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A Day of Castles in Lastour – Days 7&8

Carcarsonne France – July 12/13

After breakfast we said our goodbyes and promised to try and meet two years from now for another hike.  Paul and I talked about possibly going to Eastern Europe (Czech or Bratislava).  Doug and Kalon were heading back to Colorado since Doug was working the next day.  Mick and Susan were heading off with Paul and Lucy to southern France then off to Venice in Italy.  Dan, Suz, Audrey and I were heading to Carcarsonne for St. Bastille day and then try to meet up with Paul and Lucy again in Nimes later in the week.  Laura and Joe were heading to Switzerland and then Germany (I think).  With the local van full, Dan had to run into town and pick up the train to the next town in order to get the rental vehicle.  After a couple of hours Dan showed up with the rental and the four of us were off to Carcarsonne.  With it being the day before St. Bastille day, the old market in Carcarsonne was corded off so Dan dropped us off close to our B&B and parked the car away from the action.  Our apartment overlooked the square and the nightly entertainment was already performing sound checks.  We spent the late afternoon picking up meat, cheese, wine and beer.  The evening we were entertained concerts outside our windows and the boys taught the girls how to win at euchre again.

Click here to see videos of music show and Dan’s driving to Lastour Castles.

The next day we drove to Lastour to see the four Castles.  We brought along a picnic lunch which consisted of, (you guessed it) wine, beer, cheese, ham and baguette.  A real spectacular place with good hiking and great views of castles.  Photos below:

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Pyrenees – Mountains to Mediterranean – Day Six

July 11th – Ceret France

Last day of hiking.  We hike to the coast today.  It has been a very fun trip so far and unfortunately Michael, Sue, Doug and Kalon will be heading separate ways after this.  We will hope to see them again soon.  Today was one of though days that I wish I had lots more time to take pictures.  The scenery was breathtaking.  The winds were very strong and a number of us were loosing their hats along the way.  In fact some of the girls almost got blown off the hills.  Lots of pictures today.  Remember to click the thumbnails to see the photos correctly.  Youtube video link below.  Remember comments (especially positive ones) are appreciated.

 Click here for so video of the days hike.

Click here for the hiking groups closing comments.

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Pyrenees – Mountains to Medeiterranean – Day Five

July 10th – Amelie les Bains France

After two days rest, Audrey’s knee is feeling better so she will again join us for the trek.  Todays hike was 10kms, but the trails have not been clearly marked.  With all the rain this spring the trail is lush and overgrown.  Remember to click the thumbnails to see the photos correctly.  Youtube video link below.  Remember comments (especially positive ones) are appreciated.

Click here for so video of the days hike.

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Pyrenees – Mountains to Medeiterranean – Day Four

July 9th – Prats de Mollo Spain

The weather has been great since the first day hike.  It has been cool enough for us not to overheat during our hiking.  Todays hike is 12kms but with a lot of downhills, which can be hard on the knees.  We cross the boarder into France today and so we say goodbye to Spain for this trip.  Both Dan and I had minor mishaps when we slipped on wet rocks.  I tweaked by left knee and Dan scraped his arm and cheek.  Remember to click the thumbnails to see the photos correctly (the last two are wide screen panos, so the thumbnails cut them off).  Youtube video link below.  Remember comments (especially positive ones) are appreciated.

Click here for so video of the days hike.

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Pyrenees – Mountains to Mediterranean – Day Three

July 8th – Mollo Spain

After yesterdays extra long hike and rugged terrain, Audrey’s knees gave out.  They have been bothering her for many years but she has just learned to live with them.  She tried to go today, but very early on it was evident that she would not be able to join us for the hike.  Today’s hike was a long one and had some nasty bits.  Today’s post has a lot of pictures so you have to click to see them uncropped.  Youtube video link below.  Remember comments (especially positive ones) are appreciated.

Click here to see video of day two of hiking.

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Pyrenees – Mountains to Mediterranean – Day Two

July 7th – SetCase Spain

Well the trip is under way and the weather was starting out poorly.  Heavy fog gave poor visibility which caused Dan, Suz, Audrey and I to get lost.  We ended up doing an extra 6kms!  The extra distance probably helped us to quickly acclimatize to the higher altitude. Too see the pictures in un-cropped and larger format, simply click on the thumbnail.   For YouTube Video links click on links below.

Click here to see Youtube video of hiking Day one.

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Pyrenees – Mountains to Mediterranean – Day One

July 6th – SetCases Spain

Actual trip content I hope will be later added, but for now I will post some trip pictures. I will also include a link to the youtube videos for the given days below.  Remember that this site posts most recent ones at the top, so the trip will appear to go backwards in time.  You can just see this trip posts by clicking the Pyrenees – France – Italy tag under categories on the right.  To return to the start click the “home” button.  And by the way you can leave comments below the posts.

Click here for introduction video for the start of out trip.