Day 27 Uzan

Thursday 13th October and I'll take some moment if I may to talk about Brocante. You see these shops much as we have antique shops in the UK. I only mention this as an excuse to use a photo I took a few days ago which I thought fun and typified what you might be looking for in the Brocante shop.
It took until 11am for the sun to burn off the fog and sunrise is moving back noticeably. A tranquil morning with the stillness broken only by cow bells which I haven't heard since the Aubrac plateau in the Massif Central. I had packed before breakfast at 7:30am then started walking at 8:00am when there was just enough visibility. 

The French love some wry humour. 
I thought I had packed well on this trip and my rucksack is quite light (8kg) until I load it with fruit, biscuits and sweets. This person knows how to do it though. 
This is the fourth Course Landais I've come across although this one is no longer used.
It is another day of lanes and tracks though with a bit more climbing it seems. Before I drop down I take a quick photo to provide a feel for the rolling hills though its a little uninspiring. I am struggling to enthuse about today.
Then, 50 metres on I get to look behind the curtain and what a thrill! I've known for a few days that I may be able to see the Pyrenees if I have a sightline and clear conditions and what a spectacle. Today especially was the start of counting down the days instead of counting up; next Wednesday I arrive in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. 
Yesterday I had seen a board with the profile and peak names and heights but hadn't really prepared myself for the scale. The tall one is Pic du Midi d'Ossau at 2884m. Yes, my camera phone may be lacking but the Pyrenees certainly aren't. 
As I walked to my accommodation the route took me away from them but they kept calling me to peak over my shoulder for a glimpse. I estimated they must be around 100 miles away as the crow flies and still they were imposing. To add to the sense of foreboding a breeze picked up from nowhere and it was a chilling wind on a warm day. 

I have a secret plan to cycle up Mont Ventoux (the giant of Provence) from Sault which is the easiest of the three start points. Mont Ventoux is 1,908m. Now that I have a reference point of suitable scale I need to re-assess; Sault is already at 760m but my maximum daily climb with a touring load is 1,000m so I am 150m short which is achievable if I cycle up with minimum kit.

My gite has great views and I catch the owner before she heads out to collect mushrooms. I had made the connection while looking at directions for the place but the name plaque made it clear. 

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