tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928332859464312402024-03-16T18:53:12.724+00:00HOWLINGMISTEXPLORING THE OUTDOORSStephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.comBlogger369125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-4706589972426199672024-03-06T12:36:00.005+00:002024-03-08T07:44:53.541+00:00Wonderful Winter on Carrauntoohil<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9SkNngoQAMfg7jo93T4fwtZXA2zHrtXL0rQi7mIWk_nj__sUbg1hWS2X2a4JClCXeEo11vs4EXosYDWmQgihEhxjKcBj1dwZoItuFS19Gb_bDq9DP3WoC3ty7WP1mX_KW0ML87qdDqUWgPiQYTFfDWNZ21njhOVKhiRrDx1mq86DUD1jjwFVY7DJegNy/s4160/IMG_20240303_114156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9SkNngoQAMfg7jo93T4fwtZXA2zHrtXL0rQi7mIWk_nj__sUbg1hWS2X2a4JClCXeEo11vs4EXosYDWmQgihEhxjKcBj1dwZoItuFS19Gb_bDq9DP3WoC3ty7WP1mX_KW0ML87qdDqUWgPiQYTFfDWNZ21njhOVKhiRrDx1mq86DUD1jjwFVY7DJegNy/w640-h308/IMG_20240303_114156.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Sunday March 3rd;<div><br /></div><div> In the last couple of months I have experienced Carrauntoohil in very different guises. In the middle of January I climbed Curve Gully when it was at its very best for ice climbing. A little while after that I went back and climbed up O'Sheas Gully on a wet cloudy day, when things could best be described as atmospheric. We had a good dump of snow on the mountains the previous few days and I decided to head back once again and see what was on offer. I was hopeful of climbing The Step or having a rummage around in The Grey Area but it was not to be.<p></p><p>As I drove back I was a little disappointed to see that the temperature was up at 8 degrees and heading higher. Since there hadn't been any meaningful frost overnight I suspected that the snow that had fallen would be slushy and soft. Indeed it came as a surprise to see that only the tops above 600 metres held and traces of snow at all. That is when I could see any tops, as the cloud and frequent heavy rain showers obscured my view most of the drive back. The forecast promised a fine weather day so I was hopeful that things would improve. It was a relief to see that by the time I was heading out of Killarney the skies were clearing and now I could also see that there was still a lot of snow on the mountains above 600 metres. When I left the car it was a really pleasant morning, 8 degrees, with only a slight breeze and mostly clear skies. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtu1mTsHPiTDV89X-c-4555_8j4-Yku3cEPbtBk-9X8mX2NWSDw5DaSMnJAaB5OtsVOXHKnIRDspOuQEFm_pD2haHNSoCVRy-QylKy0D-nCNPnBx2pWjlMwKKZ6z55gltZp8D41GxCWSGxxKe-KKjZ0jkaf4g6cg7lIaYdOKY0itUAdGlK0HTSQYUvmXkL/s4160/IMG_20240303_104207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtu1mTsHPiTDV89X-c-4555_8j4-Yku3cEPbtBk-9X8mX2NWSDw5DaSMnJAaB5OtsVOXHKnIRDspOuQEFm_pD2haHNSoCVRy-QylKy0D-nCNPnBx2pWjlMwKKZ6z55gltZp8D41GxCWSGxxKe-KKjZ0jkaf4g6cg7lIaYdOKY0itUAdGlK0HTSQYUvmXkL/w640-h308/IMG_20240303_104207.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloud clings to Carrauntoohil</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPum8woTNdwaXFr4Px3FpVU2z1fgxEcLNOQyv6VuEKjT_oweXMeZ6GeTeIOwWBxL0fPX6MZe64RyNIxJMfWXrdJsFuBg5zbAYcHSjoZy_N7TBLUusMG3xGRSSljuFJ0_ofH-a8qbjfhZjE_EwWhyphenhyphenCjHAjJA8VkuyFaft0L7zm4Ut0IS6zdOkpv0g7QSMYt/s4160/IMG_20240303_104202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPum8woTNdwaXFr4Px3FpVU2z1fgxEcLNOQyv6VuEKjT_oweXMeZ6GeTeIOwWBxL0fPX6MZe64RyNIxJMfWXrdJsFuBg5zbAYcHSjoZy_N7TBLUusMG3xGRSSljuFJ0_ofH-a8qbjfhZjE_EwWhyphenhyphenCjHAjJA8VkuyFaft0L7zm4Ut0IS6zdOkpv0g7QSMYt/w640-h308/IMG_20240303_104202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The East Reeks in the clear</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Entering the Hags Glen is always special. Modest in height by international standards these mountains may be but the punch above their weight and always look impressive and they form a formidable barrier as they loom in front of you. Today with snow covering the upper half they looked even better. As often seems to happen, the East Reeks tops were clear of cloud but Carrauntoohil was shrouded and some rain/snow was falling in Coumeenoughter. As is usual on a Sunday there were lots of people about. Thankfully most of those I saw were suitable dressed and equipped. I followed the trail as it rose into the ever more impressive mountain scenery ahead. The cloud was lifting and I could see the impressive north and east face of the mountain. The Grey area looked steep and intimidating in its alpine sugar coating but the ridges were clear of snow. This indicated that the thaw was well underway and I had little optimism that the snow would be firm or that any useful ice could be found. The snow line started at the first level but it was soft and slushy. It didn't improve as I rose up to the second level. Indeed the only difference was that there was more of it. When I could see The Step it looked great, but I knew it was an illusion and to climb it would have meant a torturous procession up deep slush and black rock. I decided to turn instead to Curve Gully and climb that until I reached the second half of it from where I could perhaps access the Grey Area if conditions up there proved better.<br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UJwjBHHYrKwojhIMNhNMFbFU2VCSoKtit9ytynlQd_FWqQpMBQ705bobpPA4AcATZ6dy6aOidNpcEp9hZoWZTpudy6HlbYzse8xm73CR6gSycvDHoeuK5HKLgJDGe2E4Sd84AY9GnRRG89I_BOlkePx60nSAaMPc-I9b36oXKlnczsXnHqlw3yf222OS/s4160/IMG_20240303_114151.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UJwjBHHYrKwojhIMNhNMFbFU2VCSoKtit9ytynlQd_FWqQpMBQ705bobpPA4AcATZ6dy6aOidNpcEp9hZoWZTpudy6HlbYzse8xm73CR6gSycvDHoeuK5HKLgJDGe2E4Sd84AY9GnRRG89I_BOlkePx60nSAaMPc-I9b36oXKlnczsXnHqlw3yf222OS/w640-h308/IMG_20240303_114151.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spectacular place to be<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYFQXe04mjFuFV4vf-NuYv5vSPLNJ_7OG419tKqP7MZK3a5_OiPlrv9_6GJNpb_qehJ5iCpBi1VKhpx-CJ3ZuPMrrqYuxiGpo_I36YsXj8uGTIl-JgTo3AO8yniQPQYKy-mBXXagEz5ZpiWd3hkzo_waIO9Ya0J7eKdKNRi9EbDDvKCCgjs3yftoXOduG/s4160/IMG_20240303_114714.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYFQXe04mjFuFV4vf-NuYv5vSPLNJ_7OG419tKqP7MZK3a5_OiPlrv9_6GJNpb_qehJ5iCpBi1VKhpx-CJ3ZuPMrrqYuxiGpo_I36YsXj8uGTIl-JgTo3AO8yniQPQYKy-mBXXagEz5ZpiWd3hkzo_waIO9Ya0J7eKdKNRi9EbDDvKCCgjs3yftoXOduG/w640-h308/IMG_20240303_114714.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More snow on the second level</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMiWpiPIoaXmeUpZEQWJWN7n8_mPL7sWhvVKxdCtX_HNg19n2wSoAYRm2mFPc-likwZ3ydaS3HGqgBc0ktKvzkIoFxbFegOGDtAnV-I2KxMP7KMM_fygfNLb0ScRndy4yK5JLSqlfPVhBVEuyIb1VbiGYQgJHINhKwwwhZmS7bweSqXmd-Sb0l97CJDLt/s4160/IMG_20240303_120243.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMiWpiPIoaXmeUpZEQWJWN7n8_mPL7sWhvVKxdCtX_HNg19n2wSoAYRm2mFPc-likwZ3ydaS3HGqgBc0ktKvzkIoFxbFegOGDtAnV-I2KxMP7KMM_fygfNLb0ScRndy4yK5JLSqlfPVhBVEuyIb1VbiGYQgJHINhKwwwhZmS7bweSqXmd-Sb0l97CJDLt/w640-h308/IMG_20240303_120243.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gully well banked out. Glad to see the steps</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>To be honest I was expecting the gully to be a torturous wallow. It was banked out with snow and presented a much easier proposition than the last time I was there when some delicate Grade 2 ice climbing was to be had. I could see that a pair of climbers were after starting up as I approached so I knew that I would have some steps in the snow. I debated whether to put on my crampons or not when I reached the gully as the snow was not exactly icy, but I reckoned that if things got better higher up then it would be easier and save time to have them on now. I was delighted to find that the steps in the gully were reasonably solid and not too deep. Clearly they had been made before today. Progress was therefore easy and rapid. When I got up near the upper section of the gully I did a brief detour to see what the conditions were like on the open ground to the left. What looked like promising snow-ice was soft and cruddy and slid off the rocks in sheets. I stuck to the gully. Winter conditions make Curve a spectacular place to be. It was a simple joy to climb up through the deep upper section and feel secure in the good conditions. I saw a bit of video of rivers of Graupel flowing down the gully the previous week and I was grateful for the conditions today. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIS4MH1xj-1pupOjOIeb9akiBvc_GzGAi6Fi2XGIY9HyMglFD7at12RR3p_eesr0xvg4QAGA3mNoFdC47ca5p3vZ9-lF87In8Za41saTJGajKwc0ZUyLkMD4e4gdz54MePx5pJ_UcC1bdFsF2YkKaLqHR3PlFix35k0HDqQqUycwGoDq7PUsWhm-IjbAQ/s4160/IMG_20240303_122603.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIS4MH1xj-1pupOjOIeb9akiBvc_GzGAi6Fi2XGIY9HyMglFD7at12RR3p_eesr0xvg4QAGA3mNoFdC47ca5p3vZ9-lF87In8Za41saTJGajKwc0ZUyLkMD4e4gdz54MePx5pJ_UcC1bdFsF2YkKaLqHR3PlFix35k0HDqQqUycwGoDq7PUsWhm-IjbAQ/w640-h308/IMG_20240303_122603.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up in the upper section.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MY0atJCQjtwakNLIT4kJ_uIDF_qyGmLs2-JBYqOifb2YOGAj8czf_G3POYnQc12wfXPGjtm1EQfzeVkr1FroXRaa0r2p3ZTXHIYSrZPWycmv0eEaqD38XuU7wJ2rxP3PlkEaMf3tRFpMHokXA_L9egzetxOt820OZY1ZC3B8FmRMxSaKpmza-ZSbMWMa/s4160/IMG_20240303_121955.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MY0atJCQjtwakNLIT4kJ_uIDF_qyGmLs2-JBYqOifb2YOGAj8czf_G3POYnQc12wfXPGjtm1EQfzeVkr1FroXRaa0r2p3ZTXHIYSrZPWycmv0eEaqD38XuU7wJ2rxP3PlkEaMf3tRFpMHokXA_L9egzetxOt820OZY1ZC3B8FmRMxSaKpmza-ZSbMWMa/w640-h308/IMG_20240303_121955.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>I topped out to a calm snow covered summit that was trying hard to break through the wispy cloud. With no views and it still being too early for lunch I decided to head down straight away. The track down towards the Devils Ladder was, as expected, well trodden and the going was rapid and easy. I decided to descend via the Heavenly Gates and this went very well. This route can be quite intimidating when it is banked out with heavy snow as the path is covered and the ground is steep. I remember once doing it with full snow cover and with the added spice of blizzard conditions. I was very relieved to reach the KMR hut that day. Today however was a different story and it was a pleasure to cross the spectacular ground. The views down to Lough Gouragh and Lough Callee were almost aerial and of course the East Reeks were spectacular beyond. I kept the crampons on until below the Heavenly Gates and thereafter it was easy going back to the car. It had been a very enjoyable outing. I was perhaps a little disappointed not to have done the Step but Curve delivered once again. Maybe winter will provide another chance before it ends.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhaiWdwib-iaDZCPq6owYnE5ADdRDhglBrByKp90r4d3a0hdj1aadl7Tevy5dP85PK695t-huCBfT4CJ7jO7A20Bd6lA-mXpjoRoe_7lzEI4faOGhad2QvdVzPBZcfdHBJld0v3rA0YmkfewNQxKIqgv2Ovs-hQUvJTpSy94NtvV92ZES0QmXg_EhAn4e/s4160/IMG_20240303_141225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhaiWdwib-iaDZCPq6owYnE5ADdRDhglBrByKp90r4d3a0hdj1aadl7Tevy5dP85PK695t-huCBfT4CJ7jO7A20Bd6lA-mXpjoRoe_7lzEI4faOGhad2QvdVzPBZcfdHBJld0v3rA0YmkfewNQxKIqgv2Ovs-hQUvJTpSy94NtvV92ZES0QmXg_EhAn4e/w640-h308/IMG_20240303_141225.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMouY-FYg-A-TyEIJcijXRUd3AF6x2VUV8_9mf7vCT6Xj35xCMIWwpWJojzMx8sfVSva_UKx7Mxc-wf2hwOLzmKKsJHUQrvhbxAwe9EaVUS_21nOFa-aZCY6h8scjVUsJ8xIiX2hCBC7M0Pri3LSAH5NQ6QLnn0u87XbtLctuYIO0zTd6HI-l73e_K9oRE/s4160/IMG_20240303_125223.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMouY-FYg-A-TyEIJcijXRUd3AF6x2VUV8_9mf7vCT6Xj35xCMIWwpWJojzMx8sfVSva_UKx7Mxc-wf2hwOLzmKKsJHUQrvhbxAwe9EaVUS_21nOFa-aZCY6h8scjVUsJ8xIiX2hCBC7M0Pri3LSAH5NQ6QLnn0u87XbtLctuYIO0zTd6HI-l73e_K9oRE/w640-h308/IMG_20240303_125223.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCe691uhMU41PnE6qs-IqZ15g4PC7SAlITw7-D1ayMqwIWafp_YmrDaer8Ae4jBrHT30o76Zk1TpGLsroyb1Us6mOw4W3rVEZ8hKu4xjnbsElBtX1BmZFuGpKVI_ncOFt_gjHTnYBfGbJ3PT2IBfeLNKam0Rzq73TucBnH3gsImOFUrRTEZOD24r30c16/s4160/IMG_20240303_141231.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCe691uhMU41PnE6qs-IqZ15g4PC7SAlITw7-D1ayMqwIWafp_YmrDaer8Ae4jBrHT30o76Zk1TpGLsroyb1Us6mOw4W3rVEZ8hKu4xjnbsElBtX1BmZFuGpKVI_ncOFt_gjHTnYBfGbJ3PT2IBfeLNKam0Rzq73TucBnH3gsImOFUrRTEZOD24r30c16/w640-h308/IMG_20240303_141231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p></div></div>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-77756029565683936802024-01-19T21:15:00.002+00:002024-01-22T17:16:52.261+00:00Ice Climbing on Carrauntoohil...Curve Gully<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQHIIR29Rvkun99LNcYlVvY5vxMpwurISqTLQ21luzcRAkMkrzzWOCDAxM86g0P6_1u2vBXywlgArmrtSQRYXYMqFksHPE0vUCQAn3YXHT6N3RLDVG32BELIoy0FR4BTgRyN_Ork6SpAEc75kYKIPVohP2LvmvGzfrjncOZmx-JQTXOjB1ix1rvay0yQZ/s4000/20240118_133258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQHIIR29Rvkun99LNcYlVvY5vxMpwurISqTLQ21luzcRAkMkrzzWOCDAxM86g0P6_1u2vBXywlgArmrtSQRYXYMqFksHPE0vUCQAn3YXHT6N3RLDVG32BELIoy0FR4BTgRyN_Ork6SpAEc75kYKIPVohP2LvmvGzfrjncOZmx-JQTXOjB1ix1rvay0yQZ/w640-h288/20240118_133258.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">After a stellar period of dry frosty weather, I guess it would have been remiss not to visit Carrauntoohil and have a look and see if ice had formed. On Thursday morning I arranged to meet with Connie Looney and we headed back to have a look at Curve Gully. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The temperature was reading -6 as I drove back to meet him and promised to remain close to freezing through the day. </span><span style="font-size: large;">We brought our axes and crampons and set off into the Hags Glen on a beautiful, calm, cold weather morning.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It was great to be out with Connie again and the chat flowed as we walked. I was surprised that there wasn't more people about as I thought the great weather might have tempted more people to get out. Still I guess ice wasn't quite as big a draw as snow. There had been a very slight dusting of the white stuff on the mountains that made the scene look even better as we entered the glen. Before long we crossed the stream and began the stiff pull up into the spectacular levels of Coumeenoughter. Once we reached the first level we were joined by another climber called Dave who was also heading for Curve. The waterfall between level 1 and 2 was completely frozen and would have offered good, if a little sketchy climbing. We weren't really tempted and continued up. Before we reached the bottom of the gully we passed the excellent ice climb called The Lick. It looked to be in good condition but, as today it consisted entirely of water ice, it would have been quite a tough outing and definitely have required gear.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zZHJAeI_D36vR4H1Bl3GBOW_HRTgXa9LV-Xc8wMnZYBtXNl93lM_3I6mscZlGoP-Jl8yTGV46rGtp8s2E0vuhmGdOP7qO-VJ9bsbfmo33etl2spdmIku7EcRPkFprkfg6xOUUnS-XOUUowXuUzzvD44cyTV0haQTx_R0SdR083SD1fZUpH5rfDPicoEc/s4160/IMG_20240118_103243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zZHJAeI_D36vR4H1Bl3GBOW_HRTgXa9LV-Xc8wMnZYBtXNl93lM_3I6mscZlGoP-Jl8yTGV46rGtp8s2E0vuhmGdOP7qO-VJ9bsbfmo33etl2spdmIku7EcRPkFprkfg6xOUUnS-XOUUowXuUzzvD44cyTV0haQTx_R0SdR083SD1fZUpH5rfDPicoEc/w640-h308/IMG_20240118_103243.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading in.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHJaJ3X7hj_tCFqo0SdQAhv4ph2giKYoWE2jYy96k_JHaEbNTF1Z79fARfLH_TLQRP-a005d0udinn7Hq8V1mWUWT_d1HdULMuUpjgInd24SP-u4W0PAjN57YoLzy0omsnfivHrCQolLSp0h0eBV8C_1-Q8gSvwqlv4zgslVUodbcm8LtnFMKVvb1DJa6/s4160/IMG_20240118_120837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHJaJ3X7hj_tCFqo0SdQAhv4ph2giKYoWE2jYy96k_JHaEbNTF1Z79fARfLH_TLQRP-a005d0udinn7Hq8V1mWUWT_d1HdULMuUpjgInd24SP-u4W0PAjN57YoLzy0omsnfivHrCQolLSp0h0eBV8C_1-Q8gSvwqlv4zgslVUodbcm8LtnFMKVvb1DJa6/s320/IMG_20240118_120837.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMvIgVUl_aS-G4_6y84YcNa87ithFkoWiezE2vsdI3zNGkFW3pySI0053JY1QN9IF8DGcMOJr6kKRV9JnasB8c7RpBFebdqJYiIRCumLs4wF3ogSgXYGyOE3qrzqMGYLoeZ_kIZtid5hrEUJtyETRTkgovd-tzsFAIrQkRr-zIkMOhtlCw8KOP5CzH6fL/s1600/IMG-20240118-WA0067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMvIgVUl_aS-G4_6y84YcNa87ithFkoWiezE2vsdI3zNGkFW3pySI0053JY1QN9IF8DGcMOJr6kKRV9JnasB8c7RpBFebdqJYiIRCumLs4wF3ogSgXYGyOE3qrzqMGYLoeZ_kIZtid5hrEUJtyETRTkgovd-tzsFAIrQkRr-zIkMOhtlCw8KOP5CzH6fL/w480-h640/IMG-20240118-WA0067.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I think is the crux. Sporty with 1 axe.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46VUOvKNs_g9wHthfiLhr4758D5SM7PJEOl2z9i3Q5g2jD4e7lFcYwCZznMZXiIO-t18Y4NCq-OYDfjgoLjZRWBFQrKq45_OdOZGqsApNQip_SPySLl1irhTysnkbgewJxCAV8R7IpHsKijlPwwWvO-FZTEjrr9kVxRJ9nKezAIWIkubnJlrE2lWOpjmD/s4160/IMG_20240118_120837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46VUOvKNs_g9wHthfiLhr4758D5SM7PJEOl2z9i3Q5g2jD4e7lFcYwCZznMZXiIO-t18Y4NCq-OYDfjgoLjZRWBFQrKq45_OdOZGqsApNQip_SPySLl1irhTysnkbgewJxCAV8R7IpHsKijlPwwWvO-FZTEjrr9kVxRJ9nKezAIWIkubnJlrE2lWOpjmD/w640-h308/IMG_20240118_120837.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above the crux..easier ground</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9soQfjC2POnJNLfTy7_yWY_1TO2CiZBcVvS_kiGYncmwKNi_RdmL-W99Yi1vIyoOm0g7S5XfoVNgR6HzorssdZdx9bzo1k3uuqwvpDZEyf6J95GkLSqFpkckG4sPFzxsrxweK1NV-0eCLpGrIn4VTC01GnP9OwR1c24-nshv9kexfUyrMuHQMU_4jHw5L/s1600/IMG-20240118-WA0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9soQfjC2POnJNLfTy7_yWY_1TO2CiZBcVvS_kiGYncmwKNi_RdmL-W99Yi1vIyoOm0g7S5XfoVNgR6HzorssdZdx9bzo1k3uuqwvpDZEyf6J95GkLSqFpkckG4sPFzxsrxweK1NV-0eCLpGrIn4VTC01GnP9OwR1c24-nshv9kexfUyrMuHQMU_4jHw5L/w480-h640/IMG-20240118-WA0061.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Right from the start Curve was fat with ice and offered great climbing. I took one axe off the bag, and after putting on the crampons we set off up. After the initial step over a rock the narrow steep section just beyond is I think the hardest section of the climb. The ice was a little sparse but good enough and it soon passed. Easy going follows up through more open ground until, a little below where the gully deepens and cuts straight up towards the summit. Here some nice sections up through some slabby rock keep things interesting. From there all the way to the top, some great little sections of bulging fat toffy ice was a joy to climb. Things are never very steep but water ice deserves respect and a little care is required. I would say that the route offers a very very nice grade 2 climb in icy conditions. When banked out with snow it gives a grade 1 climb. It is a long climb and by the time we reached the summit we had been on ice for 300 metres. It was a joy to reach the top and enter a calm sunny wonderland. We enjoyed a bite to eat and descended the Heavenly Gates and back to the car. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblDyledrrN5OICgLi1-lYp789f-A4bNN6EObB40dan8xAfd5C7WZbDKGeQF9q_RBv97u4LPgcQbRea57hzB9d81ZE2_vRmdsTcSEPdImYCzpbWqieY7wSSmv7LkixHqUIZey8ZY9UN9EgaXel8L92hoZhRYhOo0IhnzpEMQhKJO-cq_kyAUoxyJlMerPz/s4160/IMG_20240118_122341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblDyledrrN5OICgLi1-lYp789f-A4bNN6EObB40dan8xAfd5C7WZbDKGeQF9q_RBv97u4LPgcQbRea57hzB9d81ZE2_vRmdsTcSEPdImYCzpbWqieY7wSSmv7LkixHqUIZey8ZY9UN9EgaXel8L92hoZhRYhOo0IhnzpEMQhKJO-cq_kyAUoxyJlMerPz/w640-h308/IMG_20240118_122341.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave cruising it..Entering the upper section</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcRS03TOfSeNHQMzaAHyTSrscy37Vm63UFnH7MECH3B7RenFtn9ImnwkFbiIbWMtBcXFHrrT8qV_FOn8485u6QiaiHUpyuS2ZtrhhBLPUzECM8j-EFGIJzini5XjbtGhmpS3-q_VOUonyP0ZxVcdPpVd5ZYGFjJrXEsOCzP_GCIbrKdNHQWJGBO3HAatP/s4160/IMG_20240118_123408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcRS03TOfSeNHQMzaAHyTSrscy37Vm63UFnH7MECH3B7RenFtn9ImnwkFbiIbWMtBcXFHrrT8qV_FOn8485u6QiaiHUpyuS2ZtrhhBLPUzECM8j-EFGIJzini5XjbtGhmpS3-q_VOUonyP0ZxVcdPpVd5ZYGFjJrXEsOCzP_GCIbrKdNHQWJGBO3HAatP/w640-h308/IMG_20240118_123408.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fat with ice</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPlvIjBj7tIsTsf6Ppquuw1PvJRK-g9aoKFss08Q5ZtNwmDYxY7TYDcj5Glx9Po4D0lI2yUV6FHaI6205IJnaKkRrzhBXYGER5YjkgzPsY-5Ez3I13-Wa3svRU8Xv6t3Ax5OZixRsMZv-9uM86IGYo667FeKyYEmsn4Z1vq4GxcoEgSrsaLRnafvTZu8r/s4000/20240118_133258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPlvIjBj7tIsTsf6Ppquuw1PvJRK-g9aoKFss08Q5ZtNwmDYxY7TYDcj5Glx9Po4D0lI2yUV6FHaI6205IJnaKkRrzhBXYGER5YjkgzPsY-5Ez3I13-Wa3svRU8Xv6t3Ax5OZixRsMZv-9uM86IGYo667FeKyYEmsn4Z1vq4GxcoEgSrsaLRnafvTZu8r/w640-h288/20240118_133258.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a day to be on the summit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY89X4vXPlNdnORgVrCpPnIrv_jSqDp-4ytfLqJoTikDlfzeL6eClbg-73alevhfzvT6SETNmeM9dkVnL3E1vd-5oBwhP47ef5O8dOE1JdV27RArvq5pJbFMvHjpeJXRbmRrOYrAWX3tF29C3jdAXoutPCeRvqoaP-RikdNcZzIFLGiy7a7XpmTAx8QO9I/s4000/20240118_133323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY89X4vXPlNdnORgVrCpPnIrv_jSqDp-4ytfLqJoTikDlfzeL6eClbg-73alevhfzvT6SETNmeM9dkVnL3E1vd-5oBwhP47ef5O8dOE1JdV27RArvq5pJbFMvHjpeJXRbmRrOYrAWX3tF29C3jdAXoutPCeRvqoaP-RikdNcZzIFLGiy7a7XpmTAx8QO9I/w640-h288/20240118_133323.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />It had been a fabulous outing in wonderful company. Thank you Connie.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-18260532272622920682024-01-17T10:11:00.002+00:002024-01-17T17:58:40.476+00:00The Knockmealdowns and Three Mountain Days on the DIngle Peninsula<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnKuYxhZ20piUdGr3LO-YjQ1NPwkCg_ElAzuUD_C2PKezUebtUkWBvCzFnBnNjzJTatNczoMTLGXzp9jPgX-wU8ATHqeyNmxJJo-bY_EKF-8CN5ujRf4BftE4FIaTU2yAXROZghSjSs76xhw9-oxVx3HrstIfada2DWKNOWZw9FmSP_LChpREO6VoAhfC/s5184/IMG_2324.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnKuYxhZ20piUdGr3LO-YjQ1NPwkCg_ElAzuUD_C2PKezUebtUkWBvCzFnBnNjzJTatNczoMTLGXzp9jPgX-wU8ATHqeyNmxJJo-bY_EKF-8CN5ujRf4BftE4FIaTU2yAXROZghSjSs76xhw9-oxVx3HrstIfada2DWKNOWZw9FmSP_LChpREO6VoAhfC/w640-h360/IMG_2324.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Saturday January 6th;</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After working from Christmas through the new year I was determined to try and make the most of my long weekend off. So with that in mind I headed to the Knockmealdowns on Saturday morning for a hike before continuing to Youghal where I fished till past midnight in the search for the illusive cod. The fishing was less than wonderful but my hike on the mountains was great and I enjoyed a nice circuit from The Vee to Knockshane. Then up along the broad ridge to reach Knockmoylan before a final push to reach the highest point in the range, Knockmealdown itself at 794 metres. The views were extensive and great. To the east lay the Comeraghs and beyond them Slievenamon and the Blackstairs could be seen. To the northwest, the Galtees stretched out and to the south the coastline of east Cork and Waterford gleamed like silver. It was a beautiful day but it was cold, and the strong biting wind on top made it no place to linger, so I wasted no time in turning for the final top of the day Sugarloaf 662 metres over three kilometres away. The climb to the top warmed me up again and it was a straightforward descent from the top directly to the car. It had been a short outing of just eleven kilometres and almost 900 metres of ascent in just less than three hours.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdNm2PJdiWN0QAXKhHZ6olvSbdH0L1vH2rTmg0_zRcDBKsDN39ZNhzVW0l335it48LSZReBP_kNNzdASFlhaLTTj70P_Teqj28DkeqvoCRSJ8WggaTW2XYcflWasyh_v2kOmddBu_Tc3SP2sOtVK9atSNo3ACKaO98jrcr0tKNanwZqXGXdweylO9xVAG/s4160/IMG_20240106_151941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdNm2PJdiWN0QAXKhHZ6olvSbdH0L1vH2rTmg0_zRcDBKsDN39ZNhzVW0l335it48LSZReBP_kNNzdASFlhaLTTj70P_Teqj28DkeqvoCRSJ8WggaTW2XYcflWasyh_v2kOmddBu_Tc3SP2sOtVK9atSNo3ACKaO98jrcr0tKNanwZqXGXdweylO9xVAG/w640-h308/IMG_20240106_151941.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From Sugarloaf towards The Galtees</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZX6wZFrG4wd0hTE1LdbMCTFqbupL2bql4JHFoqiw9vy0U0GAT7ZZqH4qwX6s-QFoOLx5EFG_rimX6tupX9ISfCLZGOi35yu54pHM-BVXYE4O-3cRIoP5sGFMXWxIRSfneY4BnMfvTeAFw5v5enqbY9xahZCa4PDnEi5S-39RQVxlSj_wBbHyRudrhq9hq/s4160/IMG_20240106_140611.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZX6wZFrG4wd0hTE1LdbMCTFqbupL2bql4JHFoqiw9vy0U0GAT7ZZqH4qwX6s-QFoOLx5EFG_rimX6tupX9ISfCLZGOi35yu54pHM-BVXYE4O-3cRIoP5sGFMXWxIRSfneY4BnMfvTeAFw5v5enqbY9xahZCa4PDnEi5S-39RQVxlSj_wBbHyRudrhq9hq/w640-h308/IMG_20240106_140611.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Looking east from Knockmoylan</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Monday January 8th;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After my climb on the Knockmealdowns on Saturday I went to Youghal for a spot of fishing. I had limited success but stuck at it till half past midnight. I then camped by the beach at Caliso bay and while it was quite cold, it was worth it to rise at dawn on Sunday and enjoy the sunrise while I shook the ice from my tent.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">On Monday morning I decided to head west and enjoy the delights of the Dingle Peninsula. I checked myself in to the excellent Mount Brandon Hostel in Cloghane and decided that a hike up Bartregaum and Caherconree would be ideal as they were the nearest hills to me and I could then settle into the hostel before another fishing session at Fermoyle beach. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwC6rEuDVXLw3HccYW3vRBxDl3pAynYZUtWZXY6N5wFnhCAggvZWaNcONHIVyKGWIgfGxIcdZujZNoqMgN6BWEla51JG3CR7bE3m6mdF5sXEzEphEGP1KgCAd_-QLd-NwTCOzCBpob9IdoUhM_LkBr3ibqcdxBIsv2UUrhRKj09hG_cyhGbiVwjzvVybo/s5184/IMG_2315.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwC6rEuDVXLw3HccYW3vRBxDl3pAynYZUtWZXY6N5wFnhCAggvZWaNcONHIVyKGWIgfGxIcdZujZNoqMgN6BWEla51JG3CR7bE3m6mdF5sXEzEphEGP1KgCAd_-QLd-NwTCOzCBpob9IdoUhM_LkBr3ibqcdxBIsv2UUrhRKj09hG_cyhGbiVwjzvVybo/w640-h360/IMG_2315.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Looking towards Beenoskee and Brandon</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher_ytP3F8ltyWYUDRTStm7eKkGvWnvW90ntm2THvFg5d3HW29nkB9eVA6M2vlRKJdocsw_xVExW-kasdPU9xQTelCwg8kBBC0Bh1VhP0ptYh0EfONVBGJzSiKLXuF_-uPZkE-IEqyIOw-RcrJxgoUnquceRKukvUOU1zqZu5wxYqDzZBts-JjWUGvXW8M/s5184/IMG_2314.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher_ytP3F8ltyWYUDRTStm7eKkGvWnvW90ntm2THvFg5d3HW29nkB9eVA6M2vlRKJdocsw_xVExW-kasdPU9xQTelCwg8kBBC0Bh1VhP0ptYh0EfONVBGJzSiKLXuF_-uPZkE-IEqyIOw-RcrJxgoUnquceRKukvUOU1zqZu5wxYqDzZBts-JjWUGvXW8M/w640-h360/IMG_2314.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As the hike wouldn't be too big I didn't have too early a start and it was a leisurely 11.40 when I started off from the car. There was a little cloud clinging to the top but I was confident of enjoying great views on the way round. The route climbs the the broad spur that descends from Baurtregaum North East Top. The hardest part of this is the initial steep climb up through long heather until you finally reach the crest after a punishing couple of hundred hard won metres. Now the going is a bit easier, as the ground is less steep, until an easement is reached at Scregg up over the 600 metre mark. I should say at this point that it was quite cold. The ground was frozen solid and out of the wind the temps were probably hovering at freezing. Throw in the stiff wind and things felt quite wintry indeed. Unfortunately the cloud had actually increased by now, and by the 700 metre contour I was enveloped in the mist and all views were gone.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqg2BrYlEfVQYbhtj5Cog_a3GjJc0GQnIx9GGmvyicXjArZfKJK38HG-eVOd_J8mn8nqLnZDu_eCai0qlUJpur-4LdHA08ORvHvBoLi-6VQsXqBGejYxm7X0VnGJZxBZamLvJOnDe95we_9XU4aQxt8xA1B0b7HuzcvjSJoLAv9jGog4cTcXQCv6ueObGz/s5184/IMG_2319.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqg2BrYlEfVQYbhtj5Cog_a3GjJc0GQnIx9GGmvyicXjArZfKJK38HG-eVOd_J8mn8nqLnZDu_eCai0qlUJpur-4LdHA08ORvHvBoLi-6VQsXqBGejYxm7X0VnGJZxBZamLvJOnDe95we_9XU4aQxt8xA1B0b7HuzcvjSJoLAv9jGog4cTcXQCv6ueObGz/w640-h360/IMG_2319.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjtRhNAXBgXX7oeLa1537ZC2hkXq936UZkmCMBu59jRruFS7zYvbHDdLUrfT7TIOJdGamtQxLmnSagK2UBSb-U-V7RKp46nVrXniR0rBpW2PXU5w5gFJMsNgxuVMCtD4EQq4fc_roPW_te4j6QUv90gyVBDYh8K0ZDa-g8wE94iD-HhljTxqdL-LaA0H5/s5184/IMG_2318.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjtRhNAXBgXX7oeLa1537ZC2hkXq936UZkmCMBu59jRruFS7zYvbHDdLUrfT7TIOJdGamtQxLmnSagK2UBSb-U-V7RKp46nVrXniR0rBpW2PXU5w5gFJMsNgxuVMCtD4EQq4fc_roPW_te4j6QUv90gyVBDYh8K0ZDa-g8wE94iD-HhljTxqdL-LaA0H5/w640-h360/IMG_2318.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Add in the wind and it felt very wintry indeed.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAmwuw06n9ukUJt9cWZFKWCrmjhBNPWwhL8DYRx0F3w50Ygl2OYQRz8wwD2Dpq23Z3BX94WYSzjjmApH9Pxqa2KouAvfDGA48u0r9XVkbL9hheOQlaD9egGicwcdAR2alYdhFxhzABMGyvlLg5tKaVvvJFMrS5gES72YsrcK_fSDsxeQP9dWVY77Ot32g/s5184/IMG_2316.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAmwuw06n9ukUJt9cWZFKWCrmjhBNPWwhL8DYRx0F3w50Ygl2OYQRz8wwD2Dpq23Z3BX94WYSzjjmApH9Pxqa2KouAvfDGA48u0r9XVkbL9hheOQlaD9egGicwcdAR2alYdhFxhzABMGyvlLg5tKaVvvJFMrS5gES72YsrcK_fSDsxeQP9dWVY77Ot32g/w640-h360/IMG_2316.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Glad to be lower...looking towards Fenit.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I was still enjoying myself. By the time I reached the broad stony summit 850mtrs), things had taken on frozen look, as all the rocky were coated in hoare frost. The wind was quite strong by now so I didn't delay before setting off towards the next top of the round Caherconree at 837 metres. There is a drop of 150 metres to reach the wide col and down here I was briefly under the cloud. Dingle Bay could be seen below me, and it gleamed silver in the low sun. I was soon on the very nice ridge that rises towards Caherconree and before long I could see the cairn loom out of the mist. The wind was now very strong indeed and I was at times being blown sideways as I curved around the rim of the corrie. I suspect it was a combination of lack of concentration, the mist, and the very strong wind, but I somehow contrived to do a complete 180 turn, and walk in entirely the wrong direction back past the cairn, and down the wrong side of the mountain. I descended to about the 700 metre contour and once again emerged under the cloud and I knew that I had gone very wrong. I had of course neglected to bring a map and compass, but I knew the lay of the land, and I climbed to once again reach the summit of Caherconree, and this time I paid more attention to my route and descended correctly. The strong wind continued all the way down until I was back below the 300 metre contour. It was a super relief when it eased as I was getting quite cold, especially my hands as I only had light gloves on. All and all not my finest hour. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">12 kilometres; 1000 metres ascent in 4 hours. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I returned to the car and continued west and a long warm shower and a change of clothes restored me. After having a bite to eat, I went and fished Fermoyle beach from 18.00 until 22.30. All I got was lumps of weed, one of which snapped my new rods tip section. Oh Dear.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Tuesday January 9th;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After a good nights sleep I emerged from the hostel to a beautiful crisp morning. Being ever the optimist, I went and spent an hour digging enough lugworm for another couple of fishing sessions, before returning to the hostel, and after another bite to eat I set off on my hike. I love being able to walk to the mountains from my accommodation, and when the views are as good as they are in Cloghane, even a few kilometres on the road is a pleasure.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9OA5UMZ1SNaKOoddu7H5UU_1RaE5d2mOgj9hh7RzGMTkjK01AKYFw99Vkt5mTABu812cjpwI4efVwU80ZbI3FzFUrmvekpig5zKJyRfrKgRpzMWC7dMCQ0spbilxZ-xPS0XZAD_eVghkg7Gd2j7RfX5JCKR3rnsc8gqQRpsMOCBML5d6j1uhdfdv-Dw2/s5184/IMG_2328.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9OA5UMZ1SNaKOoddu7H5UU_1RaE5d2mOgj9hh7RzGMTkjK01AKYFw99Vkt5mTABu812cjpwI4efVwU80ZbI3FzFUrmvekpig5zKJyRfrKgRpzMWC7dMCQ0spbilxZ-xPS0XZAD_eVghkg7Gd2j7RfX5JCKR3rnsc8gqQRpsMOCBML5d6j1uhdfdv-Dw2/w640-h360/IMG_2328.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Looking across to Beenoskee</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-Z7Jxdz2FC8jK6zrEpRrwky04IG4wo6GYe9O5lIRhiztDRRR6G1pU7iDDss4qrvVR9br54B3zHJTfd3jcsNA3ErI5_vjrgNmAWm8V1WS3rhyphenhyphenvUy4SHdycEr97dObtQmioceh-vDEbTSCZcpc4Dgoh1JzAYx-0smHDAwfSh-qJr_6Wb6xT3IHiQsU2Dea/s5184/IMG_2323.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-Z7Jxdz2FC8jK6zrEpRrwky04IG4wo6GYe9O5lIRhiztDRRR6G1pU7iDDss4qrvVR9br54B3zHJTfd3jcsNA3ErI5_vjrgNmAWm8V1WS3rhyphenhyphenvUy4SHdycEr97dObtQmioceh-vDEbTSCZcpc4Dgoh1JzAYx-0smHDAwfSh-qJr_6Wb6xT3IHiQsU2Dea/w640-h360/IMG_2323.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If views like these don't entice then what will.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I decided that a climb up the steep spur that rises above Lough Avoonane and climbs to Gearhane, was the perfect way to reach the main ridge. This involves a four kilometre walk in along a quiet little lane, that extends to the end of the valley beneath Ballysitteragh. The views were just sublime as some wispy cloud played along the ridges and tops of the main ridge. Across the wide expanse of bog, the glories of the mountains from Slieveanea to Beenoskee we a delight. I was like a kid in a sweetshop.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOjQgZtF7ExZZCRmMtTzOtcSVTYtrjNUzaNlyXUIrGixDou1_PhiEVQSfiPaL2yjvM8f8VAfeV5tpDRmECPxHCIX5OR_sdIT5sz9voF69UZ98UmTUFv4Y6EeZwwqELXtr8sWzMInS4CLVBihKECrXNNCnPTVQFoC6UVci2T1p4GZpla1KjPfd0Rdo_ZMM/s5184/IMG_2325.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOjQgZtF7ExZZCRmMtTzOtcSVTYtrjNUzaNlyXUIrGixDou1_PhiEVQSfiPaL2yjvM8f8VAfeV5tpDRmECPxHCIX5OR_sdIT5sz9voF69UZ98UmTUFv4Y6EeZwwqELXtr8sWzMInS4CLVBihKECrXNNCnPTVQFoC6UVci2T1p4GZpla1KjPfd0Rdo_ZMM/w640-h360/IMG_2325.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Up the spur left of centre...Brandon Peak the highest point.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">After leaving the road, a farm track rises to the lakeside, and once you cross the outflow, then the climbing begins. The next two kilometres are pretty unrelenting, and six hundred meters are gained. I was feeling strong and I kept up a nice steady pace. Once near the summit I was treated to the stunning scenery of the western side of the massif. There, Slea Head, the Blasket Islands, the Three Sisters and more, are laid out in a wonderful display that is rightly famous all over the world. There was also less wind today, and while it was still cold and breezy, it was easy to pause and take it all in. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SzHT66_S5YHYzfTbISrJ6mnxhyphenhyphen2vcDR78Pwx5uMbShyphenhyphenhZn9Vfb02zeZMK_p-5cfx3nBn1in7-TfQe3yfd6iK_E2DvU18Py-7fioAEMNUxbVFON1YHYRiMs64IoUY3nmd8wV2FNWY11aAbJpC-eqRt8ItSsQlbshChRawh41q0UafVjqWnNJ_80qg_KxS/s5184/IMG_2329.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SzHT66_S5YHYzfTbISrJ6mnxhyphenhyphen2vcDR78Pwx5uMbShyphenhyphenhZn9Vfb02zeZMK_p-5cfx3nBn1in7-TfQe3yfd6iK_E2DvU18Py-7fioAEMNUxbVFON1YHYRiMs64IoUY3nmd8wV2FNWY11aAbJpC-eqRt8ItSsQlbshChRawh41q0UafVjqWnNJ_80qg_KxS/w640-h360/IMG_2329.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></div><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yxrELC_PH77dk9emrumydiY5ltIbSkuoOoz4DVYw7RtnsaVKXhsmgT7N2LdEg3zT85MV36QTzzVjVVSP9JJ6s8Hbo24qFcRq9jAs0y5NDhbuw3sQAhOHtblQxp4N72wtqgD0UZ5mgvpZwZee4Zt3Wsw4IPAOBBV11ccXxWlg-eBQnWt-o8xYtJRjTxso/s4000/20240109_121152.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yxrELC_PH77dk9emrumydiY5ltIbSkuoOoz4DVYw7RtnsaVKXhsmgT7N2LdEg3zT85MV36QTzzVjVVSP9JJ6s8Hbo24qFcRq9jAs0y5NDhbuw3sQAhOHtblQxp4N72wtqgD0UZ5mgvpZwZee4Zt3Wsw4IPAOBBV11ccXxWlg-eBQnWt-o8xYtJRjTxso/w640-h288/20240109_121152.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Towards Slea Head, The Blaskets and so much more.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZNVzgZtn0-utxzvgOwxEqJjbtHQIxHFDgESMQMSKo2npSY24qCK4CVwDhMqjTfFMiEpGzwiDUtwlIMWgasWJzRckYFIv1wiQA9jqRvhFi5_KRn4KQrSzdOEt8JztfFG02GH5PsUnOu3IMZRWPTJfhU3mvP-dzvW9iwagfdQYGDRq5w8JvOO2paYW5HTm/s4000/20240109_122715.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZNVzgZtn0-utxzvgOwxEqJjbtHQIxHFDgESMQMSKo2npSY24qCK4CVwDhMqjTfFMiEpGzwiDUtwlIMWgasWJzRckYFIv1wiQA9jqRvhFi5_KRn4KQrSzdOEt8JztfFG02GH5PsUnOu3IMZRWPTJfhU3mvP-dzvW9iwagfdQYGDRq5w8JvOO2paYW5HTm/w640-h288/20240109_122715.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Spectacular ridge to Brandon Peak</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd-AIw47VGtNt3FL0aDKhPwG3GU9QWLZw_lruMhJPB3pFovx66bIaozy9mFjW71drrMyTLTC6453Tji4PhDXMqOQRNaiTqie6YlxyM87blao_zQY-rXXRSXPrXHR1M1kkeyY377rd1ian3gfM02en8Lg7fe_OjZyeq4-XhJfs-EcG-vXsf4J4x4BSTiqx/s4000/20240109_122839.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd-AIw47VGtNt3FL0aDKhPwG3GU9QWLZw_lruMhJPB3pFovx66bIaozy9mFjW71drrMyTLTC6453Tji4PhDXMqOQRNaiTqie6YlxyM87blao_zQY-rXXRSXPrXHR1M1kkeyY377rd1ian3gfM02en8Lg7fe_OjZyeq4-XhJfs-EcG-vXsf4J4x4BSTiqx/w640-h288/20240109_122839.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The ridge to Brandon..wearing its cap.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />A nice airy walk from Gearhane and soon I reached Brandon Peak. This is a spectacular place and I enjoyed a couple of minutes here before setting off towards Mount Brandon itself. The next three kilometres were a delight and I kept to the rim of the ridge the whole way. This added a bit of climbing to the route but it was worth it. I was able to enjoy the views of the spectacular northeast face of the mountain the whole way. As is so often the case, a cap of cloud covered the summit, but this didn't take from the experience, and I was soon back under it as I continued past the top. The drop into the spectacular coum below the Faha Ridge was straightforward and soon I was walking along the track that shirts around the shoulder of Binn Faiche and descends easily back to the village. It was a simple joy for every step. Frozen frosted cliffs descended to icy little lakes and below and across the valley lay Cloghane bay and Beenoskee. The route ends literally across the road from the hostel and it was lovely to walk in and shower and change the clothes in the warmth. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOqYd_Th6RDcbna_2UWG7AD5RG-Ah_SMQKfZ9DP5i4rHi5xFcGHRiRoVyQiLlvAd0M-0hE9sg405W_VywCL97XwaGLRQxpO6g5LSMULJTW8iJQs_00ixVSD9Ym2vxzG-AWA6ffBHXM0Mq6fTPGkYLT8YwExFAmDBYsPIun7c63KOHemzB_rYfzLkXNu_2/s4000/20240109_131043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOqYd_Th6RDcbna_2UWG7AD5RG-Ah_SMQKfZ9DP5i4rHi5xFcGHRiRoVyQiLlvAd0M-0hE9sg405W_VywCL97XwaGLRQxpO6g5LSMULJTW8iJQs_00ixVSD9Ym2vxzG-AWA6ffBHXM0Mq6fTPGkYLT8YwExFAmDBYsPIun7c63KOHemzB_rYfzLkXNu_2/w640-h288/20240109_131043.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwt3ZdB6iAoTojbwxpjXgqxoWPjRzPZqdeOYuaoZ55vLnbKCGyQGcdATXoxYZBjk-G3U1t3MGCgzMd7oRXQS2WcU3oWm89GgHq6jUQUno3JCZ6C58xE8D4PYVbwR_8uDifJDBnsmCZWYq4aEnrVGnGyYynwG6NGMAKvfTnsFlS3zbaej8o_2q2D3_Ruci/s3264/20240109_135028.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwt3ZdB6iAoTojbwxpjXgqxoWPjRzPZqdeOYuaoZ55vLnbKCGyQGcdATXoxYZBjk-G3U1t3MGCgzMd7oRXQS2WcU3oWm89GgHq6jUQUno3JCZ6C58xE8D4PYVbwR_8uDifJDBnsmCZWYq4aEnrVGnGyYynwG6NGMAKvfTnsFlS3zbaej8o_2q2D3_Ruci/w640-h288/20240109_135028.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Down below the summit into the coum. Faha ridge on the left.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I went fishing once again later on to the beach near Brandon Pier. While there was no disaster like a broken rod, all that was on offer from the fishing was lots of tiny whiting. Still it kept me entertained for a few frigid hours.