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squiz
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Member#: 6644 Location: Registered: 27-05-2007 Diary Entries: 3072
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13th February 2018
Hiking - Walking: Leucate to La Franqui Wind Direction: Wind Stength: Surf / Sea State: Air Temperature: Sea Temperature: Weather: sunny periods Max Speed: Distance Covered:
Tuesday 13th February – walk **** Leucate to La Franqui – sunny
periods
A bit of a disturbed night, despite the wind dropping and it being quiet, a
little chilly and we woke at five but did manage to go back to sleep until
nine! We ended up the only camper in the North section of the Leucate Aire
after the large camper left early:) Our original plan was to head up into
the Pyrenees but after a lazy start, then breakfast, I then took the
adjustable outhaul off my broken boom so we could put it the bin, after
which I decided to wash the van as it is very dirty and we could do itwhere
the campers empty their waste as there is a concrete hard standing and
running water. It took the best part of an hour because the soapy water
just left a smeary mess so we then had to do it with my no water cleaner
which brings the van up lovely and shiny:) I then wanted to check the
windsurfing shops to see if I could pick up a cheap board and mast to
replace the stuff I broke yesterday. By the time we got to the shops they
were packing their boards away at 12.15 and not opening again until 3! I
did manage to have a quick look in the Chinook Shop and things are so
expensive most 700/800 Euros with the best I could find a Mistral at 270!
So, I went over to the supermarket to help Mag. After shopping Mag said she
would like to do the cliff top walk from Leucate to La Franqui so we turned
up the hill and parked near the lighthouse. It is over 4 km to La Franqui
so Mag packed a picnic and after a sunny start it was clouding over so a
fleece was required, I regretted not taking a hat! We have done this walk
several times and although the path is a bit rocky it offers great views
being on top of steep cliffs. We soon pass the paraglider takeoff area
where three flyers are happily chatting and are not in any hurry to get in
the air especially with the onshore wind making it perfect for some cliff
soaring. The path meanders along the cliff edge with sea views of where I
windsurf one side and garrigue (that’s nice scrub with pine trees) small
vineyards the other with the impressive snow-covered Mont Canagou as a
backdrop. Nearing La Franqui we pass our favourite restored sort of small
fort that is now a house, past nice smelling pine woods and blossom trees
in full flower. It’s a steep descent into La Franqui which is looking
like a small seaside resort in the middle of winter on this cool February
afternoon but we have our picnic on a raised viewing area watching a
kitesurfer out on his foil board but he only lasts 20 minutes. Its then
back to the van having decided to stay here another night as it’s been a
hectic couple of days! There are three paragliders in the air as we near
but they all land as the wind drops. I stop off ay the now open windsurf
shops and buy a 4.60 mast a bargain at 90 euros apparently and then it’s
back to the Leucate beach aire and park side on for a sea view and its
quite busy with several white elephants in. Its sunny to start so I tie the
new mast on the roof then its cuppa and cake time as the sky darkens from
the mountains and we get some rain! Now that Mag has paid for more MB’s
for her phone I checked the weather in the Pyrenees for the week and its
looking poor so we will head straight to Spain and visit the mountains on
the way back. Mag cooks yummy potato cubes, M & S version of Spam and eggs
for a proper camper tea and the rain is now falling on our lovely clean
van! The decision I will have to make tomorrow is whether to buy the board
here in Leucate or look for another windsurfing shop????
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