2016 Euro Tour - Barcelona and Week 1

In 2014, Cath and I did a motorcycle tour through the European Alps, which took us through some of the most jaw dropping landscapes and scenery we ever experienced. We loved the tour, countries and cultures so much, we longed to do it again, our way. By that I mean, over a longer period of time, less kilometers per day, and 2 night stops every third day, giving us a break off the bikes. This was to result in a more relaxed ride, taking in more scenery and truly experiencing the Pyrenees Mountains and European Alps. Apart from that, we invited our own group of friends to join us, simply adding our own dimension to this ride of a lifetime.

We flew from Sydney, in to Barcelona, where we spent two days having a look around, before picking up the bikes. On the day we got the bikes, we headed out for  a day ride up to the mountains to see a monastery with some of the most breathtaking scenery, looking over Barcelona city. This ride also gave us an opportunity to get used to the bikes and get a taste of the mountain roads in Northern Spain.

This is the first post of two. Part 2 can be found here.

Two Days in Barcelona

Meet the Euro Tour Group. Here we meet at Sydney airport, looking forward to our adventure.

Hotel Sidorme Viladecans is the hotel we stayed at while we were in Barcelona. Very good and cost effective, across from the train station. This is also where our motorcycles were to be delivered.

It's a long flight to Barcelona from Sydney but well worth the wonder that is Europe. Here we meet in the Foyer at our hotel to share a drink on our arrival.

There turned out to be a shopping centre near by, which we found on our way to find dinner. Grant and Mick find a chance to practice for the tour.

We eventually find a very traditional, local tapas bar to share our first meal together, which was very cost effective. Prices got dearer in the tourist areas.

The kids in the area are all soccer mad.

The next morning we caught the train in to the city of Barcelona for a tourist day.

This is Casa Batllo, which is considered an architectural masterpiece. Note the queue of tourists waiting to get in? When Cath and I see that, we generally turn the opposite direction and walk away.

It is truly differant but not very appealing to me if I'm honest.

As we walk deeper in to the centre of Barcelona, we begin to find more historical buildings. 

Close up you get to see the detail and work put in to these places.

Not to forget the interiors. Notice the lacework along the stair case.

Look, a cow ! The red thing, I mean.

Here the group decides to buy tickets to the "Hop On Hop Off" bus that runs around Barcelona on three seperate routes.

Not a bad way for an introductory tour of the city.

Mick and Jalal enjoying the sun and scenery.

Kelly giving Mop a running commentary.

These marvelous statues are found all over cities in Europe, and all stand for differant times in their history. I'm not sure why they need to be naked though?

Mopeds and scooters are a common mode of transport in the cities all over Europe. In Barcelona there were many parking stations filled with hundreds of them.

These small goods shops were all over Barcelona and showed great pride in their presentation. A paradise for those who like their salamis, hams etc.

Some of them doubled up as bars where you could buy a drink with a side of cured pork.

This monument was stunning and really stood out.

Again the detail was incredible, oh and more naked people.

It took some time to get used to not walking on the bicycle lanes of the foot path.

Another small goods shop.

They're all well presented and smell fantastic.

Meanwhile the Spanish architecture keeps on coming.

We spotted a few of these native parrots around the place.

At this stage we had gotten off the bus to do some walking and came across what seemed like an entire hill covered with a cemetery.

Close up. One can only imagine the history in this place.

This building stands where the Barcelona Olympics were held in 1992.

Not very old but spectacular just the same.

No expense spared here.

Across the way, we find the national museum.

This bell stands outside the Olympic site.

Known as the Olympic Bell, it was a gift,from several families and state government in Germany, to Barcelona, for the Olympic Games.

Eventually, we find our way to Barcelona's seaside.

And it's boat harbour.

This well to do yacht, flew the Australian flag. Tax haven no doubt. 

Sporting its own helicopter no less.

We first thought the building in the background was the casino but turns out to be the W Barcelona, a 5 star hotel.

Quite spectacular.

Meanwhile, down on the beach.

These guys were sand sculpturing.

Attention to detail.

This one even had a working fire place.

These portable restaurants lined much of the beach.

Cath and I enjoying Barcelona.

The Casino, no attraction to us though.

Eventually be hopped back on a bus to take us on another route to finish the day. This bus took us past the Sagrada Familia.

This incredible cathedral first started to be built in 1866 and is still not finished.

It is expected to be complete by its 200th birthday.

The famous Barcelona Football Stadium.

The next morning we all enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel.