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The hike had been wonderful. I had covered about 18 kilometres, climbed 1400 metres in 5 hours 15 minutes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Tuesday January 10th;</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HUd72J5Y-ZzEbRnzTPaG7h7g0G8SrBgsFgs2RcSWJheLPNTYO3DYcClIfZ9Cj9LUQr1dSNpkCpMwCLRZUPWOUx_wUGCBqOCLsCh8LYM1ZoIrRe0JsAKJlO4hLLdnGo1fsDplFoDdoD9WlIkkW0QZTiUBghQC0C9RmUtGEHUxhOSoyMKqzcyCt6pUtk0k/s4000/20240110_092011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HUd72J5Y-ZzEbRnzTPaG7h7g0G8SrBgsFgs2RcSWJheLPNTYO3DYcClIfZ9Cj9LUQr1dSNpkCpMwCLRZUPWOUx_wUGCBqOCLsCh8LYM1ZoIrRe0JsAKJlO4hLLdnGo1fsDplFoDdoD9WlIkkW0QZTiUBghQC0C9RmUtGEHUxhOSoyMKqzcyCt6pUtk0k/w640-h288/20240110_092011.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Beenoskee beckons</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Well if I thought the previous morning was good then this morning was just about perfect. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and not a puff of breeze to disturb the perfection. The tide was out and even the shoreline seaweed was frosted. I decided to head to Beenoskee this morning. After checking out of the hostel I drove the few kilometres to the start of my chosen route, which started at the junction of the Cloghane-Connor Pass road. There is parking here for several cars and the route ends right there.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrhiJGv2Ag13Q9GE1pazxJwUMouVedLGlwczGk7uHAfYWCeUMEpaAf-SjlNwIRo9wi_NDrHypeStu1zeEP1kzodtfTatC3Rz5qmFFSnyk-9_Guxu5Sy0pHnBCu3NRnXUaaSv1q_DuVAl287Jl_k2fIGC8aGnntaej3CtJGhmxQf_ZL24JqpWQWdghWvCD/s4000/20240110_100458.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrhiJGv2Ag13Q9GE1pazxJwUMouVedLGlwczGk7uHAfYWCeUMEpaAf-SjlNwIRo9wi_NDrHypeStu1zeEP1kzodtfTatC3Rz5qmFFSnyk-9_Guxu5Sy0pHnBCu3NRnXUaaSv1q_DuVAl287Jl_k2fIGC8aGnntaej3CtJGhmxQf_ZL24JqpWQWdghWvCD/w640-h288/20240110_100458.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Glorious. In Glenahoo valley at the start of the climb. Beenbo beyond.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-uDyYRA8j239_gNh6qzDZVmEfmssT0QEk9jHhm4xd5LRyN4mvkqgglE8f9Kd00SOl1mDv2-fFfB34KNvd54Kqw2vcutCdnmkVi2OU5jTs0KiioGvwsAqZwqK3zr6Ua79ZnJXXYyj0y458Ln4GEBFaN2PtfpgKMc6aUM8dMKFHnrqrMb6eFU6rdGg20UN/s4000/20240110_093737.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-uDyYRA8j239_gNh6qzDZVmEfmssT0QEk9jHhm4xd5LRyN4mvkqgglE8f9Kd00SOl1mDv2-fFfB34KNvd54Kqw2vcutCdnmkVi2OU5jTs0KiioGvwsAqZwqK3zr6Ua79ZnJXXYyj0y458Ln4GEBFaN2PtfpgKMc6aUM8dMKFHnrqrMb6eFU6rdGg20UN/w640-h288/20240110_093737.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Leaving the car...The Brandon Massif.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It was 09.30 when I left the car and set off along the road for the almost three kilometre walk before I could exit and begin to climb towards the beautiful Glenahoo valley under the western slopes of the mountain. This road can be quite busy in the tourist season but on this frosty January Tuesday I only had a couple of cars to spoil the silence. After turning off the road you follow a farm track into the valley until just after a plantation of forestry you begin the climb to Binn an Tuair 592mtrs. This 500 metre climb is unremitting and only gets steeper until finally the broad summit slopes arrive. Despite it being minus 2 starting off I was sweating heavily before too long. My legs were feeling the effects of yesterdays outing, but I managed to keep up a decent pace but it was a big relief to the top. Now the going was easy across the frozen bog and before long I was on top of An Com Bán 610 metres. The view from here to the Maherees is great. After a short descent the remaining 250 metre climb to Beenoskee passes quite well. It was a delight to rest a little while on this excellent airy summit. Situated as it is in the heart of the peninsula, the views to both Caherconree and of course Brandon are superb. To the north the Maherees jut out into Tralee bay and to the south Dingle bay cuts inland and the mountains of the Iveragh peninsula stretch away.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Dk_0u4oVrupGT1m6yto_NGoJOoUKU4Ut2slMb_5V9zmuIrpLt651v22SjXbtljunRhHKjeQqld4JX7X5eGlEZXYxVpfcb5TZwbcUqLir9xfoq0MZpHuitwvIUSvGp02rxfppBMWadETE4pWv0GGj2crxKxzHVjwL3fRetSviUArmcTHZzT8U9Up-eg1V/s4000/20240110_120008.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Dk_0u4oVrupGT1m6yto_NGoJOoUKU4Ut2slMb_5V9zmuIrpLt651v22SjXbtljunRhHKjeQqld4JX7X5eGlEZXYxVpfcb5TZwbcUqLir9xfoq0MZpHuitwvIUSvGp02rxfppBMWadETE4pWv0GGj2crxKxzHVjwL3fRetSviUArmcTHZzT8U9Up-eg1V/w640-h288/20240110_120008.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Summit views....towards The Reeks</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcIdqZGilM1xEr_SS4_loWCOG8YIEKMsGdiqq6pdtkfSBgl7BSt6keBXhk1bFw5XaYoBxcde1HZmJ25aSsVYN2CSD7UbOppByV8xFhqbC9bop-jcUqo01TD4oAouN7E4WG6wTxmz7ZHfgolCCY5twgkj1Q4jG3-tTwV0s2wX8vMNy_bbYFPSaCeKVTG21/s4000/20240110_115841.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcIdqZGilM1xEr_SS4_loWCOG8YIEKMsGdiqq6pdtkfSBgl7BSt6keBXhk1bFw5XaYoBxcde1HZmJ25aSsVYN2CSD7UbOppByV8xFhqbC9bop-jcUqo01TD4oAouN7E4WG6wTxmz7ZHfgolCCY5twgkj1Q4jG3-tTwV0s2wX8vMNy_bbYFPSaCeKVTG21/w640-h288/20240110_115841.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Towards Brandon</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIhpLRy9sJWcP1aadE7c7PMDmR_yh5rV7s6YUbhyqMRr4ZZAV6bVtYPuYj-EvCtSz8tcBYSmItxVW3j3k52SSAKiexO61_Epg298Lplc5-Z9QSgzT2bkt2_hIPrSzZwjNQOOMAoTTYEK8DN05CQ9IhV7DANQT54nN1G-GePsYqBHCWY4Z5OyNqMuccVvU/s4000/20240110_115829.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIhpLRy9sJWcP1aadE7c7PMDmR_yh5rV7s6YUbhyqMRr4ZZAV6bVtYPuYj-EvCtSz8tcBYSmItxVW3j3k52SSAKiexO61_Epg298Lplc5-Z9QSgzT2bkt2_hIPrSzZwjNQOOMAoTTYEK8DN05CQ9IhV7DANQT54nN1G-GePsYqBHCWY4Z5OyNqMuccVvU/w640-h288/20240110_115829.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Maherees</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjPzof7fGDaGee69Jeew4NVGtWC_ny3g6G8pa22bx-IySbiSnCfsiSsW3p9bH7MT3vSnAPuwSWnEb5Y465EQbDlNijSf0hK3WqtGSbx9g-oPMjbEPBiaRSFfOWJyZRFUuqY3ZYkuLDM3KFAj28v_f2z1QFnibe_cexqkoyYOSpvXl4r7eQMZJHyEFfwQl/s4000/20240110_115819.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjPzof7fGDaGee69Jeew4NVGtWC_ny3g6G8pa22bx-IySbiSnCfsiSsW3p9bH7MT3vSnAPuwSWnEb5Y465EQbDlNijSf0hK3WqtGSbx9g-oPMjbEPBiaRSFfOWJyZRFUuqY3ZYkuLDM3KFAj28v_f2z1QFnibe_cexqkoyYOSpvXl4r7eQMZJHyEFfwQl/w640-h288/20240110_115819.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Towards Caherconree and the Slieve Mish</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I didn't delay for long though, as up here the calm air of the valley was replaced by a frigid breeze, so I turned and headed down to the wide basin of bog that stretches for six kilometres towards Slievanea. After losing over 300 metres I reached somewhat flatter ground. Normally the pitted and rutted bog is very wet but today it was merely pitted and rutted so traversing the frozen ground was a little easier. Once I crossed the fledgling river called Abha Mhacha na Bó at the 300 metre contour somewhat easier ground is reached for the climb to reach Beenbo at 477 metres. This is an excellent spot to survey what you have done so far but I turned without delay and headed towards the nearby Slievenagower at 486 metres. Once down, a track that skirted the flanks of the mountain proved too tempting, so I forwent the summit and instead headed for my final top of the day, Slievenalecka at 458 metres. I crossed the river that flows from the triumvirate of lakes that nestle at the end of the valley and climbed the final 130 metres to the top. What a gorgeous eerie this place is. To the left the cliffs of Slievanea drop to the beautiful Loch Chom Callain, and nestled below and to the right Lough Adoon looked equally good. I sat here and ate a late-ish lunch before beginning my descent. One word of caution here. The initial forty or so metres are very steep and do require some caution. The ground is good but a slip would be very painful at best. The difficulties are soon over and thereafter easy ground stretches to beyond Lough Adoon and the going is easy. I dropped down to the outlet of the lake and there is a track that runs from there all the way to the road. When I reached the lake side I was surprised and delighted to see an eagle fly past me coming from the end of the lake. I watched its serene passage as it headed out the valley and it just put a wonderful seal on the day. The last kilometre and a half passed easily and I arrived back at the car before 3pm. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjgg4sf_Yk-UpcmPnlNlV1ukr-29Q6y9Xv5FLG_ezqvBxI6IAVI5Brb_uZ__UhKpRJ86n8GMEpMsr99PcnfCTyayICNL1NUYsZAaltF8XmWfWNo5gnb_byZqn_SY56OwVeEdYNnsHa6WRGYZl-GyDdV2acZUMlX1n7dBi3h0mVGN34_ywggNoguoyu4e5/s3264/20240110_140556.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjgg4sf_Yk-UpcmPnlNlV1ukr-29Q6y9Xv5FLG_ezqvBxI6IAVI5Brb_uZ__UhKpRJ86n8GMEpMsr99PcnfCTyayICNL1NUYsZAaltF8XmWfWNo5gnb_byZqn_SY56OwVeEdYNnsHa6WRGYZl-GyDdV2acZUMlX1n7dBi3h0mVGN34_ywggNoguoyu4e5/w640-h288/20240110_140556.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lunchtime view...towards Slievanea</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1t1Siu1dGXNL6Q-3biSfPfAg2mO_0g6pUx6BP9cpgw5AvbmLZLSqknlSQMFQmuvWE7plM9OwpzhTHIfE3MmOtcOuHICyxKN_lx1raKeNPLOLxuxIRzbJ0r88xw1rr2sXhdrEWY0WJNOXlSR-iZnkCn9wMAUs2SBZCCUvI71K8z29zn7Lx0HH_Vmpcfe7/s3264/20240110_143138.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1t1Siu1dGXNL6Q-3biSfPfAg2mO_0g6pUx6BP9cpgw5AvbmLZLSqknlSQMFQmuvWE7plM9OwpzhTHIfE3MmOtcOuHICyxKN_lx1raKeNPLOLxuxIRzbJ0r88xw1rr2sXhdrEWY0WJNOXlSR-iZnkCn9wMAUs2SBZCCUvI71K8z29zn7Lx0HH_Vmpcfe7/w640-h288/20240110_143138.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Looking back over Lough Adoon</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Qw6SvfS4AS4n1RlO9L7KARX9wrkDtp9kKpby3dB_whNp9rBp9k3W0qatCRxDV9fcIfGEhh6oNeuiwzrTHUq7OTjNqhzcKtOmcJGoAaYAaeu2_tzXDYRJSwwd00J_VnSCt4PV5vzfgBDDtllRXO-hsvIhV9ZBUG3fPRILQVAkay64IBNNjA_jAAyxOEKd/s4000/20240110_144913.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Qw6SvfS4AS4n1RlO9L7KARX9wrkDtp9kKpby3dB_whNp9rBp9k3W0qatCRxDV9fcIfGEhh6oNeuiwzrTHUq7OTjNqhzcKtOmcJGoAaYAaeu2_tzXDYRJSwwd00J_VnSCt4PV5vzfgBDDtllRXO-hsvIhV9ZBUG3fPRILQVAkay64IBNNjA_jAAyxOEKd/w640-h288/20240110_144913.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Balmy back near the car.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />It had been another wonderful day out. I covered 19 kilometres, climbed 1350 metres in 5 hours 20 minutes.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So, over the three days I had covered much of the main mountain areas of the peninsula. Each had been different and challenging for different reasons but the one thing they had in common was the majesty and beauty of the scenery. The Dingle Peninsula is special.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-59906398357347274672023-12-22T09:42:00.000+00:002024-01-17T17:16:11.205+00:00The Grand Traverse Of The Alps---Lake Geneva to Nice<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Grand Traverse Of The Alps</span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;">The hike through the Alps from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea is a classic outing that attracts hikers from the world over. It extends to over 600 kilometres and crosses some of the most beautiful mountain terrain to be found anywhere. Work commitments meant I didn't have the opportunity to do the whole walk in one go. It normally takes 28 to 30 days to do the whole lot, so I did it in two separate trips. The arrival of the pandemic meant that there was a few years between trips and there was also a difference in seasons. The first segment was done in the second half of June and when I returned it was in the second half of October. Both occasions were outside the peak season and both trips presented their own difficulties. Later on I will try and compare and contrast the pros and cons of each occasion. I have written about each day with more of an emphasis on how I was feeling rather than a step by step guide to the route. I hope that you find the account somewhat informative and perhaps even entertaining. Enjoy.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmhoI0rdq1nKo2EbnWUuYdvXjruyOHSLYhEajqghUCuUKpYzZrmzZGGmpYij7anvHO3ew4_HGhWt4qAS00mqgpbClWz7RnHva6L2S3G00lPLp6Tu5RJCnlhowPPlEkHl2T5rSRMPU96eA/s1600/IMG_20190617_203828+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmhoI0rdq1nKo2EbnWUuYdvXjruyOHSLYhEajqghUCuUKpYzZrmzZGGmpYij7anvHO3ew4_HGhWt4qAS00mqgpbClWz7RnHva6L2S3G00lPLp6Tu5RJCnlhowPPlEkHl2T5rSRMPU96eA/s640/IMG_20190617_203828+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></p></blockquote><span style="font-size: large;"><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>PART 1</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">JUNE 2019</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div>I was off again on my travels for the second half of June. I intended to start the GR5 at Saint Gingolph on the Swiss / French border on the southern side of Lake Geneva and basically see how far I would get in the 13 days I had available. Another thing I had to bear in mind was the fact that I had to be able to return to Geneva for my flight home. Still, the logistics of the return could be resolved while I was en-route.<br /><br /><br />Monday June 17th;<br /><br />A slightly late arrival in Geneva meant that an already tight schedule became a little fraught. It was therefore a big relief when I caught the train to Lausanne I had hoped to. I managed to buy my gas for cooking at the Yosemite store, which is quite nearby, and be back in the train station in time to get my connecting train to St Maurice with a couple of minutes to spare. It was then that the shocking and unbelievable happened....the 13.50 train was 10 minutes late 😨. This made getting the connecting train to St Gingolph very tight indeed. The inevitable happened and we passed the departing St Gingolph train as we entered the St Maurice station. Efficiency gone mad I say. It wasn't the end of the world but it meant another hour wait for the next train. This meant it was 16.15 by the time I finally started on my hike. It was a bit later than I had hoped but it was wonderful to be finally underway.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpnrlfpy2_E6JeD8X9QUdJwc8YAOYCCRtdY0b8yXVYgp_p4VCwL1nUl7e_dQbgIr9-zuBamyKfCWmss5oKwpvbELW4kmLoUD_lHpdSdiYRTRjeAJqxO49_XgA5RC7b-mYlAHdpIrVqMvI/s1600/IMG_0623+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpnrlfpy2_E6JeD8X9QUdJwc8YAOYCCRtdY0b8yXVYgp_p4VCwL1nUl7e_dQbgIr9-zuBamyKfCWmss5oKwpvbELW4kmLoUD_lHpdSdiYRTRjeAJqxO49_XgA5RC7b-mYlAHdpIrVqMvI/s640/IMG_0623+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsb3t98A-LgI5qjmqn_ty56Gm3sgTZsRJIubHZGP9x0BcZcnXLyPNengPfE6RI8EgD6qQt_NH2K6PBlO2clHdlrdpSqxZeZx-IEPS6Qui3uGxlVQfY-biSL92MCnta4_RR1XAvrykEvYE/s1600/IMG_0624+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsb3t98A-LgI5qjmqn_ty56Gm3sgTZsRJIubHZGP9x0BcZcnXLyPNengPfE6RI8EgD6qQt_NH2K6PBlO2clHdlrdpSqxZeZx-IEPS6Qui3uGxlVQfY-biSL92MCnta4_RR1XAvrykEvYE/s640/IMG_0624+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Approaching Novel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpocuq3eMW4d6N1bMZJ-14U6UjSHDiGF6BiqyMFOet_k84OVX6TLeQl5TRSOMT0_U1kwyQbgTOoT2lbVPEi9AsUmXhu7MmNJcor9cCzSKl1O-bvNaBGQJEcqgo6HycJb4k3JyyoRboKXM/s1600/IMG_20190617_173327+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpocuq3eMW4d6N1bMZJ-14U6UjSHDiGF6BiqyMFOet_k84OVX6TLeQl5TRSOMT0_U1kwyQbgTOoT2lbVPEi9AsUmXhu7MmNJcor9cCzSKl1O-bvNaBGQJEcqgo6HycJb4k3JyyoRboKXM/s640/IMG_20190617_173327+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Already so wild and wonderful</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was a bright warm pleasant afternoon and the weather prospects were good for the next couple of days. This meant I would be nicely established on the route before I got any bad weather.<br />The route begins once you cross the torrent that forms the border between the two countries. After rising up through the sleepy village it isn't long before you enter the woods. The going is pretty straightforward and there isn't anywhere too steep. You pass a forest adventure park and the trail continues up. Before too long you reach a quiet road that rises to the village of Novel. This quaint little village is typically alpine and at nearly 1000 metres it offered good views back towards Lake Geneva. It also meant that I had already climbed 600 metres 👍. Ahead things opened up as the trail rose up through alpine pastures. Limestone peaks, soaring to over 2000 metres, were a delight, and of course the higher I got the better the view back also became. The trail rises to a point right beside the torrent where, several years ago I had crossed into Switzerland while on a short tour of the Chablais Alps. That time I had come from Thonon and climbed Dent d'Oche before continuing all the way to Villeneuve.<div><br />https://howlingmist.blogspot.com/2015/11/a-november-hike-between-lake-geneva-and.html</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZuZ5jArb_Ah6eoeuCs4wWpnnr0HrU2l2Ijtwh8la18QB6ukeF3MfObHJtzMI_gSUyiz7EKBbn_fVNe_xAZL9aV8AMuESEuyy7D9EnE7umEz1u3O78bRgCyETtOk9IWyHeXeQBNOelSzB/s1600/IMG_20190617_190759+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZuZ5jArb_Ah6eoeuCs4wWpnnr0HrU2l2Ijtwh8la18QB6ukeF3MfObHJtzMI_gSUyiz7EKBbn_fVNe_xAZL9aV8AMuESEuyy7D9EnE7umEz1u3O78bRgCyETtOk9IWyHeXeQBNOelSzB/s640/IMG_20190617_190759+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Getting above the tree line</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgOBwGPERFcWrn9AXJICe3TRB0ZCfTrPx9tvj6swprYppTjFd8usLGT5g0R0W6CyhJuGpOX7EGY6noxuuxlfOtE5cpsUWrak-xzoyqtKmLlZGWjBb3klJrbvsSgsZVWvazRJj0XOpoec3/s1600/IMG_20190617_192317+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgOBwGPERFcWrn9AXJICe3TRB0ZCfTrPx9tvj6swprYppTjFd8usLGT5g0R0W6CyhJuGpOX7EGY6noxuuxlfOtE5cpsUWrak-xzoyqtKmLlZGWjBb3klJrbvsSgsZVWvazRJj0XOpoec3/s640/IMG_20190617_192317+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Nearing Chalets de Neuteu</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9m6X9xBceAW6PomyL0pXu7Ri1XMH-DjttbZtEsj1iCQHys7-k6AEcjmGeFRgDnkO7HU4qqQ4bXamIWOEIA-XWQ1Ra-lUu0INS6qhvdNvHXAFozgdUT35qDdfarMBaFqSWbxiTrHwJY1A/s1600/IMG_0633+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9m6X9xBceAW6PomyL0pXu7Ri1XMH-DjttbZtEsj1iCQHys7-k6AEcjmGeFRgDnkO7HU4qqQ4bXamIWOEIA-XWQ1Ra-lUu0INS6qhvdNvHXAFozgdUT35qDdfarMBaFqSWbxiTrHwJY1A/s640/IMG_0633+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I wouldn't have fancied crossing it today as it was is spate with snow-melt and snow had also filled the steep gully in places. Indeed it had come as something of a shock to see how much snow still lay on these relatively low mountains. It was clear that I would have to contend with a lot more as I progressed on the route. I continued on my way and the climbing gets steeper as you head for the Chalets du Neuteu. This collection of alpine huts is beautifully situated on a crest, with wonderful extensive views. There is a good water source and fine level places to pitch a tent. At 1700 metres it had already been a good climb, but it was only 19.15 and I had in my head doing a 4 hour shift on day one. so I continued on. There was lots of snow still covering the slopes above but I decided to continue as far as the nearby Lac de Neuteu. This meant another 100 metres of climbing but it wasn't long before I reached it. Immediately, I found a beautiful spot to pitch my tent which I couldn't pass up regardless of the time. It was just 19.45 so I could still enjoy a couple of hours daylight. I was thrilled to have found such a great spot. The views down to Lake Geneva was wonderful, while behind the small lake, snowfields reached up to the Col de Bise (1915 metres). This promised new adventures for tomorrow. Perhaps it was a good thing to have started that hour later because I fear I would have walked on by this place if I had arrived and hour earlier. Either way the fact is I enjoyed a beautiful couple of hours in my wonderful surroundings, watching the plentiful number of male Ibex that grazed nearby, before retiring to my bed at 22.00. A long peaceful sleep in beautiful alpine surroundings followed.</div><div><br />Day 1. 10 kilometres and 1400 metres ascent...3.5 hours<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEslfjzHjjS1ErA-dxXd9fvIOzg52f0eYLke3WeXyq4p6B7Fu4AJ3cuNtBDoAmqtfmSW0fafDFVZojM3o4UmjBCrjfFRuggShIB1pb-H_eNWireXhrZJLgH8r8b16VY-_SD4smj9rIYicW/s1600/IMG_20190617_205649+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEslfjzHjjS1ErA-dxXd9fvIOzg52f0eYLke3WeXyq4p6B7Fu4AJ3cuNtBDoAmqtfmSW0fafDFVZojM3o4UmjBCrjfFRuggShIB1pb-H_eNWireXhrZJLgH8r8b16VY-_SD4smj9rIYicW/s640/IMG_20190617_205649+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Nice spot for the first night</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJq4RKYLhq_LL-iuiRH27kEpNFg439AByvMOUiWXW0tWlooZbbB9ik_6CpoKtTYWixy3F64gOf9oRlrvGWqX0BN7blFRs7yKdGrTEC4wt4NCj01WeB_KBM_8fzJebDNmsrEOhG4qLOXQ4p/s1600/IMG_20190617_212132+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJq4RKYLhq_LL-iuiRH27kEpNFg439AByvMOUiWXW0tWlooZbbB9ik_6CpoKtTYWixy3F64gOf9oRlrvGWqX0BN7blFRs7yKdGrTEC4wt4NCj01WeB_KBM_8fzJebDNmsrEOhG4qLOXQ4p/s640/IMG_20190617_212132+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Tuesday June 18th;<br /><br />I had needed a good sleep, and it was past 7am before I emerged from my tent to a glorious weather morning. Blue skies and no wind made for a very pleasurable breakfast. Even though I was at 1800 metres there wasn't a scintilla of dew on grass, or the tent, so everything packed up very nicely. I was on the move at 8 am.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH53zPLuwKqNGKJRmyv8rOtqXe-_whSJqOU9OfPeqIFILT8tvEufiTda0jJGEIrJAMD-2pj14Tzavp8cOj0nxQD1MInn_4j1d453O5RNPdk2EYnR3fbBOW5vxZtyY4C3nSC7C-zQ8FXbsI/s1600/IMG_20190618_080025+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1264" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH53zPLuwKqNGKJRmyv8rOtqXe-_whSJqOU9OfPeqIFILT8tvEufiTda0jJGEIrJAMD-2pj14Tzavp8cOj0nxQD1MInn_4j1d453O5RNPdk2EYnR3fbBOW5vxZtyY4C3nSC7C-zQ8FXbsI/s640/IMG_20190618_080025+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">A patch of flat grass was all I left behind</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vf8L69J-OnBWJwdaHKiChKnRtScVpN8Q-u7w4kiVynEEpa2go6z3lg1sQwnlzYJyNekyIb5d3nVh4MaZ7Z9thGRaBdakkh_OkfMVYgLISqGyBI1gxIbAZabmZlJ6NKaq03KsfqRko1IV/s1600/IMG_0639+%25281280x917%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vf8L69J-OnBWJwdaHKiChKnRtScVpN8Q-u7w4kiVynEEpa2go6z3lg1sQwnlzYJyNekyIb5d3nVh4MaZ7Z9thGRaBdakkh_OkfMVYgLISqGyBI1gxIbAZabmZlJ6NKaq03KsfqRko1IV/s640/IMG_0639+%25281280x917%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">At Col de Bise</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKcWFm6eUlyh3kN40SF1wEviEJRBSRqKBfx7fWQAR_vo7q_uCkdNX-vaDLG-Y_O9zMM6Yxc0HsRlnlpZydLAEU9ZWnB2ctRFWmfuIK9aYsjjathO5mgwdrCiFy9cIeSxk8jtElFCdvscV/s1600/IMG_0640+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKcWFm6eUlyh3kN40SF1wEviEJRBSRqKBfx7fWQAR_vo7q_uCkdNX-vaDLG-Y_O9zMM6Yxc0HsRlnlpZydLAEU9ZWnB2ctRFWmfuIK9aYsjjathO5mgwdrCiFy9cIeSxk8jtElFCdvscV/s640/IMG_0640+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Looking down towards Refuge de Bise</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB_QZSI5y3xGZ4hMFy9i1ou7EeDzqnbDROsIdpa_kO0YiRwosc4L9E4EENoRUG4PUJ0Yb_Sj99ThQ232vnwa7szcyt2Zmsb2D28Q9k0ixYM6N2Axh2bW1SkOqp3aYz_AIiTPmLjxP3j9o/s1600/IMG_0641+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB_QZSI5y3xGZ4hMFy9i1ou7EeDzqnbDROsIdpa_kO0YiRwosc4L9E4EENoRUG4PUJ0Yb_Sj99ThQ232vnwa7szcyt2Zmsb2D28Q9k0ixYM6N2Axh2bW1SkOqp3aYz_AIiTPmLjxP3j9o/s640/IMG_0641+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Mont de Grange with Mont Blanc beyond<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I almost immediately reached the first of the snow fields but thankfully progress was easy. The snow was firm enough that I didn't sink in too deep and there was no icy patches. Soon I reached the Col and wonderful new views spread out before me. Once I could drag my eyes down from the views that stretched as far as Mont Blanc, the next thing I noticed was how much less snow lay on this side of the Col. This was a bonus and the descent into the valley was therefore easy and rapid. At the bottom lay the Chalets and Refuge de Bise. My first cowbells of the trip resounded around the mountainsides as I headed for the little collection of alpages that clustered in the flat ground below. It wasn't long before I reached them and started up towards the next col Pas de la Bosse at 1816 metres some 300 metres higher up. It was already quite warm even though it was just 8am and the mosquitoes were also wide awake and in a biting mood. I had been sampled a fair few times before I put on the insect repellent but thankfully this was the only time they attacked me on the whole trip. I reached the pass at 08.30 and then the long and easy descent all the way to La Chapelle d'Abóndance followed. Initially down through sunny meadows before reaching the woods and then emerging into the pretty alpine skiing resort. A wee rest here and a good draught of water and I set off on the next section of the trail.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQC8SDrd9Zzwgvu0QrVYsA46MK6vb_GQxyyxIQpGHbt8N1T4tcaVMYhx-azB9cW59p_E-MFJahMyKL9CZoGf59ZC4Gq6TejcBEP_N2c8itYMXNzmUqJMVSIZpioKwqvEZCVgQanqItx5y/s1600/IMG_0643+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQC8SDrd9Zzwgvu0QrVYsA46MK6vb_GQxyyxIQpGHbt8N1T4tcaVMYhx-azB9cW59p_E-MFJahMyKL9CZoGf59ZC4Gq6TejcBEP_N2c8itYMXNzmUqJMVSIZpioKwqvEZCVgQanqItx5y/s640/IMG_0643+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Heading for Pas de la Bosse</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlcOHb7jQOx5OyStKB_xyQstQEMR9lU28UTF1L9-n3ahvYK41pGmMnizYYMiOCchEx-IRjTlZnNH_e9-Ued2K70e5vMqDo0kUkY0pcElRMeXhIUNpkJCeKSokJWIqfUaJnsWYw_Z5V1qf/s1600/IMG_0644+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlcOHb7jQOx5OyStKB_xyQstQEMR9lU28UTF1L9-n3ahvYK41pGmMnizYYMiOCchEx-IRjTlZnNH_e9-Ued2K70e5vMqDo0kUkY0pcElRMeXhIUNpkJCeKSokJWIqfUaJnsWYw_Z5V1qf/s640/IMG_0644+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">First views of the Dents du Midi</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-90dwz1t-Ivm-8hCHtCf6AWvZxMqoy_bKgoxlaslAIapixKl9esVE0IWzppMz5BBXA2Z0JP86ayFKj0VIgq0S9iDvuNxs0O0nYxhh0J2zTPhffXf-NJubLdbo_6HpUu2GnykIWzqauiuA/s1600/IMG_0647+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-90dwz1t-Ivm-8hCHtCf6AWvZxMqoy_bKgoxlaslAIapixKl9esVE0IWzppMz5BBXA2Z0JP86ayFKj0VIgq0S9iDvuNxs0O0nYxhh0J2zTPhffXf-NJubLdbo_6HpUu2GnykIWzqauiuA/s640/IMG_0647+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">In La Chapelle d'Abondance</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> A kilometre or so on the road before a right turn saw me heading once again into the woods. It was certainly cooler in here, but I was climbing again, so things got hot. The long pull to the next pass entailed nearly 900 metres of ascent, but there then followed a delightful section where you traversed under the eastern flanks of Mont Grange. Next came a gentle drop to Lenlevay, and after following a dirt road gently downhill for a couple of kilometres, there was a final 100 metre climb to Col de Bassachaux at 1777 metres. I had already covered a nice bit of ground today and I started to turn my mind to finding somewhere to call home for the night. The GR traverses easily under the crest of the broad ridge until it reaches a farm and beyond passes under a ski lift. Not long after this I found a delightful spot for my tent and I called it a day. It was just past 4pm so I was able to while away a lovely long afternoon and evening just chilling and basking in the warm sun and enjoy my surroundings.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJS_f_NVv16deng0y2-y2Jq5ClexvMFH-j6-9eLjyFFFQVpRaQlvPXz-Jc-ytzgU2u2Lv4Ye8lFqvmj7HpRaKx8LvqegSznIdM2EdvLLyj4h18pfVQm4Gvf6irpXNhpecHThRY8_qH_Zxa/s1600/IMG_0653+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJS_f_NVv16deng0y2-y2Jq5ClexvMFH-j6-9eLjyFFFQVpRaQlvPXz-Jc-ytzgU2u2Lv4Ye8lFqvmj7HpRaKx8LvqegSznIdM2EdvLLyj4h18pfVQm4Gvf6irpXNhpecHThRY8_qH_Zxa/s640/IMG_0653+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Approaching the shoulder of Mont de Grange</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QWa5jJHP0oJj7ttiXuaPgIB-vesLNUX3f10lKI6xmH2efSeGP1hH43jVNuw5j40AFc3rxxlaVDHgr6GVlhqjfei5Omw2Nn4UU0nGw4sxuwlRoYhJZHv7oeSDOw2FQsQ7fxkziIm3fcyt/s1600/IMG_0654+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QWa5jJHP0oJj7ttiXuaPgIB-vesLNUX3f10lKI6xmH2efSeGP1hH43jVNuw5j40AFc3rxxlaVDHgr6GVlhqjfei5Omw2Nn4UU0nGw4sxuwlRoYhJZHv7oeSDOw2FQsQ7fxkziIm3fcyt/s640/IMG_0654+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Lenlevay</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGRkB6DvnkgqdN9gG5B8xfFIS4mNZ_LFFDZJx8HQE23Gsd4FenVKs6wnGGL0-wbf-N24uLD1B8cT5w8872Hdn3pgGoybDOyoubOEtz8yKqAGQWoue3EOc2NQlgqWXYT8b3DjvQL3vRz2E/s1600/IMG_0656+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGRkB6DvnkgqdN9gG5B8xfFIS4mNZ_LFFDZJx8HQE23Gsd4FenVKs6wnGGL0-wbf-N24uLD1B8cT5w8872Hdn3pgGoybDOyoubOEtz8yKqAGQWoue3EOc2NQlgqWXYT8b3DjvQL3vRz2E/s640/IMG_0656+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsIL8-y8mCJRr45SWpO_ksbolMzq2ksWn61bXDdqX-8Z0cqdma_9ItOMfTLPVsXmE5EMgd7y1Vr-42DT_sbKORsYJcVozvubVCaB-f90Z0rQHAoFqiRJ8Jqh9epKwcohSRsBIaXr-vOZP/s1600/IMG_0657+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsIL8-y8mCJRr45SWpO_ksbolMzq2ksWn61bXDdqX-8Z0cqdma_9ItOMfTLPVsXmE5EMgd7y1Vr-42DT_sbKORsYJcVozvubVCaB-f90Z0rQHAoFqiRJ8Jqh9epKwcohSRsBIaXr-vOZP/s640/IMG_0657+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Slightly menacing clouds..no rain tho</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmh8QowDeP-4nGVA0iwQ6-4IkmnknpgOT57LCasKdujTgnIJhyVmGQpxejlV5m5XWXoz-yM-xPjMM0PKvfLC0nfg7-JV7z_TE7LB2x_yAntssU0bWnkYP1Hy29lYVMpe-80p18B0ICzgH/s1600/IMG_0660+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmh8QowDeP-4nGVA0iwQ6-4IkmnknpgOT57LCasKdujTgnIJhyVmGQpxejlV5m5XWXoz-yM-xPjMM0PKvfLC0nfg7-JV7z_TE7LB2x_yAntssU0bWnkYP1Hy29lYVMpe-80p18B0ICzgH/s640/IMG_0660+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Point de Chesery</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Day 2...8.15 hours...27 kilometres...2150 metres climbing and 2100 metres descent.<br /><br />Wednesday June 19th;<br /><br />I didn't sleep as well as the night before, but I felt well rested nonetheless when I got up just after 5am. I was wide awake so there didn't seem to be much point in staying abed any longer. And why would you want to as it was such a beautiful weather morning. Mind you, the forecast was for things to deteriorate in the afternoon, so an early start seemed like a good idea anyway. I was fed and packed and on the move again for 6am. Today I had something of a quandary as I was entering Switzerland for a while before coming out at Col de Coux. I then hoped to get as far as the town of Samoens. My problem was, I didn't have a map for the Swiss section, or the section from the col to Samoens, so my timings and calculations were entirely based on guesswork. As I had camped at over 1800 metres, it was a very gentle start to the day to reach my first goal Col de Chessery 1995 mtrs. This I reached by 7am. Plenty of snow lay about and Lac Vert, which lay just beyond the delightfully quaint Refuge de Chessary, was almost entirely covered in snow. A dirt road led around the lake and up to the next pass Portes de l'Hiver which lay at 2096mtrs. It was probably the easiest 300 metres I gained in the whole trip. Here the stunningly beautiful massif of the Dents de Midi was in full display across the deep wide valley. It is simply gorgeous. It is definitely one of my favourite massifs in the Alps. When I could tear my eyes back to the trail, it too was a delight. An easy descent to 1850 metres to a collection of chalets and small "fromageries" followed. Then the trail went on a long traverse on a quiet lane that took you all the way to the valleys end below Col de Coux. After passing a small dairy where the dozen or so cows were just being returned to pasture after milking, the trail drops down to the final farmstead at 1645 metres. This leaves just 274 metres of climbing to reach the col. It was still only 10.30am when I arrived at this wonderful viewpoint.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28nVrNmfsJgjLK45AYxWdRHzuzOHtcoh3i7RV-vXBZrf5x-lFJsW9akEJI5bhAxmtW5DfIi0EXlvKfEltjiFEH_-XRe4nfmjYrq3P_rJze59ayT_N5aC1C-BtQNy2OHiiYE5yHk3WusfK/s1600/IMG_0661+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28nVrNmfsJgjLK45AYxWdRHzuzOHtcoh3i7RV-vXBZrf5x-lFJsW9akEJI5bhAxmtW5DfIi0EXlvKfEltjiFEH_-XRe4nfmjYrq3P_rJze59ayT_N5aC1C-BtQNy2OHiiYE5yHk3WusfK/s640/IMG_0661+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Easy walking</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaeTALUwvPG8c8aEzJ8tvTd2MBe-SEWlx_9Q8vkvhNhqul4bV-Bc7ejqvwPZ6zejv1qv4mQWdCVvQ7gPkFvdU2wslX1XlrGplKqeGGGFyBHImDin4SBbXUM_Qf_jK_405blWYDIU4hajJ/s1600/IMG_0662+%25281280x900%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaeTALUwvPG8c8aEzJ8tvTd2MBe-SEWlx_9Q8vkvhNhqul4bV-Bc7ejqvwPZ6zejv1qv4mQWdCVvQ7gPkFvdU2wslX1XlrGplKqeGGGFyBHImDin4SBbXUM_Qf_jK_405blWYDIU4hajJ/s640/IMG_0662+%25281280x900%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwFy_10qfGRWtmiRs1HS18Dc9xKxuZsVd7b__dLbOYgZAPFUe6QD43-64a8znO1mBvr2H9LP7_fdMLn5eFVlXdEBYWxHM5lpMi_cGNWxakgZA_yBLNKTmAYy3jFJzO4odU9ohqi3l9DNH/s1600/IMG_0663+%25281280x815%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwFy_10qfGRWtmiRs1HS18Dc9xKxuZsVd7b__dLbOYgZAPFUe6QD43-64a8znO1mBvr2H9LP7_fdMLn5eFVlXdEBYWxHM5lpMi_cGNWxakgZA_yBLNKTmAYy3jFJzO4odU9ohqi3l9DNH/s640/IMG_0663+%25281280x815%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">A mostly frozen Lac Verte</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Vasj8FjIvTOmFbQ9cgn8sgGbf6VEHQLKMju2dj8K74f2wEYR-Rf_PlUh3p1kzFFdMgJLegjNL9bvaUyLT1vtLD935Ue0gJZXaevi1QDcWbbR__CwWlVJRsSYDDYGkixyTmUfuKq5swp/s1600/IMG_20190619_072236+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Vasj8FjIvTOmFbQ9cgn8sgGbf6VEHQLKMju2dj8K74f2wEYR-Rf_PlUh3p1kzFFdMgJLegjNL9bvaUyLT1vtLD935Ue0gJZXaevi1QDcWbbR__CwWlVJRsSYDDYGkixyTmUfuKq5swp/s640/IMG_20190619_072236+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">What a view The Dents du Midi .Le Tour Saliere and Mont Ruan</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVjtnEsUur4sRrkBF_8sbS3X3R8pEq0wqIdjcxZUO-MFifhnGyE0gjmbyqiyzdES4oDD25OQDKUW4SX7LtJuSiBygJGCM-iw5-sz_OV-mPaH8TyioHIQgD9a2lbGPO1FvaXEieSqTWfpB/s1600/IMG_20190619_080239+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVjtnEsUur4sRrkBF_8sbS3X3R8pEq0wqIdjcxZUO-MFifhnGyE0gjmbyqiyzdES4oDD25OQDKUW4SX7LtJuSiBygJGCM-iw5-sz_OV-mPaH8TyioHIQgD9a2lbGPO1FvaXEieSqTWfpB/s640/IMG_20190619_080239+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Col de Coux a long way ahead</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBYPDQSuf4JwYYmN24A3Pv4-A2c0srv3Vq_yco3sZHa65FggVSQD3dal7mgV0jJseOtv92Z4jdclF6hFrGfZYEWP1sFXqHns-5eOV0kBWE6LENFYI2zDbCt-hv1sIAiCZ9-TKKXXaXM6b/s1600/IMG_20190619_084951+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBYPDQSuf4JwYYmN24A3Pv4-A2c0srv3Vq_yco3sZHa65FggVSQD3dal7mgV0jJseOtv92Z4jdclF6hFrGfZYEWP1sFXqHns-5eOV0kBWE6LENFYI2zDbCt-hv1sIAiCZ9-TKKXXaXM6b/s640/IMG_20190619_084951+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCGa2Nwbzuplt0v0KD7qBML1ryKRFMwtrQ1639geqkWDra9kPgq8VVtdui_hRv7V7epzRCKjfPWn179Ws1cr6yL3kBN5z_M14LBsmkdPliATXt5wYz8W8FXzt6QB2sJmm1BwynS13ho-4/s1600/IMG_20190619_093055+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCGa2Nwbzuplt0v0KD7qBML1ryKRFMwtrQ1639geqkWDra9kPgq8VVtdui_hRv7V7epzRCKjfPWn179Ws1cr6yL3kBN5z_M14LBsmkdPliATXt5wYz8W8FXzt6QB2sJmm1BwynS13ho-4/s640/IMG_20190619_093055+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Rucksack in no mans land..Switzerland on the left and France on the right.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Okay, so that was the Swiss section over with, now all I had to do was get to Samoens. The weather was showing no signs of deteriorating and it was again quite warm in the sun. From the col you drop down to 1400 metres before the next climb takes you to Col de la Golése at just over 1600 metres. There is a refuge nearby but it was still early (just 11am) and as I had just seen a sign that said Samoens was just three hours away I was confident I could reach it even if the weather turned bad. The Dents du Midi had been left behind but the new star of the show was the impressive rock walls of Les Dents Blanches. The going was super easy as the trail followed a dirt road for several kilometres. The dirt road eventually morphed into a tarred one and the heat increased as I got lower. Now, normally I get a bit pissed off if I have to spend too much time on tarmac, but the joy of the flower filled meadows which teemed with life and birdsong, the chirping of crickets and profusions of butterflies, was simply intoxicating. Shortly before I entered the town of Samoens the trail cut between two lush high meadows and ran alongside a dry stone wall. Suddenly there was this commotion to my left and I was startled by two animals heading rapidly for me through the waist high meadow. My alarm (I initially thought they were dogs) turned to delight as I saw they were two roe deer. At about 5 metres from me they spotted me and the small stag veered away and jumped over the wall before stopping about 30 metres away to wait for his companion. She had instead retreated back whence she came and after several seconds pause he continued up the meadow. It had been a wonderful few moments.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifg2cxhDL3IAb01cACan4Vb_rLuiapnYED3wZpYYyE_ta0amQ9SLW0vUBCVt6YlSJWdTWxYnefHhXNlSPSwDV8s_nJrl_aJyRe_TEzGpbZRaLSyMiIo5IdiYiaHybyjupnmcI89DaP5V7X/s1600/IMG_0669+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifg2cxhDL3IAb01cACan4Vb_rLuiapnYED3wZpYYyE_ta0amQ9SLW0vUBCVt6YlSJWdTWxYnefHhXNlSPSwDV8s_nJrl_aJyRe_TEzGpbZRaLSyMiIo5IdiYiaHybyjupnmcI89DaP5V7X/s640/IMG_0669+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Looking towards Col de la Golese</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfEKUBHX96phGPlTMH0rWxwFAabmQJQeUz9g_ao4MZ3dmElaiLcX3r04bC4JPfH8FSWCN-qWg1Po3xeucWe_-PSkR8tP0OjeW_BDvvZpEYEsruQlylwu6_L6CQjSBw5bGEAhKQ1dmXcPo/s1600/IMG_0670+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfEKUBHX96phGPlTMH0rWxwFAabmQJQeUz9g_ao4MZ3dmElaiLcX3r04bC4JPfH8FSWCN-qWg1Po3xeucWe_-PSkR8tP0OjeW_BDvvZpEYEsruQlylwu6_L6CQjSBw5bGEAhKQ1dmXcPo/s640/IMG_0670+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">At col</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBYSXcOGHVqBdwNTMN7wAIsSOU8vqQVjyu3zGw0A_GK3Vw26Lth5d4HL9ZxCb_4zWwGVNkHysoh-97grzplOBkdlrxEzexl2hlbtSAe78uZb0cfyfvR9ViUPw09Wnvf96XQlO1YvLQVv-/s1600/IMG_0676+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBYSXcOGHVqBdwNTMN7wAIsSOU8vqQVjyu3zGw0A_GK3Vw26Lth5d4HL9ZxCb_4zWwGVNkHysoh-97grzplOBkdlrxEzexl2hlbtSAe78uZb0cfyfvR9ViUPw09Wnvf96XQlO1YvLQVv-/s640/IMG_0676+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Warm sunny</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7L64_nb4XuJZFK-17GkI3KT_UcipYgRuUbzcswEWxXeMY-G8kpdkoyhf3SjUdN1XujPDEdGKpuNtv5uOIWS53TMYN2V6qBubVlZ9Ozv6t6v-p6P3DWkjPlcmpYPw0Mf02XxF3qbSyPdqg/s1600/IMG_0677+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7L64_nb4XuJZFK-17GkI3KT_UcipYgRuUbzcswEWxXeMY-G8kpdkoyhf3SjUdN1XujPDEdGKpuNtv5uOIWS53TMYN2V6qBubVlZ9Ozv6t6v-p6P3DWkjPlcmpYPw0Mf02XxF3qbSyPdqg/s640/IMG_0677+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Entering the lovely Les Allamandes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_9VRVQBcKxT9GB9Vd6b35qoKRf8aw-TFZ2yQRDbgtrxhCWZuVgd_YbkvvOESn8hn3YI0ccJS_uLKm2NJm_nkS2PNVhHW9CQ1zuUj5ENg1jJRjLubbUd9_pGpHsivTjgesgBvBcNfIcuJ/s1600/IMG_0679+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_9VRVQBcKxT9GB9Vd6b35qoKRf8aw-TFZ2yQRDbgtrxhCWZuVgd_YbkvvOESn8hn3YI0ccJS_uLKm2NJm_nkS2PNVhHW9CQ1zuUj5ENg1jJRjLubbUd9_pGpHsivTjgesgBvBcNfIcuJ/s640/IMG_0679+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">A parapunter dwarfed by the landscape...what could be more alpine</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Soon I entered the town and then I had to walk about another kilometre to reach the campsite. It was just 13.30 and the office was closed until 14.00 but it was no hardship to relax in the comfy chairs and wait in the shade for a while. I had my tent up and was brewing some tea by 14.30. After a suitable rest I went and explored the very pretty town and got myself some food supplies for the next few days. The sun baked down right into the evening and of the poor weather there was no sign. It had been a very good day.