I made it! I have to wonder if my mind is slowing down as much as my body? Either I'm in much better shape than I believed myself to be, or my memory of this hike was way off.
Maybe it's like driving on vacation, getting there the first time always feels like it takes forever, but on the way home it feels quicker and easier. (I still chuckle about our family trip to see Christ of the Ozarks in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Dad said he wouldn't go back if Christ himself were there!-I think he made his point.) Regardless, I was proud of myself. I'm not sure I realized it, but I was on my way home.
I arrived way too early to have the picnic lunch that I had planned, but my timing was perfect. As the sun rose through the mist, it lifted over the valley gifting the chapel, Jesus, St. Cirq Lapopie, and the Lot Valley to me in all their splendor.
I was in no hurry. I was alone. I could take my time and find joy in reconnecting with this place that I'd been pondering for 16 years.
I shot my shots, wandered around, and pondered hiking a little further up, but decided to quit while I was ahead and savor these moments.
I discovered a way to scoop some shots inside the locked chapel, and raised a taste of red wine to channel Eric and celebrate my success.
I will share more of this adventure over time, but today we celebrate success with profound gratefulness!
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