Toulouse

Hello family and friends,

We are now in Toulouse, France. When we woke yesterday to be greeted by yet another downpour of rain we decided to cheat a bit and hopped a train: It turned out to be a good decision in that it was only (km from the campground to the train station but it took us over 1 hour to get there! Bob had THREE flats in those short 5 km: So taking the train gave us time to find a bike shop in order to replenish the flat repair kit, buy new maps (our were so wet we could hardly read them) We are still dealing with the rain and winds and we decided we needed a break. But the train was just what the doctor ordered and the miles flew by!!!

As a side note: While changing the 2nd flat of the day we happend to stop in the driveway of the most wondeerful womans home. She INSISTED that we come into her home and wash up after changing the tire. After giving us the grand tour of her very lovely home she then sent us on our way with fresh baked cookies!!!!!

Toulouse was a real eye opener. Very big city! The train got in at 8pm under dry but cloudy skies: We set off to find a place to stay but found the city was booked! We saw several poeple sleeping on the streets and were worried that we would be joining them. Bob was scared but Sherry did not seem worried. After many attempts we found a place right next to the train station. I guess we should have looked there first!!

We slept like babies last night and are ready to tackle another day of rain and cloulds and wind. It is still so amazingly beautiful and the rain makes everything so green. I cannot imagine how pretty it must be when it is 80 and sunny!!!

Today we set off for the Pyrenees and then into Spain:

What an adventure!! Are spirits are high and we are enjoying everything that comes our way.

Bob & Sherry