<br />Day 3...26 kilometres...930 metres climbing...2080 descent in 7.5 hours.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvnlLQyNGpmbInoS_M4NtPGMSpOXb2ILel_hGVyaht16SxTVvNsGFuEMHxDJH3CPjE840nyj5QCBYCMsfVrwXBnXc9FCi0Fjq8hA1gm5TRDTKW-c8grnC6O3y9CQ86YK4ViNTZ-775tfd/s1600/IMG_20190619_122436+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvnlLQyNGpmbInoS_M4NtPGMSpOXb2ILel_hGVyaht16SxTVvNsGFuEMHxDJH3CPjE840nyj5QCBYCMsfVrwXBnXc9FCi0Fjq8hA1gm5TRDTKW-c8grnC6O3y9CQ86YK4ViNTZ-775tfd/s640/IMG_20190619_122436+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhqCTe9ByzsWxbDeZjT4ILG4Xs4VFpASk2bcfrMV0MFpoLG6d7kPrwwImxv79i3odAj1V2Asqi7blTS-03mbDGX2G9nT0AoGMWFU6H9I-gxh6FyUgms83FdVmKFmnI1EA6TPvzFpoOrse/s1600/IMG_20190619_152214+%25281280x600%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhqCTe9ByzsWxbDeZjT4ILG4Xs4VFpASk2bcfrMV0MFpoLG6d7kPrwwImxv79i3odAj1V2Asqi7blTS-03mbDGX2G9nT0AoGMWFU6H9I-gxh6FyUgms83FdVmKFmnI1EA6TPvzFpoOrse/s640/IMG_20190619_152214+%25281280x600%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Wonderful views in Samoens</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CtpzobLHbf0jJ0u2OIpywKP_YiP5yusv-79qZu7cZ2euB8e06Ztm2wodOYQFtgRePD1MHGqPZYMJ3LY0MKbmNBLSfJhmeLxKwNbcNQoEL86KX2Y63Lq51cObGPfsydRY8p3okQ-vY7JA/s1600/IMG_20190619_152448+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CtpzobLHbf0jJ0u2OIpywKP_YiP5yusv-79qZu7cZ2euB8e06Ztm2wodOYQFtgRePD1MHGqPZYMJ3LY0MKbmNBLSfJhmeLxKwNbcNQoEL86KX2Y63Lq51cObGPfsydRY8p3okQ-vY7JA/s640/IMG_20190619_152448+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Nicely filled 😁</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Thursday June 20th;<br /><br />The sun was hidden behind a veil of cloud this morning. I got up at 7am and it was still dry, but it didn't stay that way for long. Things were a little damp by the time I left at 07.45. It was certainly not cold so I just put my lightweight rain gear on over the shorts and T shirt. It was only light rain and the trail initially ran alongside the powerful river all the way to the next village, Sixt, some five kilometres away. It was a nice atmospheric start to the day, and it got more interesting, when, after crossing the river, it thundered through a super narrow cleft of rock. Suddenly the trail climbed and entered an old dry river gorge. This was an enchanting place and a lovely bonus on the day. After exiting the gorge the trail climbed steeply for a short while before descending back to the river near Sixt. Now the nature of the outing changed again. The river was left behind and the trail followed a forest road and rose gently up into the woods. My solitary outing was also left behind and there was a surprisingly large number of people on the trail. One group were fascinated by some paw prints in the mud that looked possibly like Lynx tracks. Height was only very slowly being gained until finally the trail cut a more direct line up through the woods. It crossed the road that chicaned up the mountainside several times until it reached a large spectacular thunderous waterfall(Cascade du Rouget), the spray from which was the wettest part of the day.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nCEobQnfFnUwmIHl2Pwcs9DoPWUZpSaJILhWrUsqcBHMgY-EinvZi1YBLqjWoF4Mm1VlRdovffJs44FhUOEypmbyNTU8jvm5hu-MXIfv80K23v-89jVON-s41EDkdDkdKh1Y-gE39o8-/s1600/IMG_20190620_085254+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nCEobQnfFnUwmIHl2Pwcs9DoPWUZpSaJILhWrUsqcBHMgY-EinvZi1YBLqjWoF4Mm1VlRdovffJs44FhUOEypmbyNTU8jvm5hu-MXIfv80K23v-89jVON-s41EDkdDkdKh1Y-gE39o8-/s640/IMG_20190620_085254+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">A big river in a small place</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK40IgAWCOZ-ShDDLdb92ycRMZ_TkA2rsIv0Vq6NSajUjgSzASCXQV9nT9hGvdOdfj9KYjNwoBqDikmD-mayXCcTeyZX7iv414BKUB1JUiagd4Z20JO-GjoERMGW_9W8kIJ5lkWEvaH98/s1600/IMG_20190620_085818+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK40IgAWCOZ-ShDDLdb92ycRMZ_TkA2rsIv0Vq6NSajUjgSzASCXQV9nT9hGvdOdfj9KYjNwoBqDikmD-mayXCcTeyZX7iv414BKUB1JUiagd4Z20JO-GjoERMGW_9W8kIJ5lkWEvaH98/s640/IMG_20190620_085818+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Gorges des Tines</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEuiLV8bDgalI0iXT_jVn3rKaFsWoptTh1CuEccTUkumkDtjdW7kFyhTqMWfYJj_lEKTaW8lwLOg1CP4tw4dC3du5G-ybARNA8XdR0QUpaMWBHAzCxpUPZ6yUqPG5mwUcOcFubPz0A3Lc/s1600/IMG_20190620_092018+%25281280x605%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1280" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEuiLV8bDgalI0iXT_jVn3rKaFsWoptTh1CuEccTUkumkDtjdW7kFyhTqMWfYJj_lEKTaW8lwLOg1CP4tw4dC3du5G-ybARNA8XdR0QUpaMWBHAzCxpUPZ6yUqPG5mwUcOcFubPz0A3Lc/s640/IMG_20190620_092018+%25281280x605%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Still magical as I approached Sixt</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhEu-ktY4wD_Pe8iQRao-FtxitzUmqQk6TynezNBHiTno8yrK6wBqPuabzfAR9dExhu0IUbJqYi3W6Q7SIXIDiev4dMnc3oF2IOcsbkqsbWmvc6DZu7ZS0dyb-JPIgLTzXiaVs2qPlhd4/s1600/IMG_20190620_092157+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhEu-ktY4wD_Pe8iQRao-FtxitzUmqQk6TynezNBHiTno8yrK6wBqPuabzfAR9dExhu0IUbJqYi3W6Q7SIXIDiev4dMnc3oF2IOcsbkqsbWmvc6DZu7ZS0dyb-JPIgLTzXiaVs2qPlhd4/s640/IMG_20190620_092157+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0POvXPm9zHAvCaz4v9NeDgqGbteNvxZkikWr_tvzKGbyHbbatPIZVy1yI3saW4iedyGJt5UhDIsL6AFMSIFGQnmSwIao5R3wRQZdWolawQDx4SY9XJ9nyfPuX5u4kBco-Xg7J3Sjijd6/s1600/IMG_20190620_101246+%25281280x696%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0POvXPm9zHAvCaz4v9NeDgqGbteNvxZkikWr_tvzKGbyHbbatPIZVy1yI3saW4iedyGJt5UhDIsL6AFMSIFGQnmSwIao5R3wRQZdWolawQDx4SY9XJ9nyfPuX5u4kBco-Xg7J3Sjijd6/s640/IMG_20190620_101246+%25281280x696%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The thunderous Cascade du rouget</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After this a more normal trail followed and reached another lovely waterfall (Cascade de Sauffaz). By now blue skies were appearing and the waterproofs were able to be packed away for the rest of the day. There is always something lovely about a day that starts off gloomy and then clears to reveal the majesty of the mountains that surround you. My spirits matched the temperature and soared. By the time I reached Collet d'Anterne at 1790 metres it was another glorious weather day. Easy walking followed as the trail continued to the quaint Refuge d'Anterne. The wall of rock that stretched from Point d'Anterne (2733mtrs) to Point de Sales (2495mtrs) and formed the right hand abutment of the valley was huge, beautiful and more than a little awe inspiring. I stopped for a short rest here and soaked up the sun and the view before setting off on the next section. First up was getting across the swollen stream that the path crossed not far beyond the refuge. The bridge was missing so a little care was needed to cross. After this the track rises steeply up the hillside for 300 metres until you reach the crest and head for Lac d'Anterne, which was nestled in a snow filled basin. The snow covered lake and snow covered ground that rose to Col d'Anterne (2257mtrs), coupled with the impressive rock wall that filled the sky to the right, made it a very impressive alpine sight indeed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSR3DOeR6nx0R80q0UKlT_Zgm0SPHnKHE7VHB1TcIE23Pu1jwsQ7hxwS7HZFuVVmbq0Lvw3l2G9UWJncR4ArLkMZj19-vA2qP9OHxOpBP1o-d45HxY-1413DxZfag4UIsAQeO8HRLoXiW9/s1600/IMG_20190620_112230+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSR3DOeR6nx0R80q0UKlT_Zgm0SPHnKHE7VHB1TcIE23Pu1jwsQ7hxwS7HZFuVVmbq0Lvw3l2G9UWJncR4ArLkMZj19-vA2qP9OHxOpBP1o-d45HxY-1413DxZfag4UIsAQeO8HRLoXiW9/s640/IMG_20190620_112230+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItlEr3v3LRdOgxrVGy3sm_dv_WLM9UNoWS3OuRkY7HIYXWodqSV1e15AcS3kgdpKR9EFtj02cBst8OWZW3iraP6mukvwF-LmZzCLHHfaR44Ro4YaxIurlLjHjA6-fm0dASbtaXra1xt2k/s1600/IMG_20190620_121155+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItlEr3v3LRdOgxrVGy3sm_dv_WLM9UNoWS3OuRkY7HIYXWodqSV1e15AcS3kgdpKR9EFtj02cBst8OWZW3iraP6mukvwF-LmZzCLHHfaR44Ro4YaxIurlLjHjA6-fm0dASbtaXra1xt2k/s640/IMG_20190620_121155+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Point de Sales and Col d'Anterne beyond</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1rgkPxR07KUas7YbcIPV3DjIZwmoDff6lSLolYuXbdTXcZeezrKUbGUHTAtQWPDMiUWLjZLydI6DUA-TSUW5gbLXUkDoOEMJr2ddumxA6yES7WFtw4POtIEdcWvfzdyQo3nZLGIdzXWH/s1600/IMG_20190620_130539+%25281280x579%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1280" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1rgkPxR07KUas7YbcIPV3DjIZwmoDff6lSLolYuXbdTXcZeezrKUbGUHTAtQWPDMiUWLjZLydI6DUA-TSUW5gbLXUkDoOEMJr2ddumxA6yES7WFtw4POtIEdcWvfzdyQo3nZLGIdzXWH/s640/IMG_20190620_130539+%25281280x579%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Clearing up nicely...looking down on Chalets d'Anterne</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCD_MPZ5s88YSfMLSfMTmIIDe_mGTY9zNa6TfQzG-otMcvcr-DwRrrt1sSxuHb-NJagjB2o7k8ugKXNACX3M7eMpUyOoJmHnc2ZfwDS0K8PMuTRXnWKo3HYCOiPGzwQDTU30kwlZtx8Ta/s1600/IMG_20190620_130613+%25281280x505%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="1280" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCD_MPZ5s88YSfMLSfMTmIIDe_mGTY9zNa6TfQzG-otMcvcr-DwRrrt1sSxuHb-NJagjB2o7k8ugKXNACX3M7eMpUyOoJmHnc2ZfwDS0K8PMuTRXnWKo3HYCOiPGzwQDTU30kwlZtx8Ta/s640/IMG_20190620_130613+%25281280x505%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqkIoZ2ifu8eNZG-EeZtMmusuTswtmVbnDnvLmL2q6QkpbMUOPptBhsD9McuhxebGNGxRChyphenhyphen4Pm0-g8GKZkUeuXe-C0T2-l_q9BTfnuwCKnkxEtdokF39YZCHazhwhXrr75_5hJASD6vR/s1600/IMG_20190620_132119+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqkIoZ2ifu8eNZG-EeZtMmusuTswtmVbnDnvLmL2q6QkpbMUOPptBhsD9McuhxebGNGxRChyphenhyphen4Pm0-g8GKZkUeuXe-C0T2-l_q9BTfnuwCKnkxEtdokF39YZCHazhwhXrr75_5hJASD6vR/s640/IMG_20190620_132119+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Reaching the snowline</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kaTNbzuf1Je7tzes57rFmLTibJNMz2aoxootAexmzwG7Lxr8a0dCk6RXYiEvPmhSyh0zWcRJTKGsnDWQzN5RWo12oxWrLbqhMDeg6CBq9yQc8AKz6Zg4Ee55Nquvw16QxBCGMGtz8VxL/s1600/IMG_20190620_133444+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kaTNbzuf1Je7tzes57rFmLTibJNMz2aoxootAexmzwG7Lxr8a0dCk6RXYiEvPmhSyh0zWcRJTKGsnDWQzN5RWo12oxWrLbqhMDeg6CBq9yQc8AKz6Zg4Ee55Nquvw16QxBCGMGtz8VxL/s640/IMG_20190620_133444+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Lac d'Anterne with the col beyond. I went on the right hand side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Here in the snow covered ground, the way ahead wasn't clear, and I didn't know which side of the lake to take to reach the col. I opted for the right hand side (which wasn't the correct side) and this added maybe fifty metres extra climbing as I negotiated the many knolls that barred the way. It also added a little distance, as the lake stretched further to the right than I initially thought and I was quite relieved to find that the lake outlet was easily crossed by a "pont naturalle". I guess having a decent map would have been a good idea. All went well, and I soon reached the col. I could see the Refuge de Moede Anterne wasn't too far away and it was just a couple of hundred metres lower down. I resolved to stay there for the night. I soon reached the old fashioned but nice refuge and I was quickly sorted out with a bed. A shower and a change of clothes restored me and a very nice relaxing evening followed. I met a few other guys that were doing the GR5 and a nice atmosphere built up as the refuge gathered perhaps another twenty souls who stayed the night. I went out to take some pictures before dinner and suddenly the clouds beyond the Aiguilles Rouges parted and I got glimpses of the Aiguille de Midi and Tacul looking huge and wonderful. It came as something of a shock. One doesn't expect to see other mountains soaring skyward when you are already in a valley with big mountains all around. It really showed the scale of these ice clad giants. Anyway the rain returned after dinner and some rumbles of thunder growled and I was glad I had opted to stay in the refuge instead of bivouacking nearby as some others did. As an aside, those guys couldn't have picked a more uneven spot to pitch their tents. It must have been impossible to avoid sliding down to the tent walls in the night.<br />Day 4...21 kilometres...1900 metres ascent...670 metres descent...7 hours 45 mins.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9xkyoufGGkMOP9DY2GTW8lyrCf9Ya098iCJBCQorBndg4wulT0sKSTnho2WLL77QRg4oBLL-TwoU4TQv_zIEE3qTz2urF0lhyiOuAfxSeQT4RM_Cte_f3vgAWKki44zKuO7f5c8GdsgQ/s1600/IMG_0687+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9xkyoufGGkMOP9DY2GTW8lyrCf9Ya098iCJBCQorBndg4wulT0sKSTnho2WLL77QRg4oBLL-TwoU4TQv_zIEE3qTz2urF0lhyiOuAfxSeQT4RM_Cte_f3vgAWKki44zKuO7f5c8GdsgQ/s640/IMG_0687+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Aiguille du Midi appears briefly</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7hykrBj1sC0gNlBTW8BO5lSQHtj5b4JwaFMVYCQ4_eEj0vlI7aGMA9MyvmMAzjaThD7rxrA6Za8LM-cnqFpWGt_ocUYdr3iEuefw94rLdxLXf_cPlAMLwmJ8HZEvcvrj67d0aw6cmxJx/s1600/IMG_20190620_143940+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7hykrBj1sC0gNlBTW8BO5lSQHtj5b4JwaFMVYCQ4_eEj0vlI7aGMA9MyvmMAzjaThD7rxrA6Za8LM-cnqFpWGt_ocUYdr3iEuefw94rLdxLXf_cPlAMLwmJ8HZEvcvrj67d0aw6cmxJx/s640/IMG_20190620_143940+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLLE2KUqXHo4k5KSCKDfCQyZ295DRVuZgI5lwwl_cXe3ZXc83BqSU1ZAcPF-4VbFQ7wXKYvC_GiznTR6rL-Mp2X31GZGLj4aF4DLaZ4t7EsAE0dzLE0bxmOq_ccscfQ08Q9Gxz2Y2FU7B/s1600/IMG_20190620_143945+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLLE2KUqXHo4k5KSCKDfCQyZ295DRVuZgI5lwwl_cXe3ZXc83BqSU1ZAcPF-4VbFQ7wXKYvC_GiznTR6rL-Mp2X31GZGLj4aF4DLaZ4t7EsAE0dzLE0bxmOq_ccscfQ08Q9Gxz2Y2FU7B/s640/IMG_20190620_143945+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Some wall of rock</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3cA1YyAMM8xPb-8d6pyoZs5sSa49EOi3X4XAq1IbVutgmYK-OtVAdn4-97H4AzqCs6jPqtk3qu2H4HsdvK2w2BqGNEr9Qnf1piafecV1qE2IwgXHxew1A6FcoFFVpQ_x58Eim6Xwa9ei/s1600/IMG_20190620_150048+%25281280x602%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3cA1YyAMM8xPb-8d6pyoZs5sSa49EOi3X4XAq1IbVutgmYK-OtVAdn4-97H4AzqCs6jPqtk3qu2H4HsdvK2w2BqGNEr9Qnf1piafecV1qE2IwgXHxew1A6FcoFFVpQ_x58Eim6Xwa9ei/s640/IMG_20190620_150048+%25281280x602%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Getting near Refuge de Moede Anterne</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELSFUocTIiNBf44M2dD1CaX9xMu5FxIaQOCIpemACQwyAWCH4hjAEhQ4X7aNcA6nfpX2NrOVB_X_kMreph0jkZbDFiX3IBaLpkKi8kDV4HlvwWPFZRnOVeb_-9ju4hyphenhyphen0p3hc-dYkO-4TQ/s1600/IMG_20190620_164327+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELSFUocTIiNBf44M2dD1CaX9xMu5FxIaQOCIpemACQwyAWCH4hjAEhQ4X7aNcA6nfpX2NrOVB_X_kMreph0jkZbDFiX3IBaLpkKi8kDV4HlvwWPFZRnOVeb_-9ju4hyphenhyphen0p3hc-dYkO-4TQ/s640/IMG_20190620_164327+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Friday June 21st;<br /><br />The rain had cleared up this morning but it was certainly not a blue sky day. I left the rain gear in the top of the rucksack and set off on the next leg of the journey.<br />I had intended to get what maps I needed for the next sections of the hike in Les Houches but one of the guys I met the previous evening showed me an app which he was using. This contained the IGN maps of France. It was called <span class="st"><i>iPhiGéNie. </i>I had downloaded it last night and I must say I was mightily impressed. Not only did it show a detailed map and have the trails marked but it also showed your exact location so you could see at a glance if you were actually on the correct trail. I used it for the remainder of the trip and it proved to be invaluable. </span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvvsFWybYQALDqQhTUThXFQofWUtCiU7qd31bjBKl6R4xGlik3-KPPtF-6vw_-dlwU9pLo-76fFyuaWj03vj5K8bKXd4a6waTJjNV5jToU9plIw9itGMZn_70Ubkrapvr1WdwjhISHv-k/s1600/IMG_0692+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvvsFWybYQALDqQhTUThXFQofWUtCiU7qd31bjBKl6R4xGlik3-KPPtF-6vw_-dlwU9pLo-76fFyuaWj03vj5K8bKXd4a6waTJjNV5jToU9plIw9itGMZn_70Ubkrapvr1WdwjhISHv-k/s640/IMG_0692+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Nearing Pont d'Arleve. The trail can be seen rising up the far hillside</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMo_je7eIkn4MYTSx_J3okU4xMzm-VlPZx-cTN3KresF_c9lYLzqd52Yx0vMK0QzrADuS-DfMg-rITeyD2KBPHVNSk3LSB9yoyUUoK7rzi3iKrBVc0A7GR5WwAimWhFjsTvp8LloU_ImbB/s1600/IMG_0693+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMo_je7eIkn4MYTSx_J3okU4xMzm-VlPZx-cTN3KresF_c9lYLzqd52Yx0vMK0QzrADuS-DfMg-rITeyD2KBPHVNSk3LSB9yoyUUoK7rzi3iKrBVc0A7GR5WwAimWhFjsTvp8LloU_ImbB/s640/IMG_0693+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="st"><br /></span><span class="st">The day starts nice and easy. The trail descends past the Chalets de Moede into the back of the deep valley until you reach the bridge that crosses the river at the 1600 metre contour. Next comes the long pull that heads for Col de Brevent which was some 650 metres higher up. The trail contours up and across the slope so the going is actually quite easy. I was moving well and enjoying the day and the threat of rain seemed to be receding. At around the 2000metre contour the snow fields make an appearance once again and by the time the col came into view things were looking very alpine. The way ahead was now entirely on snow and I passed some people who were putting on crampons. To be fair even if I was carrying them I wouldn't have put them on as the snow was taking a good step and there was nowhere that the slopes were steeper than 40 degrees. The track cut left and right up the main slope but I just went straight up and it was quick and easy. What I thought was the col proved to be a gap some two hundred metres before, and fifty metres below, the actual col. Once I reached the col the track traversed to the right and headed for the Brevent peak itself. Once I reached the final slopes to the summit the trail heads further to the right and begins its descent towards Les Houches. I began to climb the final 40 metres to the summit but when I saw that it was also the top of the lift and held a large crowded viewing platform I decided it wasn't for me and turned instead and began the long descent.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubYKDMyxf9Gh_dXfzNicl2D6-fndyWYAFOYP97tTHOOePPuZeCcrOVSgS7OhyphenhyphenX4PwXq-ofil3Jf7IbL4M8iBKdHaCkY7-xSgEFBbWYVVCh9S_zDT0PalaCKI8DOlLXjhjbyYA3vu1wk-2/s1600/IMG_20190621_080154+%2528615x1280%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="615" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubYKDMyxf9Gh_dXfzNicl2D6-fndyWYAFOYP97tTHOOePPuZeCcrOVSgS7OhyphenhyphenX4PwXq-ofil3Jf7IbL4M8iBKdHaCkY7-xSgEFBbWYVVCh9S_zDT0PalaCKI8DOlLXjhjbyYA3vu1wk-2/s640/IMG_20190621_080154+%2528615x1280%2529.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YjP-FcQfz5TSHAaXf1oGxubU6bnzkxg1YySmxbKbiwjIoEJf2oA9Zu0GpfiQjPMfoslL97LV0lqueq7d9D23_EqXlixLNz8LFJ0Pf0ZEk7oE6xCaZgLhmsLL8L0awStSaUiE14VPyMX2/s1600/IMG_20190621_094323+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YjP-FcQfz5TSHAaXf1oGxubU6bnzkxg1YySmxbKbiwjIoEJf2oA9Zu0GpfiQjPMfoslL97LV0lqueq7d9D23_EqXlixLNz8LFJ0Pf0ZEk7oE6xCaZgLhmsLL8L0awStSaUiE14VPyMX2/s640/IMG_20190621_094323+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Heading for the col</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQpPTVmENcxXBq3cO-F4ZE80hOTUHqMQwsl-EJx3He7wQCZ0ybJJbruNjMUnDPxvoe85ZzE1WW2jEG_PjJk7Mgpzvju8yiGAZJRqGWVDim3gD9YWgliXXu_NSWmGUj_2urE11cIRUnxDC/s1600/IMG_20190621_100524+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQpPTVmENcxXBq3cO-F4ZE80hOTUHqMQwsl-EJx3He7wQCZ0ybJJbruNjMUnDPxvoe85ZzE1WW2jEG_PjJk7Mgpzvju8yiGAZJRqGWVDim3gD9YWgliXXu_NSWmGUj_2urE11cIRUnxDC/s640/IMG_20190621_100524+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Back down the snow slope</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9S9fUy_MDQC_JglrU-hgNBt0WBXLQBFTLbLxDAXeOSnwsWMGzPUJQhBAutaTuaGtmyM7z8pkMceYEOfIaMg6OLUqD09LA-9w-DQOSn1w8mRbiX512nejuJhcTwSitSOkjaw8XtQpN7QRt/s1600/IMG_20190621_102618+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9S9fUy_MDQC_JglrU-hgNBt0WBXLQBFTLbLxDAXeOSnwsWMGzPUJQhBAutaTuaGtmyM7z8pkMceYEOfIaMg6OLUqD09LA-9w-DQOSn1w8mRbiX512nejuJhcTwSitSOkjaw8XtQpN7QRt/s640/IMG_20190621_102618+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Heading for Brevent</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0F57Z3mnt_zLW6hBmXQk5EUy2nEZpSpHGdZhCPfLdtEA6zDP4YptCIicAFawPXk248QI7lLtFVeP21VX1ifxk4FRMS9EJlEIO585mnZc1KqC27dZMBfLHrrboSONMog6reLbzhsvWRxo/s1600/IMG_20190621_121127+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0F57Z3mnt_zLW6hBmXQk5EUy2nEZpSpHGdZhCPfLdtEA6zDP4YptCIicAFawPXk248QI7lLtFVeP21VX1ifxk4FRMS9EJlEIO585mnZc1KqC27dZMBfLHrrboSONMog6reLbzhsvWRxo/s640/IMG_20190621_121127+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Finally a view to the "big boys"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="st">The going was now mainly snow free once the southerly aspect was reached. The trail was also much busier, filled with the people that had used the lift from the Chamonix valley to Brevent, and of course, I was now also on the Tour the Mont Blanc. I stopped for a bite to eat once I reached a water source and enjoyed the view down to the valley floor far far below. The trail drops steeply down the mountainside and entered the woods. The giants across the valley kept their heads in the clouds but it was spectacular nonetheless. Once in the trees, the trail zig zagged relentlessly downwards and it takes a long time for the town to appear any nearer. I guess when you are dropping from nearly 2500 metres to just 1000 metres then it is going to take some time. I was delighted with how my body was coping though, and I revelled in the fact that I was injury free. Eventually I reached the road before the train station and I set off in search of somewhere to stay. Now I had usually stayed up near Argentiere when I camped in this area but Google maps told me there was a campsite on the far side of the town near Bellevue, so I headed for that. I passed a gite in the middle of the town and was briefly tempted, but I pushed on. To say that I was disappointed to find that no such campsite existed when I got there would be an understatement. Left with little choice, I returned to the town centre and checked into the Gite Michel Fagot. This was very pleasant and very full with the hoards doing the Tour de Mont Blanc. Not long after I settled in, the rain returned with some vigour and continued on and off into the night.</span><br /><span class="st">Day 5...20 kilometres...1300 metres ascent...2250 metres descent in 6 hours 45 minutes (not including the search for the campsite)</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2ijQUcvJtfvvmE1vFh4ImLCAfjSomfTWceeg-7uHHAekvD8Za1YAxJfHlKjz0CrKvU2W3KuB3X0TuCxMbO7gCJpxl5YE1JGi3qK53KLFQZn6C5Tr48lIVJXZlUG88AO1LrjVigXXJ53k/s1600/IMG_0702+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2ijQUcvJtfvvmE1vFh4ImLCAfjSomfTWceeg-7uHHAekvD8Za1YAxJfHlKjz0CrKvU2W3KuB3X0TuCxMbO7gCJpxl5YE1JGi3qK53KLFQZn6C5Tr48lIVJXZlUG88AO1LrjVigXXJ53k/s640/IMG_0702+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="st"><br /><i></i></span><span class="st">Saturday June 22nd;</span><br /><br /><span class="st">After breakfast in the hostel I was out and on my way by 07.10am. It was dry but the air was pregnant still with moisture and wispy clouds shrouded some of the lower slopes. Rain and storms were forecast for the afternoon so I was anxious to get a good effort done before that arrived. On the plus side the weather was to settle down completely for the next week and warnings of a heatwave flashed red on the websites. It was quite humid and still this morning and promised to be warm as the sun got higher. I soon exited the town and the trail rose up through the the woods initially and then on quiet roadways. Finally at La Friaz, it followed a steep piste road that led all the way to Col de Voza (1657mtrs). I was feeling good and moving well and I reached the col at 08.35. Now I had a choice to make. I could go up to Bellevue lift station and from there descend before climbing to Col de Tricot and reach the Chalets du Miage that way. Or, I could descend to the village of Bionassay and make a traverse around the western spur of the gorgeous Bionassay mountain and reach the Chalets that way. As I had never been down the latter way I opted for that. </span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc6YYFv1v2rIqOG3EV-KFypoTHpkci9msqfx6tP16souILSf8Hd2FKpnWd_R483UauziO3VKb3p3rvf7b6lBB1xuoerupyGYEfUBCK0csxESJOJmUxGCHvQ_6iElmuTMxeuOHTszBsWw/s1600/IMG_20190622_073141+%25281280x574%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="1280" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lc6YYFv1v2rIqOG3EV-KFypoTHpkci9msqfx6tP16souILSf8Hd2FKpnWd_R483UauziO3VKb3p3rvf7b6lBB1xuoerupyGYEfUBCK0csxESJOJmUxGCHvQ_6iElmuTMxeuOHTszBsWw/s640/IMG_20190622_073141+%25281280x574%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Leaving the Chamonix Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JCNL3dsktt4c4fIEoDBr2mH9jzsGoTEdGxj3U4hmkjCdlEQ2UuG4bo0Zls12WIvAxeSCw3T5s8w66uUCnw0G4u0VYjNf7OcvOIZZ3kHEQD58WryQ7jDTfjzq1TLposDBUZ2QBhV6lp7-/s1600/IMG_0709+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JCNL3dsktt4c4fIEoDBr2mH9jzsGoTEdGxj3U4hmkjCdlEQ2UuG4bo0Zls12WIvAxeSCw3T5s8w66uUCnw0G4u0VYjNf7OcvOIZZ3kHEQD58WryQ7jDTfjzq1TLposDBUZ2QBhV6lp7-/s640/IMG_0709+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Approaching Col de Vosa and what a sight that is</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="st"></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="st"></span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnYlUTEydQQvl83osl-EBN8_Q-Uk2eYA4quHe5GTHypS4IRk_s0XasOEN494ufX1zjFS8FaC1TpzBPCA2R2ZOq5mslKfhY7Xnry9MY74l1raGft0GczLOWutqihbEi0srcuAPAN0umuRg/s1600/IMG_0712+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnYlUTEydQQvl83osl-EBN8_Q-Uk2eYA4quHe5GTHypS4IRk_s0XasOEN494ufX1zjFS8FaC1TpzBPCA2R2ZOq5mslKfhY7Xnry9MY74l1raGft0GczLOWutqihbEi0srcuAPAN0umuRg/s640/IMG_0712+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Nearing the village of Bionassay</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="st"></span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVjWpG2EzIka5Wbq7tVDBVW-LIMkCmi3ke8BsMApOgRu4EpJ4PcYIxmXCa1XtpPQeF9zoDFFH6Br2lHUiXTAxNXglwSXNFzQ6yN9ZZRWbtdqvzGKTkQkZ8lRJgGOe7dYGKXM2aksc6pl5/s1600/IMG_0715+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVjWpG2EzIka5Wbq7tVDBVW-LIMkCmi3ke8BsMApOgRu4EpJ4PcYIxmXCa1XtpPQeF9zoDFFH6Br2lHUiXTAxNXglwSXNFzQ6yN9ZZRWbtdqvzGKTkQkZ8lRJgGOe7dYGKXM2aksc6pl5/s640/IMG_0715+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The views in the other direction weren't bad either</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="st"></span></div><br />If I had thought there was little or no climbing on this route then I was somewhat mistaken. After dropping down through the tiny village the trail climbs steeply for 100 metres after passing over the river before an easy gradual descent to reach the delightful Le Champery that is situated in lovely meadows and enjoys sumptuous views to the busy valley and of course the mountains beyond. From here begins a long enjoyable rising traverse all the way to the Chalets. Bionassay loomed majestic above and the Domes de Miages formed an impressive mountain wall straight ahead as I headed deeper into the valley. I cast my mind back to over 10 years before when we had done a traverse of the Domes and enjoyed a torrid scary descent down the steep icy slopes from the Durier Refuge, before enjoying a well deserved beer at the Chalets. Today there was no adrenaline rush to get over, and I was really enjoying myself as I reached the refuge. I stopped for a bite to eat just beyond this busy spot and then climbed the 200mtrs to reach Chalets du Truc. Clouds had thickened again up around the summits, and I feared that the storms could arrive quite early so I pressed on to the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie. I briefly toyed with the idea of staying in the nearby campsite but it was still early so I continued on. A long almost flat section followed until I reached the pretty church Notre Dame de la Gorge. Now the trail climbs steeply up a stony rocky (old Roman) road that is used by the people up in the valley beyond. I met a quite elderly lady driving down towards me in a small battered 4x4. I'm sure my nerves would be singing if I was trying to drive down there. At one point there was a bridge over a raging torrent as it crashed through a narrow cleft in the rock. A viewing platform was situated right over the middle of this and was exciting and a little disconcerting. The refuge Nant Borrat came next an then after another climb I emerged into open ground with the beautiful valley stretched before me and the shapely Aiguilles de la Pennaz filling the sky beyond. I was feeling good, and it was still early. I had intended getting as far as the bivouac spot by the Refuge de Balme (at least) which was not too far ahead, but I could also see that the cloud build up was continuing and rain had started in the mountains. Fearing that the storms were imminent I decided to turn towards the nearby bivouac site and pitch my tent there. I just climbed into it as the rain arrived. I don't know if I was relieved or annoyed when the expected bad weather never materialised and by evening it was mostly clear skies. My little campsite became crowded by the evening by groups doing "the tour" but to be fair when darkness arrived they were quiet as mice. I slept well.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6C_cS6ToerpzCdeh7Ba9IhwoRb2KEpTH0ZVV_g6saWJuneaGunUqCaPyiMUPNWt60C1K55cm4cKv0Aw_84t3cL11cYMI3tSWRAYFliKiIVYkWsqJvHQFiDYjMrcXIhfOIVW_kgNwY4HI6/s1600/IMG_0718+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6C_cS6ToerpzCdeh7Ba9IhwoRb2KEpTH0ZVV_g6saWJuneaGunUqCaPyiMUPNWt60C1K55cm4cKv0Aw_84t3cL11cYMI3tSWRAYFliKiIVYkWsqJvHQFiDYjMrcXIhfOIVW_kgNwY4HI6/s640/IMG_0718+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Nearing Chalets de Miages</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AHh2f7v3jeZqIGfbhyC6F_RlllB5rVYm_LPT0xwzU6UtZUZdK7h4tTkJFdKBSpBtT29ZsdL4kkLF_mBfnV50YEqczStyGYthbCLfVgGzKiVPZIdftM-bWxZHYSDU9Thk-JoVSVd9Yp_i/s1600/IMG_0719+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AHh2f7v3jeZqIGfbhyC6F_RlllB5rVYm_LPT0xwzU6UtZUZdK7h4tTkJFdKBSpBtT29ZsdL4kkLF_mBfnV50YEqczStyGYthbCLfVgGzKiVPZIdftM-bWxZHYSDU9Thk-JoVSVd9Yp_i/s640/IMG_0719+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Bionassay looking mighty</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTHu3czEj_byKOcNXs-jmyFZlTMy8BTMEXa-4VMhRlwFDEmOHYBLCBCTK0JSaWXtu4FNVuaiz-xju_crDflPCcFFNn7XNeyiVTEnYb3GTu92kRQXEbI2fMWgspBiWZSzobafGu6YJIcE8/s1600/IMG_0725+%25281280x1175%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1280" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTHu3czEj_byKOcNXs-jmyFZlTMy8BTMEXa-4VMhRlwFDEmOHYBLCBCTK0JSaWXtu4FNVuaiz-xju_crDflPCcFFNn7XNeyiVTEnYb3GTu92kRQXEbI2fMWgspBiWZSzobafGu6YJIcE8/s640/IMG_0725+%25281280x1175%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Don't fall in</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRwGKtvmsAh8knx4Wu2JKJDO0SBkJoXaJ4SHHAS24EItydoGbbrEt8vRhaKorWnY0eN-Y0QwwibkFvh7gsBgaXzgDpREkqsdr4Kn_314saSdLVgyzMO1Knlg00H1NWUZ0IWFlYbEJmIQ-/s1600/IMG_0728+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRwGKtvmsAh8knx4Wu2JKJDO0SBkJoXaJ4SHHAS24EItydoGbbrEt8vRhaKorWnY0eN-Y0QwwibkFvh7gsBgaXzgDpREkqsdr4Kn_314saSdLVgyzMO1Knlg00H1NWUZ0IWFlYbEJmIQ-/s640/IMG_0728+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Storms a comin</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrvx4hyphenhyphen457cTJltKpqz-rSsKROuiAuyzhp1a_i8hvTLHYrJ9FCX8Wga6fZOwFE_ZwVkkhCRjnG9XmKcTZnLpe9FdN_NkVNN_eaUDzuxleZGvm9RJfr2W2u8rsBbC3P6C1OKt0KtF0Efl2/s1600/IMG_0732+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrvx4hyphenhyphen457cTJltKpqz-rSsKROuiAuyzhp1a_i8hvTLHYrJ9FCX8Wga6fZOwFE_ZwVkkhCRjnG9XmKcTZnLpe9FdN_NkVNN_eaUDzuxleZGvm9RJfr2W2u8rsBbC3P6C1OKt0KtF0Efl2/s640/IMG_0732+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFScxN6DhFgxgGSjIzVLcAtDUMNFiU1UH7Lh3IP6MzFm6EDIIEaqvYViHJIC8-HI4U9K-F1ov_zWG4bF5Fkw1A-5pcfxHuv_CwIFsoHVwDThnLYZcwKADHVibAMK0VffYpgQRL5uzQwKVN/s1600/IMG_0733+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFScxN6DhFgxgGSjIzVLcAtDUMNFiU1UH7Lh3IP6MzFm6EDIIEaqvYViHJIC8-HI4U9K-F1ov_zWG4bF5Fkw1A-5pcfxHuv_CwIFsoHVwDThnLYZcwKADHVibAMK0VffYpgQRL5uzQwKVN/s640/IMG_0733+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Definitely not</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Day 6...21 kilometres...1550 metres ascent...1050 down...<br /><br />Sunday June 23rd;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PYj7AuWRqO0JycalhYdu3DjofGy19ipA39OMOgyJKKRU-gsQH7mqIo5SF-YEtv8oIgYsD9kWJ8yGFtUsydoVWQzzRKwtRgs0PoAn7AsGVT3JBQcWo93-cErziZqx7VPbzfXk1M8B9Qkw/s1600/IMG_0735+%25281280x761%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PYj7AuWRqO0JycalhYdu3DjofGy19ipA39OMOgyJKKRU-gsQH7mqIo5SF-YEtv8oIgYsD9kWJ8yGFtUsydoVWQzzRKwtRgs0PoAn7AsGVT3JBQcWo93-cErziZqx7VPbzfXk1M8B9Qkw/s640/IMG_0735+%25281280x761%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Hot weather was forecast to arrive today and stay for the duration of my trip so I was hoping to make up for cutting things short yesterday by having a longer day today . I was awake early so I got up just after 5am and was on the move at 6am. It took just half an hour to reach Refuge de Balme and I saw that the campsite there was much less crowded than below but that was history and today was brand new. After a climb you reach the Plan Jovet where plenty more bivouac sites could be found. Next comes the long pull up to Col du Bonhomme which at 2329 metres was predictably under snow. The climb up to it didn't present any problems with the snow being neither too hard or soft. It was lovely to relax a while and enjoy my surroundings and of course the views into all directions were wonderful. Next up came the rising traverse towards Col de la Croix du Bonhomme where the high point reached 2479 metres. This was still in the shade of the mountain and it came as no surprise to find that here the snow was quite icy. The track was at times narrow and the drops to the right quite steep and long. A couple of times I would have liked the security of crampons but with a little care it wasn't too bad and I soon was on the short slope down to the large refuge at the Col.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaAB9Wsr7As4TP81ax8OtLSQNIESKVeN2cp08_dDRMFZVTKGoWfbThq3VUkp5AzOCkHU8lhfGptpXH_AOlWaplgF6fMP0ncC-FMFUPDMrIive26x7TECsWblhymsCnkxY1QoiPCHb7bEU/s1600/IMG_0739+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaAB9Wsr7As4TP81ax8OtLSQNIESKVeN2cp08_dDRMFZVTKGoWfbThq3VUkp5AzOCkHU8lhfGptpXH_AOlWaplgF6fMP0ncC-FMFUPDMrIive26x7TECsWblhymsCnkxY1QoiPCHb7bEU/s640/IMG_0739+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Col de Bonhomme</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9YPrwHSnlNDSi1pnt25mseXiOHgSYx7AV5corEydOv3uUdOy989n6lJlOpAw8xaoBxQoRFu6vDGD3leTvgXx8fRcTHCWBa45rHiSKew_UZrOSU762PmpUnWD5jmewu5VdbVi3VY4UYMM/s1600/IMG_0741+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9YPrwHSnlNDSi1pnt25mseXiOHgSYx7AV5corEydOv3uUdOy989n6lJlOpAw8xaoBxQoRFu6vDGD3leTvgXx8fRcTHCWBa45rHiSKew_UZrOSU762PmpUnWD5jmewu5VdbVi3VY4UYMM/s640/IMG_0741+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />A brief stop here for some water and then I set off towards the Refuge du Plan de la Lai. First up was the crossing of the Crete des Gittes. This narrow crest rose to 2538 metres and the steep slope on the northern flanks were covered in snow. Thankfully it was possible to avoid these steep slopes by sticking to the narrow crest of the ridge. This made for exhilarating but safe passage as far as Col de la Sauce. The views back to Mont Blanc from this crest were wonderful. After the crest the going was easy and the trail left the snow behind and descended into green pastures once again. It then headed for a busy mountain road and the busy parking area near a refuge. When I reached it I wasted no time before heading onwards and leaving the noise and bustle behind. Lots of people were out and about enjoying the glorious sunshine with scenery to match. I stopped for lunch once I reached a relatively quiet spot and then re-joined the many who were heading up to one or other of various viewpoints ahead. It was a relief to once again find solitude after I passed Le Grand Berg.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuLOv7PatETJzFPX2A4LE9GChvsDmAan8xHcm9X2HhbRw8UtDx8xN7vsO0ea926aVD9kSljRXQPyJCQlSjfDtaiU9mDd22c-4VJ5ZXl2SqrBQuaVKHfwnFvt-aA_x5gPM010gxSU1R2wN/s1600/IMG_0742+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuLOv7PatETJzFPX2A4LE9GChvsDmAan8xHcm9X2HhbRw8UtDx8xN7vsO0ea926aVD9kSljRXQPyJCQlSjfDtaiU9mDd22c-4VJ5ZXl2SqrBQuaVKHfwnFvt-aA_x5gPM010gxSU1R2wN/s640/IMG_0742+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdU3w_ex3GI3QKlab9eQJ8FQ0ToYtApzXw2nOhJlssQoiXEQIX0vMChhneyUd2TsQQDXoNtlj8JXbl9VSUVz77uwg4nm_iLC2FtpO4WwvozQMMlRmKR1SEyT4kL1f0k60i0zBLs-WxGoTC/s1600/IMG_0745+%25281280x1060%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1280" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdU3w_ex3GI3QKlab9eQJ8FQ0ToYtApzXw2nOhJlssQoiXEQIX0vMChhneyUd2TsQQDXoNtlj8JXbl9VSUVz77uwg4nm_iLC2FtpO4WwvozQMMlRmKR1SEyT4kL1f0k60i0zBLs-WxGoTC/s640/IMG_0745+%25281280x1060%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The Crete des Gittes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBzTXOQcDuZ4qlF_FmadugRdXPiR0jkQRjcWW4-Ng4KmdN0xrMuFvoZeUt0v6tqtzpsRK5aK_Qwu-aRbDRirxiuaZFSo19hRuJM8Dx4wFrCBmPpG7gyPeOMTKqGX5nZWJG0_67ZWgEPyZ/s1600/IMG_20190623_084345+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBzTXOQcDuZ4qlF_FmadugRdXPiR0jkQRjcWW4-Ng4KmdN0xrMuFvoZeUt0v6tqtzpsRK5aK_Qwu-aRbDRirxiuaZFSo19hRuJM8Dx4wFrCBmPpG7gyPeOMTKqGX5nZWJG0_67ZWgEPyZ/s640/IMG_20190623_084345+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZOYqTneL7JJeqmMXzGr_K3ernZOS7siiy2DPWEda0tdtAMJQPEaDXr05-bb7WQnqtuW17rMaSz5TSaRd8QrSOsPW9_84bljbXGxUDaLttPOH8tXcW3qIbKmxS6F49d47MHFAK66UxPxj/s1600/IMG_20190623_093101+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZOYqTneL7JJeqmMXzGr_K3ernZOS7siiy2DPWEda0tdtAMJQPEaDXr05-bb7WQnqtuW17rMaSz5TSaRd8QrSOsPW9_84bljbXGxUDaLttPOH8tXcW3qIbKmxS6F49d47MHFAK66UxPxj/s640/IMG_20190623_093101+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Mont Blanc reigns supreme</td></tr></tbody></table>Now the trail entered a new valley with multiple cascades at its end. Beyond them, the climb to the next pass, Col du Bresson (2469metres) began. It was a very pleasant trip into the back of the deep valley and at the lowest point of the trail was still up at 1800 metres. This still left nearly 700 metres of climbing to reach the pass, so I pressed on. The trail rises steeply until you have to ford the swollen torrents above the cascades. It was then easy for a bit before it turned and climbed in up into the snow covered, wild alpine ground above. In the heat the going was at times tough but finally I reached the col. A steep snow slope allowed quick access to the next valley, and before too long I was down and on the rough trail that headed to another Refuge de la Balme. I was enchanted by the beauty I was surrounded by and also delighted at how fit and well I felt. I had already covered a fair old distance by now, but the day was still relatively young, so I passed by the Refuge and continued my descent.