28-30th June 2011 to Bidarray, Bielle and Argeles-Gazoste

Day 1 Hendaye to Bidarry

62 miles and 3926 feet

Last sight of the Atlantic after leaving Hendaye

Finding sheep's cheese in Ossau Iraty, 

And sweet little villages like Sara 

With hard courts for playing pelote - 

The biggies come nearer and nearer!

I imagine she was good at pelote, too!

Day 2 to Bielle

55 miles and 4145 feet over col d'Osquich (500m)

Nearly went into Spain!

Potage, hors d'oeuvres and pieces of pork 

For lunch, and then tartes aux pommes; 

Col d'Osquish, now we're starting to talk - 

Said Nigel, with his Grand Camion.

Day 3 to Argeles-Gazoste

35 miles and 4762 feet over Col d'Aubisque (1709m) and col du Soulor (1404m)

Top of our first biggie (15 km of climb)

The camaraderie of the ascent of Aubisque 

The pain of the hour by hour slog; 

Savage ravines, tunnels and distant peaks, 

But the summit was shrouded in fog!

The col du Soulor was sauvage!