we can look back on things in the past with delight or regret. Likewise we can look forward with anticipation or dread. Perhaps this foresight and hindsight is just vanity because there is nothing we can do to change the past or the future. Don’t some of our grand plans that promise joy leave us nothing but grief and pain. I am going to leave my fears and regrets with my stone (at least for now).l
The Cruz Fierro is one of the highlights of the Camino. Although just a rustic cross, as I mentioned, it is the place where Pilgrims traditionally leave a stone. Anticipating this Tina and I brought stones from home. Each stone was a very personal thing for each of us. Hopefully the blessings we said will reach all our families and friends.
Heading uphill with these stones on the path are hard enough but they are also on the downhill. And, the downhill is very steep and treacherous.
Acebo is a sleepy mountain village. Our lodging is good but, there is only one place to get an evening meal. It turned out to be a decent Pilgrim meal (the usual choices of pork or chicken both with french fries – don’t these people know about vegetables?) we had a great conversation with some of our fellow pilgrims: a Basque couple, a gal from Slovakia and a German guy.
Tomorrow we have another long steep downhill. We are told that the path is covered with stones like the last several miles.
Tina’s Thoughts
The Cruz de Fierro was a spot that we had anticipated long before we arrived in Spain. As Bill mentioned we brought stones with us to leave at the foot of this cross. I found the act of leaving the stones beautiful and emotional. I left 2 stones.…one in thanksgiving for the family legacy that came before me and one for the family and friends who are still here; that we may know what Christ’s sacrifice means for us.
