What a Difference a Day Makes

Friday 26th May

We slept in - should have been on the road much earlier with sun and clear blue skies. So different to yesterday. Today was more mountain passes; some this years TdeF, and some past years. 

Today's weather -

Compared to yesterday.

First was Col d'Aspin at 1489m. Lots of cyclists on the way up and motorbikes and when we got to the top there were cars, tourist buses, motor bikes and push bikes. Everyone seemed to be as entranced by the views as we were. This would have been a great place to take a picnic and just enjoy the serenity - along with the cows and their clunky cowbells.

The Pic du Midi seen from the Col d'Aspin.
A much clearer photo than yesterday - even from a distance.

Odette loved her new cow friends,
and the snow topped mountains.

Down the other side and this seemed to be a narrower, more twisty, and steeper climb than the road we went up. Stunning scenery everywhere including looking down into the town in the valley. 

Time for more up - this time the Hourquette d'Anzican at 1564m. This road was narrower and hugged the side of the mountains. At the top we were quite a bit closer to the snow than previous view. The road has obviously been used in the TdeF in past years but now too narrow and not great condition - and they'd have trouble getting all the motor homes in there for spectators. 

Just herding his cows up the main road.
Guess they send someone out with a broom
before the TdeF cyclists hit the slippery stuff. 

Enjoyed lunch of lapin with mustard sauce and frites in the tiny village of Payolle.  It was lovely to be able to sit outdoors and enjoy some sun after some pretty ordinary days.

Lunch on the terrace in the sun. 

A lot of horses grazing around the nearby lake. 

Another mountain pass Col de Beyrede at 1417m. No traffic along this road and when we came to a route barree sign the choice was carry on and hope it was not closed, or give up our planned circle road trip. We continued and found that they had been doing some serious logging at one point on the road but 3pm on a Friday they had gone for the day. Onwards.

Continuing our trip back we stopped to visit the Chateau de Mauvezin. Perched on top of a hill as they all are, the castle had never been defeated. Dated from around 11th century. There was a busload of schoolkids at the chateau, probably 8 yrs old, having a hands on history lesson. 

And what a difference even a few hours makes.
This is looking back down to the snow topped mountains in the earlier photos.

Heading on from here we travelled on a piece of road with newly laid asphalt - another TdeF road (day 6). Back to base and the laundry done. Chinese for dinner.

Laundry day - the cat looked to be very comfortable
watching the passing traffic out the window.