on the way...of St. James (3rd stage)

Dear reader, dear co-pilgrim, today, we continue with the 3rd part of my journey on the Way of St. James. After crossing the Pyrenees and the first kilometers across Spain in stage 1 followed by the hike through the Spanish Rioja in the 2nd stage now, we follow the path westwards. Behind me, the Meseta; lonesomeness as far as the eye can see. Those monotonous stages through this endless Spanish breadbasket brings out feelings of solitude and vulnerability despite the overwhelming play of light and shadow during sunrise. I am glad to be finally back in civilization.

So, let’s go on…

…one step after the other.

Through Astorga with Gaudi’s impressive Bishop’s Palace.

And then, to begin the climb…

…towards the famous Foncebadon, a sinister and decayed place - as Paulo Coelho mentioned it in his book on the Camino de Santiago.

To an absolutely amazing shelter…

…and the delicious Paella, which must be here mentioned once again!

The next day brought one of those special moments of the Camino. It led us to a place with a tradition of many centuries. The pilgrim can lay down a personal item, representing the emotional ballast, which he/she brought to this place. The “Cruz de Ferro” - the famous iron cross.

I follow this tradition an lay down an object I brought, for this moment, to this place.

For a short moment, I would remind you of an important question:

(Freely interpreted: Hey Santiago! Do you hike with your head or with your feet today?)

This is where this stage ends, just before we reach the maybe most beautiful part of the journey - Galicia.

Feel invited to join me, on the stage before last, again on my way…of St. James.