<br />Easy going on a dirt road made reaching the farm in the valley and easy task. Any thoughts I might have had of camping there were vanquished when the large numbers of grazing cattle became evident. I knew by now that reaching Landry at the bottom of the Isere valley would perhaps be a stretch too far, so I decided that Valezan would be the target for today. After the farmstead the trail contoured through the woods along an old aqueduct so the going was easy. I kept an eye out for somewhere to camp, but in the end I decided to go all the way to the village. Before I got there I did a search online for somewhere to stay. I booked into an Auberge so I was all set. The meadows, hundreds of hectares of them, that flanked the trail were perhaps the most beautiful I have seen. Despite my growing fatigue it was joyous to walk through them. It isn't just the flowers but it is all that goes with them. The insects, butterfly's and birds that surrounded me lifted the spirit and yet I mourned the loss of these habitats at home.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3sCQ0nCJ2vz-Jb6qujEf7fFr637zH8zd3tck_swvI96LwXuf9YEeenxPKLIkYcLUVQHZgF0FPyY4WwS3XCNpdRZPH8qrPoliMJ7bygXns3Fkug6frikKIHLHl3G11KLkan7OuMfq4yij/s1600/IMG_0751+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3sCQ0nCJ2vz-Jb6qujEf7fFr637zH8zd3tck_swvI96LwXuf9YEeenxPKLIkYcLUVQHZgF0FPyY4WwS3XCNpdRZPH8qrPoliMJ7bygXns3Fkug6frikKIHLHl3G11KLkan7OuMfq4yij/s640/IMG_0751+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">To Refuge Plan de la Lai..The way ahead is up and around the shoulder beyond</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxmdcw-liQzowJHiYxoPnrvaZ1LQFsuA8yzqUzvbo8K4CJ8G29wusodj0ngZY5CO5dk3sjLgU8azXl76EmEdXBHlUy1t81dn4tSPNjbSZ5MKloYT-D8SVHqcRZnHGbuqWjlni12Lg_tQO/s1600/IMG_0752+%25281280x890%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxmdcw-liQzowJHiYxoPnrvaZ1LQFsuA8yzqUzvbo8K4CJ8G29wusodj0ngZY5CO5dk3sjLgU8azXl76EmEdXBHlUy1t81dn4tSPNjbSZ5MKloYT-D8SVHqcRZnHGbuqWjlni12Lg_tQO/s640/IMG_0752+%25281280x890%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Tiz a bit hot ladies</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMPnVkm-5O6acwEGy5o43LkVLexql5_14Hstz3dYaSoGrFgaIRdquuYQhh3nL0yamzUWkRRkQ-mLG_k09GY1pye54wav21-Bkltg9sqRtWwc2k_yREvCUji_MooJEqJnG7q8sS18oP1kV/s1600/IMG_0754+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMPnVkm-5O6acwEGy5o43LkVLexql5_14Hstz3dYaSoGrFgaIRdquuYQhh3nL0yamzUWkRRkQ-mLG_k09GY1pye54wav21-Bkltg9sqRtWwc2k_yREvCUji_MooJEqJnG7q8sS18oP1kV/s640/IMG_0754+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">A subterranean river with fissures...Wouldn't it make for an interesting walk when snow covered??</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIP9ai6AdbBm7CrZ9F8PXeG6s1kie2zUCj3qAGU-ZyxxnNqzomQIGTatsVWKaU4_U8wydp_sLw8WpLPHoaYhsvDUkUP0jHdeckqJFzJeagzpknU2eGI223WXgsEENcYFxx4_ywKItsjIWk/s1600/IMG_0756+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIP9ai6AdbBm7CrZ9F8PXeG6s1kie2zUCj3qAGU-ZyxxnNqzomQIGTatsVWKaU4_U8wydp_sLw8WpLPHoaYhsvDUkUP0jHdeckqJFzJeagzpknU2eGI223WXgsEENcYFxx4_ywKItsjIWk/s640/IMG_0756+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Dr Who What?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMcrORYoLpLW0tNGQEsXHmbNA0eh-ov1g6CjJJauHqyBzM2qwDVJ9AbRgpPtqyTTgUEdGMPYY5zICfASbo85DsYGEdB3seDfDng2lFqwRIGlSoKQGuWWUBJDU_ZCkzT6rCnOZdpNtt4L7/s1600/IMG_0761+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMcrORYoLpLW0tNGQEsXHmbNA0eh-ov1g6CjJJauHqyBzM2qwDVJ9AbRgpPtqyTTgUEdGMPYY5zICfASbo85DsYGEdB3seDfDng2lFqwRIGlSoKQGuWWUBJDU_ZCkzT6rCnOZdpNtt4L7/s640/IMG_0761+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Heading for Col du Bresson</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTiPI2tte60NAlzoDPXteJ2RWXU0Yezr23shTux_55mlQkaX_6l67iqxKKJcsO3Gyb-Y-Bkd_E0NmFs4N41NGb85q2MSvCH0P3_ueAU4Z1LZuYXL5P_UUnaTm0oh3nCqNngk9m-tn9M0k/s1600/IMG_0766+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTiPI2tte60NAlzoDPXteJ2RWXU0Yezr23shTux_55mlQkaX_6l67iqxKKJcsO3Gyb-Y-Bkd_E0NmFs4N41NGb85q2MSvCH0P3_ueAU4Z1LZuYXL5P_UUnaTm0oh3nCqNngk9m-tn9M0k/s640/IMG_0766+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Wonderful and wild near the col</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyNlNQckv0RwRUo-m-oypWKEYC8gKSr-IKvo0qi65KCKmbx8CYvPngSyxMbfF_rxm1-vVM78LbOTo8y0SzcgnE_VMDjPUld_UcRP1nAZI7_B5pZXNEUvUEdQFpqijg4bKZC7_VSHIpMmB/s1600/IMG_0776+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyNlNQckv0RwRUo-m-oypWKEYC8gKSr-IKvo0qi65KCKmbx8CYvPngSyxMbfF_rxm1-vVM78LbOTo8y0SzcgnE_VMDjPUld_UcRP1nAZI7_B5pZXNEUvUEdQFpqijg4bKZC7_VSHIpMmB/s640/IMG_0776+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Down by refuge de Balme</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> I quickly found the Auberge after entering the village and it was bang on 5pm when I arrived. The elderly woman had very little English to match my very little French but I managed to convey that I had a reservation. She also informed me that there was a Gite so I opted for that. There was a restaurant there as well so I decided to take demi pension. I had the dormitory to myself and the shower was excellent. While waiting for dinner another hiker arrived into the room looking overheated and tired. Himself and his wife returned for dinner shortly afterwards. They hailed from Denmark and he was doing the full distance of the Gr5 all the way to Nice. They made for excellent company over the excellent dinner and a couple of beers. We were all tired so it was early to bed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9CTARw-n2Rgn5QaKS0uLJ_-i8YQG8PSP-jQ2DQ6dJgHbwZmO4AjjabwfP88bP08DWAggVaQcJ4IYXivyGoBCLa6GLYnSnafOBbg9YXlIbDAkmig-u7AQQEvqHRRQkADiJFs5XN0dHTai/s1600/IMG_20190623_164229+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9CTARw-n2Rgn5QaKS0uLJ_-i8YQG8PSP-jQ2DQ6dJgHbwZmO4AjjabwfP88bP08DWAggVaQcJ4IYXivyGoBCLa6GLYnSnafOBbg9YXlIbDAkmig-u7AQQEvqHRRQkADiJFs5XN0dHTai/s640/IMG_20190623_164229+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6g36EJ-G_P0-zcVOk0htldakrLKxO83DqWwlCKiwR_wsT-7oeptrNj2aBARS8J8U3TnW0ogBgBmqUhlAr2KoAS4LVzjSFTInENnIYWj4dWDrBnnz7vZ7CC0udEST9Woyl0p9sgPQJCxQ/s1600/IMG_20190623_205520+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6g36EJ-G_P0-zcVOk0htldakrLKxO83DqWwlCKiwR_wsT-7oeptrNj2aBARS8J8U3TnW0ogBgBmqUhlAr2KoAS4LVzjSFTInENnIYWj4dWDrBnnz7vZ7CC0udEST9Woyl0p9sgPQJCxQ/s640/IMG_20190623_205520+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">View from the Gite..hard to believe the valley floor is over 400 metres lower.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuv5XQMk3BTuzUn0LPtIeMzROXYvMUD3Y4SyqMOUoF6OEkal-41NO4vtExyerakEOyJBV6jdjD9w9QpWPow4nIq70maBP99jHXkxo_WeoRefdzutKFMQLtS3V_eaWPsevYZoQ34XwIlbZz/s1600/IMG_0784+%25281280x900%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuv5XQMk3BTuzUn0LPtIeMzROXYvMUD3Y4SyqMOUoF6OEkal-41NO4vtExyerakEOyJBV6jdjD9w9QpWPow4nIq70maBP99jHXkxo_WeoRefdzutKFMQLtS3V_eaWPsevYZoQ34XwIlbZz/s640/IMG_0784+%25281280x900%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTH-kVVStc3Y3x04n-PITg11poy3rSVBljjtb71Z2oC5Sj27AZ3v4z9_WGyRaaE3jYYZdLDYECQsjlygDwyj11WRjzUGBOn0wqxwMcLgzHBciwHm22lwsGEFOBRIv768wFmhDPo4eVcAIW/s1600/IMG_20190623_164246+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTH-kVVStc3Y3x04n-PITg11poy3rSVBljjtb71Z2oC5Sj27AZ3v4z9_WGyRaaE3jYYZdLDYECQsjlygDwyj11WRjzUGBOn0wqxwMcLgzHBciwHm22lwsGEFOBRIv768wFmhDPo4eVcAIW/s640/IMG_20190623_164246+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Day 7...36 kilometres...2400 metres ascent...2750 down...11 hours.<br /><br />Monday June 24th;<br /><br />Crusty fresh bread, croissants, good coffee and preserves were served for breakfast which was enjoyed outside on the terrace. All was wonderful. I would return in a heartbeat and stay in the excellent accommodation.<br />It had been a good decision to stop at Valezan as it took me an hour and a half to reach Landry. As I hadn't started until 8.10, it was already quite hot by the time I reached the valley floor at just over 700 metres. A walk on the road up through the village follows before you are once again swallowed by the woods and climb upwards. A few hundred metres is gained fairly quickly before a level traverse into the village of Le Villaret. Next up comes the village of Le Moulin where you cross the torrent and climb steadily until you reach open ground in the hamlet of Les Lanches. The trail goes a little left here and runs easily through sweeping meadows to reach a parking and picnic area at Refuge de Rousel. Up here you are at 1555 metres so, though the going had been gradual and easy, you have still climbed over 800 metres above Landry. The mountains ahead and on the left rise to over 3500 metres and judging by the apparent popularity of the area it is a hotspot for climbing in both summer and winter.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXe7TBvKyFkWIhvHBw3Q5xta__Q0Unp1J6ugu1sGxmIW3FwvBYnmQQ7wNRQ7jNCXGQbqUQiOvqQq5MfuDZ8WW4VkXUx1ypYpK6oK2ZvIsAYMnfxKJ7K_NvMRv_a4d1-Jfwcs_rCsPnc99/s1600/IMG_20190624_095440+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXe7TBvKyFkWIhvHBw3Q5xta__Q0Unp1J6ugu1sGxmIW3FwvBYnmQQ7wNRQ7jNCXGQbqUQiOvqQq5MfuDZ8WW4VkXUx1ypYpK6oK2ZvIsAYMnfxKJ7K_NvMRv_a4d1-Jfwcs_rCsPnc99/s640/IMG_20190624_095440+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Leaving Landry</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAplkPjPNzKp7aWOUxhpHwcw_qLYKeEUjprVW3ksjfouVE2nzFW6X0GV1A2jXnkBjJO_HbsMtkh_BIwMsdAocw2RnPDCXK-6UBz9ZzFFh-mbdJ9MmdfYZRLZ43_2xvjRe18UnyY9H0_Di/s1600/IMG_20190624_122609+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAplkPjPNzKp7aWOUxhpHwcw_qLYKeEUjprVW3ksjfouVE2nzFW6X0GV1A2jXnkBjJO_HbsMtkh_BIwMsdAocw2RnPDCXK-6UBz9ZzFFh-mbdJ9MmdfYZRLZ43_2xvjRe18UnyY9H0_Di/s640/IMG_20190624_122609+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uzGqNilG97UlNA-LNRedgC9v0HZpOK-b2nPRWojIfyKOzt9ug4tAQJJ1E4HxreO-zHw4vm2nxpdj5XU8qAFD3wVYz4htkr2wJVI-qe9UGPRSgO7jp4bgwz_bfO_pA13JtHBmRPUZ7YKY/s1600/IMG_0795+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uzGqNilG97UlNA-LNRedgC9v0HZpOK-b2nPRWojIfyKOzt9ug4tAQJJ1E4HxreO-zHw4vm2nxpdj5XU8qAFD3wVYz4htkr2wJVI-qe9UGPRSgO7jp4bgwz_bfO_pA13JtHBmRPUZ7YKY/s640/IMG_0795+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NaTeMTeGS7vTHjclSQgcOV1iXoGgg0GrP41dWAs4j2O6j8WJg-zvB7Pihol3hR5sjf2YSHzXmyjAT-CVZ5tmHSdlI0f8peEa7Re52A8fKg5m0HAb-GybCUH7F73eMMtgIsEUbc9mJBsN/s1600/IMG_0796+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NaTeMTeGS7vTHjclSQgcOV1iXoGgg0GrP41dWAs4j2O6j8WJg-zvB7Pihol3hR5sjf2YSHzXmyjAT-CVZ5tmHSdlI0f8peEa7Re52A8fKg5m0HAb-GybCUH7F73eMMtgIsEUbc9mJBsN/s640/IMG_0796+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Some wonderful winter climbing??</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-etmgT9oWHpSuAFH66KfQJwobUvU89jJMbmqC-Q1V1ICsGc5aGaOOPPchW_xHmc5OW3rCNpmrwsSwvNx8leQBCNEWdgZGieNeiQkPvJ3QHisz0NuWSj-1ePK2YLrD1vhZsG0d2GXGyUz/s1600/IMG_0798+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-etmgT9oWHpSuAFH66KfQJwobUvU89jJMbmqC-Q1V1ICsGc5aGaOOPPchW_xHmc5OW3rCNpmrwsSwvNx8leQBCNEWdgZGieNeiQkPvJ3QHisz0NuWSj-1ePK2YLrD1vhZsG0d2GXGyUz/s640/IMG_0798+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Three impressive waterfalls adorn the cliffs on the left and I guess that in the winter some serious ice climbing could be had. There was a temporary diversion on the Gr here as I was directed off to the left along a farm road for a kilometre until a track turned right and climbed up the slope to re-join the main trail again. Now the trail rises up through scrubby ground until it crests a rocky bluff at the narrowest point in the valley at 1916 metres. It then entered a higher valley that stretched far far ahead. It emphasized just how big these mountains are, as this valley was large and wide, yet it didn't start until you had climbed 1200 metres from the bottom of the previous one. This valley offered mostly easy walking, and for the next few kilometres height is gained very gradually. The trail sticks to the right hand side, until, after a short climb, you reach the private hut Cabane de Mindieres at 2224 metres. Below and beyond the lake the Refuge Entre la Lac could be seen but I was determined to try and find somewhere to camp. I continued on up until I was level with a small lake at point 2328 metres and here, where the pastures were mostly free from snow I found a quiet spot for my tent. It was sunny and warm and even though it was still quite early this place was just too good to pass up. I had some tea and set about the onerous task of relaxing for the rest of the evening.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP7CUbJ8seIj8pTrEGLkMEEJjfJd-O4VW-aoFe2_vVFhvt-LAlMWkIWHyUiWS1seIO1lgg0uD8EcII-at2uwnyP8naomwUGW2O5QMGPoB7msgDjNxVworhSN5IJXKM8WOs5TCd5suo0Jt/s1600/IMG_0800+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP7CUbJ8seIj8pTrEGLkMEEJjfJd-O4VW-aoFe2_vVFhvt-LAlMWkIWHyUiWS1seIO1lgg0uD8EcII-at2uwnyP8naomwUGW2O5QMGPoB7msgDjNxVworhSN5IJXKM8WOs5TCd5suo0Jt/s640/IMG_0800+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Towards Refuge Entré de la Lac</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBDmchQJLJP9jrfzTlDA87bq-b1L33Xd9qQrkS7jYA4eRyzOy0FVJHv5RjUIw4EN5uVJciSw1-lCzXSfP0BFOOClRLLUnz0y6jC3twQfJN7K-3yQrIro5eWIBZUYS_7aluS8G1dpRqiTl/s1600/IMG_0803+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBDmchQJLJP9jrfzTlDA87bq-b1L33Xd9qQrkS7jYA4eRyzOy0FVJHv5RjUIw4EN5uVJciSw1-lCzXSfP0BFOOClRLLUnz0y6jC3twQfJN7K-3yQrIro5eWIBZUYS_7aluS8G1dpRqiTl/s640/IMG_0803+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-W7GPFCa1bl23cESiwM4al2_2_i2drdfCeqQe62IxrjalSq9nC5L6w2OQiZjZkQqb3CHppwXsPHSELQGp1sayMn_gIOjN9FY96rgoPKl4tzsQOqQnakFyF4jiZTnFPbfdAUpH4Mirgojg/s1600/IMG_0805+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-W7GPFCa1bl23cESiwM4al2_2_i2drdfCeqQe62IxrjalSq9nC5L6w2OQiZjZkQqb3CHppwXsPHSELQGp1sayMn_gIOjN9FY96rgoPKl4tzsQOqQnakFyF4jiZTnFPbfdAUpH4Mirgojg/s640/IMG_0805+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">What you doin on my patch?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54d2aGHyK4C_868MU1w9HnPZodakedx6HNA9M1X8anbeNW96335BRIApWQajWcW8i0KcGwybYluTWaQaGtCEoYHceOVSAnQOxrzlBDQGxg8z_pWV2qX2p2-XFz9Lx9RFB1KFpfFlXC0aB/s1600/IMG_0809+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54d2aGHyK4C_868MU1w9HnPZodakedx6HNA9M1X8anbeNW96335BRIApWQajWcW8i0KcGwybYluTWaQaGtCEoYHceOVSAnQOxrzlBDQGxg8z_pWV2qX2p2-XFz9Lx9RFB1KFpfFlXC0aB/s640/IMG_0809+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I wasn't there too long before I spotted a marmot just a few feet beyond the tent. Normally these cuddly creatures are retiring and shy but this fella was very curious indeed. After a few seconds he came right up to me as if to say what are you doing in my patch?. He then decided that he was going to investigate the inside of my tent, at which point I had to intervene. A herbivore he might be but those incisors would make short work of anything that took his fancy. Mind you he took a bit of persuading to go away from the tent and was completely fearless. Eventually after much waving of walking poles, stamping and generally threatening behaviour, he ran to his burrow which was only twenty metres away. He stayed inside for all of 20 seconds before he re-emerged and headed straight back for the tent. More rushing and stamping etc made him retreat, but once again he returned. When I chased him away the next time I covered over the burrow with a stone. A few seconds later he popped up from another one which I duly covered. I had to cover another just a few minutes after. That seemed to do the trick and I didn't see him for the rest of the evening. Needless to say, I removed the stones in the morning.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSUtLpuTGE5lqhOC-vKPNCNbach25QzKjnStl4tYMDXTdqlyUIXCzIiD-hC5L-RUuHcYyr-d_H61yuy5LgV9bibzmKvGRyuEhZZYztHwjJGUx6Gjqc-YfOg79X91ywP8velsU8EyPov7b/s1600/IMG_20190624_170452+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSUtLpuTGE5lqhOC-vKPNCNbach25QzKjnStl4tYMDXTdqlyUIXCzIiD-hC5L-RUuHcYyr-d_H61yuy5LgV9bibzmKvGRyuEhZZYztHwjJGUx6Gjqc-YfOg79X91ywP8velsU8EyPov7b/s640/IMG_20190624_170452+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcl2fOTyEgvpl09XHPjPoXUwydtNgfU9OtOVw8LuRnRc7G-uWT3fcd6t7qwvfkr7PXW2HpTX3Zd_hNv6EnuZee-bk5TlRzChHU6WDEQJi2XJdfyE-7HoaWG3T1RuCIHJaEU4RTqxrwqK5/s1600/IMG_20190624_170500+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcl2fOTyEgvpl09XHPjPoXUwydtNgfU9OtOVw8LuRnRc7G-uWT3fcd6t7qwvfkr7PXW2HpTX3Zd_hNv6EnuZee-bk5TlRzChHU6WDEQJi2XJdfyE-7HoaWG3T1RuCIHJaEU4RTqxrwqK5/s640/IMG_20190624_170500+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Day 8...23 kilometres...2150 metres ascent...1000 metres down...7 hours<br /><br />Tuesday June 25th;<br /><br />It was a quiet night and I had slept very well. I emerged into another blue sky morning and after breakfast I was on the move at a leisurely 8am. I wasn't in any great hurry today as I just planned to go as far as Val d'Isere, so it promised not to be too taxing. The landscape in the crisp morning light looked amazing and initially the going was easy so it was a pleasure to gaze all about. It was already warm and promised to be hotter as the day went on when I returned to lower altitudes. Before that happened I had to cross Col du Palet which at 2652 metres would be the highest pass of the trip so far. I soon reached the snow line and a short while later I reached the pretty basin where the frozen lake nestled under the Refuge du Col du Palet . I stopped there for a quick nosey before climbing to the nearby col. What a beautiful spot it was on this warm sunny morning. It was still quite early so I relaxed a while before heading down towards the ski resorts of Tignes le Lac and Val Claret. I might as well get the rant over with early. The ski industry is of course hugely important to these areas but for me it is a blight on the landscape. Lifts criss crossed the slopes and access roads stretched upwards to the highest reaches. During the season when all is covered with a pristine blanket of snow then perhaps things look wonderful but now they are just plain ugly. I know I'm being selfish and that the Alps are far from a wilderness but that is how I feel about it.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcZF6TIMZ3EfM4ObuSfztIR4EJbXuPEmqojWGHOgJYB2bWhjOWB_wHw5-In9DtgtjF-lQfIzH80O16ewIUEjqHXQg27QAw4NmouxyfyzaodR3chd2U6VXAQ6JzqjJFscdH5e-78wOB3Jf/s1600/IMG_20190625_082726+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcZF6TIMZ3EfM4ObuSfztIR4EJbXuPEmqojWGHOgJYB2bWhjOWB_wHw5-In9DtgtjF-lQfIzH80O16ewIUEjqHXQg27QAw4NmouxyfyzaodR3chd2U6VXAQ6JzqjJFscdH5e-78wOB3Jf/s640/IMG_20190625_082726+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Not bad to wake up to</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAoLIMNZNDoCQG_gyiU1sbWoxWs1u7O6ZBiUiSUC7ROl9VPkdfXU4YSXKASkdrVuRCRGdZrI2sZfaDvAt1DpnQPrJNze1ykg3myjAO4pxaxz85fj6PwNgXLba6z8e85hq0iHqRwhzvvlO/s1600/IMG_20190625_082731+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAoLIMNZNDoCQG_gyiU1sbWoxWs1u7O6ZBiUiSUC7ROl9VPkdfXU4YSXKASkdrVuRCRGdZrI2sZfaDvAt1DpnQPrJNze1ykg3myjAO4pxaxz85fj6PwNgXLba6z8e85hq0iHqRwhzvvlO/s640/IMG_20190625_082731+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgaskK398_Cx44LY4huVzhMko3CYYVeZefoVTj9MUcisxsX97plyT4vL8ZgVu6NGzvbCsqdZcA423klh9gKA8iGfMXiDpa2N_AKm0cbMjph2v_8tZthOmV_waXvRoC2EW6I2HPczYkNEt/s1600/IMG_20190625_094309+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgaskK398_Cx44LY4huVzhMko3CYYVeZefoVTj9MUcisxsX97plyT4vL8ZgVu6NGzvbCsqdZcA423klh9gKA8iGfMXiDpa2N_AKm0cbMjph2v_8tZthOmV_waXvRoC2EW6I2HPczYkNEt/s640/IMG_20190625_094309+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxi66A0bZ5Fw1wVyXeAjZGYkTUgnAFfKMWIB0P9spBgON1WSzoEjSuNewTOjCSLCeh54IYidZ4V6afrRt25fbQDt8WUztDBO8F7lTCj14Vw3j_jiIeFXVbii7um2Mesldf1jVlA7X4ZlFf/s1600/IMG_0815+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxi66A0bZ5Fw1wVyXeAjZGYkTUgnAFfKMWIB0P9spBgON1WSzoEjSuNewTOjCSLCeh54IYidZ4V6afrRt25fbQDt8WUztDBO8F7lTCj14Vw3j_jiIeFXVbii7um2Mesldf1jVlA7X4ZlFf/s640/IMG_0815+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Lac du Grattaleu</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_N_V5_TJZdNFBtGe51n4jFRMMYQmPTL9aVijsHL4J02vNfMJxP2cRWGH-V2gXKmirhkse-uFtcr12sAgw611kZJyceQQUaPk17Ge7iXAh7CtlujIriJJ-yjtyBMhJchtRR4dJCzyWqHv1/s1600/IMG_0816+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_N_V5_TJZdNFBtGe51n4jFRMMYQmPTL9aVijsHL4J02vNfMJxP2cRWGH-V2gXKmirhkse-uFtcr12sAgw611kZJyceQQUaPk17Ge7iXAh7CtlujIriJJ-yjtyBMhJchtRR4dJCzyWqHv1/s640/IMG_0816+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsD0CMF-tvt0txOLJD4cP3plS2eS_4SHhz6xbK3mvr_EyAg8AuwWP_Yi763JztKlCq6w3P-t8jHID_Bw_gB-CbUvUbci9TI3iu0PKIbiTWyvlSs6iukU1gPScWPKPhYHO-u0YYf8vKRCj/s1600/IMG_0821+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsD0CMF-tvt0txOLJD4cP3plS2eS_4SHhz6xbK3mvr_EyAg8AuwWP_Yi763JztKlCq6w3P-t8jHID_Bw_gB-CbUvUbci9TI3iu0PKIbiTWyvlSs6iukU1gPScWPKPhYHO-u0YYf8vKRCj/s640/IMG_0821+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQeTu7EmhLbGg1Qxkji1ahmcwIG7Nn_-lolx0BYL59zbYevj6OUVSL_u-e8HxC1GDXE9_bGPpZHTsbftIImamxofTKAQP3YFE3cE5LH-jqMSnQ5N1DME3VdnX7X5fqbyx2Jl5b_0HM7Xw/s1600/IMG_0825+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQeTu7EmhLbGg1Qxkji1ahmcwIG7Nn_-lolx0BYL59zbYevj6OUVSL_u-e8HxC1GDXE9_bGPpZHTsbftIImamxofTKAQP3YFE3cE5LH-jqMSnQ5N1DME3VdnX7X5fqbyx2Jl5b_0HM7Xw/s640/IMG_0825+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygizIc-fSuw-L7YAG_NSZ4ow5XM8I_G9RGB0Vg39N7LGr4ayXfw4BDkvtRWI3Xw-wLYz3wn2Hjz55uwBwkplMqFP_38biGGmncJA4lwEIlsAsP2_p9EWh4pVdG-VqgjfyC0kK-JEvudxp/s1600/IMG_0828+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygizIc-fSuw-L7YAG_NSZ4ow5XM8I_G9RGB0Vg39N7LGr4ayXfw4BDkvtRWI3Xw-wLYz3wn2Hjz55uwBwkplMqFP_38biGGmncJA4lwEIlsAsP2_p9EWh4pVdG-VqgjfyC0kK-JEvudxp/s640/IMG_0828+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Anyway back to the journey. After an easy descent on mostly snow free trails the ski resorts come into view. Their scale emphasized once again how big an industry it is and I guess in its own way it made for a spectacular sight. It was an easy thing though to raise the eyes and delight instead at the spectacular peaks of the snow and ice capped giants that soared above the valley and formed the border between France and Italy. I eventually reached the concrete jungle and wasted no time in making my way out of it. Even though I was still up at 2100 metres it was hot in the baking sun. If I had thought it was all downhill from the col then I got a rude awakening on the town edge. A climb of almost 200mtrs got the blood pumping and soon I left the resorts behind and I reached a wide alpine shoulder that offered delightful walking. I could imagine going for a hill run here sometime. I made a short detour to a viewing point and cross where there was a wonderful view down to the Lac de Chevril and in the distance the Mont Blanc massif stood imperiously. The undoubted queen of the Alps. After crossing the beautiful grassy shoulder the trail enters the woods and drops swiftly to the large ski town of Val d'Isere. It was very warm when I finally reached it. I was heading to the campsite on the far side of town so I skirted most of it until I exited the other end and found the small but perfectly formed campsite. I arrived at 1pm, and when I saw that the office was closed until 5pm, I reckoned I would have a long wait. I went and sat in the shade of a nearby tree and settled in to wait. Within a few minutes after friendly lady arrived and checked me in so I soon had my tent up and was enjoying a refreshing shower. A little later I went to explore the town and my disenchantment was only reinforced by the collection of huge faux chalets and apartments, the usual collection of sports shops where everything was overpriced and groceries that matched Norway prices. I didn't linger and returned to the campsite and enjoyed a quiet , pleasant evening.</div><div><br />Day 9...17 kilometres...600 metres ascent...1100 metres down...6 hours</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukXqSikCpoHyi4h_x6YUeZifQWUbOlqW0E9rtmOtbsZqhAKH0S6kW3QvhCQvTlcg0LyXIxOxyEH4vg19YBOXm_pDF8M_eQPeHWQqz0r47CmjbNsTdQubrfi-msUZRyX0cg-QSqKkKyY40/s1600/IMG_0829+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukXqSikCpoHyi4h_x6YUeZifQWUbOlqW0E9rtmOtbsZqhAKH0S6kW3QvhCQvTlcg0LyXIxOxyEH4vg19YBOXm_pDF8M_eQPeHWQqz0r47CmjbNsTdQubrfi-msUZRyX0cg-QSqKkKyY40/s640/IMG_0829+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">There she is again...head and shoulders above the rest</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgBIP7Cmjzvp7E1Hfxl2ng_zL6Z0hv4xMNieBKWHEgWnAUSPpHUY2JAL8mQon3gpQLfJd17rRW22IWWGgXRhqyQr83OVs1DvBOQjPm70SIp2wBsksB7JyK_rhXMD48JHgB4nAyrCq9gd0/s1600/IMG_0832+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgBIP7Cmjzvp7E1Hfxl2ng_zL6Z0hv4xMNieBKWHEgWnAUSPpHUY2JAL8mQon3gpQLfJd17rRW22IWWGgXRhqyQr83OVs1DvBOQjPm70SIp2wBsksB7JyK_rhXMD48JHgB4nAyrCq9gd0/s640/IMG_0832+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2-tVrISapH0MT0Vd3c-LOu8lcZmNrmmmo1usC38igXpvKKvroD8jyEc6AZoDH1v5Vvh169ABEyg5eMPzAED6kt7YJT04n_FM53Lv4I14PKVi_cRSaZSUlOt09Xn91x1Tx52sY5KmqfuK/s1600/IMG_0833+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2-tVrISapH0MT0Vd3c-LOu8lcZmNrmmmo1usC38igXpvKKvroD8jyEc6AZoDH1v5Vvh169ABEyg5eMPzAED6kt7YJT04n_FM53Lv4I14PKVi_cRSaZSUlOt09Xn91x1Tx52sY5KmqfuK/s640/IMG_0833+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Val d'Isere</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv68EJnLWUJdrbFpWc0djrHW4-JHpBLZvhgHh2wvXVtTuGluaQ8Pjf0NczsnCXxOk5tvwkcK_G75fuTBVLdcj84L9fR0OGFIWMbxNiLI-MPh3cGEbnZLrjtF_1ISNgVNJQL_S97tsFMW_5/s1600/IMG_0835+%25281280x944%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv68EJnLWUJdrbFpWc0djrHW4-JHpBLZvhgHh2wvXVtTuGluaQ8Pjf0NczsnCXxOk5tvwkcK_G75fuTBVLdcj84L9fR0OGFIWMbxNiLI-MPh3cGEbnZLrjtF_1ISNgVNJQL_S97tsFMW_5/s640/IMG_0835+%25281280x944%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Wednesday June 26th;<br /><br />Another stunning blue sky morning greeted me. A fella could get used to this. Packing up a crispy dry tent I re-joined the nearby GR. Today would take me over the highest pass of the GR 5, the Col de l'Iseran at 2762 metres.<br />Where does the time go. Day 10 already and now so close to the end of the journey. I was delighted that I was coping so well with the demands of the trail. I think I am finally getting the balance between comfort, supplies, and the weight I carry right. I know I had an easy day yesterday, but I feel that I could have stretched several of the days out by an hour or two. I was still pleased with the progress I'd made. The objective today was to reach the village of Bessans, where there was another campsite.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxji_mgVjMc0TcCv8f6FvFEryYrJcSHhQD-aal_IJkr20qJ6tYIoH0K0_LZ2M9tf0BMRKbrqLbSkvEgiIwbWBc7_-WJqelObb5uuzeURYeawsF7BlT_M0TkbkmElyidBS_msf7hbeFhcw/s1600/IMG_20190626_075258+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxji_mgVjMc0TcCv8f6FvFEryYrJcSHhQD-aal_IJkr20qJ6tYIoH0K0_LZ2M9tf0BMRKbrqLbSkvEgiIwbWBc7_-WJqelObb5uuzeURYeawsF7BlT_M0TkbkmElyidBS_msf7hbeFhcw/s640/IMG_20190626_075258+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Leaving</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioN0LmezkeTxVmwZzIpXa45IYWFdoCQA7HU8PSFVGqzOWQpAZtTw70AHxcotkOOnR0g99qIOx7GAuJL6gw3LwG8y97DSDKYy7MJeE59DcBOeWib30ZRPQ0j4rYMvgc0pi-bNMtMMkXwwdi/s1600/IMG_20190626_082035+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioN0LmezkeTxVmwZzIpXa45IYWFdoCQA7HU8PSFVGqzOWQpAZtTw70AHxcotkOOnR0g99qIOx7GAuJL6gw3LwG8y97DSDKYy7MJeE59DcBOeWib30ZRPQ0j4rYMvgc0pi-bNMtMMkXwwdi/s640/IMG_20190626_082035+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">For some reason I was fascinated by the ridge on the right</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcO14KIAjyWesSVBDP7S42GA0zCUJPEiWTt7cM3-_5ej4xsJ-oAUyAIrnzhG3nuxWTpSX9DWITjXa6-vqACIKn2NBTbYghw4c2GQiRwIVxpJcLcRg58PlD-xbw6Qe_nz3QN4AAt0UYpXw/s1600/IMG_0842+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcO14KIAjyWesSVBDP7S42GA0zCUJPEiWTt7cM3-_5ej4xsJ-oAUyAIrnzhG3nuxWTpSX9DWITjXa6-vqACIKn2NBTbYghw4c2GQiRwIVxpJcLcRg58PlD-xbw6Qe_nz3QN4AAt0UYpXw/s640/IMG_0842+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Easy going to the col</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />The trail started to climb pretty much straight away and soon decent height gain was achieved. The views back towards the town were nice, but I wasn't sorry to be seeing the back of it. I hoped that the next section would prove nicer. Up up the trail went and soon I was back in open alpine scenery, where to my disappointment, much more ski infrastructure was to the fore. Add to this the fact that a road was also heading for the pass meant that wilderness feeling was decidedly absent. After the initial steep climb where you gain 500mtrs, things became more gradual when I crossed the road and the undulating slopes head for the distant col. This was for me the least enjoyable section of the whole trip because I guess I hadn't expected that the highest pass would be the most developed. When I arrived at the busy col it was still a delight to see vistas new and the scenery was amazing. After a short rest I once again followed the trail as it descended through snow and meadow towards a narrow gap where a bridge crossed over the river. The descent was fine except for one place where I had to cross a snow field that dropped steeply towards the road below. It came as something of a surprise to find that it was very firm and several firm kicks were required to make a step. I was relieved to reach better ground beyond.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZefDRPscqXk2ZK3boaVXSxXRwrE5kHk-oTVtGjNE1akx8pQ58ZYl9d5locg8j2KYGH3rsH1wjqQx5_J35JEn1zq8TgXJHK_ihTXnwRLpYoubhVyK_PLtuHSq81Rt1goN2DAbLlL_Ybnb/s1600/IMG_0847+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZefDRPscqXk2ZK3boaVXSxXRwrE5kHk-oTVtGjNE1akx8pQ58ZYl9d5locg8j2KYGH3rsH1wjqQx5_J35JEn1zq8TgXJHK_ihTXnwRLpYoubhVyK_PLtuHSq81Rt1goN2DAbLlL_Ybnb/s640/IMG_0847+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">New vistas open</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkA6-fHlg4QqY-6Vg-zrqGpY7go4scemL9LsXqmwOKi07NyGA_9w1uKt2mSRdH7h5xWiBxYrk3QoK3N874SCNQ0Ajz1Qtj6lN9n0_hoj4rkuWgGVSnzVRNb2Lk9GIGGIeD7FvCvLwo47n/s1600/IMG_0848+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkA6-fHlg4QqY-6Vg-zrqGpY7go4scemL9LsXqmwOKi07NyGA_9w1uKt2mSRdH7h5xWiBxYrk3QoK3N874SCNQ0Ajz1Qtj6lN9n0_hoj4rkuWgGVSnzVRNb2Lk9GIGGIeD7FvCvLwo47n/s640/IMG_0848+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK-13lR-koqdSymGnomF-tXkSsIKG7hWTUlcmr-WUTgvFNDQ7KHPrWfFj37aYAogQhnMgUiYYlpbuGA0fAfzkyqYnD4beBEI0p376dR5PZAxbPtr0nafzVLaJqJ3CP8StAxjjz28WuFbZ/s1600/IMG_0849+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK-13lR-koqdSymGnomF-tXkSsIKG7hWTUlcmr-WUTgvFNDQ7KHPrWfFj37aYAogQhnMgUiYYlpbuGA0fAfzkyqYnD4beBEI0p376dR5PZAxbPtr0nafzVLaJqJ3CP8StAxjjz28WuFbZ/s640/IMG_0849+%25281280x959%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iE_jLXM-Pxlw243RPEU3l9eUUWI-wzfnuBe9jMjIZeKD4owVqwBVbrbhDeT5KM4CHHIy8KEXvKIIu1H2sdgv98WDasITmHpJXgPJuJ_hc53cDWUxo6Rbj9R1_z2TAgjZxHB4TApAauTH/s1600/IMG_0850+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iE_jLXM-Pxlw243RPEU3l9eUUWI-wzfnuBe9jMjIZeKD4owVqwBVbrbhDeT5KM4CHHIy8KEXvKIIu1H2sdgv98WDasITmHpJXgPJuJ_hc53cDWUxo6Rbj9R1_z2TAgjZxHB4TApAauTH/s640/IMG_0850+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">I was able to drop to the trail just around the corner</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As I neared the bridge the trail disappeared under snow, so I decided to walk on the road. When I reached the aptly named Pont de la Neige I could see the track approached the river some 50 metres beyond the bridge, but a big snow bridge covered the river which hid any footbridge, and I didn't fancy trusting my life to the snow over the swollen raging torrent. I stuck to the road and hoped that I would find somewhere that I could drop down to the trail, which was visible further down. It wasn't looking good for a while, as the drop was initially precipitous, but after a kilometre or so an opportunity presented itself and soon I was back on track...literally 😀. This section was lovely as it descended by the cascading river and this made the intrusion of the road less obvious. After reaching le Cueigne at 2142mtrs, the trail turned right and followed a farm track gently up and around the shoulder of the hillside. The views to the peaks of the Alberon group across the valley were wonderful. When I reached the shoulder I went across to a nearby knoll where I sat for a while and enjoyed a bite to eat. My navigational app proved invaluable after this as the correct track was fairly hard to find but the positioning arrow on the map soon had me right.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKq6AZ8sQvxjvBAd1DFvBHNTm9lvCaHOkFq78K4YlKuOlkPNu9G2m1Qb4QRfemYrCoh4-evK1_8lBWq4SFqR4Gji4f0GoDj5420AuFHUvoGCbcA3orYQmzlCCddj-uEmY3axhAOKiG-Jb/s1600/IMG_0852+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKq6AZ8sQvxjvBAd1DFvBHNTm9lvCaHOkFq78K4YlKuOlkPNu9G2m1Qb4QRfemYrCoh4-evK1_8lBWq4SFqR4Gji4f0GoDj5420AuFHUvoGCbcA3orYQmzlCCddj-uEmY3axhAOKiG-Jb/s640/IMG_0852+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">A thunderous river</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02a7E9GglZ0kl0-rqSC8BWrWUugSpSi2LfJg9I2gauJRd9z6R1r45CT9ykH_jDYLd5z035JIE8GixLEHdx55qOFZK9nJ8Q7P4ylGjLfFIWc7qI69n8SPe2yaTXJdK8q4QheTR-G8M_llc/s1600/IMG_0856+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02a7E9GglZ0kl0-rqSC8BWrWUugSpSi2LfJg9I2gauJRd9z6R1r45CT9ykH_jDYLd5z035JIE8GixLEHdx55qOFZK9nJ8Q7P4ylGjLfFIWc7qI69n8SPe2yaTXJdK8q4QheTR-G8M_llc/s640/IMG_0856+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Anyone got a flathead screwdriver??</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSDSp1gKnBJTixgZu3DXP0Z25OY0cZuJVFspWzTXb8Cr43uQbdRF53OrDYAFQfjtngEJFqygcx39YbyfY3gDaDE1wQ-sQaj9FHUTI1tPahtkUEGOk05IPIsKV6wPLrgKJrxKUpqk_U9DP/s1600/IMG_20190626_120240+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSDSp1gKnBJTixgZu3DXP0Z25OY0cZuJVFspWzTXb8Cr43uQbdRF53OrDYAFQfjtngEJFqygcx39YbyfY3gDaDE1wQ-sQaj9FHUTI1tPahtkUEGOk05IPIsKV6wPLrgKJrxKUpqk_U9DP/s640/IMG_20190626_120240+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbv2v8wtKXLSRKU4fmzt6xIXpiqoOiCA4SnvbyH5maHUD1n8IIV5_7LSVDJcG8kcKP3zCT8N5YnIrbxbUJGicaF0pZBfhAeDuvfxWgt1jdz3oA2AaZCmc-Peg_t9yYckaZzt7mDzL8lJoV/s1600/IMG_20190626_134609+%25281280x545%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="1280" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbv2v8wtKXLSRKU4fmzt6xIXpiqoOiCA4SnvbyH5maHUD1n8IIV5_7LSVDJcG8kcKP3zCT8N5YnIrbxbUJGicaF0pZBfhAeDuvfxWgt1jdz3oA2AaZCmc-Peg_t9yYckaZzt7mDzL8lJoV/s640/IMG_20190626_134609+%25281280x545%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">One of several deep valleys</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtdmbfIKZr0etPc9F8PLEADht3UBwFKJQX4ZgWJs943OY84vqu4tXpcKVkj_jic3qr7zkcPYyrHmGmWp1h42-YjWICRTvPkdWNr9PzbHDBM5LFkfIzEKrhN0pbl7JC3MO8Voau0mymG6T/s1600/IMG_20190626_141451+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtdmbfIKZr0etPc9F8PLEADht3UBwFKJQX4ZgWJs943OY84vqu4tXpcKVkj_jic3qr7zkcPYyrHmGmWp1h42-YjWICRTvPkdWNr9PzbHDBM5LFkfIzEKrhN0pbl7JC3MO8Voau0mymG6T/s640/IMG_20190626_141451+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Bessans</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Z1TUFAeZK83RkG5_5KEcrE3HCjav8gqos923Zb32kohXvATFh7mvp3ycKQ2nKKgDGvjtqWv_mykBafUSvkf3xCuX09x6lsVtzpOsUK5P1Zw2eaAX9CvrhV-xVcl02oNd9B4ecEBWMYpG/s1600/IMG_0868+%25281280x996%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1280" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Z1TUFAeZK83RkG5_5KEcrE3HCjav8gqos923Zb32kohXvATFh7mvp3ycKQ2nKKgDGvjtqWv_mykBafUSvkf3xCuX09x6lsVtzpOsUK5P1Zw2eaAX9CvrhV-xVcl02oNd9B4ecEBWMYpG/s640/IMG_0868+%25281280x996%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihax2JIRlcNY9YoVE4Vc5MCZzyfcsbh-sUBd_AMbOb44e9YoEkAWw3Sqb_JDttQNs1v3mIgzOXTtnTD1LILwZJ75lpeGKm8w6OlrNU4tGjVCgE6p0bMCz88sxxJpw3OAxS5Q5P33sG7BL2/s1600/IMG_0870+%25281179x1280%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1179" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihax2JIRlcNY9YoVE4Vc5MCZzyfcsbh-sUBd_AMbOb44e9YoEkAWw3Sqb_JDttQNs1v3mIgzOXTtnTD1LILwZJ75lpeGKm8w6OlrNU4tGjVCgE6p0bMCz88sxxJpw3OAxS5Q5P33sG7BL2/s640/IMG_0870+%25281179x1280%2529.jpg" width="588" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">A bit different</td></tr></tbody></table><br />If I thought all I had left to do was just a simple descent to the valley below then I was mistaken. The delightful trail traversed the mountain, going up and down and contouring in to several deep valleys that cut the hillside. In each of these, swollen streams raced down. At the last of these the footbridge had been swept away and judging by the deep groove cut into the ground it was probably done by an avalanche during the spring. Unfortunately it was also the biggest of the streams and it gave me some pause before I attempted to cross. I found a spot a little way below the trail and I was very glad to have my sticks to help balance as I stepped from submerged stone to stone. I breathed a sigh of relief once across then climbed the loose almost vertical far bank. It had been "entertaining". Not far beyond this the trail finally started its winding descent until I finally reached the valley floor at the sleepy hamlet at le Villaron. Wow it was warm, even though I was still above 1700 metres. How hot it must have been down in the lowlands. I walked alongside the river until a footbridge finally gave access to the village of Bessans. It too slumbered in the heat. I found the tourist office and asked if there was a gite or similar nearby. In the heat I didn't fancy walking the extra couple of kilometres to the campsite. She said that the gite was closed but the nearby Vanois hotel was reasonably priced, so I decided to stay there. The room was basic but good and blessedly cool. It even had a bath which I wasted no time in putting to good use. Once I was restored, I ventured up town to top up my supplies and then returned to my nice cool room which I didn't leave until the following morning.</div><div><br />Day 10...22 kilometres...1500 metres ascent...1650 down...8 hours</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDh0QExSqx2dziCMNPVzTRAN1i-ZdPCcj6zIJDdNrZ67ySfN4Sc4lZ3sF2a9tpUYrQmFSdyK2uilj10gGk8D4GaLKZUIRBh1AsUactWx4QRuUu3_ua2hCAk7atMgiX2hzP-ggxCli-L3Tg/s1600/IMG_0874+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDh0QExSqx2dziCMNPVzTRAN1i-ZdPCcj6zIJDdNrZ67ySfN4Sc4lZ3sF2a9tpUYrQmFSdyK2uilj10gGk8D4GaLKZUIRBh1AsUactWx4QRuUu3_ua2hCAk7atMgiX2hzP-ggxCli-L3Tg/s640/IMG_0874+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKPZvMQ-jQn841ysTp5Y9hYVgEXAkVv_IGdjvtewMe9WuAoin2fwL8C-WOmXyJ159weutWTL4T5M6hBLcymXpuIvdK3R86tqfGFHMxazxmP26AdZLuIhTIhNMR8lOhDomvVq2_tjivcYD/s1600/IMG_20190626_143412+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKPZvMQ-jQn841ysTp5Y9hYVgEXAkVv_IGdjvtewMe9WuAoin2fwL8C-WOmXyJ159weutWTL4T5M6hBLcymXpuIvdK3R86tqfGFHMxazxmP26AdZLuIhTIhNMR8lOhDomvVq2_tjivcYD/s640/IMG_20190626_143412+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Thursday June 27th;<br /><br />After an excellent breakfast in the company of a large group of Dutch pensioners I was once again underway by 07.30am. It had been 31 degrees in the village yesterday and today promised to be just as warm. Initially, the going is easy, and the first few kilometres is a stroll along near the river until, after a short few steps on the road it climbs to Col de Madelaine. From here the climbing begins and a swift 400 metres are gained. A long undulating traverse follows, where the going is never too hard. I stopped for a drink at the Refuge du Vallonbrun, where the friendly super helpful guardian showed me where another footbridge was missing and where I could cross down below the trail. A similar pattern to yesterday ensued, as the trail contoured along the mountainside, entering deep recesses and crossing shoulders. It was entertaining and I found it not too taxing. Perhaps it was because I had 10 mountain days behind me and I had gained fitness and strength. Whatever the reason, all I knew was that I was enjoying myself immensely. Eventually I reached the unmanned Refuge du Cuchet and shortly afterwards that awkward crossing I had been warned about. I found the way across and after that the trail dropped gently and re-entered the woods.