Third times the charm.. onion it is!

I’m sure it’s much better now than back then, like most cities in France. There really are some decent routes into and out of the city that I’m sure wouldn’t have existed then. If I wasn’t there for the train though I doubt we’d go back either.

The only thing I remember about Perpignan from our French tour in 1992 is that we didn’t like the place; my paper journal is around somewhere but I can’t remember if it ends before that day. We rode to Perpignan from Collioure to catch the train to Paris and had some time to kill. We weren’t sad to leave and I’m afraid your account isn’t making me think about giving it a second chance.

The only thing I remember about Perpignan from our French tour in 1992 is that we didn’t like the place; my paper journal is around somewhere but I can’t remember if it ends before that day. We rode to Perpignan from Collioure to catch the train to Paris and had some time to kill. We weren’t sad to leave and I’m afraid your account isn’t making me think about giving it a second chance.

I agree. Red onion.

When we have imagined it, and discussed strategies we hope we won’t need, we have never imagined me being the one left behind. Yikes. When I saw your reply just the thought of it stressed me out. The day we took the train from Neuchâtel to Lucerne we had zero time. It was one of those one minute stops, and one of those trains with narrow doors and three steps up. We didn’t manage in a minute, but this was Switzerland and the train guy made sure we were on before he gave the signal to go. SNCF doesn’t really seem to care one way or the other.

She forgot her heavy duty sewing kit and anesthesia unfortunately. Three days after the fact though, I’m doing reasonably well and think it will heal on its own. It’s noticeably better already and doesn’t bother me biking.

Pretty dumb stunt though. I told myself that at the time, because I could feel the torquing on my knee.

Stressful is right, especially for Rachael. I had confidence that one way or another I’d make it to the other end eventually as long as we could keep track of each other. I’m really glad it wasn’t the other way around though, with her left behind.

That was in my mind the whole time also, as well the possibility that Rachael’s phone would run down since I had the chargers with me. I think that the fact that this happened right after the black screen episode amazes me as much as anything. One of our thoughts for the phone was that we’d just wait until we got to Perpignan to buy a replacement.

We were really lucky in all aspects, given that we were unlucky at the start. I really am impressed about how willing folks in France are to help in situations like this. You can almost count on someone volunteering.

So grateful you had help and tenacity. Your stories are like mysteries until the end!

Nearly the entire time reading this I was concerned your phone would once again go into a coma. This was a good story. Just like Blanche Dubois, we all on occasion rely on the kindness of strangers.

Can Rocky stitch on a robust and strong knee as well? Hope it's not too serious.

I am just home from an all day hike and Keith said to read your journal. OMG. That is about the only thing that hasn’t happened to us on trains. We have talked about what we would do, and thankfully can phone each other as well. But it would be incredibly stressful. Call it a one and done for sure!!

Good for you! I’ll look forward to reading it. I’m sure it will be great.