George & Mostyn - Walking the GR10

Monday, 16th June 2008

George:It had rained heavily overnight and was completely overcast when we started out. The climb up from Logibar was steep and soon we had to shelter in the trees from a heavy rain shower. These showers continued at intervals all day. We did get some views of the hills between showers.

We stopped for soup after about 4 hours then continued to the col at 1380m before descending the road towards St Engrace. The GR left the road to go down a muddy, dark and smelly sunken lane which we followed to the crossing of the river.

WI took off my waterproofs at the bridge for the climb up the road into St Engrace and, typically, it began to rain heavily. By this time I was really beginning to feel fed up so sheltered in a barn waiting for the rain to ease up. We trudged the last 2 Kms to the gîte. The gîte was OK but not the best we had seen. The evening meal was good though.

After several days of rain, a cracked rib, poor views and hard walking I decided I had had enough and that I would abandon the walk tomorrow.

Mostyn:We set off at 8.30 am, later than was advisable for such a long stage. The rain held off for about an hour, after that we had heavy showers for most of the day. It was slightly easier on the ascent because we were walking through woods on a forest trail so we were able to shelter from the worst of it. Once we left the forest we were open to the elements. At midday we did have about an hour's respite but there was no sun.

It rained steadily during the afternoon and when we had about a 300m climb to St-Engrace the heavens literally opened and road became a river. It was a matter of keeping going until we reached the warmth and shelter of the Gite. At this point George decided that in view of the appalling conditions he felt unable to continue and decided to return home the following day. We arrived at the gite at 7.40 pm. It was a welcoming place and there were some Spanish walkers there who helped us with our wet gear and showed us where to find a fresh supply of dry wood. We just had time to shower and change before the meal was at 8 pm. The food was very welcome.