This section is said to be the most difficult part of the Pyrenean Haute Route. They have to face steep slopes full of scree and rocks, large snowfields and some remains of former glaciers, as well as lots of sections without paths and a number of high passes. The Col Inferieur de Literole (2983m) and the Coll de Mulleres(2924m) are the two highest passes of the entire route. The book recommends crampons and ice axes (which the boys don't have) for this part in early summer and even late summer can be difficult.
DAY 17 They left Gavarnie and headed for Heas. They were hindered today by heavy storms which caused massive landslides but they managed to keep going and reach Heas. Day 18 the rains continued and the fog came in and it became too difficult to continue and they had to go back towards Heas for safety. They pitched their tent at Barroude. According to the book this point over looks the two Lacs de Barroude but I don't suppose the boys were able to enjoy that pleasure. They lost half a day today. They said there were landslides everywhere with paths washed away and 1000s of tons of rock on the mountainside.
Day 19 its still raining and visibility is down to 30m. Having difficulty keeping dry. Apparently 1 hour on the Spanish side it is sunny although cold. This afternoon they had to stop and have dried sausage and mash to replenish some enery and said it worked a treat! Camped tonight just short of Paso de los Cabalos.
Day 20 and 21 they are using one of the variant routes described in the book and following the GR11. Stewart says he is looking forward to a game of golf with me when we meet in France maybe I should book a buggy!
Day 22 back on track again. At Hospital de Vielha. Its ok this refuge has a very unfortunate name, they are both fit and well as far as we know and not requiring medical attention. They are booked into a dormitory tonight which Stewart describes as very rough and ready but after the week they have had it feels luxurious. They plan to wash their clothes and sort their gear out tonight and hopefully get a good nights sleep after being in the tent for a week.
It probably sounds like we have had lots of contact this week but actually we didn't hear from them between last Sunday and this Friday was the first text. Stewart rang last night and unfortunately I missed his call but he left me all the info to keep blog updated.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
After Vielha is Restanca. Food is good, there are warm showers (but queues) and there is a public telephone.
Next is Colomers. There should be a large, new refuge there (in construction last year).
If they're going to drop down into Salardu, then there is a cheap 4x4 service from underneath the old Colomers (from a car park) which takes the sting from from a 13kms trudge. This service ends up at the car park at Bahns de Tredos where it is an easy matter to tumb a lift into Salardu.
After Salardu, the Refugio Casa Satres at Isil is closed.
Much further on, Camping d'Incles is also closed. But Camping Font de Ferrocins c1km on the road towards Soldeu is open.
Post a Comment