Longish Walks: Spain - Day 22: Refugi Dera Restanca to Refugi de Colomers (Lac Obago)

Morning from Dera Restanca

Again the guide book offered a choice. The alternative being better in every way. Shorter, less up and down and according to Mr. Johnson 'a superb southerly variant'. So it was easy. Especially after the success of yesterday.

A two col day topping out at 2,570m the Port de Caldes the other col is the Coret de Oelhacrestada so nothing for our collection.

Before setting off we ran across the dam. Because, why not. It was there. The running wasn't necessarily pretty but we tried.

Blue lagoon

Up yet another boulder field - but with lots of red and white markers and up is better than down. Falling up is not so serious generally, just like stairs. And after my performance yesterday everyone is aware.

We came to another dam and small lake and played a little. There was a big group of people sitting by a big rock up ahead. As we approached they set off. Slowly. The path was narrow and overtaking was impossible. I mean we go slowly but they...

Towards the top we got past them much to the obvious chagrin of one of the guys. But we have been doing this for three weeks. We are warmed up. Up hill we go - not fast but steady. Go Mode. On a long climb it's a hard tactic to beat.

Arty shot...

Over the first not col and down into a pretty valley where we found a suitable picnic spot - flattish rock and ate. Eating is a really good excuse for a rest. One of the best. Peeing even when synchronised is over too quick, photo ops the same.

Rest shot

We chatted to a few day hikers who were wondering how far Restanca was. We told them and they changed their plans accordingly.

The previous night in Restanca was interesting. very regimented and very old - not nearly designed for the current capacity. And it was packed. The food was good. The company French. But at the end of the day tents are much better.

Looking for a picnic spot

Nora, who had been to the Pyrenees before was very happy as she had 'been here before' and knew where we were going. Which for Nora is amazing - really.

Another bloody lake

We climbed up to the second not col and walked down past yet another bloody lake to Colomers. Which was full. But we didn't care we had a date with a wild campsite high in the valley - where Nora had camped before. Lunch at Colomers and off up the valley.

More lakes and people swimming and sun bathing. We took the hint, dropped our packs changed and went for a dip. Cool and refreshing. We had time and took our time. Our campsite never closed.

A swim

Eventually, however we had to move. We past several good camp sites but Nora knew of a better one, further up the valley. Eventually, when we got to the top of the valley at the foot of the rocky climb out of the valley we had a choice. Search for this mythical campsite or walk back down.

We avoid walking where we can so we looked. Eventually, we found a spot. Which Nora proudly pronounced 'it' and camped. We ate, drank and watched the cows drift down the slope towards our campsite.

When we retired they were still drifting but what could we do. So we lay and listened to their bells as we fell asleep. A business opportunity for a relaxing sounds CD possibly.