This afternoon I arrived in Ponferrada, following one of the steeper climbs on the Camino, if not the steepest. What makes this stage of the journey particularly significant is that it was alñong this stage that I came to the Cruz de Ferro, the Cross of Iron. For centuries, pilgrims have carried rocks from their homes to lay at the foot of this cross, those roacks presenting thier burdens, intercessions, petitions or other prayers. It is an amazing sight to see this mound of rocks and stones leading up to the cross. In addtion to the rocks, folks have places other objects there: pictures, stuffed animal, a pck of cigarettes and a lighter, articles of clothing, and the list goes on and on. Fot some people, it is a symbolic gestrue to be able to leave something at the Cruz de Ferro. For others, the objects hold a particular meaning. I had a rock that I had been carrying since last year: Chris and Richard, my prayers are with you and your families as you face some challenging times. Karen, there is one there for you as you go through this time of loss, and there is one for my family whom I miss. I was also able to obtain some really nice shots of hte sun rising behind the cross. Some of you will get to see these. The depth of the human need to believe that there is some power beyond oneself to aid in time of need is absolutely amazing to me. Whether or not people can claim or acknowledge a belief in God, they have a need to beleive that "something" is out there to help. It is obvious in so many ways along the Camino. Conversations, fences that line the highway or a wooded path, on which people place crosses that they have fashioned, some of them quite creative and elaborate, made from items that people find on the ground around. So many people and so many stories: Armado, who took it upon himslef to be my personal tour guide while I was in Astorga two days ago. He recognized that I was a pilgrim, left his bicycle outside a shop and proceeded to take me to some of the important cultural sights of the city. In his opinion, Astorga has the most cultural attractions of any town on the Camino. Armado is very proud of his hometown. Africa, who today directed me to the correct path when I was heading in the wrong direction, and then proceeded to escort me along a shorter path to the albergue. Michael, who started the Camino in Munich, Germany and has been walking for the past several months. Despite tendinitis and times of discourgament, he still hopes to make it to Santiago. The human spirit is an amazing thing and I give God thanks for its many manifestations. Blessings to all.