Mediocre downhill

The desolate moors of Larra-Belagua open to view when we reach Pescamou pass, which marks the entrance into the French territory. Today my friend Raul Mihai is with me, a mountain companion who is starting out in the world of touring and backcountry ski.

Behind us, the flat lands of southern France watch our way up to the peak D’Anie. Several nights of freezing temperatures followed by clear skies during daytime makes the snow feel hard under my feet. Raul and I move on a thick icy blanket where ski crampons are needed.

We are fu**ed up.

We have wasted a lot of time gliding up on slippery terrain and we wait a while for the snow to soften with the heat of the sun, a false promise of finding better quality snow.

Now it’s time to go back and try to enjoy a short downhill before the sun disapperars in the west. Disappointed by the fatigue and the conditions, we find breath in the landscape and the soft light. The air cools as we go deeper into the valley and a shy but pleasant feeling of calm surrounds us.

Thus, one more day in the wild western Pyrenees is defined.

Thanks for reading.