In 2015 Charlie and Becks Breese brought their two elders kids out to the barn with Breezy’s Father. Charlie is always up for a project; and so the “helipad” was built in a weekend. We had cut most of an old pine tree down behind the barn and the project was to build a terrace suspended from it by cables. Original post HERE.
When bits of wood started to fall from the underside this year and the cables had eaten their way into the truck of the old pine we decided it was time for it to come down. The risk being that a winter storm or substantial snowfall would bring it down anyway.
The problem was how to bring it all down safely without personal injury or breaking a flower.
As the terrace was held up on wires the first job was to make it some legs so that when the tension was off the thing stayed up. That done, next was to take some of the boards away to alleviate some of the weight before removing the cables. I thought that was the worst bit until we got to chopping down the tree itself. The trunk was half rotten and leaning towards the round flower bed, and the bar of the chainsaw was only 40 cm. The girth of the tree was about a metre. Having said that the top half came down quite easily with the assistance of a pull on a rope. Then an arduous chopping up session to get it into bits we could move to then burn it. Exactly the same with the bottom half.
The stump was then cut vertically across the centre so there was an eight pointed star in the top. A fire rag (we have cotton rags in jars soaked in used solvent and oil) was lit in the centre and left to burn out for 3-4 days.
The good timber from the terrace was stacked for future projects and the rotten stuff was burnt.
Breezy on the helipadRemoving boardsRemoving cablesThe frame comes downLast bit of the frameTop half downAll down and the stump burning
Great friends from the village asked us to go with them on an overnight in the mountains. Bearing in mind that it was snowing the day before at the Port de Salau we had to choose the destination carefully. The group was us, Olaf and Silvia plus Miriam (who hiked with us into Spain last year), then two lovely Border Collies, Ice and Merlot.
It was agreed that we would aim to camp at Etang de Milouga and set off from Col de la Core. Glorious weather all the way though chilly in the shade to start with before the sun hit. We followed the GR10 passed Etang DAyes and forked left at the junction towards Cabae du Taus du Valier. Just before the junction there was a flock of sheep spread over the hill, two shepherds and five Patou (Pyreneean Mountain Dogs). The shepherds suggested that we walk slowly. We did, and no matter how much the Shepherd shouted at the Patou, they wanted to meet our Border Collies. After a few tense moments the Patou lost interest and let us through.
The camp spot at Etang de Milouga was great and got the evening sun. Breezy and Olaf faced a dip while the rest of us busied ourselves with “important stuff”. Everyone had dehydrated food and soon after the sun dipped below the mountains Breezy and I retired to bed to let the other chat.
A cold start at 7am to breakfast and strike camp. Then we retraced our steps to the outlet of the lake before following the trail over Col de la Crouzette and on to Etang d’Eychelle for lunch. Back to the vehicles at the Col and on to Salau.
A lovely trip over known terrain and spending time with friends.
The groupCross at Col de la CrouzetteFunky lichenOlaf and SilviaFouls on the mountainCamp at Etang de MilougaMiriamTwo idiotsBreakfastBreezy and Al
Well, we have certainly had plenty of weather. We don’t have a shortage of water in the rain water containers. If we had a wind turbine, I think we could have lit up the Ariege.
Chores have been split into “indoor” and “outdoor” tasks. When we have had a window of opportunity to get outdoor stuff done we have grabbed it. Shifting plants and replacing the woodwork on one of the raised beds. Indoors, and most exciting,we have installed our new wood burner.
We called in some additional hands to get it out of the van and over the fields to the barn. It came on a pallet which, conveniently, fitted in the bucket of the mucktruck. A very slow ascent up the hill with a spotter on either side to get it to the door. Climbing slings underneath to lift it in and to the bottom of the stairs. Then chain winch up to the first floor and onto a trolley made from a recycled piece of worktop and some wheels from my Dad’s garage.
A delay of a couple of days until there was enough “indoor slots” to adjust the chimney and the base plate fit the height of the stove and then the same muscle to slide it gently into place.
This morning is it’s inaugural lighting. Slow to start as the wood has been rained on, and slow to burn, which is great. This is meant to be the heat provider whereas the Godin at the other end of the barn is the atmospheric “open” fire which heats the immediate two metres of airspace around it.
