Day 25: Past Pilgrim Bedtime

The title of this post says it all: more than full.  We started walking from Rabanal at 7am.  We arrived in Molinaseca at 6:30pm, 11 and a half hours later. Today was a big day in a lot of ways.  We climbed up and down a mountain.  

We made it to the famous iron cross, the highest point in the whole Camino.  

Providentially, a priest was there preparing to say Mass when we arrived, so we were able to join him.  (Also, his father and spiritual director knew St. Josemaria!!).  

In keeping with tradition, we left a special rock by the iron cross.  We didn't bring a rock all the way from Indiana or Rome, but we did write on one that was already there.  

We stopped for a rest because Baby Pilgrim had shin splints.  While we were resting, another pilgrim came by and and asked if we were ok.  Patrick explained the problem, and she said, "Oh, my friend who is right behind me is having the same problem, and she physical therapist.  She can show you what to do.  And of course, her name was Maria :)

We found kittens.

We stopped for a quick lunch. After 11 and a half hours, we were SO happy to finally get to our destination town.

Padre said a vigil Mass at 7pm.

We made friends with a local family--after Patrick jumped in a freezing river with their boys, they invited all three of us to have a drink with them.  These people are a beautiful family.  

And we walked.  A lot.  So much.

And at the end of the day, we got to the albergue at 10:58pm, 2 minutes before it closed (pilgrim bedtime).  We were all very tired.  And, we were very, very happy.

+JMJ+