From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles (26Km)

"Para llegar a Santiago como un joven, empieza el Camino como un viejo." 

"To arrive in Santiago as a young man, start the Camino as an old man." Spanish saying

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: ready, set, go! Our smiling faces on the moment we took the first steps towards the Pyrenees.

Early morning, the French town was enveloped in mist.

Route Napoléon, the "high route": the decision was made to cross the mountain.

The mist slowly receding and allowing us a glimpse of the views.

Herds of sheep grazing on the mountain pastures. 

The valley still shrouded in mist.

Our happy faces as we went up the mountain and glad we had chosen to do so! 

Slowly climbing the Pyrenees, and being caught up by more experienced pilgrims. 

Anabela catching her breath and gathering the courage just before climbing another stretch. 

Taking a little time to enjoy the beauty and simplicity of Nature. 

Refuge Orisson, the albergue where we spent our first night.

The sun setting behind the peaks at the end of Day One! No words could express our gratitude!

Day two: the climbing continues.

The long stretch of asphalted road just off Orisson.

The Virgin of Biakorri, the patron saint of shepherds and a landmark of the Pyrenees crossing

What do you have to say about this view?

The snow from the snow storm that had hit the mountain just one week before had already melted, allowing us to use the dirt trails instead of the paved road.

Thibault Cross, where the paved road ends and the dirt trail begins.

Rocky patches of trail.

The Fountain of Roland, the one and only source of drinkable water on the 18km (11 miles) that separate Orisson from Roncesvalles 

Entering the province of Navarra on the border-cross between France and Spain

Alexandre crossing the woods just before the Refugio Izandorre.

The path covered in dead leaves.

Refugio Izandorre used for emergencies (just that winter, 3 Korean pilgrims had been rescued thanks to this refugio)

Up, up, up to the Collado Lepoeder!

Alexandre finally on the summit of Collado Lepoeder, the max height of the Pyrenees crossing - altittude: 1430 meters/4690 feet

Way down the valley we could spot Roncesvalles - only another 6km descent and we would finally arrive our stage's aim. However our knees would have to face the hardships of a 500 metre steep decline. 

Anabela trying to ease the pain on her legs.

Finally, Real Colegiata de Roncesvalles, the albergue for our second night on the Camino. And we arrived in the nick of time: it started pouring just soon after!