Spain - Day 27: Lladorre to Areu

Morning road walk

The plan was in action. But it meant a long day today or tomorrow. Eventually, the weather decided for us. Along day tomorrow. Tomorrow night was the fruition of our little scheme. And 'they' still didn't know. They won't be happy - at first.

As we left the campsite the swimming pool was steaming. Not because it was heated but because it was so cold outside. And we had worried about the heat. Ha.
Up the road to Lladorre then up the mountain road to Boldis Sobira to rejoin the GR11. It was a serious up, with switch backs and everything. We abandoned the thought of the path and followed the road, which also had switchbacks. A mountain cycling stage.

Down into the valley

We stopped for a snack and a water top up in Boldis Sobira and met a young English couple that we had first met in Estaon, pronounced Estaon, we asked.

He had 'rescued' a dog from a shelter and three of them where walking together. The dog had unfortunately, been frightened by a cow and had run off. They were waiting for it to come back. We never saw them again.

Another view

Most of the day was spent in the forest and the weather was looking progressively more iffy (a meteorological term). The rain from the plain was on another short break and was visiting the hills. It spat at us on and off most of the day. A case of coats on - too hot - coats off - too wet - coats on - too hot. Maybe you can see the pattern emerging.

Coming down into Areu it started to spit with more persistence and the clouds dropped to inches above our heads. Not promising at all. Not that we had bee promised much by anyone. There was accommodation but hidden. They were very low key. We went into the campsite in the rain. Reception, or what we thought was reception, was closed. The site noisy and not welcoming, especially in the rain.

An on moment

We left and went into the village. Then back up the hill in a fruitless search for a hostel by the church, advertised on a sign. There were two churches. Not a helpful sign. Back to the village. We found a shop. Closed. But we needed food so we waited.

Looking for a manger

An old Spanish Lady, with a definite capital L, appeared. She owned the shop which would open at 4pm and she owned the hotel opposite which served wonderful food. I mean we didn't have much choice. But she was right about the food. Eventually, we asked about the cost of a night and said great we'll take it. Only to be then told it was full. They gave us directions to a pension 'by the church' . Ha, and we took the last rooms there.

Areu

The shop when it did open was shit. If you wanted to by baby sized walking boots, it was the place place for you. If you wanted novelty honeys it was the place for you. If you needed food. F--k O--. We bought what they had, but it was meagre. We needed food as the place we planned to stay the next day had nothing. Literally, nothing.

We ate, again, in the hostel. Despite our constant eating we were losing weight. Chocolate and bread and pasta and sausage must be good for dieting. We are living proof.

The actual Church

Our room was indeed a room with a view. If you hung out of the ceiling window and twisted around.

There was nothing in or around Areu.  Just steep sided hills. Which is why it is so nice, even in the rain.

Every year they have a running race - straight up the side of the valley and everyone stays in the hotel. The valley side is basically straight up - so it would be a sight worth seeing.

The weather as you van see is shit. But we are well positioned, if not well provisioned for tomorrow.

There is a refugi half way - so food. And Ellie's and my secret goal near the top.

The weather

It can't be green without rain. And, at the end of the day our skin is water proof. At least from the outside in.

There is no such thing as bad weather. Just bad clothing.

We hate the rain!