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.