Wednesday 25 September 2013

Day 24, Tuesday 24th September. Fraga - Lleida (37km)

Today in our prayer we contemplate the crucifixion: we have so domesticated the crucifixion, often portraying it in gold and even with gemstones; we desire to recapture the brutality and shamefulness of it as a weapon of torture and capital punishment; and that Christ took it on himself to transform the ignominy of shame and such suffering, by refusing to return like for like, by being the forgiving victim, and by witnessing to the life giving power of love over all suffering and death.

As I walk this long and arduous day, I hold in my heart those who have entrusted to me their own private passions, who struggle with overwhelming darkness knowing not 'from where will come their help'. May their help come from The Lord who made heaven and earth!


As we set off from our accomodation in Fraga we farewell our bus driver of the last week with our song of blessing and a canopy of walking poles!


It's a long climb up out of the river valley to the plateau above!


 

 

There are many days in life when the going is tough and the cross overbearing.


There are bridges to cross: may we not be alone with Him as a 'bridge over troubled waters'.


Though some bridges lead nowhere! What a curious sight, in this abandoned new industrial estate which never took off. A result of the GFC which devastated Spain?


The cloud offers some relief on a hot morning: it was not to last long with the temperature rising into the 30s.


Michael, Joe & Jan enjoy a well earned break at a hostel along the way.


Blisters were aplenty on today's grueling walk: she ain't heavy, she's my sister!


The crossing point from the region of Aragon into Catalonia. The language changes to Catalan since the Catalonians are an independent and proud people.


Still smiling despite the tiredness: such is the spirit of pilgrims in the tradition of Ignatius.


Vin & Sandra, stayers from Ballarat!


One always emerges from the desert! Back into greenery and much activity as we enter into another river valley, the river Segre.


 

 

Late afternoon,hot and tired, and hour to go, and still smiling!


 

 

On the main avenue into Lleida, having just clocked over 500 kms!


Peter & Chona ready for the last half hour to complete 37kms!


 

Our destination for today, the railway station with our accomodation above the arriving trains!


Our dinner in the railway cafeteria, with trains and passengers coming and going!


It's Michael's 60th, deserving of a beautiful torta .........


.... a rousing and humorous speech from John, and others.......


 

A coffee across the road to conclude a long day.

 

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