Where crosses the the path of the wind with that of the stars

We left this morning down a golden Pamplona street. It was 6:30 and already there was a line of pilgrims to follow. Not that it was hard to traverse the streets out of town. All you had to do was follow the scallops imbedded in the sidewalk.

With a brilliant sunrise behind us we looked to the horizon and the wind turbines that we would be climbing to. It has been a very long hot summer this year. The sunflowers even though they have wilted have been given a golden glow as they face the early morning sun. Over their heads our destination of Alto de Perdon.

Half way to the Alto de Perdon and a stark reminder that not everyone has their dreams fulfilled. There are many monuments along the way to those that have started and never finished.

Still a long way to go, but getting closer.

Love you too.

Low on lung power and with tight calf muscles we arrived at Alto de Perdon. It has to be one of the most awesome sights on the Camino. On one of the silhouettes is engraved

Donde se cruza El Camino del Viento Con el de las Estrellas.

Where crosses the the path of the wind with that of the stars.

The Alto gets its name from the Basilica and hospital which once stood here. The 13th century Basilica was dedicated to Nuestra Senora del Perdon (Our Lady of Forgiveness). It was later destroyed by Napoleon’s troops. This monument was built in 1996 on the site of the former Basilica and hospital.

Notice the colourful man third from the right.

The staff in David’s hand is a loaner. A pilgrim insisted that David pose with the staff for the photo to give him a more authentic look. It was the perfect prop.

Coming down the steep rock filled track from Alto de Perdon with my toes jammed into the ends of my boots I was hoping that I didn’t catch Blister Dave’s blisters.