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| A tough but enjoyable stage, up into the Haute Ariege, through Andorra and back into France. |
| Tuesday 10 September 2002 Long and slow bus journey to Aulus les Bains followed by an equally long and slow climb up out of the valley. Finally emerged out of the trees and straight into the mist. Up over the Col de Bassiès and down to the refuge of the same name. Jolly place run by a friendly family with excellent food. |
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Wednesday 11 September 2002 Early start and a glorious morning. Good walk down to into the valley with Richard, an English guy I had met at the refuge, we stopped for coffee at the gite at Manicou. We then went our separate ways, he continued along the GR10 whilst I set off up the HRP. Long climb up out of the valley along a wall marked track to a lunch spot with great views back over to Pic d'Estats and Montcalm. |
| Continue climbing and climbing and finally scrambling up over some rocks to a high col then some boulder hopping down a gulley. Rounded the next col to see the Refuge Fourcat below me tucked away among its lakes. A very luxurious, modern refuge in a great location - who could want better views from their bedroom than these? |  |
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| Thursday 12 September 2002 Off into Andorra today. Headed south on a variety of paths and sheep tracks up past the Etang de la Goueille and across to the Port de l'Albeille. Magnificent savage scenery with no other walkers in sight. Weather closing in so a quick descent into Andorra, down past the Arcalis skifield and the Estany de Tristaina. Down into el Serrat just after lunch and check into my plush hotel; hot water, soft bed, even a TV. Spend the afternoon watching the rain, even that couldn't spoil the beautiful view down the valley. |
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| Friday 13 September 2002 A very long day planned for today and not a promising weather forecast; perhaps I should postpone given the date? Set off through the mist along the GRP1, a very well marked Andorran track. Long climb up through green meadows past inquisitive cows up to the Collada dels Meners, one of the highest cols of the walk at 2724m. Mixture of hail and rain with occasional glimpses of the sun. Complete whiteout on the other side of the col but I press on regardless and even meet a couple of other foolish souls. |
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Lots of snow underfoot but the new track markings make route finding a doddle. Long and excellent high level traverse over several cols - so much nicer than the long ascents and descents into and out of valleys. Past a couple of cute looking cabanes but no time to stop, as one of locals put it, my "tail was on fire!" Up over the Port d'Incles and back into France - and the sun is shining again. A distant view of tonight's refuge from the Etangs de Fontargenta then a long and tricky traverse over a boulder field, not really what I want at the end of a tiring day. Finally make it to the refuge de Ruhle - the end of a great day's walk. |
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Saturday 14 September 2002 Clear blue skies again and an easy walk planned for today as I am back on the GR10. Meeting with Clare at eleven so a latish start, indeed a bit too late as I find myself clambering over rocks yet again. Bit of running gets me down into valley on time for my rendez-vous. Gentle stroll down into Merens les Vals gathering blackberries and mushrooms en route. |
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