Day 23, Jul 6, 2024
From Bourisp to Cabane d’Ourtiga
17.5 km hiked, 42.4% complete

This morning before setting out, we checked the weather forecast and read that the rain and thunderstorms were not expected until mid afternoon. We hoped to be all the way to a cabin in the next section before then. About 7 am we left the rented room and headed up the road. Almost immediately the rain started. Just brief showers at first, but enough to prompt us to put on rain jackets. Then, as we climbed higher and warmed up we took them off, only to find the rain started again. So it was jackets on, jackets off for the first climb. After the 3rd jacket application, Rob commented that at least it wasn’t storming. About a minute later we heard the first rumble of thunder.

The track that started off moist and tacky became slippery with sections of deep cow trodden mud and filth. After stepping in ankle deep mud, Ros stopped to wash the worst off in a trough of water. Continuing on downhill, though, the trail became a flowing stream of mud, and we were sloshing through and trying not to lose our footing. The rain was coming down in earnest, and we were fortunately in tree-covered slopes while the thunderstorms rumbled overhead.

Finally, we reached the town of Loudenvielle (old Louden), where we took a photo despite the mis-spelling of our name. You might get a glimpse of this countryside if you are watching the Tour de France as the cyclists will be passing through here around Bastille day (14th July).

We were glad to arrive while the supermarket was still open and, after enjoying a hot drink outside a bistro, we bought the food that we will need for the next 2-3 days. When the clouds parted and the sun made a brief appearance, we headed back onto the trail. Our plan was to complete the section and then some of the next section, which looks to be long and hard.

The rain started again almost as soon as we set out. The road/trail to the next small village was easy, and then we pushed on to finally find a small cabin (Cabane d’Ourtiga), open for use in bad weather. Here we met Alex from Canada and enjoyed swapping hiking stories. Then we were joined by 3 more French hikers so the cabin will be crowded tonight.