From Spain Into France

Day 41/Spain 17/ France 26

Travelled:98km to Ochagavia Spain and Arette Pierre St Martin Ski resort parking (42.9792,-0.7471)

So after our rejuvenating rest day we were on the road again along the NA140 that runs parallel to the Spanish/French border. We stop to stretch our legs in Ochagavia. 

The Roman bridge

The very popular thistle decoration

Water fountain 

The church main altar

The baptismal font

The weather in the valley is 30° at 9am, so we continue on. In Isaba we encounter a cross country race and every available parking spot and more taken. We navigate to the service point and need to walk in our grey water via a bucket. But the job gets done and instead of descending further into the Roncal Valley, we hightailed it out of there heading north towards France. There were several Roman bridges along the way.

There was a lovely spot in the shade and next to a swimming hole where we stopped for a cuppa. 

But it was still too hot so further on we went up to Tarra Belugua pass. 

We stopped at the refuge and had some lunch. 

Then it was up and over into France via the Col de La Pierre St Martin at 1760m alt. and to the ski resort.

The border…

Looking back into Spain.. adios 

We found a spot in one of the huge parking lots next to a rock wall to shelter from the wind. 

We had a stroll around in the near deserted alpine village. 

Shortly after the promised thunder storm came in and cooled us down.. who would have thought we would relish the rain…