May 24, 2023. Pamplona to Saint Etienne-de-Baigorry, France

Not much to report today. It was very cloudy and the rain that was predicted did not materialize. The ride up the mountain was wonderful as we rode along the banks of the Rio Arga which was a babbling stream heading back down the mountain. The dense green foliage was beautiful.

We were well into the clouds at the summit as we looked out at where the amazing view would have been on a clear day.

We got to our Hotel Juantorena around 1:45

and learned they stopped serving food at 2. So we went straight to the restaurant at the hotel and got the meal of the day. Took a walk around this tiny village and discovered an amazing chocolate shop. People were raving about the hot chocolate. It was very good.

Back to the hotel for Happy Hour/meeting then group dinner at the hotel. Finally back to the room by 10:15. Tomorrow is our long ride back to San Sebastian. The last day of our ride.

Here’s the view from our window. As you can see this little town in France is very different from all the towns we visited in Spain. And look how lush and green everything is!

Do you see a couple of sheep grazing about half way up the hill?