Day 3 - Pamplona to Puente la Reina: Finding a new adventure...

Two things that I would like to point out from todays journey. First, climbing to the Alto de Perdón. This is a substantial mountain climb that takes you high above the valley from Pamplona. Once there was a monastery and hospital here that cared for pilgrims as they moved along the path. Today nothing remains.... However, what does remain is the idea that forgiveness is something that requires effort and a desire to both give it and to receive it. There are struggles along the way but every situation that one encounters along the way (in our case rocks, water puddles, steep inclines, weaving paths, etc.) all culminate in a getting a broader, more excellent view of life. It is a relief to reach the top just as forgiving and being forgiven refreshes and brings perspective in our life.  

Today, the crest has a large iron sculpture honoring the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims that reached this point...

Also found on this hill is a memorial to those who were killed by the Franco government. Though one might think that this is an irony, it is nonetheless a moment of reflection on the impact that the actions can have on others. We must remember and never forget, yet at the same time find a space for forgiveness.

Here is a star for each victim; each life that was taken.

This year Jannette and I finally decided that we would take a slightly longer trail to see the Church of Saint Mary of Eunate. This is one two Knights Templar churches located on the Camino de Santiago. It is unique because it is an eight-sided structure that was built in the 12th century. It was worth the extra three miles (making the day a long 17 miles!). 

The ceiling of the dome has eyelet windows...

And on the exterior of the apse some really great corbels. These figures were "demons" that were intended to scare away any malignant spirit from coming near the church. It was also a reminder to the believer that the outside world is filled with evil and the church and was a sanctuary from the world.