La petite train d’Artouste, Europe’s highest train, chugs along at an altitude of over 6,000 feet through the French Pyrenees. The narrow gauge railway was built in the 1920s, originally to provide access to hydro-electric power stations in the Ossau Valley. Today it’s been converted to a tourist train. We had a clear, sunny day so we decided to check it out.
Photos can capture the beauty of the mountains, but not the sense of awe and reverence they evoke. Their vast expanse is humbling and puts life into perspective. Alain de Botton expressed it well in The Art of Travel.
There are concerns that seem indecent when one is in the company of a cliff; others to which cliffs naturally lend their assistance, their majesty encouraging the steady and high-minded in ourselves, their size teaching us to respect with good grace and an awed humility all that surpasses us.
We’re definitely going to miss the mountains, valleys, gorges and waterfalls of the Pyrenees.
We’ll also miss the lovely people we met through the anglophone walking group. We joined them for our final hike on Monday, followed by a lunch that quickly cancelled out any caloric benefit of the hike. More accurately, the cakes and multiple glasses of wine resulted in a significant calorie surplus.
We’re looking forward to going home though, to spend time with Nick, meet Sinead, and catch up with friends and family. Ray is also eager to get his kayak back in the water. We’re not looking forward to the mosquitos.
Ray and Nick had an email exchange yesterday where they chatted about watercolour techniques, and Nick lamented that he has too many fitness goals – a triathlon, a half marathon, weight training – so he needs to focus on one. I read the email and said to Ray, “He is so your child.” When I relayed that to Nick, he responded with, “yeah things that dad used to do that would annoy me I find myself doing more and more”. Ha! That moment when you realize, often with a mix of horror and shock, that you’re turning into your parents. I still remember the first time “because I said so!” came out of my mouth.
Nick took this pic on his run (posted without permission, but with credit) and it reminds me that Ottawa also provides opportunities to commune with nature.
Now that’s an awe inspiring view! It’s great to see all your adventures. Have a safe trip home. 😀
Truly ‘Mountain Magic’…..yes, safe home, you two! Xo Thanks for taking us on your trip….LOVED IT!!
WoW!
Thank you for sharing your adventures! Have a safe trip home. (The mosquitos are already lining up to sample that chocolate-and-wine-enriched fluid in your veins.)
Hi Lynn! Cousin Arliss here. Aunty Leona has asked me to ask you if she can have permission to paint the mountain photos in your post. She’s serious, so please let us know. Also, just as a casual FYI, for the past few years, Winnipeg has cured itself of the mosquito problem that used to ruin our outdoor summer fun. Dragonflies were the answer. Feel free to come visit and check out the prairie beauty sometime!
Yes, of course she can. I’d love to see a pic of the final product!