Gavarnie – Lees in France

25th Anniversary of Guys’ Night on Wednesdays

June 16, 2023Michelle LeeLeave a comment

After hiking in snow, mist, and sun in Chamonix Randy, Matt and Liv made it down to our home. But first a few more pictures from the French Alps.

A lunch stop in Annecy fueled the bodies.

The guys spent several days biking the vineyards and countryside. Randy hiked them to our favorite castle ruin, found poppy fields, and ventured to another ruin. It has been at least 25 years of weekly “Wednesday Night Hangout” for these three college buddies. Not a bad way to celebrate this friendship by being in France and sharing beer and wine. We all enjoyed their conversations, company and English.

After a couple of rest days here at home the guys hit the road to the Pyrenees for more hiking. Randy took them on the trail we could not finish when we were with Jan in Gavarnie. This hike was incredibly breathtaking.

Day 8 Spain?- April 5

May 7, 2023Michelle LeeLeave a comment

Hiking to Spain…

After our hike to Gavarnie we were excited for our next adventure which was to hike into Spain.

We loaded up in the 9 passenger van and headed toward the parking lot near Spain. Ike was an incredible driver. The 1.5 lane road up the mountainside contained 11 switchbacks, some were truly hairpins. The rest of us found the views to be superb and majestic.

We were hoping no one was coming from the other side.

At the top we were met with a road closure sign. Checking to see that it was indeed too far for us to walk on the slick road to Spain we made the best of the situation. We decided to explore the area on foot. The views were breathtaking and quiet.

What goes up must come down! Again Ike did an amazing job on the road, even with mini cars zooming past us on the 1.5 laned road. The day ended with hot tub relaxation, a trip into town for dinner groceries and a big feast of meat…haha.

Day 8 Hiking- April 5

May 6, 2023May 8, 2023Michelle LeeLeave a comment

Pyrenees Hike with Blantons

Rise and shine with eggs, sausage, fruit, pastries and cousins!

Today’s adventure started in the small village of Gavarnie….We walked along a babbling brook for quite a while.

Each stone bridge we crossed was a passageway to further natural beauty.

We stopped for lunch upon this amazing rock with perfect areas for sitting.

Cirque-de-Gavarnie was absolutely breathtaking. Snow was still present. As we sat and admired God’s creation we heard snow falling as it was being melted by the sun’s warmth. Hearing mini avalanches caused a little panic with our younger crowd. It was fascinating to hear and see the mounds of snow fall. With each landing snow powder sprayed into the sunlight.

Glacier sledding anyone? Ok, so not a glacier but still fun and different.

A higher view gave us dry ground to rest upon without other spectators.

I am famous for taking us on different routes to see different views. Sometimes this works in my favor, other times I may have ended up in a French hospital on a Saturday night. This notion must run in the family because Jan mentioned taking a different route to the car.

Game on! We hiked and hiked until we could not hike anymore safely. Ike and Randy scouted it out and concluded we should not continue on the shady, icy, narrow, cliff path covered in snow. We concurred and retreated safely without injuries. Aunt Jan and Mazie even rolled down a green hill together.

On our way out Keeler looked back and noticed a new waterfall. We sat and watched the seasonal birth of a waterfall from ice to falling water. We were all mesmerized.