We head back in to Barcelona to explore some more, after getting an idea of whats where on the buses the previous day.

The street lamps in the older part of the city are worth a pic or two.

The bakeries all over Europe are excellent and presentation is very important.

We ventured in to the Gothic quarter of the city and came across this wonderful old church.

So much detail and attention to quality.

Paintings such as this decorated the walls inside.

Perfect marble flooring added to the character inside the church.

No expense is spared in European churches.

Cathy found it very hard to pass by the bakeries without at least sampling one of the many pastries on offer.

No two are the same in this window.

A sample of a menu board to one of the hundreds of bars in the city.

Some of the street signs had these uninviting masks hanging above them. A warning perhaps?

We then stumble upon a church of St Paul.

Inside the foyer, we find this huge ceramic telling the story of the patron saint. It interested me because St Paul was in Malta while the ship he was in was repaired before carrying on to his demise.

The story ends with his beheading in Rome.

Close by was this college.

Visitors could roam freely within its court yard.

In the centre was this beautiful garden.

And this fountain.

The sparrows seemed to make it their home and bathroom.

Looking back in the other direction.

The streets in the Gothic area are very narrow as you can see.

This is how the washing is done.

More bikes parked along the streets. There were literally thousands right across the city.

No short of pigeons with a couple of parrots thrown in to the mix, looking for food in the plazas. Anywhere there's cafes and bars actually.

Here we take a break and enjoy a cool drink. It was quite warm this time of year with temperatures in the high twenties.

This little bar in a side alley, was our choice. Away from tourists and much cheaper as a result.

Then it was on to the Food Markets that we had been told so much about and the main purpose of our visit to the city on this day.

Once again the presentation of all the stalls were perfect.

If you couldn't find something you liked here, there was something very wrong with you.

We found that the fruit was excellent quality through out Europe and low cost.

Hmmm what to choose?

Check out the size of those beautiful strawberries and those chocolate coated ones above them.

The chocolate coated strawberry skewers were just 1:50 Euro each.

Tasty nuts and dried fruit anyone?

Fruit smoothy chilled on ice perhaps?

Fresh fish.

Open wide.

Cathy buys us a small goods snack to enjoy.

Our own markets in Australia can learn alot from the Europeans.

There were also several stand up bars to enjoy your lunch.

The bakers were there too. The nest bread in Europe by far.

My personal favourite, the olive stall. So many varieties.

Any choice of spices.

And dried chillies of all types.

The diabetes stall, with it's chocolates and sweets.

It's skewered tapas for Cathy.

Or bagged tapas perhaps?

Here, the gentleman secures the cured pork leg in a vice.

Then carefully shaves perfect slices off for his customers.

Finally we find another stall to our liking.

After another full day of sightseeing and devouring various and numerous foods, we return to the hotel and decide that we should walk it off in the local area. Cathy insisted that I take this pic to prove that she isn't the worst at parking a car....... she's right! I wonder if they know why those pretty white lines are painted on the side of the road.

Day Trip from Barcelona : Map

On our third day in Barcelona, we took receipt of our motorcycles from Mark at BMW Motohire and took the opportunity to take a day trip to a mountain top Monestery west of Barcelona. A complete day out in itself, I wanted us to take the opportunity for the group to get used to their bikes and enjoy the roads in the area at the same time. As it turned out, it was great ride in itself.

This day trip also gave me a chance to get used to and test out the mapping I had prepared, before the tour, on Google Maps. It turns out that all the work I put in my mapping, worked very well and worth the months of research involved.

As you can see, the sun was shining on us and we were all in high spirits.

Our first taste of the 21 days of riding that was ahead of us all.

These two are Jim and Nicky (our own paramedic), a fantastic couple who were in it for the fun, most definitely.

Belinda and Mick, who were enthusiastic photographers and who made the most of everywhere we visited.

Jalal, also loved his camera and most definitely the riding.

Cathy and I of course. For some reason I hadn't pictured Mop and Kel with their bike but I can assure you they were with us and loved being on tour with everything it offered.

Here's the group with Kel 3rd from the left and Mop bottom left.

We reach the top where we find the Monastery.

The views were spectacular. Here you can see the road snaking up the mountain side.

This traditional home sits precariously on the mountain side.

The views were all around.

The monastery sits amongst solid rock at the top of the mountain. 

Certainly a popular tourist destination.

There we are once again, enjoying the surroundings.

I can only imagine the work involved in building these structures all those years ago and having to cart all the materials so high on dirt tracks, which are now tarred of course.

