Honest ‘Injun !!

I had started out on Wednesday, intending to travel further North, along the coast and into France, heart of the Basque country..and that was what I started to do –honest !

However best laid plans and all that… so in trying to stay off Toll Roads, I ended up towards the middle of the border between Spain and France, so as it was raining, and forecast to remain so, I decided I may as well go over the Pyrenees, and into France..to see where I got to !

I headed through the Somport tunnel, straight through the heart of the mountains, and ‘popped out’ 5 minutes and several miles later in France, and what a welcome !

-It was snowing,sleeting,and raining all in one go …and frrrreeeezing !, so I kept going, it being mid afternoon by then, so I had to look at the map, to see what was available – I wasn’t going to stay out ‘wild camping’ in this weather…and spotted – ah Lourdes, down in the foothills of where I was, and I was planning to go there at some stage, so kept driving, and ended up at Camping de Sarsan, in Lourdes, a site I’ve been to a few times, having called at the supermarket for some essential supplies of bread,cheese…and wine !

The rain continued, all night, but it mattered not, I had the heater on, and tummy full was asleep for 10 !

Thursday I was up bright and early, remembering to ring my Grandson Tristan, and wish him a ‘Happy 7th Birthday’…have a great day, and parties at the weekend !

Then I managed to get on the internet, and catch up what’s been happening ( I refused to pay in Spain !) - to see the sad news that Susan, Deacon Kevin’s wife, who I had stayed with in the Gironde, a couple of years ago on my travels, and who spoke excellent French ( like a local, not a Brit !) had died during Monday night.. Rest in Peace Susan,up with the Angels on High...

Also lots of updates from my family about my Dad being in hospital, although thankfully by now making good progress !

So, what else could I do ?…got ready and went into the Grotto at Lourdes, to say some extra special prayers..

Even though I’ve now been a few times, everytime I enter the sanctuary area, it’s changed..yet still the same !

I did have a gentle walk around, and spend some time across the River from the Grotto, slightly more peaceful here…’Italian weekend’ again !remembering all the intentions I collect on my way..

I also spotted that an English mass is being said at 6-45 a.m. Friday in the Grotto…so tomorrows early start beckons !!!

An early Bonne Nuit to all !!