Amy and I walk to the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross) together. It’s a tall wooden pole topped by an iron cross. Pilgrims usually bring a stone from home to leave there to…

I pay extra for a private room tonight, rather than share the dormitory setting with fellow pilgrims. I rationalize the room is worth the extra cost because I will likely be crying tonight in anticipation of tomorrow. That’s when I’ll…

I get off the bus in Astorga and see that it has some structures designed by the Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi whose work I adore.  The Episcopal Palace of Astorga was built in the late 1800s. This building is like…

“Keep walking and your heart will catch up.” That’s the advice I gave to someone this week and take it for myself now. Except today that means not walking, but taking the bus again. I’m running out of time and…

My comfy private room is so nice. The bed is comfortable and an open window lets in a cool breeze across my bed. My blister has healed and I feel good. I decide to take another day and stay here…

After a 9.5 mile hike in the sun with little shade, I get to Belorado and take a private room at a Casa Rural. When I can finally handle walking again, I go to the town square and here comes…