The gardens were also to be admired and in character with the area.

Cathy enjoying the view and fresh clean air.

This zoom shot of a crucifix a distance away.

Looking down to Barcelona. Yes it's very high.

One more photo stop on our way down.

We returned to the hotel mid afternoon and prepared the bikes for the tour and had our luggage stowed away by the lovely staff at the hotel. At this stage I, personally, was excited and nervous of what was to come, hoping it all went well and we all returned safely and without incident. It turned out that luck and the gods were definitely on our side and looking over us. Of a total of 22 days bike hire, we had just one morning of rain and no negative incidents at all. 

Week 1 (Spain / France): Map

From day one, I made it clear to all concerned that this was to be a tour and not a race around Europe. It would include around 270 km per day with breaks every hour and a half or so. This would help ensure we were well rested and combat fatigue, while taking time to take in our surroundings.

Here we take our first break for coffee and toilet break.

Here we come upon a picturesque old village in Spain with it's bridge over the river and grand old building in the back ground.

Smile!

Here you can see the cobble stone construction inside. Imagine the man hours involved in building this thing.

Notice the old tombs in the cliff face, below the church?

We have seen many of these both in Sicily and Malta.

Eventually we ride on and find another picturesque town to rest and enjoy.

This one with it's own castle.

And shady tree lined walkways.

It always pays to find the church in these villages because just in front, you will also find the town plaza and it's cafes to enjoy.

Always plenty of opportunity for all the photos you want.

Most of the fountains in the Pyrenees and Alps are all fed by melting snow in surrounding mountains. This one has been around for a while, telling by the amount of moss growing around the mouth.

I learnt that each spring, the people bring out their flower pots and decorate their balconies. The local authorities also do the same on the bridges and public buildings.

So much character in these narrow lanes.

This beautiful blue lake gets our attention, like so many others on our trip.

While the surrounding mountains stand proudly in the background.

Everyone's camera is out here.

Make love to the camera girls. Cathy hiding in her helmet.

This dam further up the road from the lake.

Smile ladies! I'll take your word for it.

Further out in to rural Spain, we stop at this beautiful old church at the foot of our first climb in to the Pyrenees.

We admired it for quite some time before moving on.

Our first mountain pass for the tour,

A nice little practice climb at just 1380m above sea level.

Needless to say the views were great.

The weather and temperature was perfect for riding.

Hotel Terradets is where we spent our first night.

A great place to stay in a peaceful secluded area with spectacular views and a swimming pool.

The view from the swimming pool deck. Those surrounded the whole area.

Across the road, the tiny village of Cellars.

The rooms were spacious and comfortable.

Our own balcony with views to kill for.

Those views. This hotel set the standard high so early in the tour.

The rest of the crew enjoy the full sized pool.

Meanwhile, Cathy and I enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Celebration drinks time.

The sunset made for great photo opportunities.

The tranquility was simply astounding.

We enjoyed a beautiful buffet dinner of typical Spanish food while our bikes were locked safely away in the garage down stairs.

Continuing the tour the next morning, we take a scheduled break at yet another perfect Spanish mountain village. 

Yes we see you Mick.

With its own crystal clear mountain stream.

The splash of brilliant colour from climbing roses add to the character of many older European homes.

The view down from the river, up to the village and church.

Further along we catch our first glimpse of snow capped mountains in the Pyrenees. It simply took my breath away and was a large reason for this tour.

Then this postcard quality scene. At some stage the old bridge has been partly washed away by the river, leaving this amazing scene.

As we ride closer to the snow peaks.

They become more and more dramatic.

And majestic.

In the distance, another tiny mountain village.

A shot from Jalal's helmet cam.

Another photo stop. This time in a wonderful gorge that went on for miles.

Hey Mop. Each bike had turns at being "tail end" and when it was their turn, each rider and pillion wore hi viz vests to help me (as the front bike), keep the group together when on the move. It worked very well with a small group like ours.

Views of the river running through the bottom of the gorge.

Meanwhile, this fisherman turns up and chats to us before climbing down in to the gorge to fish for trout. He explained that in this area, fishing was only allowed if you paid your way.

Further along, the things we see continues to astound.

The rivers are often used to turn generators to produce power.

The colour of the water is quite common in the mountains due to the high mineral content.

We enjoyed regular stops to have a break and take photos.

Here's a great example of the type of roads we enjoyed in the area.

These shots show just how spectacular riding in the area was.

