HRP Day 7a

Just another little update as I have the time.

The weather today is hot and sunny. The forecast for the whole of the next week is hot and sunny. So far, I have only had wet weather gear on once, and even then it was hardly worth it. I am sort of pleased about that, but not over the moon because in fact, hot sun causes problems. It is hard enough climbing 2,000m+ mountains as it is, without being fried and sunburnt in the process, and water intake goes absolutely through the roof. And 1l water = 1kg. On the whole, I'd rather have sun than heavy rain, because then all the views disappear. So the perfect day is cool, cloudy up high but otherwise clear. Still waiting for one of those! But I'm not complaining, on the whole I'm a happy bunny. See below for another view of where I'm  sitting,  as I write this!

This is my fourth visit to the Pyrenees, and although I've taken a different route each time, (including this week,  ha!) all of them have included Iraty. That is because it is the gateway to the next level of the pyrenees, whether on the GR10, GR11, or the HRP.  Pic d'Orhy is a serious mountain even though it is "only" 2017m, and it cannot be climbed in bad weather, especially on ones own. The col d'Anaye is almost as high, and miles from anywhere.  No shops, bars or showers for the next three days, just the most magnificent scenery, as you will see. Can't wait!

for lunch today I just had garbure. This is a traditional Pyrenees dish, like soup only more so. It has a variety of veg, and meat too. They do a really good one here, I couldn't finish it. . cheap lunch! 

They have serious snow here in winter and work hard to keep the pass open. (This is one of four snowploughs). It is a centre for Nordic skiing. 

the view this afternoon