I can’t look at a picture of the Pyrenees without wishing I were there.
When we lived in France, these mountains were the constant backdrop to our lives. They were our playground, where we would enjoy flower-studded meadows in the spring, clear bright summer heat, autumn colours to rival those of New England, and glittering winter snowscapes. Winter and summer, we walked these mountains, climbing hundreds of feet to be rewarded over a leisurely lunch-time picnic by views of valleys, forests and dramatic rocks, before we had to descend to the foothills once more.
They were a natural boundary – often a barricade – between France and Spain, and the few roads linking these countries make wonderfully scenic journeys in their own right.
Travelling to our French town from England, we always knew we’d arrived ‘home’ when we caught sight of the Pyrenees once more – almost always as the sun was setting. The first glimpse of those jagged peaks, whose shapes and names we came to recognise so well always made me as emotional as if I’d just met once more a long-lost friend.
‘Wanderlust’, this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge, means a strong desire to wander, travel and explore. I know I’ve hardly begun to know the Pyrenees. They are where I want to travel, to wander, and above all to explore.
What a wonderful place to have lived. I lived on the slopes of Mt Taranaki in New Zealand for 6 years and missed it dreadfully when I moved away so I know how you feel.
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We may have had quite similar experiences then. Yes, good times …..
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My friend Lesley lives in Essex but is Yorkshire born and bred. She always says she feels like she is ‘back home’ when she sees the Ferrybridge cooling towers! X
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Whatever works for her ….
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Bewitchingly beautiful views.
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It’s a wonderful area.
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It is stunning! Do you visit regularly? Do you have plans to return?
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Of course we return from time to time, to see friends. Once Ellie’s treatment is over, travel plans will become easier.
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I’ve not been to this region of France. Looks gorgeous.
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Well worth a visit. Do put it on the list.
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What a stunning place to have lived. Lucky you!
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Lucky us indeed!
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It’s a truly beautiful part of the world – the mountains are magnificent. you’ve done them justice!
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Thank you. They are a wonderful place to be.
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The Pyrenees look awesome. These pictures make me want to visit them someday.
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Oh, please put them on the list.
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I feel exactly the same and especially emotional seeing your photos of places we know so well. The plan was to go next week after CC elections and son’s wedding. Mrs May put an end to that!
Will your radio slot become a regular feature of the schedule?
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Mrs. May’s putting an end to a great deal. Unbearable. I hope however that even she won’t be able to put a dampener on your son’s wedding, and that you all have a wonderful day. No, I just got lucky as far as ‘Ramblings’ goes. I was just in the right place at the right time.
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What a heavenly place to live! Your photos are excellent as always.
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Thank you. It was wonderful. I’m happy here, but I do miss our life there too.
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I can quite understand that.
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Stunning pictures, Margaret. It’s a beautiful region.
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It is. If you don’t know it, please visit.
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I’m more familiar with North Yorks but don’t be surprised if you find me on your doorstep looking for a cuppa. 🙂
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The kettle will be on ….. x
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I’m still tempted with the mountains but can’t persuade Andrew to go that far south. Mind you a sleeping policeman looks high in The Fens!
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I understand that. But go south to the mountains, and Spain becomes reachable too. News update soon on your blog?
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Oh my goodness – thought recent snowy weather in Scotland had dropped south and hit Yorkshire! Slap on the wrist should have known that’s not Yorkshire. Beautiful photos of the valley, very evocative.
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It certainly brings back memories for us …..
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Lovely pictures for the theme. It certainly is beautiful. My favourite is the last one
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Yes, I can see why. Memories of a fun and rather ‘intrepid’ sort of day! Thank you.
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Great ☺
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