Our next accomodation of choice was this family owned and run Hostel. Very clean and comfortable once again.

This charming village of Fiscal just across the river from the hostel.

The others found it within themselves to take a dip in the icy cold water here but I failed to picture them. Bloody crazy I say.

Meanwhile, Cathy and I take the afternoon to explore the area on foot.

Many of the homes seem to be empty, but I'm assuming that some of them maybe used as weekend getaways and weekenders. 

Then these beautiful cattle. Dairy cattle are very high numbers all over the highlands in Europe and all look so healthy and clean.

Sporting their bells. The bells are used by the farmers to easily find their cows in weather with bad visibility.

In the centre of town, as expected, we find the local church.

Just as the bell was chiming. We learnt to enjoy the church bells all over our tour and miss them quite frankly.

This home was quite new but built in the traditional manner.

Vines growing over walls and indeed the homes themselves look so good.

Cathy takes a drink of fresh water.

Cathy and I sat at this spot for a while and took our shoes off to put our feet in the water. Chilly but pleasant in the sunshine.

Looking up at the Hostel from the other side of the river.

This old guest house stands empty and derelict close by.

We ventured inside and took this pic from within one of the few remaining windows.

On our return, we find the rest of the group enjoying a drink and nibblies.

On our walk, Cathy and I found an outdoor pizzeria that opened earlier than the restaurant adjoining the Hostel and recommended we had dinner there.

As you can see, it didn't disappoint.

And we all ate rather well ...... again.

Continuing the tour through northern Spain, we found yet another bar to enjoy coffee and breakfast.

Only in Europe do they tolerate bikes routinely being parked up on footpaths without being asked to move on. We were hesitant at first but soon became comfortable with it.

Each day we rode closer and deeper in to the Pyrenees.

Beautiful sites such as this became more frequent as we rode on.

Again, a few action shots, courtesy of Jalal.

I always tried to choose pleasant areas to have our breaks so that we could all take it all in.

Then this majestic scene popped up and slapped us in the face.

Our highest pass yet and simply took our breath away.

This is what it's all about.

We have just crossed the border in to France at this point.

We were loving the surroundings and the roads. This was a storm shelter just across the border.

The view down in to the valley.

Near by was this goat farm.

This french farmer had just finished milking his herd and was producing kurd from the goat's milk.

I spoke to his wife for a while who spoke good English, and she was astounded to learn we were from Australia and had travelled so far to ride motorcycles through Europe.

Further on, we pull up in this picture perfect French restaurant secluded from the rest of the world it seemed.

Boots for pot plants? Perfect idea!

We order a baguette each and you can imagine our surprise when this monster comes out ...... Ah well there goes dinner! The food is so simple yet so perfect.

Even the bikes seemed to enjoy the sunshine.

The road winding down past the restaurant. Such a perfect experience for us all.

Heading out of the mountains temporarily.

We come across yet another beautiful French Village.

I could never get over how many churches seem to be built on cliff's edges.

The French seemed to graze their dairy cows anywhere they could and it looked perfectly acceptable.

We eventually descend on to the city of Lourdes. Famous for the apparitions of Mary to some young children in the area. Unfortunately, the place has become nothing more than a tourist trap and the almighty dollar seems to be worshiped more than anything else these days.

The city of Lourdes attracts millions of visitors each year. The people wearing the red scarves are religious pilgrims and the blue line they're following forms part of the pilgrim trail.

That's the "Our Lady of Lourdes" cathedral, with it's monument in the foreground.

Here we climb the Aspin Pass. Not a huge pass but fun and picturesque.

This is the chateau we hired through for two nights in Arreau, France. Another beautiful Pyrenees village surrounded by mountains.

Cathy and I took the afternoon to explore the town and all it had to offer.

This water fountain was only 50 metres away from our accomodation.

Statues and monuments, such as this crucifix, are all over the place in the Pyrenees and Alps. I can't decide whether the people are truly religious or simply superstitious. 

Yet another snow fed mountain stream running through town.

The next morning, we were greeted with blue skies and sunshine and Cathy and I used the day to venture back in to town and stay off the bike.This beautiful old church stood close by our accomodation, outside town. It was in a state of disrepair inside but the bell still struck on time and added to the atmosphere of the place. 

The chateau was right up the alley behind the fountain. As you can see, it was such a beautiful spot and a pleasant experience staying there. 

I love bridges and there isn't anywhere else in the world where you can find old gems such as this in such great numbers yet they are all differant in their own way.