As Autumn has arrived we have also started a jigsaw.
The weather gods indicated that a suitable window was available to get away with a tent. Actually it was an app on the phone and nothing to do with any god. We set off from Cirque du Gerac (Guzet) with two days rations with a view to head into Spain.
We left the barn in thick cloud and drizzle and went to get a coffee at Guzet. Nice coffee at the Refuge by the way. We left the van about 11am and headed round towards Cabane Turgilla. By the time we got to the first lake we were in blue skies with a sea of cloud below us. Never having seen a fog bow before this year we go our second one.
The clouds swirled around and followed us up the valley to Col de Crousette and up the ridge to Pic de Turguilla. Descended into Spain to find an isolated camp spot by the lakes about 300m below the peak. Estang de Guilo. Strangely we didn’t see anyone all day.
Perfect camp spot with a refreshing dip. Bed by 7.30pm.
Fog bow over the first lakeMirror reflectionsMont ValierGentianella campestrisView towards ValierNice cairnGentianella campestrisCamp spot
A glorious morning. Breakfast and strike the tent. Descended to meet the HRP route and up to Port de L’Artigua. At the Col we turned left and scrambled up the first peak. The intention was to follow the French Spanish border north to take in Pointe des Trois Comtes. This was beyond our comfort level with large rucksacks and no ropes so we skirted the ridge along to Port de Lladore and on to Estanyet de Guilo for lunch and a dip.
From there we traversed some rock slabs to gain a non-existent path up to Col D’Aulus. On the French side there was a cairn then an immense, steep and gnarly boulder field. After the first horrendous 300m descent we picked up various cairns and then red markers taking us to the Orris de Turon D’Ars and the octagonal Cabane.
Nobody was there so we decided to make use of the facilities and slept inside. It would appear that the shepherds use it as accommodation periodically as well as hikers but we had the place to ourselves.
Not the day we had planned but plenty of good quality scrambling all the same.
Camp spot morning viewLunch swim spotView back into Spain from Col d’ArlusCabane du Turon d’ArsOrrieOrrieCabane du Turon d’ArsCabane du Turon d’Ars
Day 3 started with a steep climb up to Col de la Croix des Lauzes on wet grass and rocks. More scrambling north along the ridge to the foot of Pic du Lauzes where we dumped the sacks and climbed to the peak. Retracing our steps we then traversed the ridge towards Col du Seron before dropping off to the right to join the past to Etang D’Aube for lunch. Breezy took another dip before we headed back to the van.
A great 3 days hiking and scrambling explore. Not the route we had planned but still quite demanding and loads of fun.
The last time Kate had seen the barn only half the first floor boards were in place, no stairs or pointing was done and she ate in the Naughty Corner (small building out the front). In fact the Naughty Corner was named when Kate was here, but that’s another story.
So when Kate turned up with Bruce and the kids there was quite a difference.
A treasure hunt for the kids while we got some drinks out. Paella the first night and preparation for a hike to Spain the next day. 1000m of up would be further than either of the kids had walked to date. We set off early to beat the heat and made it to the Port de Salau for a picnic lunch. There was a shepherdess at the Col with her flock and 3 Pattu. We were introduced to Luna, Bruna and Blanca and escorted through to the Spanish side of the frontier. Breezy and 7 year old Anna raced down the hill and got the kettle going for some tea at the barn. A few games and BBQ burgers, sausages and salads.
Day two was a wet morning so games indoors and a cooking lesson from Breezy. The afternoon cleared up for a bike ride into the village, boules around the church and a drink at the bar. Duck with salad and sweet potato fries.
Sadly Kate, Bruce and the kids left the next day after gathering all their belongings and a veritable kit explosion as the camper was repacked for their next stage of their Pyrenees adventure.
Truly loved having you all; let’s make sure it’s not so long between visits.
Escort through the PattuPicnic in SpainWet morning at the barnWet morning at the barnKids cookingBreakfast on the terraceSpanish shepherdessRocca BlancaThe ascent to SpainVultureAnna snacking
Every year we try and get away to explore a different part of The Pyrenees. This usually involves a 2-3 hour drive so we try and stay away for 3 or 4 nights, either in refuges or with the tent. Opting for lighter bags at the moment we booked into 2 different refuges for 3 nights with the aim to climb Balaitous on the last day.
