Outdoors at Montserrat, north of Barcelona

Today we pilgrims ventured to the Benedictine monastery of Montserrat just north of Barcelona. From the mountains, we think we can see the city of Barcelona and the Mediterranean sea. We arrived in the afternoon and we pleased with the mountain shapes. We were all hungering to get out for a walk.

Most of us took the funicular to the cave where the Madonna was hidden to preserve it from the invading forces. However, none of us knew when the invasion took place or who sent the invading armies. Anyways, the Black Madonna was recovered and restored to her rightful place in the Monastery Basilica.

First, we took the funicular down the mountain to get to the cave. Most of us were hoping that the funicular meant air gondolas, but that was for pilgrims from the train station below to arrive at the monastery. Those of us with vertigo really did not have to worry about heights. The funicular traveled slowly, not too steeply, and we felt secure because land was all around us.

Afterwards, we took the funicular to the top of the mountain to see the sweeping vistas. We did well in negotiating a combination ticket to get both trips at the discounted rate. The trails at the top led to various hermitages along the way. Mountain climbers had finished their climbing and were returning to their lodging. They had long ropes around their necks as they clomped down the trails with great speed.

Several pilgrims saw a type of goat at the mountain’s crest. They called them antelope and they yet may be. On the photos at the monastery we only saw various pictures of goats.

Few of us went inside the Basilica because we were saving it for Sunday. As the sun was out brightly, we didn’t want to miss a chance at mountain climbing. Some of us did make it to vespers where the Boy Choir sings.

Dinner at this hotel “Abbas Ciscneros” was first class and it ended with a dessert slice of ricotta with Montserrat honey drizzled over it. Though it was good and fresh, some pilgrims desired more so we went on a quest for helado, but no tienda was open by the time dinner ended.

Our search led us to an exciting walk in the dark where owls were hooting. We could not see much of Barcelona below us because the mountains were in the way, but the darkened path trails made every step of the way an adventure. We returned to the hotel and readied for sleep. It did not come for many because teenagers where playing on the swing sets until 1:00 a.m. I watched the BBC news and CNN.