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFHHjC6eZ0-ce9nIhCZblvYbwVaPl_74HU26-iVhDiV6zZSj3hGbrY7yzMmYVihVIbqm0LTWxuXGadqIHH6Dd-DSZ0wXlFfFR2Nnaa2IaCuw5LWinHJsuj8r202aoLRyJyWL-SUIYHFqQ/s1600/IMG_0878+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFHHjC6eZ0-ce9nIhCZblvYbwVaPl_74HU26-iVhDiV6zZSj3hGbrY7yzMmYVihVIbqm0LTWxuXGadqIHH6Dd-DSZ0wXlFfFR2Nnaa2IaCuw5LWinHJsuj8r202aoLRyJyWL-SUIYHFqQ/s640/IMG_0878+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpgMHINx-Fezyp2IofYPSR3LSHfSAHoeaTYS7cGrJoL0p8McrpgeGVjFw7raVWdt3Q9zYBFPpQTiGWwLJpIl-3hPDY0spPmTPIDlvM0SNrroSNrZS77re8XZL4vnVPz5U27IdMMNfgvxv/s1600/IMG_0880+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpgMHINx-Fezyp2IofYPSR3LSHfSAHoeaTYS7cGrJoL0p8McrpgeGVjFw7raVWdt3Q9zYBFPpQTiGWwLJpIl-3hPDY0spPmTPIDlvM0SNrroSNrZS77re8XZL4vnVPz5U27IdMMNfgvxv/s640/IMG_0880+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovTa4KbXp4dVQKBMdK_wfZ2Z-fe_aFEMxZyGPnXdCqshiVTtMRhI6fFfqvpfCaj0r918ko2-DiZMO81364P_rx7qDpSgtFsNzzyL9R5drzA_Tnk_NsYVVdusSkGTgftZzwsAp5Bb2j6Xe/s1600/IMG_0882+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovTa4KbXp4dVQKBMdK_wfZ2Z-fe_aFEMxZyGPnXdCqshiVTtMRhI6fFfqvpfCaj0r918ko2-DiZMO81364P_rx7qDpSgtFsNzzyL9R5drzA_Tnk_NsYVVdusSkGTgftZzwsAp5Bb2j6Xe/s640/IMG_0882+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vRo95BBEF0hyjCfY5bKxkZNuVxyFrndtWAjz9YHzBohOBD2h-t1hqA6CQW_PvDt1vtgL-nTxDMYnWwabyGcXpi8ug7qYowgeuXqgz749PZHSrxrYcjbLW4bPP7siHa-kKkfp1HuhncZ8/s1600/IMG_0884+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vRo95BBEF0hyjCfY5bKxkZNuVxyFrndtWAjz9YHzBohOBD2h-t1hqA6CQW_PvDt1vtgL-nTxDMYnWwabyGcXpi8ug7qYowgeuXqgz749PZHSrxrYcjbLW4bPP7siHa-kKkfp1HuhncZ8/s640/IMG_0884+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju1gu6hX8iZPoqSQwpIpVN2RiKG36FDpVZdr_QeNqhepgpjMyE_Nu6bgWUaOOFbKE2gxqVlukbeIhNBOaDpBev_iPxrn96_7OgKJlw3_Gt-Fnn6q1_Pykljg-a0Ew3bqECOz2gETLfdaY/s1600/IMG_0887+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju1gu6hX8iZPoqSQwpIpVN2RiKG36FDpVZdr_QeNqhepgpjMyE_Nu6bgWUaOOFbKE2gxqVlukbeIhNBOaDpBev_iPxrn96_7OgKJlw3_Gt-Fnn6q1_Pykljg-a0Ew3bqECOz2gETLfdaY/s640/IMG_0887+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs_8w7UXqtQ6_if3tCRIaNo2Lv8c_amci0A8EGoUgxf7Tzo7mNgSrJ7wOTz5eteGlDxbLZDMl6AH-z8xTsB9RgOIBzJHRaS0G7XqBWVwTQrixm82ISaz4zk4vla0sjAHqTZObtFr4q5bz/s1600/IMG_0892+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs_8w7UXqtQ6_if3tCRIaNo2Lv8c_amci0A8EGoUgxf7Tzo7mNgSrJ7wOTz5eteGlDxbLZDMl6AH-z8xTsB9RgOIBzJHRaS0G7XqBWVwTQrixm82ISaz4zk4vla0sjAHqTZObtFr4q5bz/s640/IMG_0892+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The unmanned Refuge du Cuchet</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A steep climb up out of the woods and onto the crest of the spur at La Turra de Termignon saw the trail turn north and enter a new valley. I was now heading for the as yet unseen Refuge du Plan du Lac where I hoped to stay the night. The next few kilometres were easy as the trail contoured around the huge valley until finally after passing a few alpages it reached the road that cut through the narrow gap into the next valley. Now another little climb followed before easy walking past a small lake saw me arrive at the beautifully situated refuge. I settled in having just booked bed and breakfast as I carried enough for dinner. New mountain scenery lay revealed in true alpine splendour and later, as the sun was setting I sat alone outside on the terrace, enjoyed the view and listened to competing skylarks. I felt fortunate indeed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjugOc68qUfAXLkuZtHDBxpM_ej32xsXd3la4yaFj-uAd8R_z3iI_l0atqqm-jj8A3KcUkyLaucgWnzzcC3fXx1yooDeZFmgNQ5SadWSu6K75HtbPo7DtRwpVAoic02HIzX5MN-dHf9Qpi/s1600/IMG_0894+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjugOc68qUfAXLkuZtHDBxpM_ej32xsXd3la4yaFj-uAd8R_z3iI_l0atqqm-jj8A3KcUkyLaucgWnzzcC3fXx1yooDeZFmgNQ5SadWSu6K75HtbPo7DtRwpVAoic02HIzX5MN-dHf9Qpi/s640/IMG_0894+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbcCFq57l2DMLg980fvXmAuMMRjuNTBSH9H4TVx6q5Cg__PvSWvcsF5Ygm4omMnlGFRLwEDOi-QN49kMVS7hZ2dXGIqWGzo3iwIXmA9w_631-Li1jRwEnEnxC7KBPOUzUPQhUabIdYf7Q/s1600/IMG_0896+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbcCFq57l2DMLg980fvXmAuMMRjuNTBSH9H4TVx6q5Cg__PvSWvcsF5Ygm4omMnlGFRLwEDOi-QN49kMVS7hZ2dXGIqWGzo3iwIXmA9w_631-Li1jRwEnEnxC7KBPOUzUPQhUabIdYf7Q/s640/IMG_0896+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8699qgUKqPXp_UrECBO9gvntQ-XCInw_plmTnD1_uh-rYtb65Onkp8tPhyphenhyphenBa3NQsZ_GStenM_2mciqZUDzC8pMgJ_Ws97fnzeFq5Gpx-XNMSrrOlE0qIof_DT2ih7DRtF47JI5CctR-G/s1600/IMG_0898+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8699qgUKqPXp_UrECBO9gvntQ-XCInw_plmTnD1_uh-rYtb65Onkp8tPhyphenhyphenBa3NQsZ_GStenM_2mciqZUDzC8pMgJ_Ws97fnzeFq5Gpx-XNMSrrOlE0qIof_DT2ih7DRtF47JI5CctR-G/s640/IMG_0898+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyH4Qi5_kRlovN_gAuQdzRYNoSZT36ii1P8UhQZfqBtEc_dWB_QoUoQeDYJGrG2w0JLH1oN_wJTxuqIgK-MMAVM3Of0BMfNvU6NNDlsJsLGT9EgvGj1NR7NftwdfdAcfD5anMeOimYrnv/s1600/IMG_20190627_153738+%25281280x819%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyH4Qi5_kRlovN_gAuQdzRYNoSZT36ii1P8UhQZfqBtEc_dWB_QoUoQeDYJGrG2w0JLH1oN_wJTxuqIgK-MMAVM3Of0BMfNvU6NNDlsJsLGT9EgvGj1NR7NftwdfdAcfD5anMeOimYrnv/s640/IMG_20190627_153738+%25281280x819%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYUvKoxyggpQpqrlQHBHzzOp2KURXgKNNMLmjaIxnbYPaHTN0WGAJZxWstrImkHeavhSaMf5RJVlpq3RNKbf4lCsq_if0CwoYWmWECZvSGVHzEyDLOjbBsdZUzFz2iAQMvcaZ3bWJNBgw/s1600/IMG_20190627_200446+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYUvKoxyggpQpqrlQHBHzzOp2KURXgKNNMLmjaIxnbYPaHTN0WGAJZxWstrImkHeavhSaMf5RJVlpq3RNKbf4lCsq_if0CwoYWmWECZvSGVHzEyDLOjbBsdZUzFz2iAQMvcaZ3bWJNBgw/s640/IMG_20190627_200446+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Refuge Plan de la Lac</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Day 11...26 kilometres...1700 metres ascent...1100 down...8 hours 30 minutes<br /><br />Friday June 28th;<br /><br />The penultimate day already, where does the time go?.<br />I was out from the refuge and on the move again at just after 7am. It was another stunning crystal clear morning.<br />Looking at the map, looked like it was just a matter of going in one side of a valley and coming back the other side. I had done one side so to be truthful I wasn't expecting a great deal from today. I couldn't have been more wrong.<br />First up after leaving the refuge you continue north and drop some 300 metres into the deep heart of the mountains to the junction of three valleys. Here the highest mountain of the Vanoise, the Grande Casse (3855 metres) looked huge and despite there being a small road here the area had a remote wild feel. At the lowest point you cross the river and climb up through pastures until after you reach 2300 metres you reach a large plateau that has a real high alpine feel to it. Here moraines sweep down from the glacier clad peaks above. Snow covered small lakes and large snowfields only added to the high alpine feel to the trail. On the right was the rocky face of Monte Pelve 3312mtrs and ahead the icy domes of Dome de Chasseforet 3586mtrs, Dome des Nants 3562 metres and Dome de l'Arpont 3599mtrs made a super alpine backdrop. Beyond this the rocky peak of La Dent Parrachee 3695mtrs formed the final peak of this side of the valley and around this todays route ultimately went. It was another world and one of the best sections of trail of the whole trip. After reaching a height over 2500 metres the most difficult section of the trail is left behind and easier ground follows for a while.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjbNiaLULx3-HRrQlAkLcYi6L_9co_aGy3XC06oYlomAdudN6jVQ52uVGerxWe9kS7g0CxpuHfVo3t2sOIMIj5KWNPwIPT9etXN0I5WVPPlHZ5SMmeq_6-EaO9HyEai3yjGtwk8etP2G_/s1600/IMG_20190628_073713+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjbNiaLULx3-HRrQlAkLcYi6L_9co_aGy3XC06oYlomAdudN6jVQ52uVGerxWe9kS7g0CxpuHfVo3t2sOIMIj5KWNPwIPT9etXN0I5WVPPlHZ5SMmeq_6-EaO9HyEai3yjGtwk8etP2G_/s640/IMG_20190628_073713+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">What a morning..the Grande Casse</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJtFUr791mfGbbmcshZvrOZmJNU1kPpa_dC6mUwFHdntB9Uk-8-ZUGZkYZYsXE5waV5KGoRKIxGE4Rxw0sbFuU82aaXNdLUkTfk0Eu1FJUtUxbU7IkhsFPW0r1FX3HAVGA7LbbeAQYY4B/s1600/IMG_20190628_080311+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJtFUr791mfGbbmcshZvrOZmJNU1kPpa_dC6mUwFHdntB9Uk-8-ZUGZkYZYsXE5waV5KGoRKIxGE4Rxw0sbFuU82aaXNdLUkTfk0Eu1FJUtUxbU7IkhsFPW0r1FX3HAVGA7LbbeAQYY4B/s640/IMG_20190628_080311+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNwU0RQP84imorUcGrMfm7SpTEZquuf7V11Sk_OGtLnzT1Opd4zue9SrKTsJ6c6vn0IkROZtgYf2BMFzAGJ7pvlmjVTPvaiwAXKMLF-3_KvTNVnXxK9ekuwOCUT8fEzMY_x8QwerPtQLA/s1600/IMG_20190628_090137+%25281280x344%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="1280" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNwU0RQP84imorUcGrMfm7SpTEZquuf7V11Sk_OGtLnzT1Opd4zue9SrKTsJ6c6vn0IkROZtgYf2BMFzAGJ7pvlmjVTPvaiwAXKMLF-3_KvTNVnXxK9ekuwOCUT8fEzMY_x8QwerPtQLA/s640/IMG_20190628_090137+%25281280x344%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Entering a new alpine landscape</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Then the wide plateau is left behind and you are suddenly contouring steep ground where the drops to the left at long and required some concentration, especially where the trail held snow. Next came the rather palatial Refuge de l'Arpont, which more resembled a spa than a mountain refuge, with its large roof deck where people were basking in the warm sun. I had been on the move for over four hours by now so I had a bite to eat and a good drink of water before setting off on the next leg. You gradually lose height from the refuge until after rounding a shoulder you head back into a rocky coum where another climb is needed to get above some cliffs. After this more height is gradually gained until you are back over 2300 metres again. Ultimately you almost reach the 2500 metre mark as you continue to traverse the slopes of this large and complex mountain. Each time you round a shoulder you are treated to new facets of the peak. Eventually, after you round the shoulder of Pointe de Bellecote 3140 metres the nature of the trail changes somewhat. Here the ground is rockier and it is a crumbly yellowish type. Above the Roc De Corneilles an eagle soared and I paused a while to enjoy the sight. You lose around 100 metres as you round the shoulder of the roc and a crumbly path cuts into the riven rockscape, before you emerge onto pastures again. The trail then heads towards the chairlift near Hotel/Refuge de Montana. I thought about staying there but opted instead to continue, around yet another shoulder, and head towards Refuge de Plan Sec which wasn't too far away. En-route I kept an eye out for a good campsite but it was all overlooked by one building or other so I decided to stay at the refuge. The refuge is situated at just over 2300metres and has lovely views down to the lakes below . Across the valley the mountains rose to over 3000 metres. I arrived at 15.50 so I had lots of time to relax and enjoy the excellent facilities of this slightly quirky refuge. I just booked a bed for the night as I was determined to use up the last of the food I carried. The bag would be at its lightest tomorrow 😀.</div><div><br />Day 12...29 kilometres...1750 metres ascent...1820 metres down..8 hours 50 minutes</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgSp7i5Q2IVSzogCNmvS_qsZYGL7FLqvvH8ZoExLCwmBdOGSVSwAxzYpJKVdftlwBU_ZzSov_q0CMsp6uQ4D9S6sjz2tSxHGaImuNuSYj2-nrEPVsAo8EIWHut5KpGdYWR3cAtR0-lDeD/s1600/IMG_0912+%25281280x1045%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1280" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgSp7i5Q2IVSzogCNmvS_qsZYGL7FLqvvH8ZoExLCwmBdOGSVSwAxzYpJKVdftlwBU_ZzSov_q0CMsp6uQ4D9S6sjz2tSxHGaImuNuSYj2-nrEPVsAo8EIWHut5KpGdYWR3cAtR0-lDeD/s640/IMG_0912+%25281280x1045%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Fuselage rock</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVVU6U6IYoqGjJDp5l_x7KEABJM6W9XwSso_bd-B8H82oyX1OWmbO9Aenp4pV1TY6rGxblB0W-eq2_m8QI_fywRzfwUAiJI3R87_UMXxVJJfLDRnbudhMeWpJRoi-ld5qwHH5kWxvf1K5/s1600/IMG_0918+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVVU6U6IYoqGjJDp5l_x7KEABJM6W9XwSso_bd-B8H82oyX1OWmbO9Aenp4pV1TY6rGxblB0W-eq2_m8QI_fywRzfwUAiJI3R87_UMXxVJJfLDRnbudhMeWpJRoi-ld5qwHH5kWxvf1K5/s640/IMG_0918+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNZtqFyIjToR4FFEJ_rSeKPBhg_cRncdbmSEVSBlJCwjKT1gWT31_Vv3so9A77lMU6eH7fw25Hz6lfThAmG1LcVSx2fFU2QUILdezvxOkyLrunolriFvkHOXWMAl5kw7b1lSkuZg01GUR/s1600/IMG_0921+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNZtqFyIjToR4FFEJ_rSeKPBhg_cRncdbmSEVSBlJCwjKT1gWT31_Vv3so9A77lMU6eH7fw25Hz6lfThAmG1LcVSx2fFU2QUILdezvxOkyLrunolriFvkHOXWMAl5kw7b1lSkuZg01GUR/s640/IMG_0921+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPPw6p228Tl8hQ4-2jO9mI0hU33wxzu_xZhTJ3LrzmRLvzCt9pXM7HjqpBYrm9QeVnmAWDPnYgBAWPF9y-Qe6Y5HL88FBtjFHpC07SeVBAtW6wz5wzHE_l-vbhWZ5j7kz_6QIuHvOOxXJ/s1600/IMG_0923+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPPw6p228Tl8hQ4-2jO9mI0hU33wxzu_xZhTJ3LrzmRLvzCt9pXM7HjqpBYrm9QeVnmAWDPnYgBAWPF9y-Qe6Y5HL88FBtjFHpC07SeVBAtW6wz5wzHE_l-vbhWZ5j7kz_6QIuHvOOxXJ/s640/IMG_0923+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7i-R5E6sdhOYBw5Vi27kbxhsv-bZv9ps_5Nh2Mxv9V3mvvTDLHLcvacJHHcasISLTFkWaONyCEbnCbKIfymt0qfoL7btihZdFXMsUYPnDpYpshGWjP3ht2zIOD2A9wDNgwmkXKReH-iq/s1600/IMG_0926+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7i-R5E6sdhOYBw5Vi27kbxhsv-bZv9ps_5Nh2Mxv9V3mvvTDLHLcvacJHHcasISLTFkWaONyCEbnCbKIfymt0qfoL7btihZdFXMsUYPnDpYpshGWjP3ht2zIOD2A9wDNgwmkXKReH-iq/s640/IMG_0926+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDye1_pUsYl0N2SVHeLxoHjHARDrLIY9RVvzyn0Ncqs5PWOLni_0E_x9bQ8uTYK20Yg4rZKPVpYKwT_T1w4ENh-jfFV9w6u7a98WZJ7BieVjURnQ24vIUu1PRLV1-8pzM1aTmXqeSguZC/s1600/IMG_0927+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDye1_pUsYl0N2SVHeLxoHjHARDrLIY9RVvzyn0Ncqs5PWOLni_0E_x9bQ8uTYK20Yg4rZKPVpYKwT_T1w4ENh-jfFV9w6u7a98WZJ7BieVjURnQ24vIUu1PRLV1-8pzM1aTmXqeSguZC/s640/IMG_0927+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibC_GP7S8c3IBL7CdhubSSbShnjbfq62IhE8V_Zv482Mpo2A5K6lkzEYyyb3K8JWMoO92TRapi44f7ifV7wj-EAhluYa7BiWe5bYCy3vWpnpUmrl2UpUD8e3-g6bilMg4kOXtlkpwCPLSG/s1600/IMG_0934+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibC_GP7S8c3IBL7CdhubSSbShnjbfq62IhE8V_Zv482Mpo2A5K6lkzEYyyb3K8JWMoO92TRapi44f7ifV7wj-EAhluYa7BiWe5bYCy3vWpnpUmrl2UpUD8e3-g6bilMg4kOXtlkpwCPLSG/s640/IMG_0934+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJFSf-jr3S8sWgEhEd4OEGAPfwBi6yAVHbDmc7OcO0qmnKVg6DttAHXiUJ_E7Rf2ia0v38BvUKI_4voS-oVl3HgaZI6etoPAiXcMQ9WAm6A5i19ET4HTvd_X5UchOO0fiF4wI4NwwMzA4/s1600/IMG_0937+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJFSf-jr3S8sWgEhEd4OEGAPfwBi6yAVHbDmc7OcO0qmnKVg6DttAHXiUJ_E7Rf2ia0v38BvUKI_4voS-oVl3HgaZI6etoPAiXcMQ9WAm6A5i19ET4HTvd_X5UchOO0fiF4wI4NwwMzA4/s640/IMG_0937+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">A truly enormous scree field</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDhO-tLZPPabEjOiCBJjhKvAXCve3zFafv5UmVGEzU_7VNcEdfrBU0o2wGXABk5_9idPb4QtTt9TMhAgSXxNkjX2X8bPZ5rX5xrw4ADVSg9vUCQC7f2lHWroZk8NyjOXcrJ1_BJcMHx3f/s1600/IMG_0945+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDhO-tLZPPabEjOiCBJjhKvAXCve3zFafv5UmVGEzU_7VNcEdfrBU0o2wGXABk5_9idPb4QtTt9TMhAgSXxNkjX2X8bPZ5rX5xrw4ADVSg9vUCQC7f2lHWroZk8NyjOXcrJ1_BJcMHx3f/s640/IMG_0945+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh3T_o3yf8Ql69kNe7t162AWiL22l2qyUlMyko4vShMA7qBD450ie7wGT4MD-aJkQfhg8HrNJ_S41KN4fBEalrDt5G2_JUOru38PP8xXttGvLa11b5fcbOZNscChSFn2q39vRN49jQyNY/s1600/IMG_0950+%25281280x946%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh3T_o3yf8Ql69kNe7t162AWiL22l2qyUlMyko4vShMA7qBD450ie7wGT4MD-aJkQfhg8HrNJ_S41KN4fBEalrDt5G2_JUOru38PP8xXttGvLa11b5fcbOZNscChSFn2q39vRN49jQyNY/s640/IMG_0950+%25281280x946%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Refuge de Plan Sec</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Saturday June 29th;<br /><br />Another beautiful weather day greeted me as I set off on the final leg of this trip at 07.15. I knew that today wasn't going to be too long but I was still keen to allow plenty of time so as to avoid any unnecessary stress. I was heading to the town of Modane, from where I could catch a train to Geneva, before my return home, first thing on Sunday morning. As luck would have it, the app that I had been using had stopped working, as apparently me free seven day trial was up. It didn't matter though as I had bought a map of the Vanoise national park while I was in Bessans, so I sorted for today. I set off into the valley and after a short while I reached a junction in the path. I followed the one that led to Refuge de la Dent Parrachee, which was a couple of hundred metres higher up. When I reached the refuge I realized that I was after going off trail, so I dropped down to the valley floor. I followed the trail that lay there and I soon re-joined the main route. I guess the app would have been handy today after all 😏.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nEIHBN_wzitXuItdQWBnrZlEg36D24qDI9EnYT3JleuP-22VFnE-bzTRBlgPZqhuW-c_m-E5NV6p29jOAOkW9xXhWRohitGQ3-yaS7n0R3S2X82STOZ7n8PSMe4L7psOEJ4HcQJO66FB/s1600/IMG_20190629_073359+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nEIHBN_wzitXuItdQWBnrZlEg36D24qDI9EnYT3JleuP-22VFnE-bzTRBlgPZqhuW-c_m-E5NV6p29jOAOkW9xXhWRohitGQ3-yaS7n0R3S2X82STOZ7n8PSMe4L7psOEJ4HcQJO66FB/s640/IMG_20190629_073359+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Another stunning morning</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6H5Lz616onc3fgHn1D9VMkmDGnybHxc9ieo6DTWTlMtBOTOCDK1-XbdymA1NGApabKjjGrP-uzyeqSgf5mAfdRcpZ3y3ViZo66HWryYDWjtUULijcZfIiodx-1NugVwjY3eedQVW3FpU/s1600/IMG_0953+%25281280x946%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6H5Lz616onc3fgHn1D9VMkmDGnybHxc9ieo6DTWTlMtBOTOCDK1-XbdymA1NGApabKjjGrP-uzyeqSgf5mAfdRcpZ3y3ViZo66HWryYDWjtUULijcZfIiodx-1NugVwjY3eedQVW3FpU/s640/IMG_0953+%25281280x946%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPy9dWZXqCurchVdGYuHmjQFwnb1znnCrQ0YFd2QD-QWbQ8wEmHBaetv2xqvwaGnXAuW1fcTALc_GYMiZmMozQuJR_zjA5FF8gErTXokUZyu2fyC5ajgBkwJ_NIWav57neOrxgd1JvEGcY/s1600/IMG_0955+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPy9dWZXqCurchVdGYuHmjQFwnb1znnCrQ0YFd2QD-QWbQ8wEmHBaetv2xqvwaGnXAuW1fcTALc_GYMiZmMozQuJR_zjA5FF8gErTXokUZyu2fyC5ajgBkwJ_NIWav57neOrxgd1JvEGcY/s640/IMG_0955+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74H013xo9KMecNZCMEMOsD89gYlkdAT6X4DWi_YrSzS6h_rkRd8329jBJsBAsuCyre4E0eXaxxmqa5-fzwOTlEJ2QutfiQ-hHCF_-CF_aYBWVDsBEkvDY-fLYaH3SCMwzkomXchoTSwH1/s1600/IMG_0958+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74H013xo9KMecNZCMEMOsD89gYlkdAT6X4DWi_YrSzS6h_rkRd8329jBJsBAsuCyre4E0eXaxxmqa5-fzwOTlEJ2QutfiQ-hHCF_-CF_aYBWVDsBEkvDY-fLYaH3SCMwzkomXchoTSwH1/s640/IMG_0958+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It had added a couple of kilometres and 200 metres to the day, but as I said, I had plenty of time and today wouldn't be too taxing anyway. After crossing the river the trail climbs over 200 metres as it heads towards the wild ground under Col de la Masse. At a junction of trails at 2400 metres the trail contours first southeast and then south above the twin turquoise reservoirs and offered a great chance to enjoy the vast array of peaks that form the border between Italy and France. Some cloud rolled in over some of the passes from Italy, but on this side it was blue skies all the way. It was easy and wonderful going all the way to Col du Barbier. I climbed up to the top of the wide knoll on the left and from here I got a fine view of the Ecrin mountains and also my first look at journeys end, Modane. After this the trail continues to contour the slopes of La Rateau de Aussois before gently dropping into the woods as it heads for the next refuge at Orgére. It was warm again and I was glad of the shade of the woods. A short climb after reaching some chalets, where people were enjoying a nice al fresco weekend party, saw me reach the Refuge de l'Orgére. Here at just over 1900 metres , the refuge was a beautiful haven set in glorious meadows, and when you could raise your eyes from the flowers, the sight of 3000 metre peaks soaring behind was inspiring as well. Perhaps it was because I knew that soon I would be leaving all this behind but I felt a reluctance to leave this lovely spot but I eventually turned and re-entered the woods and headed down.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmjxmYtXEmVWHVJpPVnfsRLE8EWkjpuoPosA39UTba5QiyoxtuYram-m4ssmn2scGmdUtUsL61lCILA10ac78NWT89zxus8N2NfZ1862apNp8Nfv-brWAsTPCZVZGRZGpaV_OxCFHIiRh/s1600/IMG_20190629_085435+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmjxmYtXEmVWHVJpPVnfsRLE8EWkjpuoPosA39UTba5QiyoxtuYram-m4ssmn2scGmdUtUsL61lCILA10ac78NWT89zxus8N2NfZ1862apNp8Nfv-brWAsTPCZVZGRZGpaV_OxCFHIiRh/s640/IMG_20190629_085435+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C8aNXaz1RGtncbVPEWvruPH48PVLhC6Ipj2uhNEhRLy2y9I7O2ZTYQFAD5QeXjbfgPpmlZdqM1aGWEIcZUBGWO3W9q34tQV6Hb7Putw4gletrYM24LCOKsn22Tr5zv0AxqYjQGSgIpL4/s1600/IMG_20190629_085448+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C8aNXaz1RGtncbVPEWvruPH48PVLhC6Ipj2uhNEhRLy2y9I7O2ZTYQFAD5QeXjbfgPpmlZdqM1aGWEIcZUBGWO3W9q34tQV6Hb7Putw4gletrYM24LCOKsn22Tr5zv0AxqYjQGSgIpL4/s640/IMG_20190629_085448+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANxnqjQgBZh7nUxOmYQ1odoldCWEySw9nttr4cbqMrmuEppE3vA9bIktFUpUtJwQFjHshQN9fQVYcCE4zbnewAuMy6boQWs4-C9af-fx1lHKpVwZtn-cYSbJwCVa3BzXyNdYZXQ125QTj/s1600/IMG_20190629_111625+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANxnqjQgBZh7nUxOmYQ1odoldCWEySw9nttr4cbqMrmuEppE3vA9bIktFUpUtJwQFjHshQN9fQVYcCE4zbnewAuMy6boQWs4-C9af-fx1lHKpVwZtn-cYSbJwCVa3BzXyNdYZXQ125QTj/s640/IMG_20190629_111625+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwACza-LzjkCwmqXXpsW0_FuMGjccAm1PRsG2fqLPzeQtvhD6lKhTT8bP6ZmswVuzw-ilOfH9LX3Dpo8yACPtimCjL1jAbMQen1kgPn2tMRO_AXV4mqJkQHVjqLyOwmHyvztN8ypUkdwSO/s1600/IMG_20190629_125720+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwACza-LzjkCwmqXXpsW0_FuMGjccAm1PRsG2fqLPzeQtvhD6lKhTT8bP6ZmswVuzw-ilOfH9LX3Dpo8yACPtimCjL1jAbMQen1kgPn2tMRO_AXV4mqJkQHVjqLyOwmHyvztN8ypUkdwSO/s640/IMG_20190629_125720+%25281280x615%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The descent was pretty swift and easy, and an hour later I was entering Modane. It was really warm now that I was down at just over 1000 metres. Modane itself is one of the most charmless French towns I have ever seen and I saw nothing there to attract me back. After a pit stop in the local supermarket, I continued on for the 1.5 kilometres to the train station where I caught a train as far as Chambery. At Chambery I had a three hour wait until my connection to Geneva so when I alighted I went for a bite to eat in the town. My goodness the wave of heat that hit me as I left the station was shocking. I learned something that day...I do not like 40 degree heat. It is draining. Thankfully the train when it arrived was cool and before long I was alighting in the clean streets of Geneva. Normally when I have a early flight I stay in the airport but in the heat I decided to stay in a hotel.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8z6Ab2aknFHHq2gE3xxmalP-JACd0PGE5nafDzEltbMcMQkzezV0hDXafkgrEJK8pcw04Kf2FJ-hbK2WMD3C7ogJHuEIZMzX33y1Bu9CkwHAnH68GsLj4dDr0li44LUtxxvlXzv-cx1h/s1600/IMG_0964+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8z6Ab2aknFHHq2gE3xxmalP-JACd0PGE5nafDzEltbMcMQkzezV0hDXafkgrEJK8pcw04Kf2FJ-hbK2WMD3C7ogJHuEIZMzX33y1Bu9CkwHAnH68GsLj4dDr0li44LUtxxvlXzv-cx1h/s640/IMG_0964+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">First view of Modane with the Ecrins beyond</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2It8pCF1ibR8EzJKngmXQMd1KLScR4EO-cPT_1lPTAxXSnUYScr2z6e_zP4kVSEYgWyBibL5Su05JL4bsynWEA4Wd0jVb-eCpLVQ-4obnX5T7zvIvW4z37NR8wqxR7cR0Nx57gQJ6lyZK/s1600/IMG_0967+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2It8pCF1ibR8EzJKngmXQMd1KLScR4EO-cPT_1lPTAxXSnUYScr2z6e_zP4kVSEYgWyBibL5Su05JL4bsynWEA4Wd0jVb-eCpLVQ-4obnX5T7zvIvW4z37NR8wqxR7cR0Nx57gQJ6lyZK/s640/IMG_0967+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoB3_HpfdgVqJbpXoVWP8_hDJno4gNcfaVLLzq9lXFIHOX_-GioYdwleFUJ-uvTICQ-zOiBspC3tbSTPmkDNinjGFk1mSkCDdePze-dtS9lSlJKH85EUFAVQkqM7u80d9ELhfLkxeBYYVt/s1600/IMG_0969+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoB3_HpfdgVqJbpXoVWP8_hDJno4gNcfaVLLzq9lXFIHOX_-GioYdwleFUJ-uvTICQ-zOiBspC3tbSTPmkDNinjGFk1mSkCDdePze-dtS9lSlJKH85EUFAVQkqM7u80d9ELhfLkxeBYYVt/s640/IMG_0969+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5rs38nK2GrF3xv0_j1n7fCeRgiQkMGXtOSslcHBQlVPtNEwTCqbjcRPs-jvNZpo_VGLj-mZIxa8BVVvp0lU4JbbIFDmiI8xsNp8UG5u40Phr5ewJCTeh8L9LxYpoO_skAvtfVz3yK8bO/s1600/IMG_0971+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5rs38nK2GrF3xv0_j1n7fCeRgiQkMGXtOSslcHBQlVPtNEwTCqbjcRPs-jvNZpo_VGLj-mZIxa8BVVvp0lU4JbbIFDmiI8xsNp8UG5u40Phr5ewJCTeh8L9LxYpoO_skAvtfVz3yK8bO/s640/IMG_0971+%25281280x960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Day 13...19 kilometres...800 metres climbing...1850 metres descent...6 hours<br /><br />So, after 13 days (or 12.5 since day one was so short) I had covered approx 320 kilometres and climbed over 20000 metres. It had been a wonderful experience and confirmed my deep love for long distance hiking. </div><div><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;">PART 2</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJq5d7l-SNdQc6Llzll9j6uC1BFKcsOcDEp1KyGbBBPBhWBeQMZhwAYX-xWp6--NucCBoDwIDksvYRlKoF74U8TjSizSTsKBDAr3rNue1tDvnFdyFTzYxQ2aew8TxOn7WQklsIK6m5ERBS8mcpiOSNU5vhk8rEMeNCMqYAx1WwzltVcNOv2pIuj8mqA/s4160/IMG_20221019_143245.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJq5d7l-SNdQc6Llzll9j6uC1BFKcsOcDEp1KyGbBBPBhWBeQMZhwAYX-xWp6--NucCBoDwIDksvYRlKoF74U8TjSizSTsKBDAr3rNue1tDvnFdyFTzYxQ2aew8TxOn7WQklsIK6m5ERBS8mcpiOSNU5vhk8rEMeNCMqYAx1WwzltVcNOv2pIuj8mqA/w640-h308/IMG_20221019_143245.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />They say a lot can happen in a few years and boy are they right. Little did I imagine that when I did the first half of the GR 5 in June 2019, that a world wide pandemic would happen, and that it would take until 2022 before things returned to something approaching normal.<p></p><p>As someone who used to go on several trips a year, this trip would be my first in over thirty months. It's fair to say that I had gotten over the travel bug and I was finding it hard to motivate myself. Things weren't helped by contracting COVID (for the first time) just a month before departure. I was okay but the effects were still lingering as I left. </p><p>So, on the 15th of October I headed for Dublin for an afternoon flight to Geneva. My hope was to follow the GR 5 from Modane and get as close as possible to Nice in the 12 days I had available to me. I wasn't overly confident as I hadn't been very active over the previous couple of months and I had put on a bit of extra poundage. Ah well, I would give it a go. My lack of travel practice became evident when I boarded the wrong train in Geneva and wasn't able to reach my starting point of until midday October 16th. Oh dear.</p><p> Sunday October 16th;</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKriqOmLd2j-AqCmIEElykhfGY6kJfUO2gDM5tbcdSFBbGesY8AMuxhhQnOJ7BBAB6SoOmFbGhUF955GqrlEFOaMqHVN-Rh-sX4eleGUJGnmH_bfNxj2Ru5m-uMiUn6fstetdBXggVysFRHIqwXvwwSSNduaQq-y-kMVzuvNTur_MRIwNK7CfY4xD3Q/s5184/IMG_1914.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKriqOmLd2j-AqCmIEElykhfGY6kJfUO2gDM5tbcdSFBbGesY8AMuxhhQnOJ7BBAB6SoOmFbGhUF955GqrlEFOaMqHVN-Rh-sX4eleGUJGnmH_bfNxj2Ru5m-uMiUn6fstetdBXggVysFRHIqwXvwwSSNduaQq-y-kMVzuvNTur_MRIwNK7CfY4xD3Q/w640-h360/IMG_1914.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I got off the train on a sleepy sunny Sunday lunchtime. Now that I had finally arrived I was keen to get underway. I had downloaded and subscribed to the Iphigenie app and this is what I would use for all my mapping needs. The target for today was to reach the Mont Thabor refuge, which lay some 1400 metres higher-up. I stowed everything away in my rucksack and set off. I soon found the trail and before too long I had left the town behind. Once I had climbed up above the motorway and became enveloped in the woods, it was like putting on a comfortable old jumper. I was back in a familiar world. That's not to say it was comfortable. Previous lack of training, extra weight and especially the after effects of COVID, all made it pretty tough going. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlsqFxdXB_2f-5br35F4pOCctfltYOBOqOTy8Iy5_m4bcQnH4U8nk57pfFn8fkzEylBlw-ELbBtQWid5S_qiZLh_oIovLcMKfOm7OrpCvgJHO5kF36SpoDe7JYaLbVZDnOkBoxITngoHvAhzU2RcSsWHk3uV09OBCx7hEkLuKCaK1KUqBmJcuHMWr8A/s5184/IMG_1916.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlsqFxdXB_2f-5br35F4pOCctfltYOBOqOTy8Iy5_m4bcQnH4U8nk57pfFn8fkzEylBlw-ELbBtQWid5S_qiZLh_oIovLcMKfOm7OrpCvgJHO5kF36SpoDe7JYaLbVZDnOkBoxITngoHvAhzU2RcSsWHk3uV09OBCx7hEkLuKCaK1KUqBmJcuHMWr8A/w640-h360/IMG_1916.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87TrCeJgfbyvRt3igQaFYu_nRlA8dJXX-pJDSqu1eSeKaE5cUDAzqPaMVtVP-aVfJkGQU32rvPE64WgGA9jg8q6DDj-xaR-5qKG3Gw7gta6t044aqJPolgMxpGGC4Z8Tbt73g3GoJqsS_WWswk1MI-KdCIq2vb9dtDv4ccAkJJ-Dv-I5CTm-z2mEygQ/s5184/IMG_1915.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87TrCeJgfbyvRt3igQaFYu_nRlA8dJXX-pJDSqu1eSeKaE5cUDAzqPaMVtVP-aVfJkGQU32rvPE64WgGA9jg8q6DDj-xaR-5qKG3Gw7gta6t044aqJPolgMxpGGC4Z8Tbt73g3GoJqsS_WWswk1MI-KdCIq2vb9dtDv4ccAkJJ-Dv-I5CTm-z2mEygQ/w640-h360/IMG_1915.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I managed to keep up a slow and steady pace and, as is usually the way, height is steadily gained. The trail is initially fairly steep but after around 300 metres of height gain, things ease back and a very enjoyable section follows until you reach the ski town of Valfréjus. Now the trail follows a track gently uphill. The weather was perfect. Sunny and calm and warm enough to hike in a tee shirt. Mind you, my earlier misgivings about my fitness were proving well founded. It was becoming clear that I was far from over the effects of COVID. My breathing was laboured and I was coughing and clearing regularly. I just hoped that things would improve as the days passed. Once I passed the imposing Fort du Lavoir I entered open mountain pastures and the more expansive scenery was a joy. The relatively easy going continued but my struggles remained. At one stage my vision became quite blurry and I was forced to stop and take a break. Ten minutes and some food and water helped, and it was okay once I set out again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk3_WakKciLJSG1GThAWpSAoKVJ-fKGtd70iVyXddFVzEJVyJvtmFq7nv5n7bGpLxsKWe9t-gkMtN_Hygqw2ndHA5oeHOrdxa3AS7qZJdYwqEr6rLeGQquKGfybBlmrGuT3ubxeyaXCjlUM6iWUYIh2jBnRr4ciO3369ZPs9iv1HyelCK3woqVJ2GCA/s5184/IMG_1923.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk3_WakKciLJSG1GThAWpSAoKVJ-fKGtd70iVyXddFVzEJVyJvtmFq7nv5n7bGpLxsKWe9t-gkMtN_Hygqw2ndHA5oeHOrdxa3AS7qZJdYwqEr6rLeGQquKGfybBlmrGuT3ubxeyaXCjlUM6iWUYIh2jBnRr4ciO3369ZPs9iv1HyelCK3woqVJ2GCA/w640-h360/IMG_1923.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPZIPBQCOESjSAXGAbz_7y-Aiiww3eO3IJBqxdgFdlw6dvMZzCOAnlCNOglLUhkRscJpD3p2P5e_9y69lR1d_eRUSUPuwXFH7o8RIi5amDS9hVktrcRWxqht35P-mKJo4uYFal68VHLd8g4_-N9ZL50RQYTeX3SFnkE97jQP4oELVYp9T1Bdi3g9eVA/s5184/IMG_1929.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPZIPBQCOESjSAXGAbz_7y-Aiiww3eO3IJBqxdgFdlw6dvMZzCOAnlCNOglLUhkRscJpD3p2P5e_9y69lR1d_eRUSUPuwXFH7o8RIi5amDS9hVktrcRWxqht35P-mKJo4uYFal68VHLd8g4_-N9ZL50RQYTeX3SFnkE97jQP4oELVYp9T1Bdi3g9eVA/w640-h360/IMG_1929.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8KFmSe0P0CJ5bRLoCrfCcvnkcUHd1P11PPRGmmt1JRB9LdMgblp1WDNPJFhLGo3bkqOpmPuzC3oK0vca-3Pk57Oma1j1VH-KqEPgIfUdj6UtHW5IDo2NTmxFLs0HfUw4MIv4qfxE9I5B_Uc0vnDzX4cfIn5RVFnOAHk6Rkcv3jtVxLwZTX77pr51aA/s5184/IMG_1931.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8KFmSe0P0CJ5bRLoCrfCcvnkcUHd1P11PPRGmmt1JRB9LdMgblp1WDNPJFhLGo3bkqOpmPuzC3oK0vca-3Pk57Oma1j1VH-KqEPgIfUdj6UtHW5IDo2NTmxFLs0HfUw4MIv4qfxE9I5B_Uc0vnDzX4cfIn5RVFnOAHk6Rkcv3jtVxLwZTX77pr51aA/w640-h360/IMG_1931.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Onwards and ever upwards was the only way, and before too long I was wandering through wilder, less pastoral ground. Eventually the pass and the refuge came into view and I knew that I didn't have far to go. Up here at 2500 metres it was starting to feel quite chilly but I decided to press on to the refuge before stopping. Finally I reached the Col de la Valee Edroite and I turned and followed the track that headed for the nearby refuge. After a final climb I finally dropped the rucksack on the covered porch of the quite large imposing timber building. The guardian was finished for the season so accommodation was limited to the winter room. There was a few others milling about, but it transpired that they had earlier climbed Mont Thabor, and soon left. In the end there was just one other person besides myself staying. There was a plentiful supply of chopped wood in the refuge and we soon had a good fire going in the stove. This was very welcome as I hadn't been able to get gas on the journey. Now I was able to cook my dinner on the hot plate. It made for a warm comfortable evening and was well worth the 12euro fee. I whiled away some time outside soaking in the views before retiring to bed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMronHlHXBpb1WXSl97QzTxzC2ObVTU2wfijDUvEgRmK4kRNr0FrOe9rl21LHBgsC9yorx2RaaZ9r3c6jNqcNcbHLCwtG5YPZAIfAwLPd2wckielSvB7A3X2jcUzc9hfSytcbNPS4SkGH5VdyHzZO_p94B6HprEg1hJv5ll5JpoEmBivLkaJ6ITFg5wg/s5184/IMG_1937.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMronHlHXBpb1WXSl97QzTxzC2ObVTU2wfijDUvEgRmK4kRNr0FrOe9rl21LHBgsC9yorx2RaaZ9r3c6jNqcNcbHLCwtG5YPZAIfAwLPd2wckielSvB7A3X2jcUzc9hfSytcbNPS4SkGH5VdyHzZO_p94B6HprEg1hJv5ll5JpoEmBivLkaJ6ITFg5wg/w640-h360/IMG_1937.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbAgvzg8nXegBcRyUWeUW2MHFv01PQquNx8raUnFETC_5wSBBU1yJ4_YU92_4yKF_BAwAvDpD4Wygiv_ukIguZ8QogabZEYwq3HOW7wCaKv9E-kqvumaSICbZnZuiGvVMSt9J9Qd-6L0wx_AqmWITIYcWu5s1Vq4pJ7wr41Kajmtr0wexNz-Vsy6_7w/s5184/IMG_1936.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbAgvzg8nXegBcRyUWeUW2MHFv01PQquNx8raUnFETC_5wSBBU1yJ4_YU92_4yKF_BAwAvDpD4Wygiv_ukIguZ8QogabZEYwq3HOW7wCaKv9E-kqvumaSICbZnZuiGvVMSt9J9Qd-6L0wx_AqmWITIYcWu5s1Vq4pJ7wr41Kajmtr0wexNz-Vsy6_7w/w640-h360/IMG_1936.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cuZWuo9VARwC3t_nuqDtMvf_9kzDoA3PoF2GW741NujcTmNyIM5WDAK-lpjwpSnd81TicE99eg-yIL7Gy32yjuSZjRK3P_TdVMB4lW7WoERCY1p3uPzqoWiaX6HFgAgqgKZbeHX3ZmvrHwmDi9TaeUUwXAuqwqSfXCch7S-93amANeNBeQrMHTqBkQ/s5184/IMG_1934.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cuZWuo9VARwC3t_nuqDtMvf_9kzDoA3PoF2GW741NujcTmNyIM5WDAK-lpjwpSnd81TicE99eg-yIL7Gy32yjuSZjRK3P_TdVMB4lW7WoERCY1p3uPzqoWiaX6HFgAgqgKZbeHX3ZmvrHwmDi9TaeUUwXAuqwqSfXCch7S-93amANeNBeQrMHTqBkQ/w640-h360/IMG_1934.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>All in all it had been a good day. Great weather, 15 kilometres and a substantial 1500 metres of climbing in four and a half hours. Welcome to the Alps.</p><p>Monday October 17th;</p><p>I didn't sleep well. In fact I didn't sleep at all. I don't know if it was the altitude or the chest infection but I tossed and turned and generally my breathing felt tight all night. That said I wasn't feeling bad this morning and I was looking forward to seeing what today would bring. It promised to be another fine weather day, and it was mostly blue skies when I exited the refuge. There was some cloud drifting over the nearby col but I didn't mind as I expected that to burn off quickly. Once moving I could certainly feel yesterday's exertions in my legs. Thankfully today wasn't going to be an overly big day and there wasn't a lot of climbing. Choices lay ahead for later today and tomorrow. For the hike to Briancon I wanted to take the GR 5 C variant, so I wanted to get to Nevache today. I was also toying with the idea of including Mont Thabor in the day. At 3178 metres it is a big old lump, and it would add over 700 metres climbing to the day. I reckoned that once I was unencumbered with the big bag, I could fit it in okay. I was thinking that I could get to the summit and back in two and a half hours. Alas, once I reached the Col, I saw the signpost pointing to the mountain suggested that the summit was four hours away. That would suggest (being optimistic) that it would entail a five hour round trip, and I just didn't have that sort of time. It would also make for an eleven hour day. I reluctantly turned away from it and stuck to the GR 5.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJkO7r65SpRwjSOwKu1JbV41Rp-lKlZXimutfXA0e5Q2ciRIlobzH1B617ueKpE5wWkc_MfVi6ucmouOv-x2zyXMvZvZwytOZJ4gmorGA2bMDhfFsE9ci4PjAYHMdymczSxt56r-ADwbDvAtt3kAmhHUbqWznMiPAVu5-I8Lz22m2l2UlB9IQvw2jSw/s5184/IMG_1942.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJkO7r65SpRwjSOwKu1JbV41Rp-lKlZXimutfXA0e5Q2ciRIlobzH1B617ueKpE5wWkc_MfVi6ucmouOv-x2zyXMvZvZwytOZJ4gmorGA2bMDhfFsE9ci4PjAYHMdymczSxt56r-ADwbDvAtt3kAmhHUbqWznMiPAVu5-I8Lz22m2l2UlB9IQvw2jSw/w640-h360/IMG_1942.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Once down at the Col, I entered the cloud, which filled the Vallee de la Edroite. Basically, I was then in the mist until I got below 2000 metres. However it was easy and gentle going. Despite the lack of views I was loving the trek. Open grassy pastures gave way to sparse spruce woodland before finally, where the trail dropped sharply to the right into a deep wooded valley, I emerged under the cloud. It was a lovely sight as the spruce trees were aglow in their autumn finery. This valley was, until after the second world war, part of Italy and the signposts and names were still in Italian. Once I got down to the down to the hamlet that contained the refugios i Re Magi and Terzo Alpini the only meaningful climbing of the day lay ahead. Oh boy did my legs protest when I started climbing. The trail cuts straight up the slope across pastures until, when it enters the forest it goes on a rising traverse through the trees. I coped a little better after a bit, and before too long I reached the gentle Col des Thures at 2194 metres. I stopped for a little rest here and also took delight in the fact that finally the cloud seemed to be burning off and some sunshine appeared. By the time I was finished my rest it was a mostly blue sky day, and once again I was treated to glorious scenery. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8a7BaePj9hIJeOfc5l1VmDm8oI5CQZjPFoOA9U7usteV9phLo5Hi-zMd2mUpzAs-5HHvxyWVkyvRYCxVN_Bp5S6Ag_mJq1qganilaeQ4rJ7YG9tI2lBEoxYfnnS1bZOLxWZeG5dU2O7bIYs3HRSL_n5asaoHTy-Mm-_pMt-LLEfy3fRiz_9kxIqgbQ/s5184/IMG_1948.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8a7BaePj9hIJeOfc5l1VmDm8oI5CQZjPFoOA9U7usteV9phLo5Hi-zMd2mUpzAs-5HHvxyWVkyvRYCxVN_Bp5S6Ag_mJq1qganilaeQ4rJ7YG9tI2lBEoxYfnnS1bZOLxWZeG5dU2O7bIYs3HRSL_n5asaoHTy-Mm-_pMt-LLEfy3fRiz_9kxIqgbQ/w640-h360/IMG_1948.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80LCN4Xdxkd6rtVwiuP3IA4JTjmHp8MBlUg3fFlwUWERHgMNEYDGNG_r79jcWf1RdP17gFrW_aqWCds25dsJOWj3TjmyoKjOo7D91E68pJfThO4kubC44mQp1McdAd_ZS883ZOoZDE87tU4d_H6WkJ3Ukdvp-QoRp1XPNyeJ43OwVxZWlR_c_K0acsw/s5184/IMG_1947.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80LCN4Xdxkd6rtVwiuP3IA4JTjmHp8MBlUg3fFlwUWERHgMNEYDGNG_r79jcWf1RdP17gFrW_aqWCds25dsJOWj3TjmyoKjOo7D91E68pJfThO4kubC44mQp1McdAd_ZS883ZOoZDE87tU4d_H6WkJ3Ukdvp-QoRp1XPNyeJ43OwVxZWlR_c_K0acsw/w640-h360/IMG_1947.