Section Two - Complete

The second section of the HRP came to an end today, with a great climb from Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube, followed by a dull descent into Gavarnie.

I left the refuge at 07:40 for the climb up to Hourquette d’Ossoue (2,734m) with a few early morning clouds clearing, but the weather didn’t seem to be able to make up its mind and the clouds came back as I progressed. The route from the refuge was on the GR10 all the way to Gavarnie, so was easy to follow until the snow, but even then there were some footprints. Remembering Mark’s advice, I ignored the crampons and made as much use as I could of the islands of rock, but as these ran out I put the crampons on and headed over the col (photo), meeting a couple of people coming the other direction. The snow went all the way down the other side to Refuge de Baysellance, which I reached shortly before 10:00.

The first part of the descent crossed the occasional snowfield, some quite large and one covered with sheep, who all looked a bit confused! The route flattened out at a reservoir, where I met a French guy I’d spoken to at Pombie and Arrémoulit. We discussed our routes over the last few days and he announced “vous avez marché bien!”

Beyond the dam there was a choice of road or path. Mark had recommended the road and the French guy took this option, but I decided the GR10 might be easier on the knees and feet, and had to be more interesting than the road! When I heard a rumble of thunder I wished I’d taken the road, but the rain held off and eventually I descended into Gavarnie, looking forward to another rest day.