My hosts in Barèges

My hosts in Barèges
Caution: I wax poetic in this posting.
Marjolein and Denis operate my most favorite camping ground of this tour: camping La Ribère in Barèges (www.laribere.fr). Two nights sleeping beside the roaring torrent of Le Bastan that were so sound that I wondered if someone had spiked my evening tea, a lively and diverse population of campers united in appreciation of the high Pyrenées, fantastic showers (le Deluge!), and, best of all, Marjolein and Denis themselves. Immediately upon my arrival, drenched with sweat and a bit unsteady on my legs, I was greeted with a hearty "Alex!" as if I had been expected for weeks, if not months. (I'm sure that my name being embroidered on my tool bag was of some assistance in this...). Instantly, my spirits soared. Everytime Denis saw me after that it was, "Alex!"
When it was time for a hike, Denis wasted no time in his guidance. With arm outstretched he pointed me in the direction of the spectacular Pic d'Ayré. An avid cyclist (just think, he gets to ride up Col de Tourmalet whenever he feels the urge. It's in his backyard.), he did more than ask a few questions about my bike. He knew what he was seeing and he appreciated it in the way only a cyclist can. I think he must have taken 100 photos of it!
When I encountered her shopping in the Petit Casino market, Marjolein inquired about my day. Understanding my interest in cycling, she made time to share with me a book about the Tour and Tourmalet written by a local woman (with photos and drawings not published elsewhere). When it was time to say farewell, she made sure that I was well coffeed up.
For a fellow travelling alone, these are precious encounters. It is nice to be adopted for a while.