Saint Jean Pied de Port (Day 2)

It rained heavily all through last night. In the far distance Angela could hear the rumble of thunder and hoped the storm would not come our way. It didn't. The campsite is like a quagmire. cars and vans slipping on the mud. Breakfast eaten this morning and the skies now emptied we were given some respite from the deluge. Will it ever be sunny, dry and warm again? Yes it will. By lunchtime we couldn't believe it was the same day. A clear blue picture postcard sky lit the mountains. The morning though had been grim. We sympathised with the cyclists and walkers. At least the area over the washing up sinks was covered. We joined them for a chat. It felt normal to us to be in this environment. A woman had driven her campervan up there. headphones on she sang along to some tunes only she could hear, badly. John said earlier she'd been screaming in the shower, opening the door and standing there in just her pants. Marge is that you? Angela decided to brave the shower today. One shot of hot water or two? Seems it was only one shot per person. She showered in less than ninety seconds. That's why the campsite is so cheap. Wouldn't want them wasting money on hot water. John has decided tomorrow we will head back towards Bayonne where there is a Jaguar Land Rover garage, it appears we need a new viscous fan fitting. It's too risky to chance driving Marge over the Pyrenees without some attention. If it all ended badly it could be very costly. We have visited the tourist information in the town and the lady has shown us our drive to Bayonne shouldn't be too challenging as it follows the river. Hear that Marge, we're going to take it nice and gentle.

This afternoon we walked up to the citadel. The views of the town and mountains was fantastic. We are glad we have stayed a second day here to see the town and surrounding area in a different light.

On the bridge that crosses the river Nive, below where brown trout feed unaware that we are watching from above, a photographer takes photographs onto glass plates for the tourists with a old style camera he appears to have fettled himself. The resulting black and white images on glass were amazing.

(Now you see me)

(Now you don't)

Since Angela was unwell at Bordeaux she's not had much of an appetite. Off her food and wine. Not like her. Tonight though, after feeling tired and week last night through lack of substance she though if we bought a take away pizza from one of the restaurants it might help her appetite.

Also she's back on the wine. Tomorrow we will leave this beautiful town, having explored all there is to see, and enjoyed it very much. Next time we return will be if  we decide to make the trip to Santiago. We are keen to give it a go, and when we return home will start researching all that's involved with this epic journey. First though Marge is priority. What happens with her on Monday determines our onward travels.