Day 40: Wild Camp after Col d'Escots on slopes of Pic de Cerda to Aulus Les Bains (Camping Coulédous)

I was nervous when opening the tent that there would be a phalanx of flies waiting to re-engage in their all out annoyance campaign against me! To my utter relief they hadn't started their shift yet, not early risers! Or good listeners to my helpful advice yesterday evening?! The morning view was therefore a pleasure to unzip to, and without the need to make haste I lay and enjoyed it for a bit of quiet contemplation.

Today was going to be a short trek out to Aulus-Les-Bains for a two night stay at Camping Coulédous. I had decided to go as far as the junction at Jasse de Fouillet (1170m) and take a path down to the small town/large village. This would mean trekking the remaining section of the GR10 stage as part of a long day trek tomorrow.

So, content with my plan, I packed up and hit the path to escape the now building fly population! The first thing was to retrace my steps to the small valley that I'd investigated for camping yesterday evening.

The young lady who'd camped there last night had already left, so I was relieved to be able to enjoy its beauty without embarrassment at my arrival and departure episode from yesterday! It was really a spectactular spot, and I hoped my fellow GR10 trekker had a good night there.

The path continued to descend out of the cliff surrounded valley following the Ruisseau de Fouillet to more open ground and passing the Cascade du Fouillet.

Aulus-les-Bains wasn't in view yet as I continued through the open ground towards Jasse de Fouillet where I veered off the GR10 and back into a gentle forest descent.

It wouldn't be long at all until I was at Aulus-les Bains and I hoped I'd be OK with such a short day! It seemed nice to think about a short day, I just hoped I could make it nice in practice.

I made sure I tried to get my mind ready for the two night stop, I wanted to avoid stinking thinking at all costs. The plan was to sit and have a peaceful café au lait upon arrival and take stock before heading to the campsite.

The weather had changed drastically looking back up to where I had camped. The peaks were shrouded in cloud but there seemed to be no risk of rain. I was glad I'd been given a nice start to the day up there with the great views (all BROUILLARD free!).

The short walking day gave me time to study those smaller things again. The path through the wooded area wasn't a tough one so it was OK to take my eyes off the terrain ahead and investigate 'ground life' around my feet.

I had no idea what flowers, mushrooms and insects I was looking at! However, at least I knew the difference between a flower, mushroom and insect!

I do enjoy the time spent searching for the smaller stuff, and I can admire it even with my ignorance!

I made the plan to climb this path tomorrow to rejoin the GR10 at Jasse du Fouillet so I could trek the GR10 section I was missing today. I was sure it would be a lovely circuit, and better than trekking the section of the GR10 in reverse.

On arrival into Aulus-les-Bains I went straight to the hotel/café, my plan was OK so far! I sat myself down and went in to order - I still do this even though I know its table service as I don't want to inconvenience someone! When I walked in, to my surprise, I met my friend who was resting her ankle! It was good to see that despite her boredom doing nothing, she was here recovering the still injured ankle! We caught up over a coffee and then headed to the campsite after a brilliant rumage through the supermarket - this would turn out to be one of many obesssed rumages through the shop trying to satiate food desires! It didn't twig straight away, but I'm sure having an unexpected friend here had helped me not descend into stinking thinking. I'm a very solitary person for all sorts of reasons, often I can't even fathom why! I'm sure that works against me at times, so it was good to have someone I knew there. Also, I had GR10 trekking tomorrow, so it was doubly good to have good thinking today.

Laden with supermarket goodies we walked down to the pleasant campsite. The office wasn't open until later so I went ahead and set up in a nice little space next to my friend. I took my time getting super organised, I like getting super organised! Not long after this I checked the office to see if I could pay for my stay - it was at this point I found out my space was booked and I'd have to move tent house for the 2nd time in 3 nights! Merde!