Grey Wolf in France: How steep can a mountain pass be??

We decided to drive to Larreau via the 'short' way………….woah! it turned out to be a monster steep and winding mountain pass that reached 4380 feet above sea level! As a result of the steep and very twisty climbs my nerves were frayed and wolf's fuel consumption dropped from 35 mpg to 17 mpg (average, the climb was actually indicating around 9 mpg most of the time!). However the views at the top were worth it!

Then of course we had to descend! well despite my best efforts at engine braking and staying in 1st or 2nd gear for most of the way down the brakes were working overtime (more frayed nerves for me!)

Having reached Larreau we decided to continue a little before stopping only 2 miles further for the night. We found a lovely area by the river and set up base camp. As night fell it went pitch black (I do mean really really really dark!) and then the wind got up…………..crikey! massive gusts would come out of nowhere that were so strong and violent (about 40 mph I would guess) that we were being rocked likes babies in a cradle!

The morning came, the light arrived and we had some lovely home made bread that I made (I gor up at 05:45 to make it). As were had unlimited water nearby we gave wolf a wash, then Kate decided she was going to have one too! so of course I had to provide moral support and have a dip as well. Bathing in a Pyrenean mountain river…………..it's certainly exhilarating!

Kate sat under the 'top' sign