Day 34 St Jean de pied port to zubiri 36 miles

Had a rest day yesterday.  Looked at the castle and in the shops. Ate. The French are very keen on their dogs and  grooming parlours are present even in small villages- lots of yappy terriers. In fact in each place I have stayed I have been made to feel at home by adopting my own personal cat or by being adopted by the local dog.
So today Matthew left and I am back to cycling by myself.  Started on a gentle gradient uphill and thought to myself this is nothing compared with Slocht Summit in the Cairngorms. However the gradient continues to rise up hill and continues for at least 17 kilometers. But I  held my own and  even overtook some other cyclists. Misty at the top with poor visibility so no view and I had to have my lights on. The route I was told is part of the Tour de France. It is very companionable meeting other cyclists as you always have a chat- (lucky English is the common language). Decided to stop before tackling the road systems around Pampaloma so am staying  at this refuge for just 6 euros a night - but I do not think my brother John would be impressed. Things are looking up though as the 2 cyclists from Luxemberg I passed earlier have arrived 

( they could not find a local campsight) so are away to the shop to find some wine. The weather is now very hot it is good to be in Spain;things are less formal than France and a bit cheaper. Incidently I am not quite sure when I crossed the border as there was no sign.