An Afternoon in the Pyrenees

After leaving the remains of the chateau of Bramevaque we headed for the mountains. Lots of open pastures for grazing animals throughout the spring and summer.  

It seemed that most of the road was travelling along the edge of the world. A lot of the time I couldn’t look down. At times I stuck the camera in front of my eyes and kept my mind busy thinking about possible pictures instead of how close the car was to a drop-off. The road was narrow and twisted around blind corners. The ride alone was an adventure!

We reached a herd of cows. One was wearing a bell, a rather plaintive, lonely sound. The cars were parked and out came baskets and coolers for a picnic lunch. Danielle’s salad was so good I ignored most of the other food, had seconds and considered thirds. The taste buds would have been happy, but the stomach was full.    

One cow decided to keep watch. It stood motionless, staring at us throughout most of our meal, and meals are never hurried affairs.

 Part way through our lunch most of the cow herd decided to leave. Those who had been lying down watched them go. We listened as the cow bell faded, but before it could no longer be heard the rest of the cows slowly rose to their feet and followed the others, except they decided to take the road. We laughed at an imagined conversation between the two groups.

Below is Cathie, Jean-Marie, Francoise, and Danielle

The ridge-line is the border between France and Spain. That’s Aneto, the highest mountain in the Pyrenees.  

It was time to find a cafe for a glass of wine so we could use their bathroom. We stopped at several places, but no cafe was open so 
we continued on to our next destination...a small church with frescoes. 

The frescoes were amazing. There was even the remains of one on the exterior of the church.

Then we discovered that though people weren't using the church, it did have occupants...

Those are a few of the bats that called this place home...and it was obvious that church services weren't being held here because the chairs and floor was covered with...

...bat poop!

We gathered again...that's Guilhem on the far left...and headed for the next church with frescoes.

The fall colors are nice, but soft, muted...almost like the frescoes. The next church was just up the road from these houses and it had an open chapel in the church yard that was also decorated.

Those frescoes above are on the ceiling and walls of this little room. Then there were frescoes on the outside of the church. Before entering you could choose heaven or hell....

Inside there was an automatic commentary, in French, where sections of the ceiling and walls would light up when being discussed. I didn't understand the words, but I did follow the lights. Mimi jokes that she got a picture of me praying...

...though I'm really just holding my walking sticks.

We still hadn't found a bathroom so it was time to head to Cathie's home for dinner...and that will be the next post.