Gran Hotel Panticosa

... music that was headlining the first night of the town's "Festival of the Lamp chop" (that is actual translation...this is sheep-herding country...and they did have a lamp chop tasting area). Needless to say, it was tres rural :)

                                 
 

... They don't have the same impact only because getting to the base is a longer walk. But they are big!! Apparently it is a popular ice climbing destination. Yikes!!

         

... of those guys flying up and down these crazy roads. Everyone was very happy to see us when got back and enjoyed a nice pizza in town complete with a little kiddie room with toys. They know how to make it comfortable for parents with kids.
 
                             

... Silicon Valley of Scotland; the Niagra Falls of Kansas, etc.) We arrived in time to claim the best bunk beds in the place (lucky) before enjoying a simple hearty meal and a noisy, but surprisingly comfortable night's sleep.

                     

We got used to our new home in Saint Sauveur, the spa town 5 minutes from the main town of Luz Saint Sauveur and took the afternoon to explore the ...

On Sunday, we checked into new home, Hotel Chili, which is all self-contained apartments. The accommodation was simple but was made up for by the giant lawn with Mini-Golf course, free range chickens, and playground within walking distance. And FREE LAUNDRY!!! Needless to say, Sue was in heaven. We played Mini-golf that night and Sue kicked Tom's butt. Embarrassing...

       

... over 10,000 ft. A lazy afternoon followed by another delightful meal and a good night's sleep. Ahh, the mountains.

               

We spent a lazy day in and around our hotel, casually visiting Luz Saint Sauveur, about 10 minutes from our hotel. We also drove up to Gavarnie, the famous Cirque in the region. There weren't much in the ways of views as the mountains were in the clouds.
 
 

... into our hotel by 3. I drove back down to Lourdes to pick up Eva who had taken the train from Paris that morning. After a delightful dinner at our hotel in the tiny town of Viscos, which turns out to be the best restaurant in Luz Saint Sauveur, we snuggled into our beds for a good night sleep.

   

... 169m) and the Col De Pinodieta (176m) before lunch.

The walled town of St Jean Pied de Port offers a perfect lunch stop, and then we cycle on to our first proper climb over the Col D’ Osquich (500m). The sign of the small town of Arudy will no doubt be very welcome at the end of this 180km monster day! We get our Raid carnet stamped twice today – we are well on our way!

WHAT I EXPERIENCED: