Day 9 - Road trip to the Pyrenees

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"559 kilometres stay on road" Some of us were present to hear "navlady" proclaim the start to our big road trip from provence to the Pyrenees, others were not. Unlike the human dynamo Hammo bright eyed and fresh faced from his early morning run, a second search was mounted to locate Chambo and Bryce. According to a reliable source they were in fact up but just had not quite come out yet. Luckily minutes later they emerged, Bryce with an armful of breakfast hastily snatched from the restaurant on the way past, Chambo not so ready for breakfast after a day of celebrating his arduous ascent of the great Mont Ventoux had ended with a hearty channelling of his inner Boris Yeltsin. We bid a fond farewell to all the magnificent peaks of the Hotel des Pins. 

As the trip unfolded we were treated to the usual plethora of visual treats such as the medieval city of Avignon. We pass by others notable centres such as Nimes, a tantalising glimpse of the blue waters of the Mediterranean as we sped by Montpellier and then he ancient Roman settlement of Narbonne. The highlight of our trip was only moments away. Like one of Kahleesi's dragons the ancient fortified city of Cacassonne arose before us. Overrun by Barbarians, Goths, Visigoths, Spaniards, Arabs and French, finally the walls built by Louis IX were breached once more by 10 wombats from WAGGA WAGGA , they never stood a chance. After eating their food, looking at their woman and being momentarily lost in the carpark, we tactically withdrew to the vehicles to continue our crusade, all vowing to return. 

Overall the trip went quite quickly with many of the worlds problems solved in due course. An in depth maths tutorial given by Professor Hamilton and a wake up call to the groups knowledge of geography by Dr Uden. Agricultural expert and notable elders representative announced today his intention of starting a new business back home with a suitably qualified dog to pay for his trip sniffing for "ruffles". All the while our real Doc sat quietly reading his book grateful to not need his head torch for a change. 

Finally, our arrival in Argelez Gazost. Yet another  face of France reveals herself, another meandering quintessential village every bit as captivating as our other abodes yet so different. A mere stones throw from Spain the influence is notable. We gaze at the Pyrenees with wonderment noticing the army of campervans already in place on the mighty Hautecam ready for the onslaught of the peloton on Thursday, Hammo is getting excited, only 3 sleeps. Well we are about to sit down to our first dinner here, already forging a place in the heart of our new French grandmother ( or Chambos new wife depending on who you ask ) the night is young and we will go to bed with great anticipation of the battles we will have on the very climbs that have forged our heroes names in eternity.

Craig.