Lac d’Estaing
Day 17, Jun 30, 2024
From Gourette to Lac d’Estaing
29.5 km hiked, 31.0% complete
We both woke around 6.30am after a good night’s sleep, and while contemplating getting up, the rain started in earnest. It poured down for a few minutes before settling to a drizzle. We had another great breakfast before heading outside, by which time the rain had all but stopped.
Although the guidebook labelled today’s hike “easy”, we found the hikes up to the 2 peaks of the morning steep and challenging. Once there we had limited views as the valleys below were again shrouded in cloud.
The very wet weather has played havoc with the tracks, which are mostly muddy and slippery but sometimes just a shallow stream of water. I was glad to be wearing rain pants as they have saved my hiking clothes from mud splashes but shoes and socks are soaked with muddy water.
The section ended in a quaint town called Arrens, where we bought drinks to go with the bread and crackers we had for lunch.
Then, as planned, we continued into the next section with moderately easy walking past another small village and on to a lake, which seems to be a popular summer holiday spot. In the heavy mist the lake was, at first, invisible. We assumed we were walking beside the lake because we could see a family of ducks that appeared to be swimming in the mist!
We are camped in a private campground. The facilities include hot showers, which were a real treat. We’ve eaten hot soup for dinner and are ready for sleep, having hiked close to 30km. Rob’s leg continues to give trouble at the end of long days. Tomorrow should be less distance but does start with a steep climb.
5 thoughts on “Lac d’Estaing”
Hello Intrepid Explorers, Have been enjoying your adventures in the montagnes. Beautiful photos and especially love the little finch type bird, the different hues of its feathers are exquisite, and of course love the patou and the cartoons as well. Looks as if you mainly have had fair weather and some good food. The mountains and villages are so spectacular. I hope Peter recovers and can continue but if not, can always come back again. It is more beautiful then I can ever have imagined, like a continuing fairy tale. A french teacher once told me that the French mostly holiday in their own country and now I can see why.
I am waiting for a first photo of a Griffin….They do live there I think.?
Keep well and safe and look forward to reading and seeing more as you go.
Best wishes, Kris
Quelle jolie photo de pont!
Thanks for the daily blogs, we finally caught up on the adventure. We are always amazed by your great photos and glad to see you are getting to experience the villages and towns to sample the food and hospitality.
Incredibly beautiful photos – the mist and fog/cloud add atmosphere! ( and humour!)
What camera are you using?
I hope the next stage is a little easier and drier.
Take care
Jane
Camera is my Samsung S21 phone.