Fortunately Sandy’s nerves cleared up as did the black clouds first thing and we decided to take the high road (the highest point of the GR11). An early start and non- frozen American girls waved us off. Steady climb, ate a bit before the worst bit. Up to the pass and turn right when the wind and hail hits. Wrap up, crouch down when I feel like I’m about to take off. Go a bit wrong and things look hairy for a minute but we find the path over more to the right and continue along a fascinating chain of peaks. Weather clears up although clouds coming up from Núria threaten worse. Rainbow. Lovely views. Coll de la Marrana. People. Ulldeter refuge being done up. Vallter 2000. People. Down following the river. Tired. Out to road to Set Cases which is a PAIN in the feet. Get to Set Cases in time for late lunch at Cal Jopet. Eventually find room at La Cabanya for €30 (get 2). Long lunch with first bottle of cava to celebrate the end of the snow and conquest of highest point of GR, although it didn’t feel like it. Cal Jopet has gone posh….more expensive, trendy plates and fancy puddings….I think I liked it better before. Hole up in hotel room, long siesta and never make it out again. They give us a picnic instead of breakfast so we can get away early. Big storm during the night.
