Day 21 Larres (Spain) over Pyrenees to Argeles-Gazost (France)

Day 21: Larres (Spain) over Pyrenees to Argeles-Gazost (France)

Leaving El Charron we were asked to line up the cars for a last minute photo shoot by the owners.  This was a lovely place to stay and even though they couldn't speak much English we could be understood.

Tour group lined up outside El Charron in Larres, Spain

Weather was lovely – mild and sunny - great driving weather.  All the cars had been tinkered with to ensure optimal performance!  The climb into the Pyranese was truly breathtaking – nothing really to compare in Australia.   

Climbing into the Pyranese - at the top is a multitude of ski fields however most of the snow has now gone and what is left is hard ice.

 

John and Allison's 12/50 ducks back in the Pyrenees before French border

The frontier crossing into France was a bit of a let down in the end, Dale had our passports at the ready – hoping for yet a new “stamp” but there wasn’t anyone there to check them and the border sign had actually fallen to the ground.  At first didn’t even think there was a sign for the border till we briefly noticed it pushed over to about a 45 degree angle, too low to even photograph!

Heading into Pyrenees - Spanish side

Crossing the Pyrenees - spectacular views

The alpine road we had planned to use was closed so we had to travel a bit further and go over and around in a less direct route on the French side. A lot of these roads are used for the “Tour de France” and it was a struggle enough for us in the cars let alone having to turn the bicycle pedals!  We were advised that when coming down the hills in a modern car it is not uncommon to be overtaken by a cyclist - such is their speed. 

We stopped along the route for an impromptu picnic on the side of a mountain – what a view!!  In the valley the sheep were moving about their business – bells tinkering and the weather was most pleasant.

MG coming across cattle in the Pyrenees

It was not uncommon to come across grazing cattle and sheep on the roads in the French Pyrenees.  A little scary especially when they are twice the size of the MG.  

Mike and Maritta preparing an impromptu picnic lunch on the side of the road on the back of the 12/50

We caught up with local car enthusiasts Cedric and Barbara at Col de Soleil and completed our decent to
Argeles-Gazost. Cedric and Barbara had most kindly organised an excellent dinner for us with about about 10 of their friends including those from the local Car Club with whom we would be travelling in the morning.