Update from the Cruz de Ferro (iron cross), considered by many to be the most sacred spot on the Camino. It’s a simple iron cross mounted to the top of an even simpler wooden pole, surrounded by a giant pile of stones, located at or near the highest point of elevation along the Camino. The tradition is to bring a stone from home and carry it in your backpack to the Cruz de Ferro, and leave it at the base of the cross as a symbolic release of some personal burden or some other meaningful reason. I carried a stone from Blood Mountain, on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, and left it at the Cruz in gratitude for family, friends (including my Rotary family and friends), and the good health and good fortune that have allowed me to make this pilgrimage. Thanks to everyone who has supported this fundraiser to fight polio. Buen Camino!

Update from Burgos Spain, where I have about 1/3 of the Camino behind me. So only about 300-some more miles to go. I met this new Peregrino (Camino pilgrim) friend on a park bench in front of the beautiful Burgos cathedral and let him wear my sombrero with the “End Polio Now” pin. He didn’t have a lot to say, but I’m pretty sure he supports our cause.

Hola from Pamplona where I’m taking a rest day after my first 4 days on the Camino. I’m really amazed and inspired by everyone’s generosity on the fundraiser. Can’t believe we’ve already reached our $10k goal. Let’s keep going - on to $15k!
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Holy cow - we just crossed the $7500 mark on contributions to the Rotary Foundation’s polio eradication program! Huge THANK YOU to everyone for supporting this great cause!