Looking ahead at the forecast, it all looked settled and great for our 4 days away but as we all know mountain weather is very changeable!
We left the barn early to get to the start at Lac du Tech at a reasonable time. A 2.5 hour drive got us to the lake where the sun was a shining.
Made for a hot start to the day as it was an unrelenting steep climb for nearly 3 hours up to Lac de Pouey Lauri. The path was above the lake so dropping down to it for a dip did not seem so appealing!!! We sat looking down on the lake and listening to loads of marmots but seeing none and had a few snacks before climbing on up to Col de Hospitalet a much more friendly ascent on a good and less steep path for a great spot for lunch. Hardly anybody about so we had a good rest, taking in the views and piecing together the mountains around us with the map before heading down to the Refuge Miguelon our bed for the night. Great views on the way down of the unusual dam.
Sun was still out when we arrived so I had a quick dip in the lake whilst Al sat in the deck chairs!
The storm clouds started brewing and it was not long before we were inside playing cards before dinner.
Was not too impressed with dinner, watery lentil soup, followed by lentils and rice for the main, quite unusual not to have meat in a French refuge! At least there was some good cheese and a choccy dessert!
Had a good chat with the gaurdian re our plan A for the next day to head over the Col de Lie, they strongly advised not to go this way with the meteo as route finding, slippery rock slabs and steepness they thought would be quite dangerous, we thought we’d sleep on it and reassess in the morning.
We were in the winter overflow dorm which was great as only a few others in there so a reasonable kip with the thunder and lightening going on a lot of the night.
Col de HospitaletApollo ButterflyPark National signLac de Pouey LauriCool reflectionsLac MigouelouRefuge MigouelouEryngiumLac Migouelou from the refuge terrace
Day 2.
After brekky the sky appeared to be breaking up but with storm clouds all about we took the guardians advice and decided to head back down to the main parking area and head back up to the next refuge Larribet rather than risking the col which apparently is a 9 or 10 hour day.
A good 2 hour hike down on a good path before we trundled up the very picturesque valley to the refuge.
A much easier day and a much easier climb but overall a much prettier day following the river, gorgeous cascades, lakes, old berger’s “toues” which are shelters beautifully designed and named after the bergers themselves. Lots of beautiful very clear swimming holes up the valley en route to the refuge. An easy 2.5 hours steady climb up.
We had a late lunch at the refuge with cups of tea before lightening the packs and heading up to the lakes above the refuge about a 45 minute walk away. Nobody at all up there so decided to have a swim, even Al came in! Better than refuge showers normally! Sat in the sun and watched the storm clouds beginning to pour over from Spain so we legged it back to the refuge and got in just before the storm started!
A cracking refuge run by 4 ladies, small dorms, clean, great buzz, tasty food and nice wine!
Meteo for the night and tomorrow was due to get worse and worse! Our attempt to go up Balaitous tomorrow felt like it was a no goer. Torrential rain and strong winds over night.
Toue signCascadeBerger’s Toues DoumblasBerger’s Toues hutEarly walk out from MiguelouLacs des BatcrabereMarmotBreezy post swimView to BalaitousLacs des BatcrabereLac de Suyen
Day 3.
We decided to cancel our reservation for the second night at the refuge as the rain although had eased off and was dry when we left the refuge it was due to get considerably worse. So we sadly returned the same path back to the park entrance and then had a 5 km hike down the road back to the van. Hitched back to the van, the lift was hugely appreciated as we were fairly wet by then! It was a pretty hike back down the same valley, the path flooded after all the overnight rain and the waterfalls and river were loud and full looked spectacular. Even saw a Salamander on the way down, a first for me. No photos taken due to dampness.
It was then back to the barn, luckily with a full dry set of clothes in the van waiting for us!
A fun explore, a shame not to do Plan A but Plan B worked out pretty well too!
