Thursday 18 October 2007
Sunday 7 October 2007
Last day
A long walk down with sore knees, but find a campsite that's open (Gleres, about 7 euros), and have a great meal at Piazza Giuliano. Then there's even a cinema in the old Casino, so catch the latest Chabrol (ridiculous, but quite fun). And have a hot shower.
Col d'Arraille
After about 2 hours of climbing, turn around. But it's worth it - fantastic views of the valley and the mountain as the sun rises. Snow is fairly fluffy, but drifts up to 2 foot deep, and more and more ice underfoot. See the route up to the col easily enough, but the path peters out - or at least becomes uncertain, and this means slow travelling across boulders covered by snow. Shoes not really stiff enough for this, and take about twice as long as I should. From the map, the route over the other side is hard, through scree or boulders, and is supposed to take 3 hours. Suspect this could take about 4 or five hours, so decide to walk out down the Vallee de Gaube, the way I'd came.
Right decision. Weather and view had completely changed. Took the tourist path on the west of the valley for different views and a free telesiege ride down to the Pont. Again, a wonderful walk.
Right decision. Weather and view had completely changed. Took the tourist path on the west of the valley for different views and a free telesiege ride down to the Pont. Again, a wonderful walk.
Morning, Day 4
Wake up to this. Does it get any better? Quick breakfast of muesli porridge and head on out.
Refuge des Oulettes
Arrive about 3:30 at the Refuge. Occasional view of the Vignemale ahead. Pass a few walkers and climbers coming the other way, and beat a Manchester couple up the hill to the refuge. Decide to cash in my last euros on a bunk, rather than camp on the freezing ground. Turns out I should have saved my money for the meal, as the cook's boyfriend was turning up later that night, and a wonderful meal of chocolate mousse and porc ribs was prepared.
A great spot. Have a chat with the few residents, and get to bore for England about William Blake. Was planning to walk back the way I'd came, but as English couple were heading over to Marcadau, decide to complete the three valleys and cross over the Col d'Arraille to Lac d'Estom and down to Cauterets that way.
A great spot. Have a chat with the few residents, and get to bore for England about William Blake. Was planning to walk back the way I'd came, but as English couple were heading over to Marcadau, decide to complete the three valleys and cross over the Col d'Arraille to Lac d'Estom and down to Cauterets that way.
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