Yesterday Lisa and I were enjoying a picnic lunch in a shady spot off a busy road near the entrance to a gite, when who should walk up but Francois whom I met on my first days of walking. It was very emotional to meet him again after more than 2 weeks.
I have not been able to find internet for several days -- I am nearing the end with only a few more days of walking. We can see the Pyrenees now full of snow. We have had alternating rain cold sun after over a week of quite steady rain and cold with lots of mud. I cannot believe it is almost over. I have a reservation for Friday night at Orisson which is only 10 km up the mountain. I am really hoping that the Route Napoleon is open as I have dreamed of making that crossing since I was a teen-ager.
This old body is holding up amazingly well. No blisters. Every night the feet and legs hurt, but every morning I am O.K. again.
I was caught in a huge cloudburst two days ago, on an open road with forks of lightning hitting nearby. By the time I got my poncho out and then my jacket, I was quite wet. I soon came upon a farm with a woodshed facing the road, and waited for 10 minutes or so until the rain let up a bit. A few meters after leaving the woodshed I realized I had a rock in my boot. I thought maybe it would shift out of the way, but no such luck. so I had to stop again, leaning against a tree while I took the wet boot off and dumped out the rock.
I should finish walking on Monday or Tuesday; then make my way to Barcelona. I am in a restaurqnt in Navarrenx for lunch and weather is starting to look bad again and I have 10 km yet to go this afternoon.
Glad to hear from you. I was just beginning to wonder why we hadn't heard for so long. You are a real trooper not to whine about all the cold and rain you have had. Sounds like the other pilgrims are very nice people. Julia
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