St Jean Pied de Pont to Ronscevellas

There is so  much to say and not enough time or words to express the kaleidoscope of emotions I have felt since beginning my Camino.  St Jean Pied de Pont was delightful and I had a very comfortable night in a hotel and actually slept. The second night a great stay at L´Ësprit du Chemin...great people and great hospitality.  I cried my first Camino tears as I was hugged off on my journey.

First stop was Orisson 8 kms up and the climb was actually not as difficult as I imagined it would be.  The panoramic views were breathtaking and as I turned to go up the last hairpin bend I looked over to my left and thought I was  going to fall off the end of the world.  I cried my second Camino tears here.

Received a warm welcome at Orisson and shared a lovely meal with Germans, French and Spanish.  Was  grateful for new Canadian friends so we could at least communicate with each other.



Hospitalier said it was OK to go up over mountain even though there was still some snow and he would guide us over...so very exciting for us all.

However, we  got to about 5 kms to the top and the wind was unbelievable and the rain also.  My stupid poncho nearly air lifted me off the mountain like  Poncho Batman.  It was real scary...I was praying the 23rd Psalm and was up to the valley of the shadow of death part when  Irene said she was going back down to Orisson ...I said 'I'm with you' and the 3 of us returned back to base and got a taxi to about 1 km from Ronscavelles.  It was an incredible experience but I rather have done that than walk through knee deep snow for 3 hours as we heard the rest of the party had to do!!!


Had a great night at Ronscevellas and slept with 120 people from 11 nations in a monastery ...a very surreal experience and not to be missed.  Went to the Pilgrims Mass and received the pilgrim blessing which was very moving...more tears!