DAY 7. June 4th. CASA MENDILATZ TO CASAS DE IRATI.

Ask about where to sleep before we leave as camping not allowed in Irati and nothing there. Given directions to non-guarded refuge. Good breakfast. Cup of tea and biscuits by the river, along the reservoir and then to our damp but pretty refuge. Wash in freezing river, sunbathe and get smokey fire going. Abandon cabin due to smoke. Tents outside. A bit cold but sleep thanks to my super mattress, unlike Sandy.

DAY 8. June 5th. CASAS DE IRATI TO OCHAGAVIA

The smoke that drove us out.

Only 4.30 hours walking today although 820m ascension. Pleasant weather, no rain, cold up high. Hard climb through woods. Little food. Down pretty valley from 1500m to nice but lifeless town of Ochagavia. Can’t find a room so go to the very basic camp-site. Water not hot, feel very cold. Get washing done in machine. Go to town for dinner in hotel (as that’s the only place to go). Average food, not friendly. English couple on next table from the Cotswolds who know a lot about the Pyrenees and birds. Buy gas and thermal t-shirt in shop under flats on the way back to the camp-site. Also go to supermarket and butchers. Sleep well, Sandy doesn’t. Rain in the morning. Large breakfast in the campsite was great but not cheap.