A gorgeous day without a cloud in the sky. Parked at Col de la Core and set off on the GR10 to Etang Ayes. Broke off from the GR and headed over to Etang Milouga where we stopped for lunch. A 1hr climb up to Col de Pouech overlooking Refuge Estagnous, our destination for the night. 15Km, 7.15hrs walking and 1800m ascent.

Highlights were the variety of cabins seen on route in the mountains. We also saw a huge flock of big birds over Bouirex on the other side of Col de la Core when we were near Ayes. There must have been about 100 of them. They then flew across and over us. We think they were black kites. Lastly, we picked up some delightful company for half the day. We saw her setting off with someone from the Col where we parked, then we picked her up where we left the GR10. A lovely brown dog (we called Flo), with no name tag. She lead the way to the refuge then found some new friends with a tent she could stay in.

Day two was a long day. Alarm at 0630hrs and away by 0715hrs. Up Valier where we had the summit to ourselves for half an hour before heading down. Retraced our steps back to Milouga and then up to Cabane d’Espugues and steeply up to Col de Craberous. Mackerel tacos for lunch then we descended the Chemin de Libertee back to Col de la Core. 21Km, 9.25hrs and 1600m ascent.

If you do the Chemin de Libertee backwards, is it the Chemin de Captivite?