We had intended to climb Pic de Cagire and the neighbouring peaks from the Col de Menthe, but a notice on campdecamp.org suggested that because of nesting bearded vultures the route was off limits. We changed our plan to ascend Cagire from the north side - less interesting and with the same route route for ascent and descent. Alas the info appears to be out of date as there were no indications that any of the paths were closed.
It's a pleasant enough climb of about 1000m in beech, then pines, before breaking onto open hillside. Tremendously strong winds made for a tough time on col and the ridge between Cagire and Pique Poque. It's a celebrated viewpoint but the south winds were laden with saharan sand and everything was hazy. The strond wind made it difficult to linger and admire the view.
Cagire
Pique poque with its transmitter
We saw a solitary isard twice on the ascent, then again on the descent. This time I was quick enough with the camera.
It was a relief to get out of the wind and back down. A well earned beer in Aspet was reward for our toil.
Aucun commentaire :
Enregistrer un commentaire