La Neu Aparthotel Llorts-Ordino

... having a beer and watching a man try to dig his van out of the snow. To my knowledge his van is to this moment where it was when I left the bar.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to post some pictures of Canillo when it's snowy and the sun comes out. Don't have too many, but figured it was worth a post.

... waiting for him too. Probably not, but he was still a hero in my book.


We finally arrived at my destination at about 8:30am, and I proceeded to try to get my bearings in a new place. I was surprised at how quiet everything was, and also by the fact that most of the shops were still closed at close to 9 on Saturday. A few hours later I realized this little town doesn't really get started until about 9:30 or 10. Never ceases to amaze me as the ...

Le plan original était d'aller à Cahors visiter un vignoble, mais puisque l'on n'a pas de voiture (considérant que les vignes sont dans des champs et non au centre ville) on n'a pas pu y aller. J'ai trouvé sur internet qu'il y avait plusieurs grotte dans le sud donc on en a choisi une pas trop trop loin et on a acheté nos billet de train.

Tarascon sur Ariege est à environ 1h15 de toulouse donc ca se fait quand meme bien. C'est un ...

... What it does mean, we're not quite sure of yet. Still dealing with the shock and going over a few different options. All while kicking myself for not realizing this sooner. Only one thing is for certain - I'm not going to let this spoil our trip, and we're going to have to get cycling! (o.k., two things).

... Instead of round, it was long and cylindrical - almost like a large overgrown cucumber, but a yellowy-orange colour instead of green.

I went to ask it they had grown cucumbers earlier in the year and if this could be the result of a cross-pollination. Apparently there had been Gerkin’s growing. Opening up this strange creature showed the seeds of a cucumber but with a cream colored flesh that was a little spongy in nature ...

... the weekend and they’re ready for pickup and processing. Brian had always been interested in butchering meat, so here was an opportunity to learn a bit.

The drive back from the abattoir was more difficult than I’d expected. Sitting beside 4, ½ pig carcasses was less than comfortable. +6 degree weather outside we still drove with the windows down and the A/C on trying to get the temperature down to 2 or 3 ...

... the time to see the final goal. Then the sweet feeling of triumph when you’re actually there!

Now it’s time to relax, but one of the most difficult parts is still to come: the descent. This is a relaxing ‘walk’ down the rock face while to seat yourself into the harness low enough that your legs are at 90 degree angles to the rock. Your weight born by the belayer below you slowly step your way down more keeping ...

... and roads scattered everywhere - if you can find them. Driving is a very different than walking. In great contrast to the towns below, the wind howled and ice formed on the road. On foot the walk was extremely harsh and I could see why there were shephards and hikers huts dotted all around for shelter. You can see why farmers train their animals instead of caring for them themselves ...

... and bouncing off of different areas on the sides of the cave, creating new shadows and deepening depths in between. Condensation causes shimmering light and shining rocks add crystal to the chandeliers.

Finally we arrive at the Salon Noir. All lights had to be turned off and left on a rock by the entrance. You can faintly hear a few exclamations from those who have a fear of the dark as the group becomes one tight mass shuffling along ...

... Carolina had said all that she needed to say and the car sailed on in a pensive silence through the huge and dynamic landscape. I am the only new teacher in the group of 20; I have to admit I was a little bit nervous entering in to a group who not only had spent 2 weeks together for the first term of this camp but had all experienced such a tradgedy. However, they´re all very welcoming and I´m finding my place. This ...