Cruz de Ferro

Cathedral of Astorga

Gaudi Designed, Episcopal Palace

Day 5 of our pilgrimage was packed with incredible experiences! It's a good thing the sun doesn't set until 10.30 or we would never finish everything. We started with a guided tour of Gaudi's Cathedral and Episcopal palace in Astorga which now houses a beautiful pilgrim's museum.

All the gang at the Cruz de Ferro

Then, for the moment we had all been waiting for... Each of as had been carrying a small stone with us every day since June, when we met for a pilgrim formation weekend. This stone represented those prayers we held for the pilgrimage. We had become very attached to these small stones over the past months, with some even giving them names. A 3 Km (uphill!!!) walk to Cruz de Ferro, where pilgrims from all over the world leave their stones, gave us a taste of what it is like to walk El Camino. I have to say that even with aching feet I'm as convinced as ever that I'll one day complete the entire journey on foot, and I'm sure I will not be the only one!!! Cruz de Ferro did not disappoint, and leaving that stone behind really gave a feeling that we too are a part of something bigger in our faith.

O'Cebriero in Galicia, Cetlic Spain

On to the next destination on the Camino. As we took our bus along the road, we could see pilgrims walking on their way. Lunch in Villadafranca where I've ever had so much fun ordering lunch! It's an experience when you don't speak Spanish and the shopkeeper knows no English. Somehow with lots of laughing and gesturing from everyone involved we were able to get our message across!

6th Century Benedictine Monastery of Samos

We had 2 mass experiences in a day. The first in O Cebriero was just our group, but the second was truly incredible. This was my first experience of a mass in Spanish, in the Benedictine monastery following evening vespers with the monks. I was really looking forward to this, and it did not disappoint! We were even given a special pilgrim's blessing at the end of mass. I was in awe... Even if I barely understood a word of what was said.

Sarria was our final destination for the day, and was I glad to see that bed! It was such a full-on but exciting day, and I couldn't wait for the next to start. On to Santiago de Compostela and the end of El Camino!!
Lucy Bryant