Mike McClenahan

Sunset in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.  Just getting started up the hill. Stop at Orisson for café cortado and Spanish tortilla. Every pilgrim gets a shell (symbol of pilgrimage) and I made a cross along the way with sticks and dental floss. I got a similar one on the Washington Mall to remember the plight of immigrants. As we walk I'm thinking from time to time about the caravan from Central America—a pastor pilgrimage of desperation rather than by choice. Amazing views and making our way up the 3800 ft climb. With elevation, it was a 30k first day from Saint Jean. Elevation marker Almost the top—amazing snow capped Pyrenees. Beautiful descent from highest point, Col de Lepoeder, at 4000 feet. Mass and service of blessing for pilgrims from all over the world. In 2010, Amy and I participated in a two week course with Fuller Seminary in Orvieto. To explore the theme of pilgrimage we walked a particular place and reflected on what we saw and experienced