The town looked so much more pleasant in the sunshine.

We found a great little cafe by the river where we enjoyed a coffee and hot chocolate together, and to have a quiet moment soaking in the atmosphere. Just what the doctor ordered.

The view from the cafe, looking down the river.

The bridge looks so much better with Cathy standing on it.

After our stay in Arreau, we venture on deeper in to the Pyrenees mountains.

We never got tired of seeing those snow capped mountains.

Here we take on another mountain pass. Another example of the motorcyclists heaven that is Europe.

Fantastic road quality too.

Early June is a great time of year to motorcycle Europe as it is very early in the tourist season so the roads are quiet and sometimes it seemed we were the only ones around.

The girls returning from one of many toilet breaks.

This particular mountain pass has been used as part of the Tour de France.

As you can see by the monument.

Another beautiful French village in the valley below the lookout.

We decide to have a coffee break when we ride down from the pass.

And take a closer look.

At this stage, we had passed through a diversion due to roadworks.

As a result, Google Maps diverted us up this "goat track".

I soon realised this could end badly and pulled over to reset the mapping.

It wasn't a waste of time though. we got to experience this beautiful sheep dog protect his herd.

Back on track again, we ride up yet another pass. This tour was quickly exceeding my expectations and truly becoming the trip of a lifetime.

We were getting used to the cafe lifestyle.

Simply pleasant.

Cathy wanders off on one of her seek and destroy missions. This one resulted in a bargain purchase of a dress.

Another beautiful fountain in a beautiful mountain village.

Tonight we spent in this 200 year old mansion sitting within 40 hectares.

Our bed.

Old and original French style.

Hi again Cath!

Complete with stunning gardens.

Even the driveway had style.

After a swim in the pool, we all settled in to celebrate another great ride.

This sign stands outside, showing it's name.

It began to rain so the celebration drinks moved inside.

This is what happens when girls misbehave. 

A fantastic breakfast was included in the tariff in a very traditional setting. 

Here, the owners send us on our way with their dogs at their side.

These patisseries were also great for a coffee and snack stop.

This fruit stall was just in the adjoining car park. Those tomatoes at bottom were enormous.

Cathy chooses a pastry from another van.

Google maps took us through some wonderful country roads.

Again the girls look a little "relieved".

It was always nice to stop up high and admire towns and villages such as this before riding down amongst it all.

This was a larger town and we parked up just as the street markets were packing for the day.

This poor stray dog chewed away at the bag and eventually got rewarded with a huge chunk of meat which he quickly ran away with.

Yet another beautiful old church.

Making our way out of the Pyrenees, we continue to ride past beautiful old hillside villages.

This one also with it's own bridge.

Today, Hotel Terminus was our accomodation of choice in Clermont l'Herault..

Another good choice with an adjoining restaurant and lock up parking for the bikes.

After changing out of our riding gear, we take a walk through another wonderful french town.

Again, in the centre of town, we find it's beautiful old church.

Cafes line the streets.

Yet another perfect old church in the same town.

Darkness didn't fall until almost 10:00pm during our tour, which made for long days.

The next morning we load the bikes to set off once again.

Just as the flower markets were being set up right outside our hotel.

This morning we were making our way to Saint Peray. This was our first break for the day and one of the most memorable little villages we stopped at due to it's quaint appearance.

Check out the amount of moss which has grown on this fountain over the years.

Jalal enjoys a moment on his own.

The fruit and vegetable store opens for the day.

The florist/nursery lady busy preparing her store.  

A quick stroll around the village was well worth the effort.

The vines growing on the stone walls don't only look great but they also keep the hot summer sun off the wall, preventing excessive heat inside the home.

Not grand but so picture perfect.

On our way once again, we find yet another great cafe to enjoy a break.

This time it's a lunch break and Cathy wastes no time on her seek and destroy mission.

Amazing choice of pastries.

Even more choice.

Further down the road, we decide this castle was worth a photo or ten.

By this time, I'd seen so many beautiful castles and churches, that I was happy to sit in the shade and admire it from a distance. Not good enough for Cathy though. Off she goes to discover it up close.

While I stay behind and guard the bikes :)

Saint Peray was probably our most uneventful stop for the night, although the hotel itself was fine.

These remains sat high on the hill looking over the hotel.

Another handy little spot to stop and reset the maps.

One last break before we tackle the Saint Bernard Pass.

Another old castle towers above us.

Here we begin our ascent to the Saint Bernard and stop for pics along the way.

