After three days radio silence, it was a relief to get news from the hills this afternoon by text.
(Can't make out what happened to Monday. Maybe they prefer to draw a veil over that one??)
Tuesday 31st May
This was the third longest day so far; they climbed to the snow line, and walked in rain all day! But after 11 hours walking, they eventually got to Cauterets, and slept that night in a bed. Heaven!
It snowed overnight, so it's extremely lucky they've got that high stage behind them today.
Wednesday 1st June
Broken cloud to walk in today - sounds a lot more pleasant than rain! Also, the route wasn't as high, so hopefully the snow won't be a problem.
Rural France being "shut-for-business" is more of a problem though. The "season" in these villages doesn't really open until mid-June, so they are finding most shops, gites, resturants and even refuges not yet open ! Hmm!
There's very little phone reception, which isn't that surprising considering the remoteness of terrain. More problematic seems to be the total lack of "down-time"; as at the end of the day's walking, you're either washing or drying kit, planning routes, sorting food or sleeping.
Sounds like they are finding the going very hard, day after day, but are also finding one huge reward (and I quote)
"If it wasn't so hard, then we wouldn't feel so close to Matt; and the memorial walk wouldn't be so meaningful".
Says it all really.
Lets all wish them an easier day tomorrow.
(Can't make out what happened to Monday. Maybe they prefer to draw a veil over that one??)
Tuesday 31st May
This was the third longest day so far; they climbed to the snow line, and walked in rain all day! But after 11 hours walking, they eventually got to Cauterets, and slept that night in a bed. Heaven!
It snowed overnight, so it's extremely lucky they've got that high stage behind them today.
Wednesday 1st June
Broken cloud to walk in today - sounds a lot more pleasant than rain! Also, the route wasn't as high, so hopefully the snow won't be a problem.
Rural France being "shut-for-business" is more of a problem though. The "season" in these villages doesn't really open until mid-June, so they are finding most shops, gites, resturants and even refuges not yet open ! Hmm!
There's very little phone reception, which isn't that surprising considering the remoteness of terrain. More problematic seems to be the total lack of "down-time"; as at the end of the day's walking, you're either washing or drying kit, planning routes, sorting food or sleeping.
Sounds like they are finding the going very hard, day after day, but are also finding one huge reward (and I quote)
"If it wasn't so hard, then we wouldn't feel so close to Matt; and the memorial walk wouldn't be so meaningful".
Says it all really.
Lets all wish them an easier day tomorrow.
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