we were soon turning inland on the Autovia Mudéjar near Sagunto and motoring up to the high plateau of Teruel. Once past Teruel the scenery flattens out into kilometres of corn fields with far stretching horizons with, if one is lucky, impressive cloud formations as a backcloth.
Eventually the moonscape of grey dusty hills indicate that we are nearing Zaragoza with its spectacular multispired Cathedral reclining steadfastly on the banks of the river Ebro. Past Zaragoza and on to Huesca that delightful historic city at the base of the Pyrenees mountains.
And so, as always, it was here that I have a sense of homecoming as I see those high peaked mountains who I look upon as my friends. Not the rather scary French, Swiss or Italian Alps the Pyrenees are.....well different. To be admired, appreciated, but never ever to be messed with. A fine relationship. So higher we motor passing Sabiñanigo, a rather sad town, Biescas, scene of a horrid tragedy some years passed and eventually arriving at the old frontier with France at Formigal ski resort on the Col del Portalet.
From there on begins some of the most beautiful scenery that I never tire of seeing. Beginning with the narrow highway tumbling down through the pass to the Valley of the Bear (Vallée d'Ossau). Passing occasional doll's house constructions down by the river where Pyrenean cheeses are made then onwards maintaining a watchful eye for wandering cows, sheep or even horses. And so, this winding highway eventually takes us to Laruns capital of the Valley of the bear.
Here we rest before the final five kilometres to our first night's stay at the Hotel Richelieu in the village of Eaux-Bonnes. Sadly, the kitchen is closed so after changing it is back to Laruns for a small celebratory dinner on our arrival in France before returning for a well-earned night's sleep.
