Walking around Luchon on our day off - maybe 6km.
Weather: sunny and hot after overnight rain - with the usual routine of afternoon showers.
Last night we enjoyed good salads at Café de la Paix (which we went to by mistake - thinking it was the Glacier Restaurant recommended by Annette). Then we admired a procession of Luchon's townsfolk and their various modes of transport, varying from police mountain bikes to full scale fire engines, with horse mounted 'guides' in hot pursuit, furiously cracking their whips.
Today everyone reassembled outside the church at noon for a more in depth performance. We'd collected Graham from the station by then, and enjoyed a coffee with him whilst looking on at the proceedings (pictured from our coffee cups), which took about half an hour before the entire entourage set off to march around the town, again.
Then Graham himself was marched off to Camping Au Fil de l'Oô (formerly Beauregarde, where we've stayed before), where he will spend the next two nights. His mission as courier of my sparkling new sleeping bag having been accomplished, he now has the option of being sent home or being given another task.
Since my guide, Sue, has commitments in the UK, and has to leave at this point, I've decided to appoint Graham to the position of Assistant Guide. For the avoidance of doubt, and for consistency with his courier duties, this is an unpaid position. It lacks remuneration.
"Ok, I'll get the train back from Vicdessos", Sue mouthed on behalf of Graham, who was tired from the overnight journey (despite the staff at Toulouse station providing a sleeping car for his sole use).
And that's it really. A day off in Luchon, with Graham's arrival, all our clothes machine washed thanks to Annette, England winning the first Ashes Test Match, and the prospect of a good meal followed by fireworks tonight and another day off tomorrow. All is well with the world.
4 comments:
Hi. I've just caught up with you again after five days walking the Kennet and Avon Canal in heat that I'm sure would rival anything you are experiencing - it was an excellent and interesting walk, well recommended if you are looking for something easier.
What memories reading your story. I particularly remember l'Auberge de Germ as a highlight of the trip.
I also had a rest day in Bagnères psyching myself up for what was described in my guide as the hardest day on the trip from there to Fos.
I'm looking forward to your journey through the beautiful Arriège.
Fascinating reading. The adventure continues. It will make a good book one day! R&C back from deepest Wales where the sun was hot. They say hello. I look forward to meeting up with Sue before long. Enjoy your break in Luchon. Keep well, take care and safe travelling!
Thanks Conrad, and Dot
The journey will continue on Tuesday, after more relaxation, and preparation, in sunny (but not as hot as the UK) Luchon.
We won't be religiously following GR10 Conrad, as we fancy a ridge walk and a high camp.
The world is always a better place in the warm afterglow of an Ashes victory!
Still enjoying your trip, and looking forward to future exploits.
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