The amazing Holzarte bridge

The Holzarte bridge was cast across the Olhadubi canyon as early as 1922 by two Italians that were interested in exploring the forest. (It was rebuilt in 2010 after the storm Xynthia had damaged it).

About 180 metres above the ground, I thought it would impress my children. And me. I suffer from vertigo and I honestly wasn't sure I would be able to cross the bridge....

This is mid-november but with unusually high temperatures (around 22 I believe). The hike was extra, the beauty of the landscape was only enhanced by the autumn colors and the lack of leaves. It took us an hour to get up to the bridge, partly on a steep path with slippery stones, with a couple of breaks to drink and have some chocolate... my children are launching their hiking careers and I find it very important that they connect hikes with pleasure!

(The path is not protected at all and most of the time it lies on the brink to precipices... at the same time it is pretty large and it didn't feel too dangerous). 

The first part longs the river

Steady upwards...

Colors!!

Do you see the bridge?

The white dot: my son

Picnic time

Going back on slippery stones

You start the hike from Logibar, 8 km after Licq in the Soule Valley in the Pays Basque.

Rafting in Bidarray!!!!

We planned a little surprise for a friend... rafting on the river Nive in Bidarray! The weather was quite gray but we hardly stopped laughing during the whole day... we brought our own sunshine!

Thanks to our guide Pierre who expertedly took care of these four girls that equalled eight... I hope to be back next summer with the children!

(The pictures show Nive with very little water - when it has rained alot or in springtime is is quite a different story with steps of up to 2.5 metres since the river is not regulated)

The river is breathtakingly beautiful... here a picture from one of the calmer parts.

We went with Ur Ederra, but there are at least two others: Cocktail Aventure and Uhina.

What non surfing friends do.....

... meanwhile on a beach close to you.... to summarise I think we can agree there was a lot of digging going on, taking photos, swimming and checking out the beach guards...

(Erretegia in Bidart)

A hard work called surfing

I've written before about the adrenaline rush in surfing, the beauty of the Erretegia beach and showed surf photos of Clara and of my friends... so this time I wanted to put the emphasis on how bloody difficult and tiring it is....  The friends who tried it once last year came back this year, for a full week of training! Told you, it is addictive!!!!! And hard work.

You thought it was easy getting that darn surf out to the right spot?

They look cool, right? But they are just panting for air and pretending to be waiting for the right wave....

After two hours in the water, when you can hardly walk, then is the time to walk back AND carry the surf...

Maybe that is why surf teachers look so hot being five months pregnant????

It is nearly over. The wet suits are off. Time for picnic.

Repeat: Bayonne festival with the children

Yes, we did a quick stop at the Bayonne festival this year too! I love it! (Daytime version, too old for spending the night there...)

Bright colors, sun, music.... !! This was Thursday, the day dedicated to the children with lots of activities for them (but we came in pretty late and experience since last year told us to stay away from the queues). Next year we'll be there earlier!

A welcome breeze

Even the statues get their red scarf on!

The king of the Festival

Bubbles everywhere!

Strange instrument...

Very very yummy Pariés bakery... I love the decoration of the metal boxes

One of the activites: getting your hair done

The team!

Afternoon in Fuentarrabie

One classic excursion is to take the small boat from Hendaye over to Spanish Fuentarrabie. The Marina area is known for its tapas bars and the old centre is dominated by the magnificent Parador hotel.... so that is exactly what I did last week with some friends. Many detail pictures to give you a feeling for this adorable place!

Rowing festival

You know you're in Spain when you see the laundry hanging outside to dry...

The Parador. Quite a hotel!

View from the Parador