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Easy walking, gently downhill, follows, until you reach the solitary Cabane Pastoral des Thures at 2080 metres. Here the path splits. The right hand one takes a more or less direct line to the valley floor and Nevache, while the left hand one climbs two hundred metres, crosses the shoulder of l'Aguille Rouge, before dropping down towards the Col de l'Echelle. I took the left hand one and almost immediately was struggling on the uphill section. The views however were ample compensation for any fatigue I felt, and it was great to be once again enjoying a sunny day. Once over the shoulder the trail dropped through the woods towards the Col. I somehow managed to contrive to follow the GR 57 at the Col, and this led directly down towards Pamplinet. The proper route goes left at the col and turns north before going around and over the Roches de la Sueur, briefly entering Italy, and returning to Pamplinet from the northeast. It was just as well I didn't do that section, as I fear it would have been brutal on me, given my ever increasing fatigue. It would have meant an extra 8 kilometres and over 500 metres extra ascent. Anyway, I arrived into the sleepy little village of Pamplinet and decided to continue as far as Nevache which was the logical starting point for tomorrows hike. It was quite warm and I rested and enjoyed a long drink from the fountain before heading along the good trail that leads gently over the next few kilometres to Roubion, a place where there was a restaurant and a shop. Needless to say, when I arrived all were closed and so was the nearby campsite. As there was an easy water supply and seating and benches in the field near the facilities I decided to camp there anyway. It was a huge relief to drop the bag and get the tent up. I wasted no time in getting into my sleeping bag and I crashed for a couple of hours.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwG4mbzpWQyE033wbM-QyfV_1dilpeimOp3gRxXGilrWPnMM26Hfvs6utJqbqMl-xoW3eSEghjzkI93bhfjSyLItTL96W7bz1RKbU8o6jXzzye3Me7nUbeymG0hC7JYARrmtL_tYesRmQzT9_6yqrChKJaYCMhgMOLkG-JDZKexcVp5OZq4EGYcotJw/s5184/IMG_1955.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwG4mbzpWQyE033wbM-QyfV_1dilpeimOp3gRxXGilrWPnMM26Hfvs6utJqbqMl-xoW3eSEghjzkI93bhfjSyLItTL96W7bz1RKbU8o6jXzzye3Me7nUbeymG0hC7JYARrmtL_tYesRmQzT9_6yqrChKJaYCMhgMOLkG-JDZKexcVp5OZq4EGYcotJw/w640-h360/IMG_1955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuqrWtde45aApC4xP6ldWQZZpkiQFmkj_vO5UJF_FYmyYBYcnbAsxxlyXwZ7pK0ScS01QridCyT2qkZFAwgj1mHbKMkwaPCVYhkDBAK5AZ_caOg3xzUXYyNrDcFloulX3o1ftJTRtIx8k5oyoQhObK967ypUDs3uILIZLYp_PkQNYrS8ySxTJVr9pPQ/s5184/IMG_1953.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuqrWtde45aApC4xP6ldWQZZpkiQFmkj_vO5UJF_FYmyYBYcnbAsxxlyXwZ7pK0ScS01QridCyT2qkZFAwgj1mHbKMkwaPCVYhkDBAK5AZ_caOg3xzUXYyNrDcFloulX3o1ftJTRtIx8k5oyoQhObK967ypUDs3uILIZLYp_PkQNYrS8ySxTJVr9pPQ/w640-h360/IMG_1953.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-nihY2vQFDR4YWWTmBWEFUsZu73Uk3L8GliKoaF08IYc3mth5biz68o8jHKvUREwOldBNYAZNyCPmTcgKvkmR_n7y_UFofpgDzBuGxiWd9MPY1QPUCEMlWPVm1jll-vJmHPPxhBW4czmFiGkPQuUVRuyjs1NeDou8FhD_-EUms-rBM8X9xHXYKJ2gw/s5184/IMG_1952.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-nihY2vQFDR4YWWTmBWEFUsZu73Uk3L8GliKoaF08IYc3mth5biz68o8jHKvUREwOldBNYAZNyCPmTcgKvkmR_n7y_UFofpgDzBuGxiWd9MPY1QPUCEMlWPVm1jll-vJmHPPxhBW4czmFiGkPQuUVRuyjs1NeDou8FhD_-EUms-rBM8X9xHXYKJ2gw/w640-h360/IMG_1952.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It had taken me just shy of seven hours to cover the 23 kilometres with a modest 700 metres of ascent.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7BboufW5oB0RcRGfkPhSA0a9iSk5mAKAUeoB0eGh-7bjr-aXgd5cuhaONCbn21abZ-f_I0TtPZEtOw8Fj3UpKPw6iqtBSXAJ5sN4_ay-xJ4GhWtnNJSEP6zeJFowYdCs23fMx8OnbA_4gdi_d9ujRyCP_5yfjWlsX_g6183J_mRpVz1ZJMBNcVlnfA/s4160/IMG_20221017_122303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7BboufW5oB0RcRGfkPhSA0a9iSk5mAKAUeoB0eGh-7bjr-aXgd5cuhaONCbn21abZ-f_I0TtPZEtOw8Fj3UpKPw6iqtBSXAJ5sN4_ay-xJ4GhWtnNJSEP6zeJFowYdCs23fMx8OnbA_4gdi_d9ujRyCP_5yfjWlsX_g6183J_mRpVz1ZJMBNcVlnfA/w640-h308/IMG_20221017_122303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Tuesday October 18th;</p><p>I must confess I was somewhat nervous about today. It promised to be the biggest day so far, and involved a fair bit of climbing. I was pretty sure that I would struggle, given my unfit state. It was all a question of how much.</p><p>Where I was camping was right beside the river Le Claree. As the valley was pretty flat here there were some nice slow pools, in which some ducks had made there home. I emerged at dawn from the tent to a calm, clear, chilly morning. About nine campervans had also made the campground their home for the night. As I set about readying myself for the day, I was surprised to see a few walk past in shorts and with towels etc. I thought they had been using the showers of the campsite (which were locked up yesterday) but a few moments later I saw them gingerly immerse themselves in the river. Now that would certainly get rid of any morning sleepiness. As I had no gas to make tea or coffee, breakfast was a brief affair and I was all packed up and on the move by 8am. When confidence is low then take it slow. Well that is what I told myself.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AG3oEpw1aF07pPi9gvv4p0G1KqAF8ajCO7Jury91kjjARdJuyI5Q1nxV_kanMFzcicaZcr7WLIWO3Ryn3GQrxCWmBRVQd5fBcLYZn2IdLSOAPqqz0Qhg7MF8Tnq2oaeFunF9WWaGTXIwGa4zkxfPALYI75aMkDytOy2RbfcXHh46vt-RpRPIOKa2iQ/s5184/IMG_1957.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AG3oEpw1aF07pPi9gvv4p0G1KqAF8ajCO7Jury91kjjARdJuyI5Q1nxV_kanMFzcicaZcr7WLIWO3Ryn3GQrxCWmBRVQd5fBcLYZn2IdLSOAPqqz0Qhg7MF8Tnq2oaeFunF9WWaGTXIwGa4zkxfPALYI75aMkDytOy2RbfcXHh46vt-RpRPIOKa2iQ/w640-h360/IMG_1957.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A very easy first kilometre allowed me to enjoy walking alongside the river until I reached a footbridge. Now the GR turns and headed once again for the woods. On these hikes this is a recurring theme. From a valley base the normal sequence is to climb up through the woods until you reach open alpine pastures, then cross over a col, before repeating the process in reverse. Today was no different. I steady climb up through the forest, saw me gain 600 metres before I emerged into lovely open ground that rose gently towards the first col of the day Porte de Cristol at 2531 metres. I won't say that I wasn't struggling once again, but overall I was pleased that I was able to make steady progress. Once up at the wild col the views opened up even further. I got my first glimpses of the glorious snow and ice capped Ecrins massif. What a treat it was to see these giants that rise to over 4000 metres. I could also see in the distant hazy valley floor, my destination for today, Briancon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTKVkdxqXSEslO-D4UgiPk1vYOHu96OvSaRZCSDmlS25opgumB949Axk_iyLlMOgkhZzsquRnHgmTuyJTr6-PJmSP6CdpSwPAAzT3b4CtBh9ECGf7jla9O3lI-vXLHLufPkUI4iNa8UGmAK8zvpEQ668sCFm9kzl5gYDh1d8hxUEnzmpu6fX4USEH1g/s5184/IMG_1960.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTKVkdxqXSEslO-D4UgiPk1vYOHu96OvSaRZCSDmlS25opgumB949Axk_iyLlMOgkhZzsquRnHgmTuyJTr6-PJmSP6CdpSwPAAzT3b4CtBh9ECGf7jla9O3lI-vXLHLufPkUI4iNa8UGmAK8zvpEQ668sCFm9kzl5gYDh1d8hxUEnzmpu6fX4USEH1g/w640-h360/IMG_1960.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa2YejpjIthMdp-ov24DkYvvjt0MVdngMXCQeYinMPR03KXDCs1PS626FziNhCSAZ5UsO5F-mKLBIlSKOtawvjk7kFFC9WFIGcEssvYt-10-lVBEgLEQ5yjG1PiZiea0K-MYCnzlJDUZzb6SFDnKfiq6-1MeQR5XnxB8i-9WvqusJDNzK6vrAcbj54g/s5184/IMG_1962.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa2YejpjIthMdp-ov24DkYvvjt0MVdngMXCQeYinMPR03KXDCs1PS626FziNhCSAZ5UsO5F-mKLBIlSKOtawvjk7kFFC9WFIGcEssvYt-10-lVBEgLEQ5yjG1PiZiea0K-MYCnzlJDUZzb6SFDnKfiq6-1MeQR5XnxB8i-9WvqusJDNzK6vrAcbj54g/w640-h360/IMG_1962.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />By now I had climbed almost 1000 metres, but the next section is an almost level traverse of the mountainside on a good track to reach first, Col de Granon (2404 metres), and then Col de Barteaux (2382 metres), almost five kilometres away. I enjoyed this section and it was lovely to see the Ecrins reveal themselves more and more as I progressed. The highlight of todays walk was to be a traverse of the Crete de Peyrolle. This was supposed to give an airy, exhilarating hike, along the ridge between a few 2600 metre tops before a steep descent to Briancon. I was debating whether to do this section or not, as I had the choice of bypassing it and staying on a lower path. Despite my fatigue, I found myself spurning the easier option and heading for the base of the climb. The climb itself gained 200 metres, and I was delighted to find it wasn't as bad as I feared. Soon I found myself enjoying easy walking and I reached the first top, Le Croix de la Cime at 2606 metres. The views were wonderful and I was so glad I decided to take this option. The next two and a half kilometres promised to be special. The path actually bypasses the highest top Le Grand Peyrolle at 2645 metres, but it still visits the ridge line and gives some airy views of the spectacular cliffs on the north-eastern side of the mountain. Further along, the trail sticks faithfully to the crest, and in a couple of places it requires a little care and concentration. All the while, the view across to the Ecrins was particularly spectacular.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0aF0vrfW3Z5VDRbGfSm23rDiLgVAf4QgNfg-WG4QE3DwFP72GRTdWaey6VcPGzpucrQGFgwBH05yVr2nItxPb3R9llLR45sTMXRMzmGmPlaZ-13I8OEIMAnSGpc1DefIQWY5hRfqI9qny1PhmoulZMu-Qa1m6oTGgHLC69XLAAuF3_KDlH0OZAbvFA/s5184/IMG_1969.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0aF0vrfW3Z5VDRbGfSm23rDiLgVAf4QgNfg-WG4QE3DwFP72GRTdWaey6VcPGzpucrQGFgwBH05yVr2nItxPb3R9llLR45sTMXRMzmGmPlaZ-13I8OEIMAnSGpc1DefIQWY5hRfqI9qny1PhmoulZMu-Qa1m6oTGgHLC69XLAAuF3_KDlH0OZAbvFA/w640-h360/IMG_1969.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading for Crete de Peyrolle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR49zLM6zbrlxJVin-QH_uaX1ZROy5JqHfAQ4_aEsI8cLltt256LPbLHO4OYl-VG6WXTq4tFa3E3nXvXGQNA0GQy0zkmm7tUd96c3nBA0nlyfY0IsCKPrMPg4h7eLraLGBpNlnVlLa9uboEs8DXwqexDlcpJhNv9S754mn9LLkE-5TaGB14pHJOfoZtg/s5184/IMG_1974.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR49zLM6zbrlxJVin-QH_uaX1ZROy5JqHfAQ4_aEsI8cLltt256LPbLHO4OYl-VG6WXTq4tFa3E3nXvXGQNA0GQy0zkmm7tUd96c3nBA0nlyfY0IsCKPrMPg4h7eLraLGBpNlnVlLa9uboEs8DXwqexDlcpJhNv9S754mn9LLkE-5TaGB14pHJOfoZtg/w640-h360/IMG_1974.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />All good things come to an end, and eventually I reached the end of the crest and began the descent. Once again a little care is needed as the trail twists and winds its way down the steep mountainside until you reach the woods and an old military fort, spectacularly situated at l'Enrouye. The going is pretty straightforward from now on and the trail twists and turns until you reach a road at the Croix de Toulouse. Now the trail drops steeply through the woods, and before too long you reach an old fort, (one of several) guarding the narrows of the valley floor. Soon after, you enter the spectacular walled old town, which looked delightful. My hotel was situated about a kilometre from the old town, further down in the valley. I wasted no time in heading for it and to say I was looking forward to a long shower would be an understatement. Once I was checked in and refreshed I went about trying to get some gas so that I could cook for the rest of the trip. I was a little disappointed to discover that the nearest place I could get some was a Decathlon store which was nearly three kilometres away on the edge of town. Ah well, needs must, and I set off. On the plus side I also managed to get a couple of dehydrated dinners and breakfasts and these would prove necessary on the following days.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiZRXcr9AmJz5hg0znu6FT0Y3p0K_ZU-X2ST0kZRuXzb6fjTsH8URnVK-pdlbqW8QfsKJNgHzaUBD9WwHRc2Uu2IMrEQ8MHxCZV0Wmer9bTnxllILDe0JTZIpA79pikFQdZ3f42JNAdx78B9OWpT6SwbEAANKzuTHoq26QUeIayNWWkrbkRjQs2N-pg/s4160/IMG_20221018_130902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiZRXcr9AmJz5hg0znu6FT0Y3p0K_ZU-X2ST0kZRuXzb6fjTsH8URnVK-pdlbqW8QfsKJNgHzaUBD9WwHRc2Uu2IMrEQ8MHxCZV0Wmer9bTnxllILDe0JTZIpA79pikFQdZ3f42JNAdx78B9OWpT6SwbEAANKzuTHoq26QUeIayNWWkrbkRjQs2N-pg/w640-h308/IMG_20221018_130902.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYbYcssgoEWRyJae3OrRtt410ufZiyXxSvh_RKfly8vZv2qxtc2GK7lSYA-wf8NXKjIGKN6zLMX6sQGsZ4K4voS6kTqLwrD-C2DeUF1aoVmY5hE9cZSfDOtRJA4CATLHSL0YNv3js2f7f01133g_82xk82QL5I5C3WY9OgfWdtH3lCMbqQiV7TQpmig/s5184/IMG_1991.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYbYcssgoEWRyJae3OrRtt410ufZiyXxSvh_RKfly8vZv2qxtc2GK7lSYA-wf8NXKjIGKN6zLMX6sQGsZ4K4voS6kTqLwrD-C2DeUF1aoVmY5hE9cZSfDOtRJA4CATLHSL0YNv3js2f7f01133g_82xk82QL5I5C3WY9OgfWdtH3lCMbqQiV7TQpmig/w640-h360/IMG_1991.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It had been a good day. 25 kilometres, 1500 metres ascent, 1800 metres descent in 8.5 hours.<p></p><p>Wednesday October 19th;</p><p>The weather was once again excellent today but bad weather was promised for the following couple of days before an improvement was due to arrive once again. I was in good spirits this morning. While I still felt tired, I was now becoming more confident that I could manage a relatively big outing and hopefully get my fitness back. Not that I planned a very big day today and it was gone 09.30 when I set off. The plan was to reach Brunissard, some twenty two kilometres away and this would mean climbing over fourteen hundred metres. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSfNEXR5CcmkMt6-Yzg7NH2ykK9FT5qUAa6UszYMmYG_s7vStPWh3udl38OtzNAyP64N_19yzsno_4sm8K_WQpCLwz_92VMlc8eSrPMYwMBt47IoPaAZPIiuYLehrUrg5mKeokIhpqUYS9WfABc1who35euc-7SA2uIt6KEGkOHkWZYtl4PU2-7gcBw/s5184/IMG_1995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSfNEXR5CcmkMt6-Yzg7NH2ykK9FT5qUAa6UszYMmYG_s7vStPWh3udl38OtzNAyP64N_19yzsno_4sm8K_WQpCLwz_92VMlc8eSrPMYwMBt47IoPaAZPIiuYLehrUrg5mKeokIhpqUYS9WfABc1who35euc-7SA2uIt6KEGkOHkWZYtl4PU2-7gcBw/w640-h360/IMG_1995.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Using the Iphigeni app I had no difficulty in finding my way out of town and before long I was walking along the quiet lane above Villar St Pancrace. It was nice to pause and look back at the town and the mountains of yesterday before I once again entered the woods and climbed towards places new. After gaining a nice bit of height on the forest trail I reached a forestry roadway and this is followed easily for about four kilometres, until you reach the hamlet at Chalets des Ayes. Here the air was filled with the noise of cow bells. I was also up at over 1700 metres so a nice bit of height had been gained already. The trail once again entered the woods and more or less ran alongside the stream that foamed in the glen floor. It was never too steep, but it gained height steadily, until I reached a track near the junction of the tree line and open alpine pastures. By now I had covered over ten kilometres and gained over eight hundred metres, so it was nice to rest a while and enjoy a cool drink in the sun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvtODugy4K-u-JqnfBW5AqTFRIr9Omid3PAbB0GeI61iAPulmOCGqXTQna1phx6JslTPeAgbkmax7QkLvel9KwXwDMN6yrYO8zGf_Nd0YhUJ1hhnXSdbZxkPMjBcpMsUBG5cJrdOHhc7mcn0f77_5ey_Lun7obiVBhl-swrqltl1rRtdUa41ifrx5Kg/s5184/IMG_1998.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvtODugy4K-u-JqnfBW5AqTFRIr9Omid3PAbB0GeI61iAPulmOCGqXTQna1phx6JslTPeAgbkmax7QkLvel9KwXwDMN6yrYO8zGf_Nd0YhUJ1hhnXSdbZxkPMjBcpMsUBG5cJrdOHhc7mcn0f77_5ey_Lun7obiVBhl-swrqltl1rRtdUa41ifrx5Kg/w640-h360/IMG_1998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8nhbgLQRdilGx6qCI0zUzTpihxvEmjTBlMJsARFoz4RMMg-n3qv6FSCy_TWHrnVJ_5oiNwZiqsj0fDb4QiyHePv4dvAFpfBw7F2NoTxVaHPJN32acQ8-I16UMX35u_fvlD9lHPNR8CuRpgyrpBNr1Jgzw0OvLy8LNY3IkLtU-gaHXNrM5LemygUL1g/w640-h360/IMG_1997.JPG" width="640" /></div><br /><p></p><p>Soon I passed the few alpages at Chalets de vers le Col and I could see the trail headed easily up to the col on the left side of the valley. I waited until I was a long way towards the col before dropping to the fledgling stream in the beginnings of a gully, so I could replenish my water. I waited until now because there were still a lot of cattle grazing up here. Before too long I reached the col and I rested a while and enjoyed wonderful new vistas. I looked back and enjoyed my last views of the Ecrin Massif. Ahead lay new horizons and wonderful mountains stretched into the distant haze. I was particularly smitten by the stunning landscape that draped the slopes of Pic de Balart, Pic de la Rousse and Pic du Cros. They weren't particularly high, or even particularly jagged, but there was something about the entire juxtaposition of rocky mountain, undulating pastures and colourful forest that had me thinking of it as somewhere from a Tolkien novel. After I was rested, I headed down into the beautiful valley below. The descent went well and before long I was over the worst and reached easier ground near some chalets. The trail now rounds the shoulder of the southern spur of Pic de Deaudouis and what was was a steep scree slope, becomes an impressive cliff face, that is a rock climbing site. A track winds down to the flat valley floor and then the GR more or less follows the road, until, after passing a campsite (closed) you reach the village of Brunissard. With no obvious place to camp nearby I continued until I reached la Chalp just a kilometre further on. A few people were chatting outside a restaurant and I tentatively asked if they knew of a good spot to pitch my tent for the evening. They were very nice, and, while they said they didn't know, they went into the restaurant and asked the owner. He, very kindly said I could pitch up in the paddock alongside his place and I readily agreed. It didn't take long to set up camp on the nice level ground and I whiled away a nice couple of hours in the afternoon sun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZ-W-XXXuTn32B44dJN_nK-VZGF20x2rJNCxmCsZyt3GNdC5U8K9qnCcbrPiSnYGJcR735TNWg7u1RSc4f1XXf_SjzKiHBPjC3uRJtIhBMKqO_rN9YwzmKisvniagC3fMxLJhb9SlaxOE78Nn_6XYAAh_I1dUbAAbZ9V2om-R3kKymErXthe9wJBLMA/s5184/IMG_2005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZ-W-XXXuTn32B44dJN_nK-VZGF20x2rJNCxmCsZyt3GNdC5U8K9qnCcbrPiSnYGJcR735TNWg7u1RSc4f1XXf_SjzKiHBPjC3uRJtIhBMKqO_rN9YwzmKisvniagC3fMxLJhb9SlaxOE78Nn_6XYAAh_I1dUbAAbZ9V2om-R3kKymErXthe9wJBLMA/w640-h360/IMG_2005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpH4dF8azqu8tYBqH6CC_C3w6grce73tJ1COcJXJ6oqv0sn_u1SiJanh3JielQ0o4E7zE3Ns89QXy6FiKT7BbimlELnOgEE6ztmZFIwfM0GU5z3O-T2aqMxEHtM0LbfLO-e_LnbWJ3YeMSUUtTHIZIJK_rLeR8EZscMUn4uC9ygwdLQU385deeOwde4A/s5184/IMG_2009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpH4dF8azqu8tYBqH6CC_C3w6grce73tJ1COcJXJ6oqv0sn_u1SiJanh3JielQ0o4E7zE3Ns89QXy6FiKT7BbimlELnOgEE6ztmZFIwfM0GU5z3O-T2aqMxEHtM0LbfLO-e_LnbWJ3YeMSUUtTHIZIJK_rLeR8EZscMUn4uC9ygwdLQU385deeOwde4A/w640-h360/IMG_2009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77nY771mJpcnTnxQ5DrJrQcqxxMI2MOdPbfAtK0KkJnrUk9UxVIwxFvK44pyuPtQWi8qlRHZllAWg9-7mGLxxNRphVNzBnRWG6PCxpPxlfTKU3w0CLtiowO3f954w7dmHPEhCGHRF4GUG5Nec0RyEP79IXby8XD14qEWFrV5EPckPbxFZXOR9_NG-nQ/s5184/IMG_2017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77nY771mJpcnTnxQ5DrJrQcqxxMI2MOdPbfAtK0KkJnrUk9UxVIwxFvK44pyuPtQWi8qlRHZllAWg9-7mGLxxNRphVNzBnRWG6PCxpPxlfTKU3w0CLtiowO3f954w7dmHPEhCGHRF4GUG5Nec0RyEP79IXby8XD14qEWFrV5EPckPbxFZXOR9_NG-nQ/w640-h360/IMG_2017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iJO3TQ6RAky2xzPTTsnCEMQ_bEHbDkdmu9pkzpfO9Gx__VsrMxCSPzcExd5_Zgk-gOqfmajCU91pk1Z2BG39mCyfeLClLZoJVB5DDTsbfvCZqa8VfEd0w0Um8RJ_Jnuu0BZorQnq_0bO7NEKUAirvPmGE_5u9nrsuYtCLdG7n1e6pQyiVxt3mQ5eRA/s5184/IMG_2019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iJO3TQ6RAky2xzPTTsnCEMQ_bEHbDkdmu9pkzpfO9Gx__VsrMxCSPzcExd5_Zgk-gOqfmajCU91pk1Z2BG39mCyfeLClLZoJVB5DDTsbfvCZqa8VfEd0w0Um8RJ_Jnuu0BZorQnq_0bO7NEKUAirvPmGE_5u9nrsuYtCLdG7n1e6pQyiVxt3mQ5eRA/w640-h360/IMG_2019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />About 20 kilometres and 1300 metres climbing in just six hours.<p></p><p>Thursday October 20th,</p><p>I exited the tent in the dawn light to another calm dry morning. Some rain was due to arrive in the afternoon and already there was quite a bit of cloud in the skies. Indeed as I was starting to get some breakfast ready at the nearby seating area, I was spattered by a sudden spit of rain that led to a hasty retreat back into my tent. Thankfully it was short lived and I was able to get packed up in the dry. Away to the south the impressive collection of snow clad peaks called Pics De La Font Sancte, which rose to over 3400 metres, looked moody and already some rain had arrived there. I made sure to put my rain gear within easy reach and I set off at 08.20.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Yy7-i6yFgl5A7naa1MRt3nw22oLGsWKwUhJ7EhpqTjvngD5UMZHGVn51AOw6oPBhK4ycRAj0ch7w3FByYs4f55Lg5ewLXlU7EwJE6QpkL6AP504KW58BddIjntSoeZ1FxG_C1rAVcLmMHyQNwfIb5tQw82ea-ujvahcwpwTAWqrpdDO61FlvPBBOxA/s5184/IMG_2029.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Yy7-i6yFgl5A7naa1MRt3nw22oLGsWKwUhJ7EhpqTjvngD5UMZHGVn51AOw6oPBhK4ycRAj0ch7w3FByYs4f55Lg5ewLXlU7EwJE6QpkL6AP504KW58BddIjntSoeZ1FxG_C1rAVcLmMHyQNwfIb5tQw82ea-ujvahcwpwTAWqrpdDO61FlvPBBOxA/w640-h360/IMG_2029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs45cpKcDb1cyWoWU3bBKo0P47Y7eG9YrEBM1lVYwqNo4euCcaIv58d_4-l8A3E7m2JO5xSneQ_xHIpxy-rrDev3L0jG7AhDNIeCd_h7LuduDHC-Yiy578XYPifrIWCahggeYLNouM9H_6yeQ7B3QQ6kTxtYHVkt-f143fqmNuzXHwEJa9og7--Lmmvw/s5184/IMG_2027.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs45cpKcDb1cyWoWU3bBKo0P47Y7eG9YrEBM1lVYwqNo4euCcaIv58d_4-l8A3E7m2JO5xSneQ_xHIpxy-rrDev3L0jG7AhDNIeCd_h7LuduDHC-Yiy578XYPifrIWCahggeYLNouM9H_6yeQ7B3QQ6kTxtYHVkt-f143fqmNuzXHwEJa9og7--Lmmvw/w640-h360/IMG_2027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The going is pretty easy as the trail follows a track up along the hillside after La Chalp. After about five kilometres I arrived at the Lac de Roue which would actually have made an ideal camping spot the previous evening. Lots of picnic tables, a good water source and plenty of shelter make it a great place to camp. Ah well, I had enjoyed the previous evening too much for regrets. The day couldn't make up its mind whether to rain or not. Whenever it decided to start I would quickly don the waterproofs and it would stop almost immediately. I didn't complain though, it could be worse. The trail dropped through the woods and soon reached Chateau Queyras where an impressive fort sits atop a rock outcrop that guards the narrow valley. The fort originally dated back over 1000 years. It was quite spectacular. Another spectacular sight was the large articulated truck that was firmly stuck on a sharp bend in the narrow lane that led to the lower village. The main road was blocked by roadworks and the driver obviously thought that he could use this road. A decision he deeply regretted I'm guessing. How he extricated himself I will never know.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8opi60WgwVj0lkPoLrGe1HoWNWZWueNPnKKc4FHEaxvmPd_YMonRlwGyMNM1F-sQ2rZ4O5mmQiq6QZMK39y0lIKVaTViq9ZH8nbODLdSOTUPgC04iwYT7WPdiVBz1mTM64Tv0D5FD5noVQxkvy_mtRM7es-Kz8HNfw_xG8jzVKv66_8pK8V0TNpsKA/s4160/IMG_20221020_103314.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8opi60WgwVj0lkPoLrGe1HoWNWZWueNPnKKc4FHEaxvmPd_YMonRlwGyMNM1F-sQ2rZ4O5mmQiq6QZMK39y0lIKVaTViq9ZH8nbODLdSOTUPgC04iwYT7WPdiVBz1mTM64Tv0D5FD5noVQxkvy_mtRM7es-Kz8HNfw_xG8jzVKv66_8pK8V0TNpsKA/w640-h308/IMG_20221020_103314.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> I climbed around the truck and soon reached the trail that headed for the main pass of the day, the rather curiously named, Col de Fromage, which was still about eight kilometres away. The weather was becoming wetter and the clouds started to become lower and the day became more atmospheric. The trail itself was never very steep and overall the going was easy. Once up at around 1800 metres the valley opened out and the spruce trees became sparse and the spectacular twin peaks of Roche de Clot and Point de la Selle were framed at the head of the valley. Eventually I crossed over the shoulder of Point de la Selle and a long easy traverse of the mountain follows until the col is reached. One oddity was when I passed what appeared to be a place where gypsum was mined and below this a steep white ravine dropped for several hundred metres to the right. At the col I was delighted to see some blue skies appear and an eagle soared over the nearby Crete des Chambrettes some 300 metres higher up. I made the mistake of following a trail that was signposted for Ceillac which was my destination for today. It climbed up towards the ridge but after a while I noticed the lack of red and white markers so I retraced my steps to the col and thankfully discovered that the GR took a more direct downhill route.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTXVLUZHCemAX-MpvkQFO4E_fJLUdhxb-v7XFu2JJGZcJ7NDvCA6c2URPiViYIhPxOor9-IbOYX-2zeJ29Deg0ZOu2zv3hmFa_uB01WIJO01xQ9Qj04QFcVYWv3pEiMXzqrYg6IAYENXsnzF_OixdqB_-oRuaSrSQXRykOytgwkYEWHfkBnrNM_YrAA/s5184/IMG_2035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTXVLUZHCemAX-MpvkQFO4E_fJLUdhxb-v7XFu2JJGZcJ7NDvCA6c2URPiViYIhPxOor9-IbOYX-2zeJ29Deg0ZOu2zv3hmFa_uB01WIJO01xQ9Qj04QFcVYWv3pEiMXzqrYg6IAYENXsnzF_OixdqB_-oRuaSrSQXRykOytgwkYEWHfkBnrNM_YrAA/w640-h360/IMG_2035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZYvoFYuVVhL6JYMWp5V4ImHBFPs2__N1FtF-oCLvkLvIFRyqfIUAi6WSLxed1Sn9tigb2Z0YDydaOg9Xk6xmpb7mP1xYv_uvvicEoACWVcDwzmAZuHzTxMeYQ3NXtaXBWKQdLYBcsI_XCuOgmNWIM3egpha_v12YEqFy08APNH_yJvRze6S7ald_Xg/s5184/IMG_2040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZYvoFYuVVhL6JYMWp5V4ImHBFPs2__N1FtF-oCLvkLvIFRyqfIUAi6WSLxed1Sn9tigb2Z0YDydaOg9Xk6xmpb7mP1xYv_uvvicEoACWVcDwzmAZuHzTxMeYQ3NXtaXBWKQdLYBcsI_XCuOgmNWIM3egpha_v12YEqFy08APNH_yJvRze6S7ald_Xg/w640-h360/IMG_2040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKROHFLSoI6hOOl03zZtOOxhHT7r0DbQg2I7YkVXhfLf-tfsSF8ad4QnXTTDNgLS6s0XOY9NHzji4glSNO6rKztjMvwoicp-ZZj2vyFjRuwg04DYgniPZq7kg4EhJ65ESRz8_1Xx_dM1P2z3WMmjnT4Wpg5-annbXvzTyP7SiLeD18Lg6Vt-mSKfsMg/s5184/IMG_2043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKROHFLSoI6hOOl03zZtOOxhHT7r0DbQg2I7YkVXhfLf-tfsSF8ad4QnXTTDNgLS6s0XOY9NHzji4glSNO6rKztjMvwoicp-ZZj2vyFjRuwg04DYgniPZq7kg4EhJ65ESRz8_1Xx_dM1P2z3WMmjnT4Wpg5-annbXvzTyP7SiLeD18Lg6Vt-mSKfsMg/w640-h360/IMG_2043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The descent went nicely and before too long I reached a lane at le Villard. It was an easy couple of kilometres to reach the compact village but, as I was learning to expect on this trip, most everything seemed to be closed. I had resigned myself to staying in my tent once again, so it was a pleasant surprise to see the door to the Gite open and a light on in the office. My delight was short lived however when I was informed that they were closed. They did tell me that the Refuge de Melezet was open and that it was about four kilometres further up the valley. I decided to head for it. I walked alongside the river but had to climb one hundred and fifty metres to reach the little collection of houses in which the old refuge stood. As I arrived a woman was getting into her car. She asked if I wanted the refuge, but when I said I did, she informed me that since I hadn't booked she was closing for the evening so I couldn't stay. I was a bit pissed off but I had no choice but to turn around and head back down to the river. I found a spot for my tent near a ski lift and settled down for the night. The weather continued to disimprove through the evening into the night. I could have really used a long shower and comfy bed but thems the breaks.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY_xU-DoHFg-D3B_k_8R4bIsDvfm7LuAcFdpwipD-gVq4fScmqDBzWB5zBaeXf-IK5pe1ms0X-e909HekfrUgVWmQsvsAuEQj_3M9oCm1EiYczklhd6A5g1mkh1r0ZkJNbtdhFoGLBOKg2oO7WNUetLL2K1ZlVBLjMKMBJ7jzkBimkqLYvqzYdOsf_Q/s4160/IMG_20221020_135915.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY_xU-DoHFg-D3B_k_8R4bIsDvfm7LuAcFdpwipD-gVq4fScmqDBzWB5zBaeXf-IK5pe1ms0X-e909HekfrUgVWmQsvsAuEQj_3M9oCm1EiYczklhd6A5g1mkh1r0ZkJNbtdhFoGLBOKg2oO7WNUetLL2K1ZlVBLjMKMBJ7jzkBimkqLYvqzYdOsf_Q/w640-h308/IMG_20221020_135915.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOZs-GuWZIA-9uj-28hUy_hUMsY0NpNdkDuvO8bjatKcYcnCOk_wtNP9U2nMunfv9dVptR_-Pdd0r79ZUHbKSlwGCPRAWolTlUdMZ_Uq5sfOjlluIV5AaIuPv8DWGIz4if6vpLLXLI-5Y5ViJwmFGXk1NqmQ3YOzl2y1yyKTRbbDKRdrbPZM-82wSaQ/s4160/IMG_20221020_161208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOZs-GuWZIA-9uj-28hUy_hUMsY0NpNdkDuvO8bjatKcYcnCOk_wtNP9U2nMunfv9dVptR_-Pdd0r79ZUHbKSlwGCPRAWolTlUdMZ_Uq5sfOjlluIV5AaIuPv8DWGIz4if6vpLLXLI-5Y5ViJwmFGXk1NqmQ3YOzl2y1yyKTRbbDKRdrbPZM-82wSaQ/w640-h307/IMG_20221020_161208.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><p></p><p>It had been a fairly taxing day. 27 kilometres covered with over 1400 metres climbed in 8 hours.</p><p>Friday October 21st;</p><p>It had rain all night and at times it was quite heavy. I hadn't slept well at all and I spent much of the night having something of a crisis of confidence. At one stage I spent some time looking at possible ways to abandon the trip. I had visions of flooded trails, rockfall and hardship and all without the safety net of somewhere other than the tent to stay. </p><p>This morning there was no debate as to whether to put on the waterproofs from the get go. It was raining steadily and it didn't look likely to stop anytime soon. That said, I was pleased to find that the trail was not flooded and the wind was quite light. I have often been out in a lot worse. My spirits were improving. As is often the case, once I was on the move things seemed better. I had camped quite close to where the GR climbs up into the forest and begins its journey for Col Girardin, which at just a metre short of 2700 metres is one of the highest on the entire route. I actually like walking in the rain. The world becomes a little smaller and quieter and the woods adopt a mysterious hue. So it was this morning, and it was just the ticket to re establish my commitment to the trip. Starting at 1700 metres meant that it wasn't too long before I started to leave the shelter of the trees at around the 2100 metre mark. Now the nature of the outing began to change. Here the rain was being blown by a stiff wind and it began to feel like a wet day on Carrauntoohil. As I got higher things only got worse. When I reached Chappelle Ste-Anne, which stood above the azure Lac Ste Anne, I was very glad to avail of some shelter and try and warm up a bit. Here at 2400 metres the rain was turning to hail and I had to guard my face from its sting.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDygRoGtbAViv6Hp776zEwxF0F5f4x-XblsjSfDzeaTmJQnqn1to39S4UHkorAitDFdAGtX8N0AtDfIj770f-oBF9mrhs11FyiWw7XwG9coHOcpEGmmHsmSWnb8zyPq9i9qJqMY-8rHVL5Q0TC20s1zGUGCPIELJduzbwN_Mig4cmVfcvrBKTj6guVEg/s5184/IMG_2047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDygRoGtbAViv6Hp776zEwxF0F5f4x-XblsjSfDzeaTmJQnqn1to39S4UHkorAitDFdAGtX8N0AtDfIj770f-oBF9mrhs11FyiWw7XwG9coHOcpEGmmHsmSWnb8zyPq9i9qJqMY-8rHVL5Q0TC20s1zGUGCPIELJduzbwN_Mig4cmVfcvrBKTj6guVEg/w640-h360/IMG_2047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_n9htL8wavGZ_hiIG1stjqVzm37H54Qas8Tz8p4BmPv82zuSu6oRtEImZiQJK6vLHmYOdO-J9Esy6zYuCXsfGDizlR3W-c1NCbHajAp2T0jGrFNJbQjHtC4jUNj3gJs7eysn8kwVlaOl7JZDlAakyzoGgcqlZqudKwUAt7fuSxNG3fu8GMyR5w3gZQ/s5184/IMG_2049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_n9htL8wavGZ_hiIG1stjqVzm37H54Qas8Tz8p4BmPv82zuSu6oRtEImZiQJK6vLHmYOdO-J9Esy6zYuCXsfGDizlR3W-c1NCbHajAp2T0jGrFNJbQjHtC4jUNj3gJs7eysn8kwVlaOl7JZDlAakyzoGgcqlZqudKwUAt7fuSxNG3fu8GMyR5w3gZQ/w640-h362/IMG_2049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><p></p><p>Despite everything, I was enjoying myself. One of my biggest fears had been that all the rain would have fallen as snow up this high, but thankfully that wasn't the case and the pass remained clear. Another joy was the snow clad rugged mountains that formed the backdrop of the hike. The Pics de la Font Sancte, which had seemed so distant just yesterday morning, now loomed large and moody above me and in a way only looked better in these conditions. The path twisted it way up a scree slope and eventually I stood in the col. Not that I lingered, as the weather was foul. The path zig zags steeply down the slope on the other side but before too long a flat grassy area is reached. Thankfully the wind seemed less strong on this side and the rain started to ease as well. The trail splits at around 2350 metres. One branch goes directly down to Maljasset while the one I wanted traverses airely above a cliff before it begins to descend towards Le Barge. The long deep valley made a spectacular sight, backed as it was by jagged 3000 metre peaks on the other side. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0esOfTwvQdkkUbvZRODKovPHbT-cI8MIPGrQLeg-0CnRUApmYOD7Gz6RmlnASnNvbiZbzKFnUsy3KRfLSeHC9i3zhlJgP6BXB7erQBMiMpoalZT5yc6NZnKzYG4tgwfI3rwQx_EFIvy6J-R21IdIKOBWqCca2gAmwY_W5lKfCn9ekvFjp6MrEMDkgg/s5184/IMG_2055.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0esOfTwvQdkkUbvZRODKovPHbT-cI8MIPGrQLeg-0CnRUApmYOD7Gz6RmlnASnNvbiZbzKFnUsy3KRfLSeHC9i3zhlJgP6BXB7erQBMiMpoalZT5yc6NZnKzYG4tgwfI3rwQx_EFIvy6J-R21IdIKOBWqCca2gAmwY_W5lKfCn9ekvFjp6MrEMDkgg/w640-h360/IMG_2055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3gM2d7MYAoz5czR2Db7kzw5vst6gxH3_6oy5xVoOSThwOM3xDjOq20xOCJ6uV-1gPRF5skvR9qhCDNdMDODaXb16asP5B1IZIgLkFxgaqvi5Oi9iGnhm3mQkaUSWG9GoGDEFIo3w1g48ebVEyieupDM8mg18Qw6PcKlhDLa61LHaMzsG1JxIsRmdag/s5184/IMG_2054.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3gM2d7MYAoz5czR2Db7kzw5vst6gxH3_6oy5xVoOSThwOM3xDjOq20xOCJ6uV-1gPRF5skvR9qhCDNdMDODaXb16asP5B1IZIgLkFxgaqvi5Oi9iGnhm3mQkaUSWG9GoGDEFIo3w1g48ebVEyieupDM8mg18Qw6PcKlhDLa61LHaMzsG1JxIsRmdag/w640-h360/IMG_2054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I had decided to try and get as far as Fouillouse today so I still had a long way to go. Once I was down in the valley the trail spent the next seven or more kilometres in either sheltered woodlands or for short periods on the quiet road. I stopped about half way along the valley for a bite to eat and I found myself standing and shivering while I ate. Once I had put some fuel in me things got better. When I passed a little place called St Antoine I could see the river pass through a deep cleft in the rock with what appeared to be a bridge crossing it. It looked spectacular. Another thing that looked equally spectacular was the stunning autumnal colour on display in the valley beyond. Eventually I passed the cleft and I was delighted to find that the way to Fouillouse actually went over the bridge. Wowzer, what a spectacular place to stand. Looking over the walls of the bridge at the 300 ft drop to the torrent below certainly got the heart racing. It was a lovely bonus. Shortly after this the trail leaves the road and climbs up through the woods again. All in all you climb over 300 metres before a gradual descent arrives and you reach Fouillouse. I had hoped that the gite in this curious village would be open but alas it would be the tent again tonight. Mind you things weren't all bad. The weather was actually showing signs of improvement and by the time I reached a spot where I could camp about 500 metres beyond the village it was dry. Fouillouse itself was an odd collection of chalets and farm buildings with mostly tin roofs and a mucky dirt track serving as the street through it. That said it was in a beautiful setting.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgs_a_uvgdY1IfCUp1efEC2G0mEjTF2fDfVoWLDK-g7OXSYYlYjpfKJwu8lZrzd0XoVyXp8X0poQuz6wpa5iwtdqd0BbIJ4MQJ9Ol2u7mjSOTrcMoAxFzhB0M8w-K-lIqgIzwEbI-f1AB2UZSVfYSblm642t6Hzq4kh5z9SU7LtvEhm2iXu-XYkT9cng/s5184/IMG_2057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgs_a_uvgdY1IfCUp1efEC2G0mEjTF2fDfVoWLDK-g7OXSYYlYjpfKJwu8lZrzd0XoVyXp8X0poQuz6wpa5iwtdqd0BbIJ4MQJ9Ol2u7mjSOTrcMoAxFzhB0M8w-K-lIqgIzwEbI-f1AB2UZSVfYSblm642t6Hzq4kh5z9SU7LtvEhm2iXu-XYkT9cng/w640-h360/IMG_2057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />23 kilometres covered today with once again 1400 metres of climbing in 7 hours 40 minutes.<p></p><p>Saturday October 22nd;</p><p>There had been some rain overnight but it had dried up and it was quite a pleasant morning when I emerged from my tent. I enjoyed a nice breakfast and it was good to be able to pack up in dry weather. I was hopeful that the rain was behind me. Today the plan was to cross, first the Col du Vallonet at 2524 metres, before next crossing Col de Mallemort at 2558 metres, and then descending to Larche. After that I would play it by ear.</p><p>The trail rose quite gradually along a track and was never steep. That said, I was struggling a lot this morning, and I felt like I had regressed a few days in fitness. I had thought that I was over the lingering effects of Covid but my chest and breathing was tight, even on easy gradients, I found the going tough. Before long I reached Fort de Plat Lombarde. This was a quite large buried fortification with only the gunwales showing above ground. Here the trail splits, with one heading up to the Refuge du Chambeyron and the GR 5 continueing towards the col, which could be seen a few kilometres further on. There was still a fair bit of cloud about but the views were still wonderful and despite my fatigue I was enjoying the day. Once I reached the col the trail descends gently as it heads towards the valley that rises to Col de Mallemort. Around two hundred metres are lost until you reach an old military road that rises towards the col. The cloud started to clear and by the time I was up at the col the impressive rocky ramparts of the surrounding tops could be seen. An impressive ruined barracks stood just below the col and there were two further fortifications on the tops of the peaks either side. Further evidence of the turbulent past of the area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9xG_p2ddP10WNmCseKyLq5fwq_643wYBJ2alO9sRl5Ff9TPzu21Z4oJ4imUmFNNonkAdTVZ3HS0_Qza0IC3SinAd-B9yGgK1pM4jFvzhI1jLfRhZ5-jv3pHl5OTuytfCX0mpWFtvx89Y_b4xtM_hfdnM4W21iouAdGIZDc7G3jmGhshWOilqFYyepA/s5184/IMG_2062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9xG_p2ddP10WNmCseKyLq5fwq_643wYBJ2alO9sRl5Ff9TPzu21Z4oJ4imUmFNNonkAdTVZ3HS0_Qza0IC3SinAd-B9yGgK1pM4jFvzhI1jLfRhZ5-jv3pHl5OTuytfCX0mpWFtvx89Y_b4xtM_hfdnM4W21iouAdGIZDc7G3jmGhshWOilqFYyepA/w640-h360/IMG_2062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgXkIsj0tHG4MPnwxsHUmf1Cb8IgExVdzUh5R0ZQ6B5urfjNRbizoufw0iraQuzlGPm7f-Ft7MPB72SY4lPUjrjHUqnqGOImqCJMR0sQtGuvfNP3-5Erqi8cpVuMkBeXE4FtSjf7kjFQdwEwAieZHM5ey8SajmnhATfrhdfA9cut28Hc5sKg8ozPJRw/s5184/IMG_2061.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgXkIsj0tHG4MPnwxsHUmf1Cb8IgExVdzUh5R0ZQ6B5urfjNRbizoufw0iraQuzlGPm7f-Ft7MPB72SY4lPUjrjHUqnqGOImqCJMR0sQtGuvfNP3-5Erqi8cpVuMkBeXE4FtSjf7kjFQdwEwAieZHM5ey8SajmnhATfrhdfA9cut28Hc5sKg8ozPJRw/w640-h360/IMG_2061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyQCoPEUJHpRE11yaDmBHbqrLOvvB1SnPgjHKfbKKpRAoadmERkDWk7bHvOhhGUuxLigWa1hXMNptV4NI5EBU9EL3oYn07CDmRnuh5c6NRoZ2c4cpk0o031HNYHkysqeXRK-fvrstjHF72QZkaW6e9OYNOp1Mgskv0vtLG06mSFexN_jFpFuur0YqBA/s5184/IMG_2072.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyQCoPEUJHpRE11yaDmBHbqrLOvvB1SnPgjHKfbKKpRAoadmERkDWk7bHvOhhGUuxLigWa1hXMNptV4NI5EBU9EL3oYn07CDmRnuh5c6NRoZ2c4cpk0o031HNYHkysqeXRK-fvrstjHF72QZkaW6e9OYNOp1Mgskv0vtLG06mSFexN_jFpFuur0YqBA/w640-h360/IMG_2072.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The views were excellent from the col and I rested a while and enjoyed a bite to eat. It was a little disappointing to see that across the valley some rain was once again falling. The descent takes a fairly direct line towards the little village of Larche. It was quite straightforward and before too long I reached it. As I said it is a small place and once again everything was closed. I didn't linger and I set off along the lane that stretched for five kilometres to a parking area. Just two hundred metres of height is gained on this stretch so the going is easy. The rain had arrived once again but I was hopeful that it would clear. When I reached the end of the lane at a large parking area, I had reached Val Fourane and the Mercantour National Park. Alongside the empty carpark, there was a timber building which was open. I reckoned that it would make a good spot to stay for the night, so I dropped my bag and relaxed. The rain had stopped however and the valley ahead looked tempting, so I decided to continue for another bit. After a further kilometre up the valley I spied an ideal place to pitch the tent that was too good to pass, so I had found my home for the night. I whiled away the remaining daylight in quiet relaxation and pondered what the coming days would bring. My crisis of confidence was over and I was really looking forward to discovering what lay ahead. