I really didn’t know what to do today. The forecast for the mountains isn’t great but I have to take a risk and hope that St Christopher and St Medard will sort something out. I decided to catch an early bus to Luz Saint-Saveur and try to get a lift to Gedré. I could walk to Gedré but that would be a waste of time and energy and it definitely wasn’t my plan. I wait for a while by a small carpark and start walking as no-one stops. Eventually, a Dutch couple takes me in their campervan. Even the sun is shining when they drop me off in Gedré. I start walking and enjoying the views.

When I get to Heus where I planned to have my lunch, the rain starts. Very gentle at first and then much heavier, so take out my waterproof jacket and the cover for the backpack which to my horror turns out to be too small!!! I get wet but it stops raining fairly soon and the sun comes out again. It has been such a lovely day, apart from that shower, that I even manage to burn my arms – what a surprise. Perhaps, I will never learn anything in this regard. Anyhow, by the time I got to Cabane de Aires, everything dries on me.

That last bit after the shower is the best part of today’s walk. The path snakes up revealing more and more of the mountains behind me. The sun is shining and I find cabane des Aires (2132m) without any trouble.

I unload the bag and get the food and cooking stove ready. Before I cook I go to have a ‘shower’ in a nearby stream. It’s freezing but I’m madly brave or daft and have a quick wash…

I can’t remember when last time I cooked anything on the stove like this (perhaps, about fifteen years ago). It brings good memories and sitting in this tiny hut in the light of a couple of candles is almost romantic. Almost… Like my brother used to say: ‘almost’ makes a difference 😉

 

After writing a few words I wrap up warm (as warm as I can) and happily and peacefully go to sleep. I’m surprised how safe I feel here on my own right in the middle of nowhere.

 

At the beginning of this year, it didn’t even cross my mind that I would be in Lourdes. To be fair, many things that I’m doing this year didn’t cross my mind.
Here I am then – a quick stop on the way to the Pyrenees… I have a drink with Isabelle and collect my crampons and hiking poles, and have a paella – I didn’t eat anything since breakfast.

Sunday starts quite early (considering late night last night and a few before). I have to be in the underground basilica for 8 a.m. sharp to be able to sing with the choir. Dear me, what an experience! One thing, I guess, is that I miss singing in a choir in general but the conductor is great and I enjoy it so much (apart from a moment of not singing related disaster which I’m not going to talk about). The Mass itself is a profound experience. I must admit that even though there is a huge number of people, it doesn’t feel like a mass event which I don’t like very much. Of course, being with choir gives a fantastic overview of the whole basilica which, perhaps you don’t get from elsewhere.

I check out a bus connection to Gedré and Gavarnie but there is basically no connection before the 10th of June. I will have to think about what to do. Meanwhile, I go to the grotto, light a couple of candles for many people and in many intentions.  It is very hot and as I didn’t sleep a lot recently, so I have a siesta.

The torchlight procession is led by The Society of Our Lady of Lourdes, so I meet with Isabelle again and see a few other familiar faces. The procession itself… I don’t really know what I think…