~ Stage7~
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Col d'Irau
~ Camping ~
Though I have been wild-camping all along the route so far, ~ this is probably the first stage where accomodation is not to be found without a very long walk ~ so camping is almost essential.
- A tent and all the associated paraphenalia is quite a weight to carry ~ but it gives you the freedom to stop where you want.
- I love to camp ~ high up on grassy knolls ~ with views that stretch for ever ~ and skys that reach the infinite ~ something that happens quite often in the hills.
- Camps are not allways like this ~ but may be a welcome shelter from wild ~ wet weather ~ sheltering in a wood.
- I have a Phoenix Phreeranger ~ single pole ~ double skin tent ~ 14years old.
- A 3/4 length Thermarest mattress ~ oh what comfort.
- A 3 season feather and down sleeping bag.
- And for the first time an inflatable pillow to supplement my stuff-sac of clothes.
- You need all the ~ cooking gear ~ food ~ and water mentioned before.
- Am I ever frightened? ~ NO ~ maybe only of storms.
- I have a Sony short wave radio to keep me company.
- I sometimes stay on campsites for the washing and other facilities, and interest of other people.
A typical campsite later in the walk
The days stage
Clouds were hanging on the mountain and I climbed just up to them ~ and had a lovely walk in high meadows before descending to Esterencuby ~ and a big breakfast of omlett at the local hotel. Then it was a big but gentle climb to the col (820m) ~ and then down into a deserted valley.
I was now entering the Forest of Iraty ~ a vast ancient beech forest ~ it reminded me of "Tolkein's Hobbit". One last climb for the day to Col d'Irau at 1025m ~ my highest yet. I camped on the pasture amongst the shepherd's huts and near to the road, and smiled and waved to the occassional cars that came by ~ and they of course waved back. Clouds and views came and went ~ it became cold ~ and I in mindless tiredness drifted off to sleep.
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Page created: 24th July 1988.
Last modified: 26th July 1998.
John Scholefield
coldfish@itl.net