50.02 France: Some of the animals of the French Pyrenees and a brief pictorial introduction to this incredible region.

We reach our destination at 2,300 feet, after 2 hours. As this stage, Jen comments, "Through the camera lens, I had difficulty distinguishing between the two subjects." 'I don't believe you said that.' She seemed to believe the animal and me shared many similarities. It might be true, I thought, but nevertheless most hurtful. When I confronted Jenni about my hurt feelings, not only had she a comment but in fact, two. "Firstly," she defended herself, "They say the camera never lies." Yikes! Then she followed up with a retort she thought would provide some comfort. "Be thankful it's not a horse." Merci or should that be mercy.
Should that be insufficient, she felt compelled to add, "And don't be so sensitive. Imagine what the cow would think had she understood what I said." Heck! Do I have compelling grounds for my despair? Anyway, as a source of comfort, I topped up my container of yoghurt from the closest available teat. It was some form of consolation although too warm. 

Then she hit me with a clincher on the Cirque Troumouse extravaganza, as far as hiking goes. "It may not be similarities limited to cows."
Lessons learned. I don't think I'm going to sit down for brunch any longer—it's too dangerous. 

We come across llama in the early stages of the climb to Pic du Midi, a trip highlight.

C'mon guys, it's 10:30am, it's so unlike you to take a break from grazing.
The sheep form a huddle before making the next move, as we approach. One can only imagine what that movement might be, having climbed from the 'bowels of the Earth'.
I once smiled when a cow butted Jenni in Nepal. On this hike, I approached one of the beasts in a very friendly manner. It came towards me and I thought it wanted a stroke on the head. Instead, it charged. Quite an experience. I don't think I had a good day although I loved the hiking adventure.
Jen has developed a certain comfort, a tranquility, being at one with the land and towns, in this part of France. Oui! It's fascinating.
Our final destination is above and to the left of the falls.
Viewed from a peak: The world looks at peace.
From a peak, we look upon the town of Cauterets.
Following a fairly strenuous hike, we reach Lac Gloriettes.
About to reach Pic du Midi. We commenced from a position below the usual starting point. (Scroll down to next blog for an indication of this fabulous icon.)
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey