The Way to Land's End

• Beginning Point: Orisson
• Ending Point: Roncesvalles
• Daily distance: 10.56 miles (17 km)
• Total distance: 15.3 miles (24.7 km)

Today was an amazing hike! The high point was 4688 feet (1429 meters). As we went over the pass, the wind really picked up. At one point, my hat flew off and my scarf blew over my face. We had a good laugh as I chased my hat down a small gully. It was quite cold as the wind blew; we pulled out our gloves and jackets. 

One of my favorite spots today (besides the end, ha ha) was the Vierge d’ Orisson, a beautiful statue of Mary overlooking the trail. 

I also enjoyed all the livestock. I probably took way too many pictures of sheep. 

The climb was quite steep in some areas, but we both held up very well. 

The descent weaved through a birch forest and opened out to a view of the monastery where we would be staying overnight. 

The final descent was quite strenuous. My legs were shaking from exertion by the end and I was quite happy to see the monastery. 

After we settled into our bunks, we headed over to Pilgrim’s Mass. The church centerpiece is Our Lady of Roncesvalles, a gleaming statue of Mary under a silver canopy. It was breathtaking and, honestly, stole the show. 

The priest called all the pilgrims forward for a special pilgrims blessing, which he repeated in about 6 different languages! It was a touching moment as Laura and I stood together as the blessing was spoken. She wrapped her arm around me and I felt very grateful to have such a sweet mother-in-law to share this experience with. 

After mass, we had dinner and then headed to bed. The monastery contains nearly 200 beds. It had quite a different atmosphere than the intimate albergues from the past nights. I don’t know whether it was the size and all the people or my exhaustion, but I felt a bit cranky as I settled in for the night….