Today I reached Villafranca del Bierzes, the second of two long days walking. Neither of them were longer than anything I have walked thus far, but yesterday’s journey had a number of physical and emotional challenges and today we walked in the afternoon heat.
Yesterday’s stage, from Rabanal del Camino to Molinaseca, passed by the Cruz de Ferro. The cross is at the highest point of the whole journey. It is a tradition that pilgrims bring a stone from their home to leave at the foot of the cross. I brought mine, having found it in the churchyard of Tunworth. I had decided to also spread some of the ashes of my mother and father at the site.
The day was one of emotion for me. The act of dropping the stone and scattering the ashes was incredibly peaceful and moving for me and I know that everyone one of my walking companions was affected similarly during the course of the day. The act of scattering the ashes was a huge emotional release and I am honoured that both parents are overlooking the Camino and future pilgrims
(On a lighter note, just before I arrived at the cross, a pilgrim stripped off completely and then climbed to the top of the cairn where he proceeded to “hug” the base of the cross). It wasn’t that warm at 1500m so he was pretty brave!
I will soon be leaving Castile et Leon, entering and travelling through Galicia to reach my destination, Santiago.
Buen Camino
Tunworth to Santiago 
You sound totally at peace with everything so there is very little we can write or say except that our thoughts are with you
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Mum and Dad would have been incredibly proud of you (as we all are) and what a beautiful place to scatter some of their ashes.
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Dear Neil, how very poignant for you and what a wonderful thing to do. Lovely to think your parents can rest in such peaceful surroundings. I am off up to the City today, an unusually early start these days, so it’s just like old times for me.Best wishes anyway for safe travels. James & Sarah.
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Neil, what a lovely thing to do. What a peaceful resting place. Coincidentally on the same day we are reading your post, we are on the Isle of Harris scattering Bella’s Ashes…. Enjoy the rest of your adventure.
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