They say that your hardest day on the Camino will be your first. Climbing the Pyrenees towards Roncesvalles from Saint-Jean-Pied-du-Port will test your endurance right out of the gate. If you take the Route de Napoléon straight over the top, you will pass the Virgén de Biakorri at the Pic d’Orisson. Perched on a rocky outcrop and backed by a magnificent view over the surrounding mountains, she acts as protectress of the shepherds herding their flocks through these pastures. You will see this image of Mary and the infant Jesus countless times along your Camino. If by necessity (weather) or desire, taking the lower route through Valcarlos will bring you, after a short step climb, to the Puerto Ibañeta. Here stands the monument to Roland (monumento de Roldán). This stone commemorates an ancient battle where Roland fell fighting the Saracen army before Charlemagne could arrive. This was in the year 778 A.D. One more reminder that your passage is but one more in a long line of travellers.