Today started in a fog. Literally, I felt like I was in the Misty Mountains from Lord of the Rings, the fog was so thick. Though I would have liked to have seen the views from the adorable mountain village we stayed in, the fog was more fitting for the start of the day. 

Cruz de Ferro is an emotional place for many. If you’ve seen the movie The Way, you’ll understand why.

After a short visit at the iron cross, we kept going through the foggy mountains. At different times you could hear cow bells or wild dogs in the distance. It was eerie and peaceful at the same time. 

After some steep downhills, the fog lifted and we could see the mountains. After spending days in the flat Meseta and then through industrial parts of Leon I was happy to see mountains. 

My body, though tired, is happy to have some more variety in terrain. I’m amazed at how good I feel after walking this far. I feel like I could go climb Mt. Rainier tomorrow. With a steep climb ahead, I hope I continue to feel that way.

Ponferrada seems like a cool city but I’m not sure I have the energy to go explore it.

Tonight we are staying in a fancy new albergue with a new group of friends. Having taken rest days twice, we have had to meet all new people twice now. Sure, you meet new people on the Camino every day, but some make a bigger impact or feel more comfortable to be around. 

I think the biggest thing I’ve learned on the Camino is to live in the moment. Amazing people will come and go in your Camino life every day. Your favorite person today may be a village ahead or behind you tomorrow. You hope to see them again, but know you may not, so you have to appreciate the now.