Philip's Blog

Tuesday, 29th August

There are 7 of us walking now: we've met up with some hardy Brits who are camping at nights by the refuges: David, Sharon and nephew Christian -- good companions on the mountains with lots of experience and some amazing tales of places David and Sharon have been, around the globe. Long descent to Arles-sur-Tech this morning. We had a close shave not long after setting off when Patrick, my stalwart walking companion for so many days over the last 6 weeks, stumbled forward and, propelled by the impetus of his backpack, fell headfirst over a steep drop, several feet onto boulders. By great fortune he was only grazed and bruised: nothing broken except his watch strap.It could have been a very nasty accident indeed. Typical Patrick: no fuss; some homeopathic aid from David and Sharon, who know about these things and had Arnica tablets and plasters to hand. Once dusted down he strode off with the group despite an obviously painful leg. This update takes me to lunchtime in Arles-sur-Tech where we're enjoying a decent French lunch before an afternoon climb up to a gite near the Spanish border. I can't believe this is day 47 of my 50 day odyssey: 833kms walked and a total climb of 150,000feet! Not long now.