Day 21

Day 21 Andy went for an uphill 10k run along a disused railway line and we then set off for the Cirque de Gavarnie a geological basin 'wonder,' but found the road leading to it was blocked off ( roadworks?) Decided to go up the Col de Tourmalet instead , to take the cable car up to the Pic du Midi, 9000 feet high, there were stupendous views on our drive up, got there to discover cable car was closed for maintenance ( 38€pp! ) Andy 's disappointment neatly matched my relief Donkeys searched vans parked up for food Came down again in a higher gear than wise to for the brake pads , warning light came on, Plans adjusted we left mountains early to enable us to get them checked our in the next big town on the coast ie Perpignan Drove on a very hot day 29C on toll routes for faster journey- passed Toulouse by and when 40km from Carcassonne , found a lovely free Aire (Navrouze) in flat countryside running along side canal du Midi, great for cyclists, retired early to avoid mossies . Want to return here sometime v hidden, v authentic rural France, Autumn would be lovely.