We left the highest hut in the Pyrenees at 8:00 am. A light rain came down but I didn't care. This is our last full day of hiking and it's time to proceed to civilization, including hot showers. The hut was crowded last night with several large groups plus many campers chased inside by the rain. Every bunk was taken. I slept on a 3-person bunk between Dan and another man. Luckily it was a relatively quiet night in the dorm room. After the usual morning bowl of cafe au lait, accompanied by pound cake and leftover bread with butter and jam, it was time to hit the trail. We descended 4,500' crossing snowfields, some with precarious snow bridges hollowed by warming temperatures. With waterfalls converging everywhere, we are at the headwaters of the river flowing into the valley leading down to Gavarnie, and ultimately Lourdes. When I think of the Pyrenees, I will think of hearty blue daffodils set in green meadows, granite ridges and sparkling blue lakes, all above the clouds.
