Downpours, Thunder and Tough Decisions

It's miserable weather in the Pyrenees. We are socked in, and storm after storm keeps rolling in. It's almost as if Tourmalet knew that I wanted to conquer it today. Well, I will conquer it - but not today. Epic stage finish or not, it wasn't worth the cold two hour climb in the pouring rain, waiting eight hours with half a million of your closest friends, shivering in wet clothes, and then decsending on wet slick roads with the cold wind seeping into your bones. No, when we woke up at 6 a.m. this morning, bed seemed like a better choice. Sigh.

So here's the plan. Today, staying put and watching the stage on TV (and routing for Andy to make his big break! C'mon man, pull out a miracle today!). We'll find something fun to do on this rainy, rainy day.

And then then tomorrow morning, no matter what the weather. We are climbing Tourmalet. It's what I came to France to do and I won't go home empty handed. At least if it's raining tomorrow, we dont have to stay at the top for more than a few minutes and the descent down will be solo and not with all of those people and cars.

And then the long drive back to Paris and Anne's house after that.

So yes, tough - but smart- choices. And now, back under the covers!

UPDATE: We've been checking Twitter for people commenting up on Tourmalet. Apparently it's freezing and raining cats and dogs. People are bundled and shivering. As disappointed as we are, we made the right choice. Now, off for breakfast somewhere warm and dry!