Celebration of Life

Donde se cruza el camino del viento con el de las estrellas – Alto del Perdon

Just outside Pamplona is the Alto del Perdon (Hill of Forgiveness) which is a highlight of the Camino. At the top of the hill is a series of sculptures representing pilgrims over the centuries. The sculptures share the hill with a number of wind turbines which stand guard over Pamplona and Puente la Reina, my destination for the day. The above words are inscribed on the statues and translated mean ” where the path of the wind crosses that of the stars”.

The day was very poignant for me, Daphne having left to return home. I realised how much comfort there was in having her walk beside me for the first three days of this journey and that this gave me strength to continue the journey. I now have to do this myself until Arzua, where she joins me again.

I also scattered some ashes of both my mother and father at the top. It meant a great deal to be able to celebrate their lives in such a wonderful place.

The following day I walked mostly on my own and it was beautiful to be able to drink in the sights and sounds of nature and wishing “Buen Camino” to my fellow peregrinos as we passed each other on the road to Estella.

Today, I met a young Polish man who had been walking for three months. He had started in Paris, walked the Camino del Norte and was now walking back to Paris along the Camino Frances. Along the way he had adopted a small dog, which now meant that he was camping most nights. For him this was a pleasure, because I could see the joy in his face as described his new friend and how much she adored him. My companions had come prepared with dog biscuits (really?) and the little dog fell in love all over again. It was a highlight of a lovely day.

Tomorrow is a longer day, with the journey taking us to Logrono in Rioja.

Ever onwards.