Trip to Ste.-Engrace and touring other minor roads

A lovely fresh morning and off to Ste.-Engrace with the intention of doing the Gorges de Kakuetta. Again the usual twisty roads. We were delighted to be treated to another transhumance.

 We had been watching the uphill progress of the cyclist and he was doing well until the large flock of mostly sheep broadened out towards him and he had no option but to dismount. After the flock passed us, Jim courteously allowed the cyclist to zigzag a bit in order to build up a bit of velocity for the hills ahead.

Around the Pic Soulaing was very scenic.

All along the route there were signs showing a beast of the cattle variety saying Troupeau en liberte. For Donegal people it is not unusual to see moutons en liberte but, as already seen and as we saw today, the troupeau was en liberte and quite contemptuous of other road users!

 This Blond d'Aquitaine definitely posed!

I wonder do different farmers have different shaped bells or different tinkles to their bells? I wonder are they heavy?

Here I have to be honest that I chickened out once again. On arrival at the Gorges De Kakuetta I was intimidated by the hiking gear of the many who were visiting and realised that this was a hike that was taken seriously. At any rate I had forgotten to pack my walking cane and everyone else had two! Having slowed we sped up again and concentrated on the scenery which was very nice.

By continuing on to Tardets we would discover several of our exchangers' favourite restaurants on two separate routes back to Oloron. We chose the road to L'Hopital St. Blaise where Anne had recommended two auberges.. We went to Auberge du Lusset and had a delicious main course. The food there is really good.

This is the Eglise de l'Hopital Saint-Blaise, a 12th century chucrch and a former stop for pilgrims. It is quite unique in France and has son et lumiere 8 minute tours from June to September. This, strangely enough, is October!

This is the Auberge where we enjoyed lunch.

After a brief stop home we went to Lescar, the ancient city in the suburbs of Pau. It is the site of the Roman city known, among other names, as Benearnum and has given the name Bearn to the region. From the 12th century a new city grew up at Lascar and the Cathedral was built. Today the Cathedral was closed and the museum was closed but the ramparts were available with their gardens and the cemetery was available.

The Bishop at the entrance to the Tourist Office!

Mosaic from ancient city

And to end off the tour as we were on the road home - transhumance. I am convinced it was the shepherd who was part of tonight's festival of blessing, eating and dancing because the whole procedure was being filmed. Maybe the Irish registration made it onto local news!

And then Noel and Nanette Griffin, both of Irish extraction, neighbours and friends of Anne and Bob, called for a chat and to invite us to afternoon tea/aperitif on Monday. Lovely!