G + B and P + J

About a 2 hour velo-ride outside of Lourdes, in the direction of the Col du Tourmalet, we parked Bertetto along an antique looking wooden wagon-trailor at the edge of a river. In search of water, we walked up, up, and up...and discovered much more than water...Nestled in "Les Pyrenees" we found the most charming little village, and met a very kind couple, named Gilles and Brigitte. They gave us a tour of their vacation house, an old mountain home which they are in the process of refurbishing.

I asked Gilles, who works for a US tech company (Hotmail?), how old the house is.

"Follow me," he said.

We walked outside to the front entrance. I looked at the ancient limestone rocks of the door frame and did a double take.

"Paige, check this out!"

Above the door was inscribed a year--1784--and above that, the letters "P+J."

Pierre and Joulouns, 1784. There names were still faintly visible in the limestone to the side of the door frame.

An hour later, we walked back to our campsite with full water bottles, a freshly bandaged thumb (word to the wise: if you're going to make a seatpost shim out of a beer can, be careful), and heads full of questions about the other P+J.

G + B:


P + J:


Grimbergen for Grace's Birthday:


Joyeaux Anniversaire, Gracie!


Our campsite in Saligos:


Pink Fleur:


Abricot:


Cidre for breakfast: