Elizondo -> Chalets d'Iraty

July 12

Sunshine after the storm!

From Elizondo we keep following the GR11 which keeps showing off its beautiful ancient trees.

There are horses everywhere.

Eventually we have to leave the nicely blazed GR11 to go towards Aldudes.

Everything changes: we need to  jump fences, bushwhack... connecting with the dirt road below isn't easy, but we manage.

It's hot and swampy. At Aldudes we enjoy the Nive River, an open restaurant and the communal campground - km 66. Except for the road a bit too close and the church's bells that ring every 1/2 hour this is a very good resupply village!

July 13

We start early and go from more bushwhacking to easy paved roads.

So many ferns! Everywhere!

We also hike a portion of the better known Camino de Santiago (so crowded!) and finish our day at a beautiful campsite - km 92

July 14 - We wake up under the clouds. Tent is wet...

We by-pass Beherobi since we don't need to resupply there.

Up and down more mountain passes.

Lots of hiking without trails. It's a navigation challenge.

We finally get to reconnect with GR10 and arrive at Chalet Pedro near Iraty where we meet again the young 3 English youngsters. We've been crossing them on and off for the past 3 days. What a jolly team!

One or two more km to get to a pretty lake; perfect campsite. Again!

We're now at km 120

Next morning weather doesn't look good. We pack up and rain starts.

Thankfully we're very close to the nice and warm room "salle hors sac" at Chalets d'Iraty's Nordic ski resort. All amenities here: very clean toilets, kitchen with sink, microwave, hot water, groceries, tables, chairs, couch...

They can even hold a resupply package if you want!