Cirque de Cagataille is a fantastic loop walk from the parking at the end of the road beyond Moussures. We set off early to avoid the crowds and started walking before 8am. The trail follows the river up passed the cascade and steeply up to the granite slabs above before you reach Etang de la Hillette. We were lucky on the ascent to see an Izard with a very young baby. Just a bundle of fur scampering over the boulders.
We continued on to Etang Alet where we grabbed a picnic lunch and Breezy took a dip to cool off. Then down into the forest and back to the van. We only saw 5 other folk and they had camped up high.
Izard and babyEtang de la HilletteEtang AletCool reflectionsGrass of ParnassusKnautiaScabious Devils Bit
Forecast was looking good even if a tad hot! So we decided to head off to the hills for a 2 day hike. Both were long days, made longer by the heat! The plan was to make our way back to the barn from Col de la Core.
We headed off with our great friend Lee, his wife Susie kindly dropped us at Col de la Core making pick up logistics a lot easier. Thanks masses Susie.
We went for an early start which meant at least we could get some of the ascent done before we started to melt. That was the plan but we melted pretty quickly.
We took the Chemin de Libertee via Col de Craberous which is a good steep climb up to the col where we had snacks. A good 4 hour yomp to get here. The steep path down the other side was not as skiddy as we had expected and it was only an hour down to Lake Milouga for lunch and a swim for Breezy, which was much needed.
We then had a relatively steep, short climb and then easier ground up to Col de Pecouch looking down to Refuge Estagnous where it was a short descent down to the refuge. A great refuge, fantastic views, delicious mountain food and cold beers and wine so all was good. We all guzzled loads of cold water on arrival in an attempt to rehydrate before attacking the beer!
The meteo suggested a storm may come in late afternoon on day 2 and that along with the heat we were keen for an early start and were off by 7.15am after brekky. Up in the shade to Petit Mt Valier and then across the ridge to the col before descending on to the Spanish side. We took in a new little peak Les Montagnoles and a wee scramble across to Col della Tindarella. Lots of Issard in this area which is always great to see. It was then a vague path across to Port D’Aula before we began the final ridge up and down across to Port de Salau which is the main col up beyond the barn. We were so lucky today as although it was hot there was a little wind which made hiking less sweaty!
We had a late lunch at the final peak de Pic de Montaud where Spain was in the sun and France in the cloud. Fab views of the route we had taken. Into the cloud which was welcome! and back to the barn to meet up with Susie wine and beer. We were all pretty tired.
Mont RoucheIzardAlpine AsterIzardMont ValierBloody crane’s billAlpine AqueligiaHalifax plane wreckvenBrackenChemin de LibertyChemin de LibertyPort de Salau in the cloud
One of our favourite hikes. Started from the bend in the road where the path from Etang D’Aube comes out. After years of starting at the Port de Lers we have taken to parking at the end of the track and walking back up to the Col to start rather than having to walk back up to the Col at the end of the hike.
Taking the path north to Pic de Fontanette and Pic de Barres you very quickly gain height and follow the ridge on to Trois Seigneurs. This time we continued the ridge on to Pic de Peyroutet which we have not done before. After a snack and a look over to Etang Bleu we descended towards Etang D’Aube to the north of Les Pujols to follow a spring down to the outflow of the lake. Most of this was off piste except for a vague track beside the brook descending the hill.
Lunch and a dip in the lake before the very hot descent to the van.
The ridge towards Trois SeigneursCloud in the valleysShepherd’s cabinBreezy swimming Etang D’AubeSummit Trois Seigneurs
The barn was still inside a cloud when we left to meet up with Lee and Suzie in Oust. Sherrie and Jenny also joined for a short hike up and over Pic de Cabanatous. Parked at Coumebiere where the GR10 crosses the road and walked up through the old silver mines to Col de las Fouzes. Amazing cloud scenes and a fog bow on the way up. Left at the col to the summit for lunch and then down to Etang d’Alate for a dip. An Ibex watched us from the ridge above the lake for over 40 minutes before getting bored and wandering off. The GR10 the took us back to the cars. There was a massive patch of cocolate orchids on the way down which was lovely.
Cloud sceneFunky cloud scenesCommon orchidOrrie at col las FouzesCloud sceneFog BowChocolate orchidSolo swimmer Etang d’AlateIbex on the ridgeGentieneGentiene