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC8VrZ84l09-kRuSmJcdVONtXqEVxX_4vYRue4xlx6qMC5uKPA1rhnLDspzRPhl989QYxQk5aLXez_lC_dmjOuNG9hnYz8aY4NQOryWopind_gKgp6x2I_8Dh2lX38qtoT3rHBPhFeYhUmIoeOSr8txhBNG5GTBxGncbT3b6L715fN8MtH4AFi8FdDg/s5184/IMG_2075.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC8VrZ84l09-kRuSmJcdVONtXqEVxX_4vYRue4xlx6qMC5uKPA1rhnLDspzRPhl989QYxQk5aLXez_lC_dmjOuNG9hnYz8aY4NQOryWopind_gKgp6x2I_8Dh2lX38qtoT3rHBPhFeYhUmIoeOSr8txhBNG5GTBxGncbT3b6L715fN8MtH4AFi8FdDg/w640-h360/IMG_2075.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGLg1fE8xgtLOQPsttRC17X53_kSCpoxaMZerMbq36r3CfoqNqaw4gT0FV8YyKVp-ZR2MXFdT3jOc8GTlsiATpTfXUIiPqFowutnAWBr0NdNxir-WvHkfRmENCfCtf2mZfN4CKzvSjlk6o0N3Eqe5dMSyqw2eeqZCPuk3HU1abhzq4-I6V8813Gyj2Q/s5184/IMG_2074.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGLg1fE8xgtLOQPsttRC17X53_kSCpoxaMZerMbq36r3CfoqNqaw4gT0FV8YyKVp-ZR2MXFdT3jOc8GTlsiATpTfXUIiPqFowutnAWBr0NdNxir-WvHkfRmENCfCtf2mZfN4CKzvSjlk6o0N3Eqe5dMSyqw2eeqZCPuk3HU1abhzq4-I6V8813Gyj2Q/w640-h360/IMG_2074.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc0fs6aju7BhVuqyoFKsvqdXizSTmBo6Wt9EIG5Dt-q0DWm6FRHynQPLvMXEF0hpXfvnFziQT52TzX_4Vr2K1GSBW2n38ATs_fFMAXnyRT24mfAEb3tiJpAJuKdkRnFuucqhjh5vyQIwkLpJhBpP1IE5oMKWXPZjyKycDqnHnZ2yhxyzVbVY0HT_ehA/s5184/IMG_2088.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc0fs6aju7BhVuqyoFKsvqdXizSTmBo6Wt9EIG5Dt-q0DWm6FRHynQPLvMXEF0hpXfvnFziQT52TzX_4Vr2K1GSBW2n38ATs_fFMAXnyRT24mfAEb3tiJpAJuKdkRnFuucqhjh5vyQIwkLpJhBpP1IE5oMKWXPZjyKycDqnHnZ2yhxyzVbVY0HT_ehA/w640-h360/IMG_2088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rl1alrhbVLJlPvSxPvpDCVKhdOeKI3WhgPYOwaYFemWKItiA9gNF8xQtrVffKLLdILHU-pwp4bHQz7_mFv9YnlCU0tumEWb703k2FH_hvHnBCemLRGdsLRnXZyaR5q43ZUheGdx0FbD7vlwsPkDMDT96J5_arQH_gmGHmSLmUIFB26KZ4-TFLT0cMg/s4160/IMG_20221022_152213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rl1alrhbVLJlPvSxPvpDCVKhdOeKI3WhgPYOwaYFemWKItiA9gNF8xQtrVffKLLdILHU-pwp4bHQz7_mFv9YnlCU0tumEWb703k2FH_hvHnBCemLRGdsLRnXZyaR5q43ZUheGdx0FbD7vlwsPkDMDT96J5_arQH_gmGHmSLmUIFB26KZ4-TFLT0cMg/w640-h308/IMG_20221022_152213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It hadn't been an overly taxing day..20 kilometres covered and 1100 metres ascent in 7 hours.<p></p><p>Sunday October 23rd;</p><p>Thankfully the fatigue of yesterday was absent this morning and so was the rain. I was really looking forward to entering once again the Mercantour Park. It is renowned as one of the wildest, most unspoiled areas of the western alps. One thing that I was becoming concerned about was the fact that this would be my fifth day wild camping after Briancon and my phone and battery pack, not to mention food, needed to be topped up. I was using wipes to refresh myself but it is fair to say that a shower would have been welcome. The next town of any consequence I would reach was Saint Etienne de Tinee which was still a fair way off. I kind of hoped that I might reach it today but it would be a big effort and I would just see what developed. The view to the north from the tent looked at the Tete de Moise and other peaks that formed the border between France and Italy. The sky looked menacing and some rain was misting the peaks. To the south, my direction of travel, the sky looked much clearer and I hoped that blue skies would win the day. The Pas de la Cavale at 2671 metres could be seen in the distance and it was flanked by wild and rocky peaks. It all looked very inviting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyuSegi20iosTMEPx7wOR_zfCcf-xlspJWt66n2oPVrATNOZAg-O_UT0m6qOeZb-3mQWFPxquRBXTwbOr1aSPhDgmF5ISHMdNiszrvlKSVzdCeri5vImEVJbNwzNJ6bTXwwiimsGIfPZm6RjG0vBHwbJno8KV_GhJBzAeaY8UAiSJ_NumN1lVk9vsmg/s5184/IMG_2106.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyuSegi20iosTMEPx7wOR_zfCcf-xlspJWt66n2oPVrATNOZAg-O_UT0m6qOeZb-3mQWFPxquRBXTwbOr1aSPhDgmF5ISHMdNiszrvlKSVzdCeri5vImEVJbNwzNJ6bTXwwiimsGIfPZm6RjG0vBHwbJno8KV_GhJBzAeaY8UAiSJ_NumN1lVk9vsmg/w640-h360/IMG_2106.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg9nySWT8FpLM6Nt_fM4eQ6OWaXVzvoGVQ_cc0RGzBlS8u6AM_uDdGM6wIyx1ofYoI54PwTF8W6yUgBQAK5TMtiYfZy7plo39uqRR5DT3BClFixu6FknTcQlQ6mIejttHiN7jacHLrBMmDP1SeS0TKNaEaNsHHPYuvzpHlw6hXPl_mrIN7UjXwCOl1w/s5184/IMG_2105.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg9nySWT8FpLM6Nt_fM4eQ6OWaXVzvoGVQ_cc0RGzBlS8u6AM_uDdGM6wIyx1ofYoI54PwTF8W6yUgBQAK5TMtiYfZy7plo39uqRR5DT3BClFixu6FknTcQlQ6mIejttHiN7jacHLrBMmDP1SeS0TKNaEaNsHHPYuvzpHlw6hXPl_mrIN7UjXwCOl1w/w640-h360/IMG_2105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a lovely morning.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Once packed up and on the move, I followed the track until it became a trail and climbed towards Lac de Lauzanier at 2284 metres, which wasn't too much of a climb, as I had camped at 1950 metres. I was delighted by the wildness of the scenery when I got up to the lake, and things only got better as I headed for the col. I guess it is no coincidence that the wildness of the place was matched by the wildlife. This morning I saw deer, male Ibex butted heads and eagles soared. I was also feeling fairly strong and I hoped the finally I was getting over the chest infection. What a delightful view greeted me at the wild pass. The fledgling Tinee Valley began below me and it basically ran all the way to the Mediterranean. Not that I could see the sea from here, it was still a long way away, but there was much to delight the eye. The trail drops steeply through the brittle rocky headwall, before easier ground is reached. A rather chaotic melange of rock strata sweeps away to the west, with the most spectacular being the huge band of black shale called Les Roubines Negres. Lower down the trail descends easily across grass slopes before crossing a wide rubbly, avalanche or water scoured stream bed. A refuge/bothy is passed, before another 200 metre climb, sees you reach the altogether tamer Col des Fourches at 2261 metres. Here there are some more gunwales guarding the valley below.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6-G99HR-aHv2CFG30KVbWQbiFWklPEIHGjkCsUCBzpqkDXZf-5roJT5XxAzQC--gzlDz7__MJzpXbyaRTOwepNMqSP_IpJDaLKelQFRt5OX2dlWItTqnFYRQN-eEcm0A6P6lRlKMBuYFVpR-gViOmo7oXsIQoexQK-nZeZRVYEvWjwr9HdvHUgNp6g/s5184/IMG_2125.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6-G99HR-aHv2CFG30KVbWQbiFWklPEIHGjkCsUCBzpqkDXZf-5roJT5XxAzQC--gzlDz7__MJzpXbyaRTOwepNMqSP_IpJDaLKelQFRt5OX2dlWItTqnFYRQN-eEcm0A6P6lRlKMBuYFVpR-gViOmo7oXsIQoexQK-nZeZRVYEvWjwr9HdvHUgNp6g/w640-h360/IMG_2125.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6e0EHS-j0-I0TmCwwwQzQu5ytPq2XFjDg4Jaj5PrhdjqA8c-wzDfs-nPGb3Li0YQugAfKFM_lEcwnLcXCH350PlL3vvTYkt1P9uPCioy5OEEGJIS4vN8S1g8A-vHtXhDd3V9l4mHp_f81sTfqKCBhxmkfA2xFhCXCHZ3XhiN4wDiq0YBttf48sZ9_g/s5184/IMG_2118.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6e0EHS-j0-I0TmCwwwQzQu5ytPq2XFjDg4Jaj5PrhdjqA8c-wzDfs-nPGb3Li0YQugAfKFM_lEcwnLcXCH350PlL3vvTYkt1P9uPCioy5OEEGJIS4vN8S1g8A-vHtXhDd3V9l4mHp_f81sTfqKCBhxmkfA2xFhCXCHZ3XhiN4wDiq0YBttf48sZ9_g/w640-h360/IMG_2118.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVYbIGNGKutREWw9DHyzYaj0GuImKFqGMtd2BzffWPe4ABjytL5aFJWD6BuLRWCmklIoBs2VOgGJm3RvKVPxiJjihVRE1qoJpzwSTOfxORBfvjspGvTfbA1jrpIESTiDAVWYBXXPAO9bxljGicX8iR0vYuD0cW20mF-w5-p48stjgRQZfB6MwR91YDw/s5184/IMG_2116.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVYbIGNGKutREWw9DHyzYaj0GuImKFqGMtd2BzffWPe4ABjytL5aFJWD6BuLRWCmklIoBs2VOgGJm3RvKVPxiJjihVRE1qoJpzwSTOfxORBfvjspGvTfbA1jrpIESTiDAVWYBXXPAO9bxljGicX8iR0vYuD0cW20mF-w5-p48stjgRQZfB6MwR91YDw/w640-h360/IMG_2116.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8j6I_OOk3sdAYaQ9bVHc2hLPrWL1UhCOk4ZBxVc7R2NuXNCQspYEsnuGDbA0KGcH_53jquVAuloEVsTr8YI74OnKO4d8D3WAZOrm1c_7sLJT0C545KuNlpbdVHlMX3QvqraoMoQ8nBSXPJHPkCBBtrujxioqW5luYgtpy-L2Ah2nG93dRIvPLaKNEFg/s5184/IMG_2130.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8j6I_OOk3sdAYaQ9bVHc2hLPrWL1UhCOk4ZBxVc7R2NuXNCQspYEsnuGDbA0KGcH_53jquVAuloEVsTr8YI74OnKO4d8D3WAZOrm1c_7sLJT0C545KuNlpbdVHlMX3QvqraoMoQ8nBSXPJHPkCBBtrujxioqW5luYgtpy-L2Ah2nG93dRIvPLaKNEFg/w640-h360/IMG_2130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North from Pas de la Cavale</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOl2xynQTcNjzkK8YlhDeAqqwc9DnWR76IhFtCuJKISchN99BMZmcVzuLNqTwMEmoP38LPltGIoF4fPg1mmoKhsuG8jMQB16QxjIxUZfL7w-g7LcnK5HDuKgxoUqSdXcIGs59aoMiHGTWYPiij68EOY3u-vhRwhyq4qduDrOBdPet173or4r8JZmJcQ/s5184/IMG_2134.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOl2xynQTcNjzkK8YlhDeAqqwc9DnWR76IhFtCuJKISchN99BMZmcVzuLNqTwMEmoP38LPltGIoF4fPg1mmoKhsuG8jMQB16QxjIxUZfL7w-g7LcnK5HDuKgxoUqSdXcIGs59aoMiHGTWYPiij68EOY3u-vhRwhyq4qduDrOBdPet173or4r8JZmJcQ/w640-h360/IMG_2134.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking South</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As I neared the col the air was filled with the sound of high powered cars screaming up a roadway. After leaving the col I soon reached the road that rises to the Col de la Bonette which is the highest road pass in western Europe. Alas I missed seeing the type of cars that had caused the earlier racket and instead I saw a few, lets just say less skilled and less powerful stragglers as they spluttered and slid up the slopes. A short walk on the road follows before you reach the nearby Camp de Fourches. Now the trail dropped through the grassy slopes and headed for the hamlet of Bousieyas at 1900 metres. The weather was turning out very nice and I was really enjoying my day. I enjoyed a long cool drink and bite to eat at the deserted hamlet, before beginning the next climb to the Col de la Colombiere at 2237 metres. The trail followed a vehicle track, so it was never steep but it did add another 400 metres ascent to the day. Once up here I rested and since I had a good phone signal I went online and searched for somewhere to stay in Saint Etienne. Miraculously there was one property available, a studio apartment, and I immediately booked myself in for that night. Now all I had to do was get there.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqZUAJ9BZQaq0Smlza9oEiXY7h2rtU2XU2SXTpR0VJ-UYZhp9aTVE-hc88pTD-QGVlF5_nnRNqYWO9cT1iZuNnIBoq-vJjpJs8jztWiiy19g2nCtwcPTxUF35vif7UmsqcJBgubBJxNyYuqbxaEx5bw82aksGt5f2Esah1ddpqVtJtE89HYSH0nPL9g/s5184/IMG_2144.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqZUAJ9BZQaq0Smlza9oEiXY7h2rtU2XU2SXTpR0VJ-UYZhp9aTVE-hc88pTD-QGVlF5_nnRNqYWO9cT1iZuNnIBoq-vJjpJs8jztWiiy19g2nCtwcPTxUF35vif7UmsqcJBgubBJxNyYuqbxaEx5bw82aksGt5f2Esah1ddpqVtJtE89HYSH0nPL9g/w640-h360/IMG_2144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUSwLYHSgfpwZrmUxTU3Pv2jB9pg4piMBx3M6AAX82gsiy5wLEYIge-27PDsE6GNOJ9YDj28P2AQa1jUmCfSxZwrd-BiJbuxj-pSdwJkZho4bZLhLSAbwf0jOpoIRG7rv_UbrrrSsw65PS2hhCUsdjBKUKFKxlZ2kZA52A1PTHbxZLozCnqYhACInaQ/s5184/IMG_2142.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUSwLYHSgfpwZrmUxTU3Pv2jB9pg4piMBx3M6AAX82gsiy5wLEYIge-27PDsE6GNOJ9YDj28P2AQa1jUmCfSxZwrd-BiJbuxj-pSdwJkZho4bZLhLSAbwf0jOpoIRG7rv_UbrrrSsw65PS2hhCUsdjBKUKFKxlZ2kZA52A1PTHbxZLozCnqYhACInaQ/w640-h360/IMG_2142.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFa9d97IGnolmLWfyj4hoJxyel_dEzSEPQxpThf3GquY5PvblbX7dW6LuMS_a9XLEk1mHXOS0W_-Vrz9X12sKMIMJSTMy4xeh0_GRuw1J0bNlPcmqeGLQ1YdaVmItDnmmbOGNlbPQkVBVB_VS1Q-hGPkIbfpqV_2_Kw_w6UdxUHTTEsmPb9Js61l88yw/s5184/IMG_2167.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFa9d97IGnolmLWfyj4hoJxyel_dEzSEPQxpThf3GquY5PvblbX7dW6LuMS_a9XLEk1mHXOS0W_-Vrz9X12sKMIMJSTMy4xeh0_GRuw1J0bNlPcmqeGLQ1YdaVmItDnmmbOGNlbPQkVBVB_VS1Q-hGPkIbfpqV_2_Kw_w6UdxUHTTEsmPb9Js61l88yw/w640-h360/IMG_2167.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjRtChMb0YWZzteJ9xMPaG26gpez5aXQskhyNrSb_68mlTSIEdDsBuHUrwWpdBZ7hXTUgQy9EQZ5HlF3mS6J_ni7iaGg9SX7PQWGfnbAoEANHjGiFcqHW6_RIWMMTLdPPAXvtIJtUa5Qu1PJcm3rq7xRWdydSlRPV-ZqYcQofy0HmJvyNx6yS3cjAfQ/s5184/IMG_2168.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjRtChMb0YWZzteJ9xMPaG26gpez5aXQskhyNrSb_68mlTSIEdDsBuHUrwWpdBZ7hXTUgQy9EQZ5HlF3mS6J_ni7iaGg9SX7PQWGfnbAoEANHjGiFcqHW6_RIWMMTLdPPAXvtIJtUa5Qu1PJcm3rq7xRWdydSlRPV-ZqYcQofy0HmJvyNx6yS3cjAfQ/w640-h360/IMG_2168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The trail crossed some steep slopes as it headed towards Vallon de St Dalmas. Here I noticed a marked difference in the flora on this side of the col. Now, things had a much more arid, scrubby feel and look. The Mediterranean clearly had a big influence here. The trail dropped and contoured around some deep ravines, before eventually, the village of St Dalmas le Selvage came into view not too far away. The compact cluster of houses, arranged in a somewhat chaotic jumble of narrow alleys was a shabby delight. Ordinarily I would have delighted in spending a little time wandering and exploring, but I was struck by shower fever. I wanted to reach Saint Etienne as soon a possible. It was also a surprise to fine that the Gite in the village was actually open. Once I was down below the pretty painted church, I began the final climb of the day and headed for Col d'Anelle which at 1731 was another 200 metres higher up. Before too long I reached the pass, and after a traverse through the woods, I finally began the steep descent to Saint Etienne, which nestled in the valley below. The surrounding woods were a riot of colour, and now that I knew I would reach the town in reasonable time, I relaxed and enjoyed the descent. I was also very pleased with how my body had held up to the rigours of a long day. It was an enormous relief to finally reach the town and find my accommodation. Once settled in, I wasted no time in enjoying a long hot soothing shower. Bliss. It being a Sunday evening I wasn't hopeful of finding anywhere open for a bite to eat, so it was a particular delight to find a pizza place open. I enjoyed a delicious pizza and some wine for dinner. A great end to a great day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCItUqXjQ9A3Z7bVKdaIy_0gCUSTO_TUTC_b1iv-UUTEgbqN0j4nhSUorloLe6sAWMbPYMZR1t303UP1IGP0ry5isnA-jVZ-9ClnI01xTRLQXoKF7rODoKRdxfsffc92czKzIrpWY3eVXW_OGqhomm3OthWxAnuiBcXA3qskrc2rEHWt6hzkwTY3oqg/s5184/IMG_2178.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCItUqXjQ9A3Z7bVKdaIy_0gCUSTO_TUTC_b1iv-UUTEgbqN0j4nhSUorloLe6sAWMbPYMZR1t303UP1IGP0ry5isnA-jVZ-9ClnI01xTRLQXoKF7rODoKRdxfsffc92czKzIrpWY3eVXW_OGqhomm3OthWxAnuiBcXA3qskrc2rEHWt6hzkwTY3oqg/w640-h360/IMG_2178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMolbOjjmCdwiqohz8oDF6HLlD3R2zzdDh24VH9uSXurZIigGJQL1TDk_E0kMKf7lAlyoRf6preJlioV0OXQLV8NCa4dph-e8bmroE38aUr4RAFqQDMoRMLDoyYpyrBXwhSwfU1W8rnlRvpVZSS3ZVn8BdTBpZ1U3IeXu3fE4BKe6xfbn1wlYL676aNw/s5184/IMG_2177.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMolbOjjmCdwiqohz8oDF6HLlD3R2zzdDh24VH9uSXurZIigGJQL1TDk_E0kMKf7lAlyoRf6preJlioV0OXQLV8NCa4dph-e8bmroE38aUr4RAFqQDMoRMLDoyYpyrBXwhSwfU1W8rnlRvpVZSS3ZVn8BdTBpZ1U3IeXu3fE4BKe6xfbn1wlYL676aNw/w640-h360/IMG_2177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9Fk203pTml8z11l8UfsxBEsXJupDJW4hmrJXB1xJO74PXI_RAOfq2wIpSQTriHmGgLiOJtcQ4HR1E5Dzn7aYILh1daEviulo8Lh7zSYxplnVVpkDE3mUzye1x24r0pkUo0EXXB_guxTIKa77ylnJzymWtePdcqya-m7FLYDUzhs94LFLgZafCe9olA/s5184/IMG_2175.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9Fk203pTml8z11l8UfsxBEsXJupDJW4hmrJXB1xJO74PXI_RAOfq2wIpSQTriHmGgLiOJtcQ4HR1E5Dzn7aYILh1daEviulo8Lh7zSYxplnVVpkDE3mUzye1x24r0pkUo0EXXB_guxTIKa77ylnJzymWtePdcqya-m7FLYDUzhs94LFLgZafCe9olA/w640-h360/IMG_2175.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_1bBWKg7XRjcjjEwIBhAXitiFWspVdrIiF4Ou6OGJMpDY6IRK28sNA6-Syz7YwL-91rzmaG8TxaqbyBn3fWTRUs5HffK5coJMjr5FTT9ltIG3X-1LEHBo1l8X1PBWGXAfhAWVWgZJDhETWzejDYUwvsJkYP9s7t06W4i4Mps2Ryet5JL3rf7HM93ZQ/s5184/IMG_2172.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_1bBWKg7XRjcjjEwIBhAXitiFWspVdrIiF4Ou6OGJMpDY6IRK28sNA6-Syz7YwL-91rzmaG8TxaqbyBn3fWTRUs5HffK5coJMjr5FTT9ltIG3X-1LEHBo1l8X1PBWGXAfhAWVWgZJDhETWzejDYUwvsJkYP9s7t06W4i4Mps2Ryet5JL3rf7HM93ZQ/w640-h360/IMG_2172.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>31 kilometres with 1600 metres ascent, 2100 metres descent, in 9 hours 30 minutes. I slept well.</p><p>Monday October 24th;</p><p>It had rained yesterday evening but the forecast for the reminder of the trip was great. Considering that yesterday had been a pretty big day I was pleased with how good I felt this morning. Having spent some time studying the reminder of the route, it was clear to me that a big effort would be required to get anywhere near Nice in the four days I had left. Well I suppose I could have done a short day on Friday morning, as my flight wasn't until 15.30, but I didn't really want to be under too much pressure on that day. I would just see how things developed.</p><p>I had been looking forward to getting some nice fresh baguettes in the bakery before setting off, but I was to be disappointed, as it was closed on Mondays. The little shop didn't stock any bread, so I had to make do with brioche and some biscuits. The trail followed a quiet road out of the town until after a couple of kilometres it started to climb. As I left the town the hillside opposite echoed with the bellows of stags. A small flock of sheep in a roadside paddock were all fixated by the sound, and silently stared in that direction. Soon the main road is reach and after a couple of hundred metres walk along it, you climb up through the forest until you reach the ski town of Auron. This sits at 1650 metres, so already nearly 500 metres of climbing was done. Auron is quite large and to my eyes quite charmless. It consists of a jumble of large, no doubt expensive, chalets and apartments with the usual collection of restaurants and ski stores. Everything was closed now, but during the season, I guess there would be a buzz. Anyway, I was glad to leave it behind and once I was across the valley with it's car parks and ski runs, I once again entered the woods, and the trail headed for Col de Blainon at 2008 metres. Once I reached the Col I had done 1000 metres of climbing and the day was still young.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEKxuLWe5qI15axGJkl8W0bSguG2BL80X_7tJZj_vSpJY1ikTVsw9EtxEy6iac3ZXqFFoBac_nHl_pIffdjc_om2rnm5A2522RBCQBmdLu5YFyS-AsbL4wY-1f7ug9ru0btzZ-_5L9rZSSks0nA2HY48VNWFe_sqzeXQFQhra_Ogel1djoALkw8voqg/s5184/IMG_2180.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEKxuLWe5qI15axGJkl8W0bSguG2BL80X_7tJZj_vSpJY1ikTVsw9EtxEy6iac3ZXqFFoBac_nHl_pIffdjc_om2rnm5A2522RBCQBmdLu5YFyS-AsbL4wY-1f7ug9ru0btzZ-_5L9rZSSks0nA2HY48VNWFe_sqzeXQFQhra_Ogel1djoALkw8voqg/w640-h360/IMG_2180.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving St Etienne..those colours</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNASHhanR0bkQBYO_xYD_hXG_IfgHoaAld40GB3XYiFSwQW2igoK0ggEVKc5qm-mI0x07c7yrx3BzVLucYSHmDAmigelab4ICTtNQ_xVMlP_hs93R3-reNKcQ_4xBN9kuyZz_7DGLPF-3cDYLKQOfxGtVtDLE10HOH3fdvGCcc37PyLdyCQUcYfMP0g/s5184/IMG_2190.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNASHhanR0bkQBYO_xYD_hXG_IfgHoaAld40GB3XYiFSwQW2igoK0ggEVKc5qm-mI0x07c7yrx3BzVLucYSHmDAmigelab4ICTtNQ_xVMlP_hs93R3-reNKcQ_4xBN9kuyZz_7DGLPF-3cDYLKQOfxGtVtDLE10HOH3fdvGCcc37PyLdyCQUcYfMP0g/w640-h360/IMG_2190.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGKBloy43gxe2L_KpEG7std6foy4vUTQpR-aBicXzWAmg1-pJd2HSd2fegeqOyB-8B8XjXHaILQ0PQX4jArxc2f2S3TeD9vIQxX2ot5FuXrQWuYoKXJTcoTguQ0Dbt2zSzgaXwnGxACzqTRJxu6A5r3b-dnJ9AXzTsNf3xSr5_IghnAh5dD8rm2qIRw/s5184/IMG_2191.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGKBloy43gxe2L_KpEG7std6foy4vUTQpR-aBicXzWAmg1-pJd2HSd2fegeqOyB-8B8XjXHaILQ0PQX4jArxc2f2S3TeD9vIQxX2ot5FuXrQWuYoKXJTcoTguQ0Dbt2zSzgaXwnGxACzqTRJxu6A5r3b-dnJ9AXzTsNf3xSr5_IghnAh5dD8rm2qIRw/w640-h360/IMG_2191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrWkSFoocvb2FqI9r0rBmi7KKn9SzACW1THI7En1vHWS66CuXv7ulyguqqlxcW4XB6QDnPxRmsC25K1LuCakOuRCz8xsIYe9kxAjCQbATt0hY9P55QNgMqSkaziim447arDYI1vxiu7lkOOvGXlAO2GDbI2rYvB00yJQU7yqcet2QzAmjwsoOM3akdg/s5184/IMG_2192.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrWkSFoocvb2FqI9r0rBmi7KKn9SzACW1THI7En1vHWS66CuXv7ulyguqqlxcW4XB6QDnPxRmsC25K1LuCakOuRCz8xsIYe9kxAjCQbATt0hY9P55QNgMqSkaziim447arDYI1vxiu7lkOOvGXlAO2GDbI2rYvB00yJQU7yqcet2QzAmjwsoOM3akdg/w640-h360/IMG_2192.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Next comes the pleasant descent to the little hamlet of Roya. The trail crosses open pastures and I was struck by the unusual proliferation of timber and stone barns that were in varying states of disrepair and ruin. Very few were still being used and I found the area looked little eerie. Roya itself had something of an old timeless feel. It was an interesting section of the hike. I stopped for some lunch by the river in the valley floor, before I began the long climb to Col de Crousette at 2480 metres. After an initial steep section the trail rises gently through the Vallon de la Mairis. Once through a narrows where the trail is menaced by a crumbling overhanging cliff, things open up. You cross the river and rise up through open, ever wilder ground. At the end of Vallon de Sallevieille the climbs steeply up through some rocky ground before reaching another surprisingly large valley at Les Laces. It was yet another demonstration of the scale of these mountains. A further two kilometres and two hundred metres of climbing saw me reach the wild col. There was a stiff breeze up here and it was decidedly chilly, especially since I was still just in my tee shirt. I was looking forward to losing height and reaching a more sheltered position. I was surprised to see the trail continued to climb to the left until it reached the crest of Le Petite Mounier. All in all a further one hundred metres is climbed before the trail heads for Mont Demant. I had to give in, and stop and don some clothes, but once that was done I was toasty warm and able to enjoy the next absolutely delightful section as I headed for Col des Moulines.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKtGzvCpTCdnqshd-ShJGVa95sx77HNYr4nnFb26l5rkdBzCC1HAMQZ2Lx1oLYhq1zO8nVmCrzNqhiiZzELc6fDsVUdFV7RLpWx-BvTPv1p312_PFYnsccEqUjlAJdTYmPLjNinwgBYrMdH8kGQ2IXBr9hMgcc5RHNNQrslp2q4hnjl12BCAuYT9cAQ/s5184/IMG_2197.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKtGzvCpTCdnqshd-ShJGVa95sx77HNYr4nnFb26l5rkdBzCC1HAMQZ2Lx1oLYhq1zO8nVmCrzNqhiiZzELc6fDsVUdFV7RLpWx-BvTPv1p312_PFYnsccEqUjlAJdTYmPLjNinwgBYrMdH8kGQ2IXBr9hMgcc5RHNNQrslp2q4hnjl12BCAuYT9cAQ/w640-h360/IMG_2197.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7sKDqLczkufxhFLQFLi6GpV5sMsFiR4DLAMA0rJ5p4JjWd3eUgXHaVqbLVWNbz5zGUSr0JWiU7-ganaQYQ5rBkIbTYPdPIyEqrybPtq91W469LRxTm8f64GWXj4Y35ywaMreMRaiUI6mBbqRy4v-SlgO7ugSv8BfxXSOjLglRwEykMvxy4leIXJPcA/s5184/IMG_2196.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7sKDqLczkufxhFLQFLi6GpV5sMsFiR4DLAMA0rJ5p4JjWd3eUgXHaVqbLVWNbz5zGUSr0JWiU7-ganaQYQ5rBkIbTYPdPIyEqrybPtq91W469LRxTm8f64GWXj4Y35ywaMreMRaiUI6mBbqRy4v-SlgO7ugSv8BfxXSOjLglRwEykMvxy4leIXJPcA/w640-h360/IMG_2196.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I had been on the move for a long time now and finding somewhere to camp for the night was the next priority. There was no chance before the col, as the trail went along the broad crest of Mont Démant all the way to the col. After the col the route dropped steeply into the wide valley under Mont Mounier, and even from a distance, I could see that camping opportunities would be found there. Once I reached the stream in the floor of the valley, a likely spot was available just nearby. I dropped my bag and spent some time scouting around for the best spot. I spotted another place a couple of hundred metres further on, and once I gave had a look, it was clearly an even better spot, so I opted for there. It is well worth spending a little time deciding on the best spot for the tent as small differences can make for a much more comfortable night. I whiled away the remaining daylight in the calm pleasant evening in solitude and quiet. It had been a good day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Yl8I2Qn41ZfZVoMquNLaPXm3cnuHcvyoG0XYZqb-a3cNu_NDyCf19b611oQUEsqXX7PimSNZZhKIlrXckz8SNaD6A_WCw0cRcvyAynz_F9QvcEalgCiHLGgwl1c0K3LEhXi4WpOMavgXInUSTdUFQflKoLqsoTHm9TP1Qgs-X-lXVxNb-2G4YnMdOQ/s5184/IMG_2208.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Yl8I2Qn41ZfZVoMquNLaPXm3cnuHcvyoG0XYZqb-a3cNu_NDyCf19b611oQUEsqXX7PimSNZZhKIlrXckz8SNaD6A_WCw0cRcvyAynz_F9QvcEalgCiHLGgwl1c0K3LEhXi4WpOMavgXInUSTdUFQflKoLqsoTHm9TP1Qgs-X-lXVxNb-2G4YnMdOQ/w640-h360/IMG_2208.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2Ld-g12ceEZbAt73ZqQ5lVXDff_6jhH4SCJL-0oQ_pnM51AQ9MHdBjgyWKq1rm834jepigWQl_SDOYlFAWqnyJJPxXvHT-8iqUN8cNgM9o-21Lmv3qTR0YmCesiLtUQMrazkXlAeNK9HJAugIBd4rutN8Hw_3BZRgJsjZP7QgSmLYhNbePuq9G-LfQ/s5184/IMG_2207.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2Ld-g12ceEZbAt73ZqQ5lVXDff_6jhH4SCJL-0oQ_pnM51AQ9MHdBjgyWKq1rm834jepigWQl_SDOYlFAWqnyJJPxXvHT-8iqUN8cNgM9o-21Lmv3qTR0YmCesiLtUQMrazkXlAeNK9HJAugIBd4rutN8Hw_3BZRgJsjZP7QgSmLYhNbePuq9G-LfQ/w640-h360/IMG_2207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rdTaDrffsQmBjiHT3tHQ6NTY_zhX7HvZluPl-SSBqwvWDaNNlkQIeejEaQPjW_LAWqcM004tbseAVmM416a1fKRcFtpYbHiS9myeDFRD0KQVRUfuStVY3c0EkgLcZ45t5qtGgccYhke-vzmi0-3pKniqOIzHKDM1_QVwqzzQF13Yh9Hp9Y70DXvqVw/s5184/IMG_2204.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rdTaDrffsQmBjiHT3tHQ6NTY_zhX7HvZluPl-SSBqwvWDaNNlkQIeejEaQPjW_LAWqcM004tbseAVmM416a1fKRcFtpYbHiS9myeDFRD0KQVRUfuStVY3c0EkgLcZ45t5qtGgccYhke-vzmi0-3pKniqOIzHKDM1_QVwqzzQF13Yh9Hp9Y70DXvqVw/w640-h360/IMG_2204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLsB0z7D0SQ0ZSefw7knTP2_2tVmQ3A4bPGa-R4YtncgW6Grw3omDzKNrzmQ10xFvt63p_8QmAVm0cKFhMBZkr3IJDz_5Z9A3-IoLFsFqpuZWR2atIj_zoS65Y4BkCU7Zygze2vMgFuSr6PkJqGV4E_5AtK0Abn85D7wqYaTAFdj_hRIZ5ktq97-HwA/s5184/IMG_2201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLsB0z7D0SQ0ZSefw7knTP2_2tVmQ3A4bPGa-R4YtncgW6Grw3omDzKNrzmQ10xFvt63p_8QmAVm0cKFhMBZkr3IJDz_5Z9A3-IoLFsFqpuZWR2atIj_zoS65Y4BkCU7Zygze2vMgFuSr6PkJqGV4E_5AtK0Abn85D7wqYaTAFdj_hRIZ5ktq97-HwA/w640-h360/IMG_2201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>27 kilometres covered, 2200 metres of ascent, 1600 metres descent, in 9 hours. A long rest was most welcome.</p><p>Tuesday October 25th;</p><p>Today I hoped to reach the village of Saint Dalmas de Valdeblore. It would be another pretty big day so I was packed up and on the move by 8am. It was a lovely morning and the weather promised to be great all the way to Nice. A nice easy start was just the ticket and the trail contoured around the hillside before entering a ravine above the hamlet of Vignols. The ravine was quite spectacular as it was overlooked by a a spectacular hillside covered in outcrops and spires of crumbly rock. An added bonus was the sudden appearance of two eagles between two nearby spires who were being chased off by an angry crow. Lovely. Next up comes the near 200 metre climb up and through the Portes des Lognon. Once through the gap I entered a beautiful, wide, alpine meadowed valley, and delightful easy walking ensued until you reach the vacherie and refuge nearly three kilometres further on. Now the nature of the outing changed as the trail dropped into the forest and dropped steeply until you reach a forest road. This is followed gently downhill most of the way to the delightful hilltop village of Roure.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAogYWRo3-1lQoyF6Wesl33-g73qqgLFbCyR9r5IJ-M3akPbRwgVaQam1Zrvosi49uTdRaQI5iKv0SVC-4Xs0VU6CZVcb6vbEt3yNsHqeiPsCWJxvYpaAt_A8mVxRh2Vm-fS9-SI-Z4HZHm75zSLU-5iAwWukSsLPtEOlX01ZGyNlpS1IAIhmypjBE4g/s5184/IMG_2229.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAogYWRo3-1lQoyF6Wesl33-g73qqgLFbCyR9r5IJ-M3akPbRwgVaQam1Zrvosi49uTdRaQI5iKv0SVC-4Xs0VU6CZVcb6vbEt3yNsHqeiPsCWJxvYpaAt_A8mVxRh2Vm-fS9-SI-Z4HZHm75zSLU-5iAwWukSsLPtEOlX01ZGyNlpS1IAIhmypjBE4g/w640-h360/IMG_2229.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz922GLJzJoWIyfjfYNqDcdRY-pW7g3DfWYKp8bPeLmx3dLa1O0KnfctKr1vARs7VrOLloTF7o21xNdhfEsv_4jSiVq8P_xNgp2BPAdbryGpXrM-qAopTtY0Cs7rdOS6zz_sBaEP3qcsxrPSJQa22kClHu21bVZDAtIBzLpBIaJwbSKqE8aSL5rpjqig/s5184/IMG_2227.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz922GLJzJoWIyfjfYNqDcdRY-pW7g3DfWYKp8bPeLmx3dLa1O0KnfctKr1vARs7VrOLloTF7o21xNdhfEsv_4jSiVq8P_xNgp2BPAdbryGpXrM-qAopTtY0Cs7rdOS6zz_sBaEP3qcsxrPSJQa22kClHu21bVZDAtIBzLpBIaJwbSKqE8aSL5rpjqig/w640-h360/IMG_2227.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TJiVuLdvkTDeMo6y1TO-8C2qG4J5Gm4W6sslYtFhXRBO9F1WoyWGhV4J_BPhCi0aDvpvuwNwR1_IfAxRfE7BZVFp7aEq4QQ_zwMiMQO1-WOlnCDQ98ewZLrwwBRHHhlryntTkVZqRrvZYX245_1uFqAfkLkrXwNafzJeLpJOgX7j-R6l1ExYsQ8lLg/s5184/IMG_2224.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TJiVuLdvkTDeMo6y1TO-8C2qG4J5Gm4W6sslYtFhXRBO9F1WoyWGhV4J_BPhCi0aDvpvuwNwR1_IfAxRfE7BZVFp7aEq4QQ_zwMiMQO1-WOlnCDQ98ewZLrwwBRHHhlryntTkVZqRrvZYX245_1uFqAfkLkrXwNafzJeLpJOgX7j-R6l1ExYsQ8lLg/w640-h360/IMG_2224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeM3nsbvM4sVXgcSnJYyCoOuj62K-EWwEoT4NhBroo9Qh2U-O9-up5OaGgCeURivVMfLH8ORlMg-Fb0y1d6vW0x2gvJ65S6PdZciJWhk5g_GwkI_pBvtZKF_s-N_wStPVgdsFHyIJaNrW5-8rJAPEkY23qBA_2k-GWuLZWbbTv1FGSxLSELf0XlDhbQ/s5184/IMG_2220.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeM3nsbvM4sVXgcSnJYyCoOuj62K-EWwEoT4NhBroo9Qh2U-O9-up5OaGgCeURivVMfLH8ORlMg-Fb0y1d6vW0x2gvJ65S6PdZciJWhk5g_GwkI_pBvtZKF_s-N_wStPVgdsFHyIJaNrW5-8rJAPEkY23qBA_2k-GWuLZWbbTv1FGSxLSELf0XlDhbQ/w640-h360/IMG_2220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBxNFieZ_PQPYu6PoNAwWzSLy9vt6T3aAvPxuUbkOoeq8dwOyclJqHQVWXaxLdm_l3cX8JZVQG0iOwhoMkJRe5VhMdu7_BFwjCMPbiSo0HMfpMLrIe4yVbw2YmPafFKjQQJwPC5fsz0FzLgV1H8hXE9DRyd9aTtfK6Y3kII9D6ypBt2nE13PH_pZjXQ/s5184/IMG_2217.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBxNFieZ_PQPYu6PoNAwWzSLy9vt6T3aAvPxuUbkOoeq8dwOyclJqHQVWXaxLdm_l3cX8JZVQG0iOwhoMkJRe5VhMdu7_BFwjCMPbiSo0HMfpMLrIe4yVbw2YmPafFKjQQJwPC5fsz0FzLgV1H8hXE9DRyd9aTtfK6Y3kII9D6ypBt2nE13PH_pZjXQ/w640-h360/IMG_2217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjq2YnoNYULOKT4MBBEm3yNs7nCXM7kfHMXyZibav5vexJZgj7bTh5EXqmbBNDcgzxsj0pFLXrkm32W8lYy5IyPs-m34CdN5Oduk3MrpgN7nED6Bo4WPC9xzl6Y1filYD3IUX08KUQk7o8eq7XUY1lKB4nLbHOCsmuYCXs87KNQiQBXvRNvrbuXQkPg/s5184/IMG_2214.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjq2YnoNYULOKT4MBBEm3yNs7nCXM7kfHMXyZibav5vexJZgj7bTh5EXqmbBNDcgzxsj0pFLXrkm32W8lYy5IyPs-m34CdN5Oduk3MrpgN7nED6Bo4WPC9xzl6Y1filYD3IUX08KUQk7o8eq7XUY1lKB4nLbHOCsmuYCXs87KNQiQBXvRNvrbuXQkPg/w640-h360/IMG_2214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>One thing that happened on the steep section not long after passing the Refuge de Lognon, was when I felt an odd sensation in the sole of my right boot. I had literally been thinking just how excellent they were, and how I hadn't had a blister or even a sore spot for the entire hike. Anyway, it felt like something had gotten stuck in the sole but after a few steps it seemed to literally click back into place. I began to get a horrible suspicion that the sole was after splitting and I wondered if they would last the day, never mind the rest of the trek. I continued on without checking, as I reckoned that there wasn't much I could do about it anyway. I was glad to discover that things weren't getting any worse. There was also a definite sensation of leaving the high mountains behind as I headed inexorably towards the coast. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckcEPesFcObik5hlBfAc7CgA8WAlIktXGC456_lbCB2ImQpqFh5_uGaEjOOSxlIa6xjxgJyEGDVxFrZ12JO5YkFMJnJ32B6bLmqthbe4KGJQcCEVnUgvrjd3IWBoDu7bZQHq9CcxmoIl5XyKsVWNEEJkKY2NArKZpuaGUfJ01amGBz0zAWz5qruTLgA/s5184/IMG_2230.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckcEPesFcObik5hlBfAc7CgA8WAlIktXGC456_lbCB2ImQpqFh5_uGaEjOOSxlIa6xjxgJyEGDVxFrZ12JO5YkFMJnJ32B6bLmqthbe4KGJQcCEVnUgvrjd3IWBoDu7bZQHq9CcxmoIl5XyKsVWNEEJkKY2NArKZpuaGUfJ01amGBz0zAWz5qruTLgA/w640-h360/IMG_2230.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roure</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Roure sits on a rocky outcrop at an elevation of over 1000 metres some 500 metres above the Tinee Valley floor. It was sunny and quite warm and promised to get warmer still as I progressed. Down down into the deep valley until I reached the village of St Sauveur sur Tinee. It didn't take long to pass through it and another 500 metre climb awaited as I headed for the still hidden village of Rimplas. The climb was mostly on a forest road and wasn't too taxing. Some delightful views were offered back to Roure and Mont Munier, which now looked a long way back, and the deep forested valleys offered delightful interest nearby. At the 860 metre contour I could finally see Rimplas ahead at the end of a long traverse of the Ravine de l'Esclose. I had now covered twenty three kilometres but there was still a fair way to go so I didn't delay before leaving the undoubtedly pretty village. After Rimplas, height is gradually lost and I could see the twin villages of La Bolline and La Roche some four kilometres ahead. I had feared that the trail would drop right down to the valley floor on the right but thankfully it only dropped a couple of hundred metres, which left a 250 metre drag to reach them. The trail actually skirts each village and passes through lanes that were home to lots of modern homes. The wild remote feel to the villages was gradually being lost the nearer I got to the coast.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBqBNJyr_b-ANzMhkqe7oHCsZ-rWrTMg8VoG6pg-sVnoKNLFtRjUr1Poy9kaFzOyt5K3ziFdiMWxcU2S-7wbS5XepY7Z2DeyVOnpLbj3L3vduNNwYRllLPzYcfNTS423Utobk8MlFppRK2zagmzZ2FK85koow5GpIOo4zXfLAswQsLE3SWreOdETdSw/s5184/IMG_2242.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBqBNJyr_b-ANzMhkqe7oHCsZ-rWrTMg8VoG6pg-sVnoKNLFtRjUr1Poy9kaFzOyt5K3ziFdiMWxcU2S-7wbS5XepY7Z2DeyVOnpLbj3L3vduNNwYRllLPzYcfNTS423Utobk8MlFppRK2zagmzZ2FK85koow5GpIOo4zXfLAswQsLE3SWreOdETdSw/w640-h360/IMG_2242.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Bolline</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p> The climb up through the woods to Bolline went okay and thereafter the trail follows a series of lanes that skirted most of the houses. I pushed on and before long I was out in the open countryside and heading for St Dalmas and todays end. It wasn't as long as I feared to reach the village and there wasn't much of a climb either. That said I was mightily relieved to reach the shop in the village and get some bread fresh from the oven. It was glorious later on. I walked the extra kilometre to the quite busy campsite and before long I was settled for the evening.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ2Iyy7T97NvwLHOg3p7O3gUGD7z-O2sQ17QgH2MO__n4DY5nsLk_VCeH9FqO8yqqpeOVmiC4PqaJX6SGCI-zMkTR1acRzPWGnKiFNAgdwjGbEkU3S2llwlB2LQQprOfXHhWckdMpK4ruQANvJBRqz9W_rEDc2rynL4zd3PnATztj6bGtdsibVciR0Q/s5184/IMG_2245.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ2Iyy7T97NvwLHOg3p7O3gUGD7z-O2sQ17QgH2MO__n4DY5nsLk_VCeH9FqO8yqqpeOVmiC4PqaJX6SGCI-zMkTR1acRzPWGnKiFNAgdwjGbEkU3S2llwlB2LQQprOfXHhWckdMpK4ruQANvJBRqz9W_rEDc2rynL4zd3PnATztj6bGtdsibVciR0Q/w640-h360/IMG_2245.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYigYfutIdsBOPUd5TrtJkGoHioOtOvcLU3GlfRsrPeGhQrkxwrmsPteOomTDOz7GFqDisoL4ykLJQM8ytAcgnaDM3hgfKllj_yCFsPp2w0zYTHTdiAMtt_HiRC9nOQLDO36gr6wvt5gNp3A7zCOTWmQdohHA7qjvmPads6zn_hum89pu3DeovlxmTZA/s5184/IMG_2243.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYigYfutIdsBOPUd5TrtJkGoHioOtOvcLU3GlfRsrPeGhQrkxwrmsPteOomTDOz7GFqDisoL4ykLJQM8ytAcgnaDM3hgfKllj_yCFsPp2w0zYTHTdiAMtt_HiRC9nOQLDO36gr6wvt5gNp3A7zCOTWmQdohHA7qjvmPads6zn_hum89pu3DeovlxmTZA/w640-h360/IMG_2243.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I had been another substantial day with 32 kilometres covered, 1500 metres ascent, 1800 metres descent, in almost nine hours.</p><p>Wednesday October 26th;</p><p>It was another lovely weather morning as I left a sleepy St Dalmas. I went down to the shop to stock up on more bread and another couple of bits but was disappointed to find it was closed until 12.00. They do like their time off in this neck of the world. I was a bit peeved but I still had enough for dinner and breakfast tomorrow so all was okay. Still, that fresh baked baguette would have been nice. I soon found the trail out of the village and began the climb towards Col des Deux Claire's which at over 1900 metres gave a 700 metre climb to start the day. It was never steep and I guess it is fair to say that I had gained some fitness over the course of the trek so it is no surprise that I felt good. Once up at the Col I had my first encounter with one of the guard dogs that protect flocks of sheep or goats from predators. It didn't come very close to me but let me know it was watching me and followed me along the trail until I was well away from its charges.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq1nJ5AxZHXCP3EAWT6wkyyVtHgAJkNI83fzMB4LhR6STWd_zMDOsoOEaDQYAP-bgYssd9VhPdLWeUrnghWHJxHroW4jNLy7dE3JjAxQ2HQ40HmTlaHCUcQ_c1KcGAxAbDCTMBjrHmdG00Ppse9lkM-NaWBiQLxAzZNJcRRNWhkuvHIQn-alNtgeh2A/s5184/IMG_2247.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq1nJ5AxZHXCP3EAWT6wkyyVtHgAJkNI83fzMB4LhR6STWd_zMDOsoOEaDQYAP-bgYssd9VhPdLWeUrnghWHJxHroW4jNLy7dE3JjAxQ2HQ40HmTlaHCUcQ_c1KcGAxAbDCTMBjrHmdG00Ppse9lkM-NaWBiQLxAzZNJcRRNWhkuvHIQn-alNtgeh2A/w640-h360/IMG_2247.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once again up at around 2000 metres. The flock of sheep at the col</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The trail stayed just below the mountain crest and instead traversed the grassy slopes from col to col. It continued in this way for five or six kilometres, giving excellent views. Eventually near Col du Fort the trail dropped into the woods. Three hundred metres lower I reached les Granges de la Brasque where cattle grazed an old army barracks and a ruined church clustered by a road. The trail followed the road horizontally for another few kilometres before at Col d'Andrion it dropped through the woods again until it reached Col des Fournes at 1350 metres. It undulated its way through the forest as it headed towards the rocky limestone outcrop called le Brec d'Utelle. One thing of note was the amount of rooting that wild boar had done. Large areas either side of the trail had been ploughed up, most of it looked recently done too. I began to pay more attention to the scrubby undergrowth either side of the trail and I fully expected to see some boar. As it transpired I didn't and I was just as glad.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXX5Q5g5mJfs-s3zd-Q86i6kHrJ6IPSMwMY9rIFf6JYKfGyW4eNGUDiaqSjsByJzBuG1j7hiHTu6oauis7OA254bEpZuZlkBvWT_2E1m9HZCRM7ZbO1qbezoEDJgTR2P_bDQx9APwXJLxAeKpYjobBjL-1iQMY1UmhWrqLWyzNXNiFbuDuc3430l8rYA/s5184/IMG_2248.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXX5Q5g5mJfs-s3zd-Q86i6kHrJ6IPSMwMY9rIFf6JYKfGyW4eNGUDiaqSjsByJzBuG1j7hiHTu6oauis7OA254bEpZuZlkBvWT_2E1m9HZCRM7ZbO1qbezoEDJgTR2P_bDQx9APwXJLxAeKpYjobBjL-1iQMY1UmhWrqLWyzNXNiFbuDuc3430l8rYA/w640-h360/IMG_2248.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Med is away there somewhere</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V_S1gYIG7qgBDr7bBGsDh4ImH65i1JoHJcpwkm2BGjEBZ17hfFQ6QkKhFqzpTtyw_KkCPcF-f5w4Fff1I7DCA4QkeBxkBNLq5fFutQQLRD7Xv6j_PwrNDLgMj-GB1_DIXTXgx3OEkvsFLEHJ9SDfXG29VnnD8Ytwr0DwKRwma-7IetcPuN6PggiF6g/s5184/IMG_2251.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V_S1gYIG7qgBDr7bBGsDh4ImH65i1JoHJcpwkm2BGjEBZ17hfFQ6QkKhFqzpTtyw_KkCPcF-f5w4Fff1I7DCA4QkeBxkBNLq5fFutQQLRD7Xv6j_PwrNDLgMj-GB1_DIXTXgx3OEkvsFLEHJ9SDfXG29VnnD8Ytwr0DwKRwma-7IetcPuN6PggiF6g/w640-h360/IMG_2251.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mont Mounier. Hard to believe I camped under it only yesterday. Making progress</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZADACHsywzQ3-tAVXA61MPpPTRybJuwPCmALUzG9E_KLpzlWz5FJoZKdyD8_JPtR48vQz4ya7rNWXSktexIxwpbr089MI_kMyjSI250HFdObzdKK6uT8gmTe42MdsaoN34a1eN7I4SIY-1xLgzff3Fq9zLF8nafrpAPSaLYms5vcBBpS5Id9QiucIA/s5184/IMG_2253.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZADACHsywzQ3-tAVXA61MPpPTRybJuwPCmALUzG9E_KLpzlWz5FJoZKdyD8_JPtR48vQz4ya7rNWXSktexIxwpbr089MI_kMyjSI250HFdObzdKK6uT8gmTe42MdsaoN34a1eN7I4SIY-1xLgzff3Fq9zLF8nafrpAPSaLYms5vcBBpS5Id9QiucIA/w640-h360/IMG_2253.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towards Vesubie and the 3000 metre tops of the French Italian border</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhiS5EkzPQJ8ykakjD-43iAzP4VEeNlMFBtJKGoI0XEMNCUubyjlUFxQoNbQYo3w5Xbo3bA25zXeltIIXastY9pg-BxeY9pn2JD4nLpypSPXl-0t8rH5LTsS-DM_iMN4YPn9fNkE3LNFikU3jRRSkj9rWcoo0-QgJq0KB88j0B6fbbbW18lzSUE4lfg/s5184/IMG_2255.