Today we drove up to Cauterets from Lourdes (about 30 mins) into the Pyrennes Mountains. From there we went further up to Pont D'Espagne (another 20 mins) which is about 1500 metres above sea level. Along the way the kids had their first glimpse of snow alongside the road. Of course we had to stop so they could throw it at each other. The road along the way was quite challenging - very narrow. We drove through several avalanche tunnels along the way.
At Pont D'Espagne there is a ski lift which doesn't start working until December. There was enough snow on the ground for the kids to make a snow man. The ice on the ground was deadly slippery with Jayden coming unstuck at one stage.
It was freezing cold but after lunch warmed up nicely.
The waterfalls and the stream was magnificent.
I decided to do the hike up to Lac de Gaube which is a lake 5 km further up the mountain. At the end of the lake it is at 1900 metres so a steep hike up to it. Lots of snow along the way but at the top very little and quite warm. About a 2 hour round trip. The feet are sore tonight. Like the rest of the Pyrennes the landscape was breathtaking.
The view from the end of the lake looking further into the mountains.
On the way back to Lourdes Sofie talked us into going to have a look at a Luge (tobbogan) run we are going to have a go at on Saturday (weather permitting) at a place called Hautacam. I didn't realise how far up it was or how nervous it was to drive up there - no guard rails and a long way to the bottom.
In bike racing the ascent to Hautacam features many times in the Tour de France (one for you Dean). These signs were spaced out along the way.
Beautiful scenery!! Just beautiful :)
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