Is where we should have been today. I should be writing to tell you what a jaw dropping view we had seen from just over 2000 meters near to the top of the Pic du Midi in the Valle d’Ossau. Unfortunately for us though the clouds came rolling in over night and not only is the summit no longer visible but the whole mountain seems to have disappeared in a shroud of grey cloud. Bloody mountains (you don’t get this at the beach). To be honest though we have only ourselves to blame since for the first two glorious days we lay by our beautiful swimming pool convincing ourselves it was too hot to even contemplate trekking up a mountain.
Despite being unable to reach the summit today we have still had a relaxing few days in this stunning area. We are staying amongst the rolling vineyards of the Jurancon with a breathtaking view of the entire spine of the Pyrenees. Our place is called Chateau Bellvue and it certainly lives up to its name. After driving through the wrought iron electric gates at the foot of the half mile long driveway, then passing the lamas in the field to the right, we were greeted with the delightful spectacle that it the Chateau. To be honest we had just booked a gite and were not expecting anything of this nature. Judge for yourself.....
It is the home of Eric,Valerie their children and a menagerie of animals. I have already mentioned the lamas but in addition there are donkeys, tortoises, honey bees (which make delightful honey), chickens (whose eggs we have eaten each morning), Whiskey the cat, two St Bernards (Max and Tequila - yes there is an alcohol theme) and a spaniel called Patouche.
Not bad for someone who is afraid of dogs!
We did manage to drag ourselves away from the chateau to visit a nearby mountain lake but unfortunately the clouds were so low that you could only just see the end of your nose! If the photos on the information boards surrounding the lake are anything to go by I am sure it is absolutely gorgeous (when you can see it!)
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