Today we continued on the HRP. It was a day of bipolar weather, walking along the ridge, or crête, which formed the border between France and Spain. Each time we entered Spain it was sunny and hot, but when we crossed back into France, the sun disappeared, we cooled down and had no visibility.

The HRP continued to be spectacular. Rising above the clouds this morning we could see the mountains all around us, and the Pic d’Orhi from yesterday in the background.After a good climb and descent, we had a snack in the Refugio Belagua. On Tania’s recommendation I tried chistorra, a Navarre/Basque sausage.

In the afternoon, we road walked the last 10km of the day. It was a bit sad to say goodbye to Basque Country, but we were now entering the High/Haute Pyrénées!

Before arriving in Refuge Jeandel in La Pierre Saint Martin, a ski resort, I met some hikers who were a day ahead of us on the GR 10. By taking the high route, we had skipped one day of the GR 10 so new faces were abundant tonight. I had dinner in the refuge, and pitched my tent in the front yard.

Tomorrow will be a big day, I’m planning to tag the Pic d’Anie (2500m) on the way to Lescun if the weather holds.

Cabane d'Ardane to Refuge Jeandel - 22.40km and 1070m gained.