Cathy and I rode this pass two years ago but it was all green back then.

 Heading on up.

Yes it was very dramatic and so beautiful at the same time. A road to be respected.

Italy lay on the other side, which we entered temporarily, then through a 12 km tunnel and out the other side and back in to the French town of Chamonix. The tunnel use came at a cost of 30 Euro per bike!

Motorcyclists will appreciate this photo.

So much fun on a bike.

And this wonderful statue not quite at the top.

It was fantastic for Cathy and I to experience this pass with snow, up to 8 feet high, on the side of the road.

This is our first time seeing and touching snow.

The weather smiled upon us as you can see.

This building marks the border crossing in to Italy.

At the very top, a statue of Saint Bernard himself.

A very important photo to mark our visit through the pass.

On our descent in to Chamonix, another picture worthy scene.

Eventually, we make it to Chamonix. This is the beautiful French chalet that was to be our home for the next two nights. A fantastic, spacious home, just 10 - 15 minutes walk from town.

What a view from the balcony.

We were truly so lucky on our tour. It had rained for two weeks solid in Chamonix before our arrival, but cleared to perfect weather the day we arrived and our "off" day the following day. We found out the bad weather returned after we left.

This is the spectacular view we were met with each time we walked in to town.

And this.

Closer, showing the glacier.

The morning of our off day, Cathy and I walked in to town to find a nice quiet spot for breakfast.

Again with spectacular views from our seat.

My beautiful wife smiling once again and in her element at this point.

Across from the cafe was this church with such a majestic backdrop.

After breakfast,we walked over to buy tickets to the cable car that takes visitors to view the peak of Mt Blanc. Luckily we purchased tickets for our group before the queue grew to this size.

So we got on cabin 28.

The girls studying the map. God help us!

Here comes our lift.

Apparently each cabin holds up to 80 people. Not so comfortably, I'm thinking. Even worse if someone's eaten beans the night before.

So the very top station for this cable, is almost 4000 metres high ...... Wow.

We bypassed the middle station and went straight to the top and decided we would stop half way on the way down.

At the top is a kiosk and souvenir shop as you would expect.

Hi again Cath!

This sort of thing, Cathy and I have only scene in pictures and yet here we were, and loved it.

We missed out on this cable car when we were in Chamonix two years ago due to running out of time, so it was a real treat to make it this time and with perfect blue sky to boot.

Photos do not do this place justice, but hey I tried.

Majestic is the best way I can describe this place.

This snow cave leads out to a small viewing platform.

The platform also doubles up as access for crazy skiers to launch themselves off the mountain then use chutes to glide the rest of the way down to Chamonix 4000 metres below. 

There they go.

Another viewing platform with spectacular views.

Chamonix 4000 metres below us.

The atmosphere is very thin this high up and we found that the more we walked around and stairs we climbed, the more difficulty we had breathing. Cathy also began to feel nauseous.

You could also purchase helicopter flights to the top then walk to the very peak.

Trick photography. Here I asked Cathy to point to the peak of Mt Blanc then I knelt down to line her finger up with the peak. This was the result.

Jalal, clicking away. Thank God for digital cameras.

After and hour or two up top, we descended to the lower cable station.

The views just as spectacular with a great view of the glacier streaming down the mountain..

As one of the cabins drift by.

This solitary building in the distance.

Out of nowhere, this guy turns up. Very fit and dressed, well, oddly for the conditions we thought. Although it wasn't very cold.

This was also the level that you could take spectacular paragliding rides from.

What a blast this experience would be.

That's an outdoor cafe with one of the best views on Earth, I'd say.

Back down to the town, we take a walk around Chamonix for the afternoon.

This hotel wouldn't be cheap to stay in.

We eventually sought out a little restaurant called Poco Loco in town.

This place is tiny but so amusing. The kitchen, bar and service desk is the same thing.

We're both chuffed that we found the place so we could relive fond memories of our previous visit to Chamonix.

Hmm, what to order?

We even sat at the exact same table we did two years ago.

This is how a burger with chips looks like.

A fun packed two night stay in Chamonix, ends with a stroll through town and dinner with our tour group, again at Poco Loco. These brass statues erected in memory of the area's mountaineers who helped tame the Mt Blanc and it's surrounding mountain range.

The tour had started so spectacularly, beginning in Spain, through the picturesque Pyrenees and through to the French Alps. I began to feel that the group could become conditioned to the beauty that is highland Europe. I was wrong. So much more fantastic experiences were to come as you'll see in my next post.