To the Pyrenees

We left the motorways behind us today, with the sun in a brilliant blue sky we waved goodbye to Saint-Emilion. The journey started by winding its way through the Bordeaux vineyards before straightening out as we made our way south. We reached Lourdes at about 14:45, took one look at the place and decided to drive on a bit to find a place to stop, eat and refuel. This was a mistake. It is Sunday and most placed shut early, in the end we found a lay-by and dined magnificently on snack bars and apples. No fuel stops.

This was in the foot hills and as the road wound its way up none of the villages seemed to have any garages. Under a 1/4 tank now, easily enough for 100+ miles on the flat and we only have 50 miles to the next hotel, trouble is we have crests over 1700m in between.

Wow, the peaks around us are astounding not to mention the road, climbing to Col Solor was superb although we were stuck behind a Sunday driver all of the way, not good for the fuel consumption.

From Col Solor the road clings to the sheer rock face twisting hundreds of meters above the valley floor. Alas we are in the shade at this time of day but the peaks opposing us are in brilliant sun. Up again to Col d'Abesque, we are above the snow line! After a brief photo stop at the top we started down again through the ski resorts. Spotted an eagle above us at one point. Heading down takes the mind off the fuel for a bit.

Turning off the D918 we joined the D934 with signs for the Spanish border. Still no fuel and we are heading up again. Most borders i have experienced have fuel stops so I'm hopeful we will make it there.

The D934 is a fun road although we found some nutters in souped-up Citroen Saxos who insisted hooning past us before slowing right up and then speeding off. Low fuel light now on, Spanish Audi in front driving very slowly.

We crossed the border with no sign of fuel them I startled Susan by yelling for joy at a 5km for fuel sign at the side of the road. 5km later we have a full tank at 1.15€ a litre. Nice.