GR10 Pyrenees day 16, to Refuge d’Ilhéou

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Good morning weather but the mist came back at times in the afternoon. A long 1574m climb to the Col d’Ilhéou at 2242m, then a short descent to an isolated refuge on Lac d’Ilhéou at 1988m for the night.

The first part of the day was up and down through farm land to the popular Lac d’Estang. Then the climb. I was very tired by lunch, kicked off my boots and soaked my feet in a cool stream before marching on after a good break. The mist arrived just as I reached the col.

I reached the refuge about 4:00. Very small and full. It is off the grid at the end of a rough 4wd track. Minimal facilities, solar panels, no wifi, very weak phone signal, barely strong enough to send a text message. But the three people running it are hospitable and it was a fun evening. The setting beside an alpine lake is spectacular.

Morning, looking down on Arrens.
Morning, looking down on Arrens.
Church at Estang.
Church at Estang.
Poppies by the road.
Poppies by the road.
Lac d'Estang
Lac d’Estang
The climb: heading up to that little notch.
The climb: heading up to that little notch.
Looking back just before the col.
Looking back just before the col.
Mist at the col.
Mist at the col.
Refuge beside the lake.
Refuge beside the lake.

2 thoughts on “GR10 Pyrenees day 16, to Refuge d’Ilhéou”

  1. I love the poppies and the pearly everlasting wildflowers. Curious name “Lac d’Etang”; I thought it translated to Lake of the Pond but it has been a very very long time since I took French; when my dictionary surfaces…will check it out.

    Hope the feet are holding up, Roy – I think you are awesome!
    Wendy

    • The feet are awesome, as for the rest of me… It is lac d’estang. Hope that makes more sense. R

      Roy

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