After leaving Pamplona, I faced Alto de Perdón, the Mountain of Forgiveness. The feature’s reputation for its strenuous ascent of 1300’ to the peak intimidated me. It also challenged me to reflect upon its name, A Mountain of Forgiveness. The walk was tough, and so was the reflection of the many memories, a mountain of them, when I needed God’s forgiveness.
On this day, I strained forward up this mountain physically and spiritually. My Camino offered me an opportunity, and I gave myself to it. The reward came at the summit.
At the peak I experienced an exhilaration of God’s forgiveness inside and the physical triumph of having made it. Literally and figuratively, it was a mountaintop experience. What a jaw-dropping, panoramic view for body and soul surrounded me! The view stretched unobstructed over the large city of Pamplona to the east and many small towns to the west. Countless small farm plots were divided by irregularly-shaped rows of small trees and flowering shrubs. The rich red soil provided a contrast to the many growing shades of “green” coloring the farm plots, vineyards, and almond trees. Brilliant yellow canola fields were peppered through the deep farm fields creating a picturesque sharp contrast.
Perched on Alto de Perdón was the hilltop’s unique central attraction. There were inch-thick, wrought iron figures of a dozen men, women, and children in garb representing pilgrims over the Camino’s many centuries. These separated the mountain’s peak from the peaceful countryside below. Fascinating! It was an irresistible place to stop, reflect, and drink in the natural beauty.
