More Hiking in Cauterets

Tuesday, August 13th:  After an impressive thunderstorm last night, we arose to a cool but mostly clear day.  Another good breakfast at the Clot de la Hount and we were off for another hike in steep walled canyon to the left (or east) of the canyon we did yesterday.  Our hike was much less crowded, and seemed a bit tamer than yesterday.  However, we covered a longer distance (7.2 miles round trip) and climbed more (1,428 feet).  There was lots of rocks and water.  In fact, the trail was wet when we started and was a stream in places.  But the National Park did a good job on trail layout.  The last mile or so was steep with lots of high rock steps. 

But first a photo from yesterday - here is where Jan and Ron hiked to after leaving Betsy and me at the upper end of Lake de Gaube.

Photo by Ron -- the upper waterfall, Cascade Darre Splumouse, elevation 6,600 feet.

Now, back to today....

What greeted us at La Fruitiere parking area, elevation 4,500 feet.

Suppling the refuges.

Abandoned shepherd's hut.  There were lots of sheep, cows and a handful of horses free-ranging over the green spaces along the lower part of the trail.

One hour from the parking lot -- one hour to our destination (Refuge du Lac D'Estom)

On the trail, crossing the Gave de Lutour River.

Pic de Labas at the upper end of the valley.

More water

Ditto.

One of the many waterfalls, with Jan sitting on a rock in the middle.  The Refuge Du Lac D'Estom building is just above the waterfall,

Ditto waterfall.

Photo by Ron -- Lake d'Estom, elevation 5,900 feet.  This was our end point for the hike.

More water.  Last night's thunderstorms put a lot of moisture into the system.

An area of past avalanches -- note the trees pushed down from higher on the slope.

Free-range beef demonstrating serenity.

The hut again on the way down.

We returned to our B&B with a supply of beers and rehydrated on the deck just before the rains began. Apparently it had rained off and on in Cauterets today while we were enjoying sunshine up the valley.

Dinner was at Le Ferme Basque with a view over the city - a nice three course dinner featuring local specialities.  There was a heavy downpour from a fierce thunderstorm as we drove up to the restaurant.  We had to wait for a break in the rain before exiting the car and entering the restaurant.  Surprisingly the restaurant was full.   Since it was so far from town, we assume it must show up in guides as a hidden treasure.