Day 10 - Pau to Salies de Bearn

A roller coaster of hills and weather. 

We woke up to a beautiful view of Pau, clean laundry, and the ability to cook eggs and make espresso for breakfast, big day! 

(Photo taken from the window of our air bnb)

Our route took us through quite a range today. 

We could see the mountains but we mostly stuck to a river. We went through some rather industrial suburbs, where the bike path was freshly paved (thanks local industry!)  A quick stop at Decathlon to refuel (more camp stove fuel) and we were rolling.  

Following velo route 81 took us through little old villages, again mostly shuttered. The farmers fields are full of rocks, and yet so many of the rocks have been used for the houses, fences and barns. They have their own beauty, with each stone carefully hand placed, they are unique and yet give a lovely sameness to the towns in this region. 

Aren't they beautiful?

The forecast promised rain, but we didn't get really any all morning. Climbing a few big hills in full rain gear, with the sun shining - a bit like hot yoga I think.

The clouds seemed to surround us all day. We felt like we were racing the weather. Cat and mouse. The head wind we faced at least made us feel that we were racing in the right direction, opposite to the rain clouds. Not sure if the rain caught us or we caught the rain, but suffice it to say, we were glad we had rain gear. 

We decided to try our luck camping anyways and made a "dash" for the camp ground. Ok it was still 20k away and we were not exactly dashing but we pushed on, through lots of rain and wind and made it. We even got in a grocery run for dinner supplies  Our arrival at the campground was in a clear moment, no rain, so we dashed to get the tent pitched and the skies opened!! Just in time. 

Dinner in the tent - and my favourite appetizer. 

Along with a baguette and we are happy. 

Going to sleep hoping for another win for the Leafs at home. 

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Stats for the day.