Day 31 Harambeltz

Monday 17th October and I am heading to the small hamlet of Harambeltz which lies just before the not quite so small hamlet of Ostabat. If the place names don't sound very French then its because we are in the Pays Basque; haran is Basque for valley and beltz means black so I am in the black valley. The Pyrenees continue to loom ever larger and I guess as I get close the peaks will become hidden by the foothills. The forecast for the week continues to be high twenties which is unusual for this time of year even in the South of France. The Pays Basques covers an area including both France and Spain and some private schools in France run the whole curriculum using the Basque language while state funded schools offer Basque lessons. Adults wanting intensive Basque language training may typically go over the border to Spain though of course still within their Pays Basque. My host today is doing just that for the month of November. 

Part of the crowd from last night's gite are also due in Harambeltz as there are limited options. 

Navigation is easy today as I am on autopilot and the Pyrenees are ahead of me and drawing me nearer like a magnet.
The highlight today is the Gibraltar Stele.

This is a sign I have seen often without giving it much thought. I think in the back of my mind I had translated it to mean the area was reserved for a specific dance move. It does of course mean reserved for hunting; so beware.
Being in the Pays Basque their symbol is all around; table cloths, biscuits and so on.
This stone version was in front of a hilltop Chapel which also shows the style of building being white stucco with red pan tile roofs and maroon painted woodwork. The chapel also has a shelter integrated into the design and this is a common feature.
Harambeltz is the approximate place where three of the French pilgrimage routes converge. The Voie de Vezelay and the Voie du Tours actually merge with the Voie du Puy at the Gibraltar Stele as I was informed at the hilltop resting place by the chapel. Ostabat is also given as the point the roads merge. 
Some of the wayside donativo's can be a bit sparse maybe just providing a jerry can of water; though still welcome if water is what you need. This one was stocked with Basque savoury cake (sundried tomatoes and feta), Basque butter biscuits and coffee.
Pause Café translates as coffee break or time out.

The Gites d'étapes are getting quiet and tonight I am in a six bed dormitory with one other and a rather plush en-suite. Best of all there is a laundry basket to deposit trail clothes which get returned after dinner. This is walking at its best. 

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