Home stretch and back to France

Heading back north and across the Pyrenees to make our way back up into France, we certainly have crossed our share of mountains and passes through our trip. Lots of cyclists on the roads more than anywhere else we have been yet. No doubt the Tour de France influence. We even got near to Col du Tourmalet one of the most famous passes in the race. We only had 2 of our team members throw up during this ride! We made our planned stop in Lourdes. Not quite sure how to even try and write about Lourdes, an unbelievable feeling being there. The peacefulness felt there is almost unexplainable. In the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception there is a very small chapel "St. Gabriel's" where an English mass is held each day that we were able to get to. The Basilica is built right above and on the Grotto rocks. The priest there who was from South Africa gave some really good tips of how to see and understand Lourdes better. We are so glad we came to Lourdes.