78 km. Details.
Now we see, I'm afraid, the limitations of a smartphone camera unaided by either clever software or any shred of skill on the part of the photographer. You're going to have to take my word for the fact that these views, from the Boulevard des Pyrenees in Pau, are orders of magnitude more spectacular in real life than these pictures manage to convey.
One first sees these from about 50 km further north than this, only visible because the sun picks out the snow on the horizon. Then as one rides towards them the white-on-blue makes it seem that the peaks are suspended above the earth rather than being part of it, so it looks as though one will have to ride into the sky to reach them. Quite magical, and not a ride I'll soon forget. I'll try to do better with the pictures during the next few days when I'm really in amongst them.
One rides through a couple of kms of modern sprawl coming into Pau, which is a pity because the old part of town is very appealing
with a rather nice chateau.
I imagine the place is absolutely heaving with tourists in the high season, but at the moment it's a very pleasant place to be.
Tomorrow into the Pyrenees proper. Just a shortish 60 km to Argeles-Gazost. Shortish in distance, but not, I'm guessing, in time. One can see what is ahead and it won't lend itself to my breaking any speed records.
1 comment:
Beautiful views! Mountains, especially with snow on top, draw me like a magnet. I'd heard that Pau is picturesque, and it certainly has that typical southern French look of sleepiness and warmth, light and shade, and the buildings having been baked in the sun for centuries. Enjoy the climbing!
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