DAY 30. June 27th. Tavascan to Areu.

Early start and heat is very light. Quite hard day for hills but very pleasant and lovely views. Final descent to Àreu is a boring and long pista which suggests that you could find short cuts between the corners but you never dare due to the steep hills. Campsite full of teenagers and we are impatient and hungry. They make us not very good sandwiches. Rest and wash clothes then visit the town. Have a nice dinner in the hotel which is expensive (€78) but different and good.

DAY 31. June 28th. Àreu to Vallferrera.

Since getting to Encamp would be too much we treat ourselves to an easy day and Manel has managed to contact the refuge at Vallferrera to book us in (the only guests). One of the problems of the GR11 has been reception on the mobiles which is understandable in the mountains but it doesn’t help that in Catalunya there is a new system of centralized reservations which has a limited timetable to call which makes it almost impossible. Someone in “civilization” with time to call is essential as back-up. The refuge is being rebuilt but the same efficient and friendly woman is working there so we had a great afternoon and lovely dinner (best chips of the trip). No storms today. Colin darns his socks. A few nerves about the state of the snow tomorrow as it’s one of the highest spots of the route. Early start to hit the snow before it gets soft.