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhiS5EkzPQJ8ykakjD-43iAzP4VEeNlMFBtJKGoI0XEMNCUubyjlUFxQoNbQYo3w5Xbo3bA25zXeltIIXastY9pg-BxeY9pn2JD4nLpypSPXl-0t8rH5LTsS-DM_iMN4YPn9fNkE3LNFikU3jRRSkj9rWcoo0-QgJq0KB88j0B6fbbbW18lzSUE4lfg/w640-h360/IMG_2255.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once I reached the quite spectacular Brec they trail climbed its narrow flank before crossing to the other side where a superb well constructed track contoured through the steep rocky ramparts of the mountain. Eventually,after reaching the Col du Castle Gineste the trail enters the woods again and drops gradually towards the hilltop village of Utelle. As I entered the village I spotted a possible spot to pitch my tent but I continued into the village as there a gite there that might be open. I entered the pretty square where there was a water source and some seating and dropped the bag. The gite was in the square but it was indeed closed. I relaxed a while in the warm sunshine and chatted to the man, who had excellent English and was originally from Belgium. After a while I went to look at the rather large church for such a small place and when I went to a higher area just beyond it I was delighted to discover a small grassy viewing platform that wasn't overlooked by anything. I had found my home for the night.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePf00tYhBFYD_bZ7JuIkrjGRrLj2iq8eMGcP0YB1jTvLyIf03qeiHG5p0-wuWriGiBytWYSUJTm5BCkw7QlUBQKAqbSLlWycGlkyRYXmDsKl2s7Hg8jOqkEWRUv-PkJKaHWj3FWp2H330JqH3FVDN9Kwoh28GS8SPLO__QV4BE8izqJ9MsMnUPyZyRg/s5184/IMG_2278.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePf00tYhBFYD_bZ7JuIkrjGRrLj2iq8eMGcP0YB1jTvLyIf03qeiHG5p0-wuWriGiBytWYSUJTm5BCkw7QlUBQKAqbSLlWycGlkyRYXmDsKl2s7Hg8jOqkEWRUv-PkJKaHWj3FWp2H330JqH3FVDN9Kwoh28GS8SPLO__QV4BE8izqJ9MsMnUPyZyRg/w640-h360/IMG_2278.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great spot for the tent</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizEvetjBSO3Egu0xj8fEwcMyLf6PltmyobUUmXBdThOjHh2y1pL9M8wzPNOVaOqvnBU-bZruauMC7fesGB2zPYdfDpu8WlJXklR-UmXdxIQ6KHbwYiETtYQCAWII-IJ-PDuCEsoxJ405v9dCBnwdDX8Xp0DlQoesrnDyjgQx4yjrJzM5fSW0sCHnVSg/s5184/IMG_2274.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizEvetjBSO3Egu0xj8fEwcMyLf6PltmyobUUmXBdThOjHh2y1pL9M8wzPNOVaOqvnBU-bZruauMC7fesGB2zPYdfDpu8WlJXklR-UmXdxIQ6KHbwYiETtYQCAWII-IJ-PDuCEsoxJ405v9dCBnwdDX8Xp0DlQoesrnDyjgQx4yjrJzM5fSW0sCHnVSg/w640-h360/IMG_2274.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiH121gF0bJIAxvmt8encr5ZcA3BTwkCpvcpRZctRO6mcgOa2d11za1OlSs81n4AJyZGuOJTPzOdobkpX8QPwTovtcas6untfMophIztsgucWbU5jhp-GHMP4IkbbvSDgIYVoK2CoJudZKJWG3tK20JxHoQFhOhEut104QiHvVn5UZWvn_suHqy24F9Q/s5184/IMG_2267.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiH121gF0bJIAxvmt8encr5ZcA3BTwkCpvcpRZctRO6mcgOa2d11za1OlSs81n4AJyZGuOJTPzOdobkpX8QPwTovtcas6untfMophIztsgucWbU5jhp-GHMP4IkbbvSDgIYVoK2CoJudZKJWG3tK20JxHoQFhOhEut104QiHvVn5UZWvn_suHqy24F9Q/w640-h360/IMG_2267.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It had been another good day. 28 kilometres covered, 1200 metres ascent, 1700 metres descent, in 8 hours.</p><p>Thursday October 27th;</p><p>Day twelve had arrived and journeys end was near. Well not really that near as it was well over thirty kilometres to Nice. I had a decision to make later, whether to stop at the final village before Nice, Aspremont, or try and reach Nice itself. It was another glorious morning and I was feeling good as I left the still sleeping village. Utelle sits at around 800 metres and overlooks the Gorges de Vesubie. The route descends and crosses the river in the valley floor way down at 190 metres so a lot of height is lost. The trail leaves the village and contours the Vallon de l'Aclap, descending gently all the while. A delightful little chapel and refuge is reached called called Chapelle St Antoine. Inside there is a little bench, a table and chair, a wood burner and some religious iconography and a little altar. It felt like a magical little spot. Further on the trail contours under the rocky ramparts of Crete de la Pallu before it starts to descend in earnest to the valley floor. It passed through the cluster of houses at le Cros d'Utelle and soon after the busy road and the river are reached.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoEmnREwkcVO3GQuoVKflOSc1J5hcvB1M-hxNl590k_ySQr63TqdA88jSCZd8S3eRhWjoq9GjKk1BT0KPQ8nzo0VY_YrBrSkNgkq1nALI55LL0zvV30mWrubBKx1RRVRum5i8d8hVgD4LxdI9qe2EpvQB1RZC62_jwdCDJvOA-r_dBu9P25R-Gmkw7A/s5184/IMG_2285.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoEmnREwkcVO3GQuoVKflOSc1J5hcvB1M-hxNl590k_ySQr63TqdA88jSCZd8S3eRhWjoq9GjKk1BT0KPQ8nzo0VY_YrBrSkNgkq1nALI55LL0zvV30mWrubBKx1RRVRum5i8d8hVgD4LxdI9qe2EpvQB1RZC62_jwdCDJvOA-r_dBu9P25R-Gmkw7A/w640-h360/IMG_2285.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEtbAYRgB2OjzyXB2PCxQO1bfIAnN22owMN__k6VI0IzNGpLX6as7k_Y0xBJnvkjmKpQGpKwhD09BiMv8XDfqxiw0JDr8hYWU6aoYBN7KKgjnSJZUgRpf33GBFB1b0Y4FExRMF0dcbN1HR3fQuzNWB8neqAsEBNqHPiDAc6viyaFNRAlrEuUStL-1SQ/s5184/IMG_2284.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEtbAYRgB2OjzyXB2PCxQO1bfIAnN22owMN__k6VI0IzNGpLX6as7k_Y0xBJnvkjmKpQGpKwhD09BiMv8XDfqxiw0JDr8hYWU6aoYBN7KKgjnSJZUgRpf33GBFB1b0Y4FExRMF0dcbN1HR3fQuzNWB8neqAsEBNqHPiDAc6viyaFNRAlrEuUStL-1SQ/w640-h360/IMG_2284.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Utelle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsv6vaJDs0njj6_dCL0Xp5LtN0WmqJHDhR0MirIKERcS0fyP_JRKJjkuef757KgOMNZC_eHOXoN7WgY6Z0QB1CRqHibBFQyAioEVG1m10bBobcamQ689bf6843EChvNMjd2xDbtUOxm6IgrOKjl-Qo0poyPwtCuuDV0I9roaX9EU2KvRyIb1_LldRIA/s5184/IMG_2292.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsv6vaJDs0njj6_dCL0Xp5LtN0WmqJHDhR0MirIKERcS0fyP_JRKJjkuef757KgOMNZC_eHOXoN7WgY6Z0QB1CRqHibBFQyAioEVG1m10bBobcamQ689bf6843EChvNMjd2xDbtUOxm6IgrOKjl-Qo0poyPwtCuuDV0I9roaX9EU2KvRyIb1_LldRIA/w640-h360/IMG_2292.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fmLMtNKSNQt2bhcrV_CKyjBuo75JCP64qH-SDczI3jE-bQLMBsIxV7uWeQCzgoeYhAgudX5EnsTAyMTc7T3CcmkEw1spolOEs0OIoab1HfP3D7pgacSmjlu3U1T6fG4FUkOhrX39rFEd_EaAj24-7fcwBDZ6kQFd-1oCe_RgX_FKVfCwCo4dezPUiw/s5184/IMG_2304.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fmLMtNKSNQt2bhcrV_CKyjBuo75JCP64qH-SDczI3jE-bQLMBsIxV7uWeQCzgoeYhAgudX5EnsTAyMTc7T3CcmkEw1spolOEs0OIoab1HfP3D7pgacSmjlu3U1T6fG4FUkOhrX39rFEd_EaAj24-7fcwBDZ6kQFd-1oCe_RgX_FKVfCwCo4dezPUiw/w640-h360/IMG_2304.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the villages become towns</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After crossing the fine stone footbridge you climb once again towards the next village, Levens, which lay almost 400 metres higher up. After passing the Canal de Vesubie, which was built to provide Nice with a more reliable supply of water, the climb rises through the woods once again. It was really quite warm and when I reached the large village/town the sunshine made it feel like a really good summers day at home. The old village could be seen on the right but the trail skirted this along some busy modern streets before it eventually reached a large area of parkland. As I had covered fourteen kilometres and been on the move for four hours, I rested awhile and enjoyed some of the last of my supplies. Just beyond the park the urban setting was left behind and the trail once again entered the woods. It seemed that the easiest way to guage progress today would be by ticking off the villages en route. Next up was Ste Claire. After a steep drop where 100 metres was swiftly lost, I feared that I would be facing another stiff climb to reach the village. Thankfully the trail levelled out and only a one hundred metres of ascent was needed. It was very noticeable how much more developed all the hillsides now were. Before it seemed like everywhere was virgin woodland and only the occasional hamlet or village was to be found. Now the hillsides were liberally sprinkled with villas and the sound of traffic began to intrude. In truth I was glad that the hike was ending.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcheKOtpWWxWAi441IxzYX4aVF139_5wujGDz0fwOKTFuzEpYMPacpNKqsjh8biVJqTk9Q7fO_B5hkHp_FGYWqlOgqCH504CuixZHP4TCCTD0CGXPLGkfdrKcRmrDZt5PdEHgo6WXc9yMDgbh7OW7TgkyahRzahtlFS-Vl5LxsfOvx1Nm6Ydm8WI0CQ/s5184/IMG_2306.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcheKOtpWWxWAi441IxzYX4aVF139_5wujGDz0fwOKTFuzEpYMPacpNKqsjh8biVJqTk9Q7fO_B5hkHp_FGYWqlOgqCH504CuixZHP4TCCTD0CGXPLGkfdrKcRmrDZt5PdEHgo6WXc9yMDgbh7OW7TgkyahRzahtlFS-Vl5LxsfOvx1Nm6Ydm8WI0CQ/w640-h360/IMG_2306.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspremont</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p> A long walk on a quiet lane followed before I reached Colla Partida. Here the trail contoured under a rocky outcrop and then began a long contour under Mont Cima. Eventually I reached another roadway and before long I was walking down into Aspremont. I debated with myself whether to call it a day here or push on to Nice. It really was an easy choice. It wouldn't seem right to stop here. There was a stiff climb out of the village and before long a stony scrubby trail was contouring under the final mountain of the trek, Mont Chauve d'Aspremont. Having reached a high point at about the 700 metre contour, a long almost level stretch followed along Crete de Graus. Suddenly the metropolis of Nice could be seen ahead. It made a fine sight in the hazy sunshine. Indeed it was so hazy that the Mediterranean could only barely be seen. In the valley floor to the right a huge flat expanse of ground was covered in industrial and residential areas. Now there was a constant buzz from the motorway that ran through it.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQW3Qh6i0Fq9prJVbBGST-w9i2MRjsaYTdJnGunkQ_EleBkiv6DYUqxxF_W9AVkT5kArZmUA97tIpfFpRYlOquu2sntWIwcgpYemgnp4u5vr3JE4MjjkYw78dM5SbeqNE-AiozhUdj34jMarpl1FGzRpYSypU02ysBSQUyhoGHdwwvnBrNQkJ1kAhuw/s5184/IMG_2308.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQW3Qh6i0Fq9prJVbBGST-w9i2MRjsaYTdJnGunkQ_EleBkiv6DYUqxxF_W9AVkT5kArZmUA97tIpfFpRYlOquu2sntWIwcgpYemgnp4u5vr3JE4MjjkYw78dM5SbeqNE-AiozhUdj34jMarpl1FGzRpYSypU02ysBSQUyhoGHdwwvnBrNQkJ1kAhuw/w640-h360/IMG_2308.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearing Nice</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Finally the increasingly busy trail dropped into the woods and very shortly thereafter I reached the paved streets of Gairaut, which basically marked the start of the urban area. Walking downhill for a long time on tarmac isn't my favourite thing, but any misgivings were overshadowed by the fact that I had reached journeys end. All in all about 300 metres was lost while descending the increasingly busy streets so it was a relief, not long after crossing over a motorway, to finally reach St Maurice on the northern side of the city centre. Now I know that the route goes all the way to the Promenade des Anglais but I was completely satisfied to end my hike here. The rather dubious delights of another three kilometres through the busy streets wasn't for me. I made my way to the tram line and after a short ride I alighted by the train station. I checked into my hotel and enjoyed the evening in comfort and quiet reflection. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotoADmid1KCvxs5DeSAfXH93imZL1nIwbPbNASCL4djbKAjdyPvO9Ie9NHaocfZnHc5sv4G7pLrDRLxiOm7L6nEmYZtxZy_EAV8pR6y95mT9xt4YJqtN-siuZgr5olUV03PWrcCf_o0aXRoLdL5fMVXUaC8cdmcJ3iOEgpJCi7ONDlZ3iOlNZqdtrfw/s4160/IMG_20221028_111911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotoADmid1KCvxs5DeSAfXH93imZL1nIwbPbNASCL4djbKAjdyPvO9Ie9NHaocfZnHc5sv4G7pLrDRLxiOm7L6nEmYZtxZy_EAV8pR6y95mT9xt4YJqtN-siuZgr5olUV03PWrcCf_o0aXRoLdL5fMVXUaC8cdmcJ3iOEgpJCi7ONDlZ3iOlNZqdtrfw/w640-h308/IMG_20221028_111911.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhati3SXPWqi2sicG1DakEmltdXkz6Y25uufTU2c_zVab18ZiNwPhPzNXkX8Qod6yymvB4v2AFryCuKKMRwQ4VBHh4cISkvPEw0X5rWaAJYzlVgvV-Ujp9JlH1InSQOdeKYiWhGuiwsaY5qo5x4c8GXw-SmgZ-HvXiJqN2LPAQqnCQ3OWqIjS9Jp40Pvg/s4160/IMG_20221028_075834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhati3SXPWqi2sicG1DakEmltdXkz6Y25uufTU2c_zVab18ZiNwPhPzNXkX8Qod6yymvB4v2AFryCuKKMRwQ4VBHh4cISkvPEw0X5rWaAJYzlVgvV-Ujp9JlH1InSQOdeKYiWhGuiwsaY5qo5x4c8GXw-SmgZ-HvXiJqN2LPAQqnCQ3OWqIjS9Jp40Pvg/w640-h308/IMG_20221028_075834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8F0TiC2cg-rCYvPy2pW7arJ33s90LzgHfOUyXfM9Fc_wAqvg4u3_AKLPFnPhp1apGH8mMC9xMi3dub4FdhxH87jVknzYuNayYQmMh5sRztbmPxUEUef-VAon6DPpGWcPYEqBhkN52RvEOlXM2lPjJ0BeCFwNz8h4a-JkWACxBmtcyOwGCx2rlS4o8w/s4160/IMG_20221028_075827.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8F0TiC2cg-rCYvPy2pW7arJ33s90LzgHfOUyXfM9Fc_wAqvg4u3_AKLPFnPhp1apGH8mMC9xMi3dub4FdhxH87jVknzYuNayYQmMh5sRztbmPxUEUef-VAon6DPpGWcPYEqBhkN52RvEOlXM2lPjJ0BeCFwNz8h4a-JkWACxBmtcyOwGCx2rlS4o8w/w640-h308/IMG_20221028_075827.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice morning for a swim</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p>So the final day totalled 34 kilometres, with 1300 metres ascent, 1900 metres descent, in just nine hours.</p><p>Overall I was very pleased. A tough start had made it all sweeter to feel stronger in the latter stages, and it is fair to say, that by the final few days I was in as good a hiking fettle as I have ever been. It was also nice to finally complete the GR. The spruce trees were a variety of golden yellows, and depending on the light, and they can set the mountainsides afire. Lower down, especially further south, deciduous shrubs and trees fill the valleys with a cacophony of colour. But it was the reddish amber of the naked hillsides, whose every hump and hollow was laid bare in the soft light, that captured my heart. At times the landscape took on a mystical look, that seemed to be straight out of a Tolkien novel, and seemed the stuff of fairy tales. It is fair to say I was smitten. </p><p>In total I had over 300 kilometres and climbed almost 17000 metres in twelve days.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Review</h2></div></div></div><div>I guess the big question is, if I had to do it again, which season I would prefer to do the entire hike. Each has their plusses and minuses. The biggest plus of early in the season is that all the accommodation and shops are open so it is an easy thing to plan and adapt each day to suit your needs or preferences. If the weather is rubbish or you are feeling tired or sore then it is easy to cut a day short and book into one of the many huts or hotels that are available en-route. On the minus side there could well be snow covering the higher passes and this can pose its own difficulties. Another plus is that everywhere is full of life. Alpine meadows are covered in herbs and wild flowers and insects of all varieties flitter about. It is a real treat to become immersed in this abundance and it is a constant delight.</div><div><br /></div><div> In the second half of October almost everything is closed and supplies and accommodation options are limited. As I discovered, you could have several days when there is simply nothing open so it is necessary to carry enough food and shelter to be self sufficient. This means a heavy load on the back and demands a slightly higher level of fitness. The big plus for me of this time of year is how quiet everything is. It is possible to walk for an entire day or more and not see another person on the trail. This splendid isolation is thrilling for me but it may be less so for some. Another big plus is the wonderful colour the forests bring in the autumn. The golden hues of the trees was at times mesmerising and more than compensated for the lack of flowers in the meadows.</div><div><br /></div><div>So which would I prefer??. The simple answer is I don't know. One time I think I prefer the autumn and another day I lean towards the spring. I think the one thing I can be sure of is that high season would not be for me personally. We each have our own needs when on these hikes and I would suggest that you give some thought about what it is that you need. The GR 5 has something for everybody.</div></div>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-15189239035588797722023-12-11T08:39:00.001+00:002024-01-28T08:56:26.142+00:00A FEW DAYS IN WEST KERRY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIGTyeitW4z2imZ08hMPPuwvUlluutynLylg2H_ub5xuFY0U4b9AubqJm6Kq5bTIAAmp8O7mhLfzcxa8fofUAkSYt6UFnKKzJGBS-bKL-NlRmafXiVIvROb3bwIlzdhYnL5DpUAefAprO-pHYUiRQjH5YRDsbR54HmZIk8-X1Twre-TH77o8gld2FZtso/s4160/IMG_20231203_111435.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIGTyeitW4z2imZ08hMPPuwvUlluutynLylg2H_ub5xuFY0U4b9AubqJm6Kq5bTIAAmp8O7mhLfzcxa8fofUAkSYt6UFnKKzJGBS-bKL-NlRmafXiVIvROb3bwIlzdhYnL5DpUAefAprO-pHYUiRQjH5YRDsbR54HmZIk8-X1Twre-TH77o8gld2FZtso/w640-h308/IMG_20231203_111435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p> Sunday December 3rd;</p><p>I had a few days holidays left for the year so I decided that I would head to Port Magee between Cahersiveen and Valentia for a few days. It is a fairly long drive to reach there so I decided to do a hike near Killarney and drive back afterwards. I opted to do a quick up and down of Mangerton which would give me a taste of the wilds and wouldn't take up the whole day. It was quite foggy while I was driving back and the temperature was down to just one degree. I was hopeful that I would be able to enjoy some views above the fog and that is what transpired.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2OPWLz1Xhe0_EhxKAxhZh9HBuGcLCwSRVbV_lXIfe6Hf-5xVVkstuRhPmpbef8oOI_Jw0TLljk9U2h_AowXNhv7EwoWqljntFMKuAy-H8guI8GE-wBhM1pNyTYwXW-V2vfIk9s4Dw3QYDdAZAOQdBU60XQu7BjbWUiHiH9QdgAaIw2YgMjkDgIwmyd40/s4160/IMG_20231203_105532.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2OPWLz1Xhe0_EhxKAxhZh9HBuGcLCwSRVbV_lXIfe6Hf-5xVVkstuRhPmpbef8oOI_Jw0TLljk9U2h_AowXNhv7EwoWqljntFMKuAy-H8guI8GE-wBhM1pNyTYwXW-V2vfIk9s4Dw3QYDdAZAOQdBU60XQu7BjbWUiHiH9QdgAaIw2YgMjkDgIwmyd40/w640-h308/IMG_20231203_105532.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stoompa, Crohane and The Paps stretch to the east</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvUn7S6zU7THp5FwnIE0sH7zpLtcVQdjqy7D53PAkjfijdQ8x5QQeCCqH-UQ-hMrcWy-eg4TP5uQ6QzBW_Ax0W1KfySQXqtGa9jhrlE5YjDkyHWBrEdTIDkva1dGtmzN8LVL-nQ7RqiQpAuuWEYp5jT8zSL0mPgsVraoCWlu68mkwOBt4h6kmVE3vAv3s/s4160/IMG_20231203_111440.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvUn7S6zU7THp5FwnIE0sH7zpLtcVQdjqy7D53PAkjfijdQ8x5QQeCCqH-UQ-hMrcWy-eg4TP5uQ6QzBW_Ax0W1KfySQXqtGa9jhrlE5YjDkyHWBrEdTIDkva1dGtmzN8LVL-nQ7RqiQpAuuWEYp5jT8zSL0mPgsVraoCWlu68mkwOBt4h6kmVE3vAv3s/w640-h308/IMG_20231203_111440.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torc, Purple Mt and The Reeks and more</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div>I left the busy trailhead at Tooreencormick at 10.15 and set off up the track. The hard frosts of the previous few nights had done their work and the boggy and mucky sections were pretty frozen. It made for easy going. I was delighted to find that before long I was starting to see blue sky through the blanket of fog and soon I was adrift above the sea of mist and the glory of the mountains stood proud all about me. It was a simple joy to be out. I continued to the top, all the while enraptured by the scene. Once up on the summit rim I decided that the day was too nice to be cut short so I decided to stay high and complete the circuit of the Horses Glen, so I headed for Stoompa. It was wonderful easy going on the frozen ground and after just a few kilometres the gradual pull to the summit began. As I was nearing the top I spotted another climber enjoying a bite to eat and when I reached him I was delighted to discover it was my friend Connie Looney. We enjoyed a fine old time as we completed the round together and all too soon we reached our cars. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cgumfmOADBQV9Z8SuewwXENecOadIoa01DmXWbwC8w111SbiYkjig7dFAeXHuK1KYXXmfMcidhy6JFsSVlgfZtm0C1aVz2ysmN50UjABqhRxJ4b4g7fdso2-tJcIsiu17Drhtm-wT6aL_sTa7xeOWh0tlGU5jdyYNYWyP4SWGDULMb3NxQ24xRyuHZcu/s4160/IMG_20231203_113021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cgumfmOADBQV9Z8SuewwXENecOadIoa01DmXWbwC8w111SbiYkjig7dFAeXHuK1KYXXmfMcidhy6JFsSVlgfZtm0C1aVz2ysmN50UjABqhRxJ4b4g7fdso2-tJcIsiu17Drhtm-wT6aL_sTa7xeOWh0tlGU5jdyYNYWyP4SWGDULMb3NxQ24xRyuHZcu/w640-h308/IMG_20231203_113021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Q9yxCx4pEzdZRhY5Gyy8X6_f_5h-tdvxMnB3ozah0buAZIkJlTPsjkJ35HUfi9Sdhcmrgl-YYiRbXlQGSgb432RfWe3q8FI8y5H46TdjOqbVbN4BWzb_z7nfOI6dg9C_ekmuZ3BXqKsE4cqeUnM3So1UdeBwv7sz07L-PVwPvEptmM3PGtAynXjz7VCT/s4160/IMG_20231203_113002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Q9yxCx4pEzdZRhY5Gyy8X6_f_5h-tdvxMnB3ozah0buAZIkJlTPsjkJ35HUfi9Sdhcmrgl-YYiRbXlQGSgb432RfWe3q8FI8y5H46TdjOqbVbN4BWzb_z7nfOI6dg9C_ekmuZ3BXqKsE4cqeUnM3So1UdeBwv7sz07L-PVwPvEptmM3PGtAynXjz7VCT/w640-h308/IMG_20231203_113002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvyBLkaBb5OiXIMDySV9mICCDHv7vUq_vPaxLiImwt6xTHMN898d2kVHXL2VbRyIE68-p-h37peRKTTAP0Vfkor6TJnBYviUdkUxLDr3ZladaTbzF34zav7HSFiUZWa__zuTu7UnMwIgd9MbiVwcNCwb6C_rSE6QHFjs0rsuhOjpHnbaI5v1ky-uduew8/s4160/IMG_20231203_114930.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvyBLkaBb5OiXIMDySV9mICCDHv7vUq_vPaxLiImwt6xTHMN898d2kVHXL2VbRyIE68-p-h37peRKTTAP0Vfkor6TJnBYviUdkUxLDr3ZladaTbzF34zav7HSFiUZWa__zuTu7UnMwIgd9MbiVwcNCwb6C_rSE6QHFjs0rsuhOjpHnbaI5v1ky-uduew8/w640-h308/IMG_20231203_114930.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHr_J-nQxTUAPVmaSVdf7-xqs5ZYSYJHqmKKb2f_PJN4AAl_hU_9g8sXwTkZPFb6WuVm3KjB3e2EYmQYT-u0vi1mv2dRS1GKj7UTzw2SaJwDBodYLyD91kVgZ-kbgs97VDXiXha5IdRjaqHob7IA7YKYVGNF_LH7fvVv8BPKG0ovAryOeEqrpUYNyTlxH/s4160/IMG_20231203_113924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHr_J-nQxTUAPVmaSVdf7-xqs5ZYSYJHqmKKb2f_PJN4AAl_hU_9g8sXwTkZPFb6WuVm3KjB3e2EYmQYT-u0vi1mv2dRS1GKj7UTzw2SaJwDBodYLyD91kVgZ-kbgs97VDXiXha5IdRjaqHob7IA7YKYVGNF_LH7fvVv8BPKG0ovAryOeEqrpUYNyTlxH/w640-h308/IMG_20231203_113924.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>After the hike I drove the remaining 80 kilometres to my accommodation near Portmagee. I checked into my B&B and relaxed for a bit, before setting off to Knightstown, where I hoped to do some fishing. It came as a shock to discover that the wind had risen significantly, and, while I did fish for nearly two hours, it was very uncomfortable in the freezing wind and frequent splashes from the waves. I called it a night early and retreated back to my room. Not everything is perfect I guess.</p><p>Monday December 4th;</p><p>The weather was beautiful and sunny this morning but a cold wind still blew. I wanted to do some fishing tonight and I hoped that the wind would ease. Before that I wanted to get another hike in. The nearby Bray Head would be too short so I decided to leave my car where it was and explore the hills that rose behind my accommodation. There was a broad boggy ridge that reached just about 400 metres but it stretched all the way to the cliffs that looked out towards The Skelligs and I reckoned what it lacked in height it would more than make up for in views. So decision made, I put on my gear and set off.</p><p>The first thing I had to figure out was how to access the open hillside, as underneath there was a patchwork of farms. Off to the left there was some forestry planted and I reckoned that once I accessed that then I would be able to reach the hillside from there. There was a lane that stretched in towards it so I headed for there. After an initial kilometre on the main road I was soon on the lane. A waymarked trail runs along this lane so I followed it until I reached the woods. Unfortunately the way into the forestry was completely overgrown with gorse and brambles, so I returned to a patch of scrubby pasture where some cattle grazed, and tried to reach the mountain from there. I succeeded after some prickly encounters with gorse and before long I was slogging up through the wet ground. It was just a 250mtr pull to reach the crest of the ridge but it was energy sapping stuff, as, in the long grass and sticky bog, each step was hard won. On the plus side, the views were as wonderful as I had hoped. Across to Valentia was lovely but it was the view to the west where the mountains rose up from the bay, that was a true delight. The odd squall of rain came and went and these only added to the beauty and drama of the landscape. Once on the broad crest I could see down to Ballinskelligs Bay, and I could follow the line of mountains from where they rose from the sea all the way to the Reeks. It was heady stuff but the cold wind didn't allow for too much time to linger and I set off towards the highest point of the day Knocknaskereighta at 395mtrs.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB2Qv2oodBz6vE5GjRjiil8aizqnHCR2LMZ2NHetWcx9AIYdUx-XqvsTDXSXmlifz6FCs9X0cC8KXywQc0Psm6Fz7CptWXJZty96Zv6unKWyMFF_yZtJc4hyphenhyphenWuYEcumLb4FgJ8g9Xnc_kmQTlQXFtkEFrRfz0RIGBbO8VtJRP0Br-LqpmCmoywoSXTK0F/s4000/20231204_115025.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB2Qv2oodBz6vE5GjRjiil8aizqnHCR2LMZ2NHetWcx9AIYdUx-XqvsTDXSXmlifz6FCs9X0cC8KXywQc0Psm6Fz7CptWXJZty96Zv6unKWyMFF_yZtJc4hyphenhyphenWuYEcumLb4FgJ8g9Xnc_kmQTlQXFtkEFrRfz0RIGBbO8VtJRP0Br-LqpmCmoywoSXTK0F/w640-h288/20231204_115025.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards Bray Head</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwA_3K22-BsSYbJNvlHTE-85ERMxNglNELQjHSIu23JHGMqqEzwluPFfh2BecX5NQ9_cM8Th71AluT_i9WbB8-TpbssGe6aeWiCaFi3MsZPl75NPmzFmTQCA6tKnJGiHOHiwccAt1mZb7nE6ycwOhOfK2AY0oVFhE3vmk65Y423BqRjZXL8cRc9secJvz/s3264/20231204_114710.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwA_3K22-BsSYbJNvlHTE-85ERMxNglNELQjHSIu23JHGMqqEzwluPFfh2BecX5NQ9_cM8Th71AluT_i9WbB8-TpbssGe6aeWiCaFi3MsZPl75NPmzFmTQCA6tKnJGiHOHiwccAt1mZb7nE6ycwOhOfK2AY0oVFhE3vmk65Y423BqRjZXL8cRc9secJvz/w640-h288/20231204_114710.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a view...Looking back </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tqYDJ8sVN5Zh2QAjqKqPOg43tmf2WEyN0naqzQFx-XdxGTZeVgjA7qX3BjI3mbtoilbWWyw38-vnUr8O4ymJc8xzs2o_jWFvTmJ8E7srpO-jzKnR53xiLkt4Dq8X-o5IBY-EJx82cOKvlOoyRfZMb1pFHkCvxfvuuAQrsMn4hfD9ZxbpH_C1nmfbZNuk/s4000/20231204_115101.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tqYDJ8sVN5Zh2QAjqKqPOg43tmf2WEyN0naqzQFx-XdxGTZeVgjA7qX3BjI3mbtoilbWWyw38-vnUr8O4ymJc8xzs2o_jWFvTmJ8E7srpO-jzKnR53xiLkt4Dq8X-o5IBY-EJx82cOKvlOoyRfZMb1pFHkCvxfvuuAQrsMn4hfD9ZxbpH_C1nmfbZNuk/w640-h288/20231204_115101.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always a delight to see The Skelligs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Thankfully the going was now easier as there was a faint track near an old fence line. I soon reached the featureless top and stopped to admire the view. And what a view it was. It always is a delight to see The Skelligs and this was a new angle for me to view them. I was once again under their spell and in great spirits as I headed to the next top where a collection of communication masts lay. Now these are not the prettiest things in the world, but there was so much else to please the eye that I didn't mind them at all. After the masts a road stretches all to way to the top of Coumanaspic. Here I paused to look at a poster that gives dubious information about the cycle that crosses over the pass. I felt that they had no need to exaggerate the route, as I know all too well just how steep and tough a cycle it is. Short it may be but when you get gradients reaching over 15% then I struggle big time. After the pass a short pull reaches the final top of the day. A broad dome that offers stunning views in all directions, but most especially out to the Skelligs. Now I turned right and soon reached the spectacular cliffs that drop over 200 metres to the sea. More wonderful views follow, and after climbing to the top of an outcrop, I turned and descended the steep bog to reach the road that stretches down to Portmagee. After a few kilometres I was I the village and I once again joined the main road and walked the final couple of kilometres back to my room.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iHWIErd1u05nUHZNOG5amTF9tSR5FhA_8hFGEBNvNPtAPyd6R96aqpf8EjRD1r7W1HDPnCMC4RWri2Vvo7oNji5sus4dOZPjNE-kNRFw8vVYBBtvLTvpmsV9DA0p15mT6Vh2cXtOM8i9_QRZCSKin0k-kN3e2j_2Pau5mWTUUJ9KLYqqGQlZ8PYHyPiA/s3264/20231204_131211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iHWIErd1u05nUHZNOG5amTF9tSR5FhA_8hFGEBNvNPtAPyd6R96aqpf8EjRD1r7W1HDPnCMC4RWri2Vvo7oNji5sus4dOZPjNE-kNRFw8vVYBBtvLTvpmsV9DA0p15mT6Vh2cXtOM8i9_QRZCSKin0k-kN3e2j_2Pau5mWTUUJ9KLYqqGQlZ8PYHyPiA/w640-h288/20231204_131211.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKrjJ5_WrF6JBTZ83FzaAHaqGndeF5KuhulAX8vP4kWHBwynCl453XZBIadHQ84wByH04Oy8E764y1fc66ExzKwqTU1zvqmv3O6VFQHnQQlyjrCk_xUQ5mH0zQjulVyCaaNLEof-eTgZqYv4ovrOnCz_-mYGMWp8jbN7yPbkGRd6yYivJuEp9mWHv79m-/s4000/20231204_130951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKrjJ5_WrF6JBTZ83FzaAHaqGndeF5KuhulAX8vP4kWHBwynCl453XZBIadHQ84wByH04Oy8E764y1fc66ExzKwqTU1zvqmv3O6VFQHnQQlyjrCk_xUQ5mH0zQjulVyCaaNLEof-eTgZqYv4ovrOnCz_-mYGMWp8jbN7yPbkGRd6yYivJuEp9mWHv79m-/w640-h288/20231204_130951.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It had been a delightful walk. Some of the ground I would guess doesn't see too many visitors and it was mostly all new to me. A total of 17 kilometres, just 650 metres ascent in 4 hours.</p><p>Tuesday December 5th;</p><p>The fishing had been very good the previous evening and thankfully the wind had eased a bit so it hadn't felt so cold. It had still been quite windy though, so it came as a surprise to emerge from my room to a still and frosty morning. I still hadn't made up my mind what to do today. All I knew was I was heading home. I had considered going to The Reeks and climbing Carrauntoohil but with the top few hundred metres iced up I reckoned that I might need crampons so I discounted that. As I drove towards Cahersiveene, Knocknadobar looked lovely, so once again I chose there.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOftOC1QmgyBJWd-BcPR3zQ-sZTdTnjMAY4D8lGraAJ_EjGgynVdhQsEie3AXxUdjB-qW635TnAgPMiZ56EBKKurp9PcpmzXKNrg7AZ8Vi2Wiq5rWUcLaK75GFW3y4E2LieU17Us670hwY20G5ZI0N931teVrSGmId1SvzSeESmGMJVByn2Tzx7qxSoPRR/s4000/20231205_102411.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOftOC1QmgyBJWd-BcPR3zQ-sZTdTnjMAY4D8lGraAJ_EjGgynVdhQsEie3AXxUdjB-qW635TnAgPMiZ56EBKKurp9PcpmzXKNrg7AZ8Vi2Wiq5rWUcLaK75GFW3y4E2LieU17Us670hwY20G5ZI0N931teVrSGmId1SvzSeESmGMJVByn2Tzx7qxSoPRR/w640-h288/20231205_102411.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frosty fields by the shores...yesterdays walk on the hills just right of centre.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>It was a gorgeous morning. No wind and frozen turf made it a delight to be on the hillside. I followed the trail until it crossed the fence and then I turned and headed directly towards the crest of the ridge that descends south-westerly from the summit. This gave a stiff near 300 metre pull that cleared any lingering cobwebs and the reward of the stunning views to be enjoyed made the extra effort well worth it. This ridge offers one of my favourite viewpoints in Kerry and I relaxed for a minute or two and took it in. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-7qbFR-PUkGgbvPbKGJ4D6sRaOEAxIg7IwFoPNIu75KtOcZxsxo0JcuIL0ceakUzSu9PGoDko9PH2gnbuwBIqL9ZJbpoQznvJoyy722NFoiaBy6fjOgVeyLZRfAsKibfIZYhCeRc444XZ997o8nrWBY27t0dIdOvbZN7f4_FvWUcHG65ns-SzTnqcEG2/s4000/20231205_103329.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-7qbFR-PUkGgbvPbKGJ4D6sRaOEAxIg7IwFoPNIu75KtOcZxsxo0JcuIL0ceakUzSu9PGoDko9PH2gnbuwBIqL9ZJbpoQznvJoyy722NFoiaBy6fjOgVeyLZRfAsKibfIZYhCeRc444XZ997o8nrWBY27t0dIdOvbZN7f4_FvWUcHG65ns-SzTnqcEG2/w640-h288/20231205_103329.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EABjCW6yR0vIgUFo5MBXNnw_z0yc95cp16XpIFV9lzqhNOLK4tWA-EX7Gd_t7Le8SkPmEmSowJ4VcsVqsFfw-L7yxlk8uSt1XbZDCsR4v_o9iYrlIQmgp0A4wYHTKzb-WZw371UDIBjVLQgYI1eojjNVtQlw1kZI-f6Uux3CbcXJxENeLyrhxytw6tPz/s4000/20231205_111549.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EABjCW6yR0vIgUFo5MBXNnw_z0yc95cp16XpIFV9lzqhNOLK4tWA-EX7Gd_t7Le8SkPmEmSowJ4VcsVqsFfw-L7yxlk8uSt1XbZDCsR4v_o9iYrlIQmgp0A4wYHTKzb-WZw371UDIBjVLQgYI1eojjNVtQlw1kZI-f6Uux3CbcXJxENeLyrhxytw6tPz/w640-h288/20231205_111549.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNaVXIwW3gU1g6VcN44RiAoEF2OPKbf3qNw_2ZwTGuxi_6SlapRdc3IDN_QPTPv7HemSHL7BZiSebYqoxVtkB8HpECRsiVQvsniN9pFLYLZJq-VdKxhsor7gpbhsiDNb4WJ_VHS0rQPNOgAKMLY4mUfcRVGMQejQfq0W_wTJp5bBG04wWqsfTpunA3rkn/s3264/20231205_114644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNaVXIwW3gU1g6VcN44RiAoEF2OPKbf3qNw_2ZwTGuxi_6SlapRdc3IDN_QPTPv7HemSHL7BZiSebYqoxVtkB8HpECRsiVQvsniN9pFLYLZJq-VdKxhsor7gpbhsiDNb4WJ_VHS0rQPNOgAKMLY4mUfcRVGMQejQfq0W_wTJp5bBG04wWqsfTpunA3rkn/w640-h288/20231205_114644.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Now the going is easier as height is gradually gained and before too long I was on the broad summit. The view to the distant Reeks was lovely and they looked nice and wintery. It looked like I made the right decision to avoid them today. I decided to include the nearby east top in the hike and from there I contoured across to the north top. Now I turned and began the easy descent towards Coonanna Harbour. The view as you descend is delightful and it is a pleasure to pause often and look around. Soon I was down on the shoreline and a short walk on the quiet little road saw me reach the car. It had been a short but very satisfying outing and I had a smile on my face as I set off on the drive home. Kerry delivered yet again.<p></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-11041148997538743532023-11-12T19:38:00.008+00:002024-01-25T09:13:04.692+00:00A Visit To Leenane...A Jewel In Connemara<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_Ll2bW8BlfTIo1eMgvzxO2OhTbqrUwhm5w_wnLFIGya_Qf5WyTuCtmBoILgX8jQW6j_lII04E9Vu59sS2JBH5YZavgPXO_X0AUE-3fgkjNgLUFX01LkdT-tRxr5CEgnUVMGlDGhs0QTkp6QQMzhF1c2fiDWc6Kadm_fIwLfeCUY_h_m7lOoZBg2Zr02u/s4000/20231107_130645.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_Ll2bW8BlfTIo1eMgvzxO2OhTbqrUwhm5w_wnLFIGya_Qf5WyTuCtmBoILgX8jQW6j_lII04E9Vu59sS2JBH5YZavgPXO_X0AUE-3fgkjNgLUFX01LkdT-tRxr5CEgnUVMGlDGhs0QTkp6QQMzhF1c2fiDWc6Kadm_fIwLfeCUY_h_m7lOoZBg2Zr02u/w640-h288/20231107_130645.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Tuesday November 7th;<p></p><p>Connemara is always a joy to visit. The stunning mix of sea, bog, lake and mountain is ever changing and interesting and everywhere you look is a wonder to behold. It is fair to say that I was looking forward to returning. I had booked myself into the Leenane hotel for a few nights and so all I needed way some decent weather. The west of Ireland weather can be poor at any time of year but in winter it is certainly a lottery whether the outdoors can be fully enjoyed. I was therefore reasonably pleased that the forecast was for a good start to the trip and Friday was to be good as well. Two out of four is a pretty good result. I was pleased to see that things were indeed pretty good as I drove the long journey northwest. I started out quite early 06.50 and despite heavy traffic getting through Galway I found myself entering the wonderful wilds not long after 10 am. I wasn't sure what exactly I would do today (what else is new) but when I reached Maam Cross I turned right and decided that I would repeat a walk I had done once before on the westernmost section of The Maumturks. That time I walked from the high point on the road between Maum Cross and Maum and went out and back to Binn Mhór in the cloud. Today with clear tops and mostly blue skies I reckoned it would be a whole new experience.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-NZnMdQy1qC3cjjCiiEfYKzTOd6n_JPNx-DFlzxT2PZZowI1eyA8_BFL_iBcdyOermxuIvR2bLuRXRHUbQh5eKvWKfOGMQCjexrdW2sfyCJJc9iK-5TOyHyAIcGNzU_kJEyE7oc-fy-gFVvkGP8A8HxdnAXxfPIjdr716jqFjlwRn69uSWB1i_7nfGNJ/s3264/20231107_113356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-NZnMdQy1qC3cjjCiiEfYKzTOd6n_JPNx-DFlzxT2PZZowI1eyA8_BFL_iBcdyOermxuIvR2bLuRXRHUbQh5eKvWKfOGMQCjexrdW2sfyCJJc9iK-5TOyHyAIcGNzU_kJEyE7oc-fy-gFVvkGP8A8HxdnAXxfPIjdr716jqFjlwRn69uSWB1i_7nfGNJ/w640-h288/20231107_113356.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGL-JmmZrco2CD1PFBML2NtYKyagbIJ7U1-Ya-KMgPshLeOeL_Vr4k8GQusLQsy1D3J8DW3NTNACS_46ImUb8cfaKDtksLz4_M1EcZi_soBRnFVqnSaFTp7rtSSrDKiUcHrndHqQPZqSfoQ74Mlmtv8DznQwy8_jZHKx9SXgoBfYcTrxg2crJI7YuXl57F/s3264/20231107_112129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGL-JmmZrco2CD1PFBML2NtYKyagbIJ7U1-Ya-KMgPshLeOeL_Vr4k8GQusLQsy1D3J8DW3NTNACS_46ImUb8cfaKDtksLz4_M1EcZi_soBRnFVqnSaFTp7rtSSrDKiUcHrndHqQPZqSfoQ74Mlmtv8DznQwy8_jZHKx9SXgoBfYcTrxg2crJI7YuXl57F/w640-h288/20231107_112129.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKThFsqHfEi6NIJfJlyVwhA8byVih7jRnnojjKyFKLHVzLkjzBZ-IV-q4JHRt-pNJN1bnJcDXig2OJaxzN3oazyI-73pJ4hKvJLC6ItbiyX7wzrWyfvq6tABPILHbD_w3QyLaGBb8FKvVGJ9IXqecCjKaBTZWMoh4N13Bxm6EmtEv5EqsdGZUANPOWXhwP/s3264/20231107_113402.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKThFsqHfEi6NIJfJlyVwhA8byVih7jRnnojjKyFKLHVzLkjzBZ-IV-q4JHRt-pNJN1bnJcDXig2OJaxzN3oazyI-73pJ4hKvJLC6ItbiyX7wzrWyfvq6tABPILHbD_w3QyLaGBb8FKvVGJ9IXqecCjKaBTZWMoh4N13Bxm6EmtEv5EqsdGZUANPOWXhwP/w640-h288/20231107_113402.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>While it was sunny, I wasn't in any doubt what time of year it was as a chilly brisk breeze had me don my jacket right at the start. I left the car at 10.40 and started off across the bog towards Corcogemore, which at 610 metres meant that a 530 metre climb loomed. And loom it certainly did as before long the ground rises steeply. I wasn't too subtle in trying to find a way up. I simply avoided the rock ramparts and took as direct a line as possible. It was at times quite steep and had some wet bog scrambling but height was gained quickly. It remains steep up until the 550 metre contour and then it eases back and a series of humps are cleared before finally the summit cairn appears. Wow, the views were stupendous. Everywhere, in every direction was a joy. Back to the east the bog stretched to Lough Corrib which faded into the distance. To the north, Joyce Country with its gentle rolling tops was a delightful mix of rusty reds and green. Ahead the rock strewn rugged ground of the Maumturks curved around to the north towards Leenane and to the south and west the sun glistened on the many many lakes of Carna and Roundstone bogs. I was in heaven. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBtsjo7hV133SBynRbOw3B3qgammzFAPsomZOyg7LKsJhxJ-DmJyFX_3e4sj9dX6eXxRXm9T1ATkLmFWLy5MNkCjU1JbGHxkCZXOdp3kqsQPaGjNQWAsG9y45o17zmrcmLc61IpqVSowaaSDDqZXIw1SGPh3YUzDTB4n3GzgqrdwIr9F0l5zppXjfj1WP/s4000/20231107_114823.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBtsjo7hV133SBynRbOw3B3qgammzFAPsomZOyg7LKsJhxJ-DmJyFX_3e4sj9dX6eXxRXm9T1ATkLmFWLy5MNkCjU1JbGHxkCZXOdp3kqsQPaGjNQWAsG9y45o17zmrcmLc61IpqVSowaaSDDqZXIw1SGPh3YUzDTB4n3GzgqrdwIr9F0l5zppXjfj1WP/w640-h288/20231107_114823.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtDFFDIJkVheVI5QKo38JSurdSSVH5krU0yMsLWOjNa8SQBwg270dTSxZkfMYaV0ySFEW926CgTp6FIJZfjJDsm7pb41qc-n5qfVrs5P7Oud6inBQvJpqFWoh9XpULKJtoQM4cZZxHrQrHWxRbdSGAmY2gTcEeozv8nOa0nxEuYGB25MFno7lUdWtOn1X/s4000/20231107_114041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtDFFDIJkVheVI5QKo38JSurdSSVH5krU0yMsLWOjNa8SQBwg270dTSxZkfMYaV0ySFEW926CgTp6FIJZfjJDsm7pb41qc-n5qfVrs5P7Oud6inBQvJpqFWoh9XpULKJtoQM4cZZxHrQrHWxRbdSGAmY2gTcEeozv8nOa0nxEuYGB25MFno7lUdWtOn1X/w640-h288/20231107_114041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>After Corcogemore the ridge curves and descends to well below the 400 metre contour before another steep climb follows to reach Mullagh Glas at 621 metres. I have been less than diligent about my fitness recently and since the marathon in Dingle at the start of September I have been lazy and over self-indulgent. I was finding the going a bit tougher than I should. That said, I was loving my outing. After a short while the ridge drops again before another climb is needed to reach the east top of Binn Mhór at 631 metres. Over the next kilometre and a half the broad, hillocky, rocky ridge gradually rises until I found myself atop the rocky outcrop that is the summit of Binn Mhór 661mtrs. The views just got better and better. Now I was able to look down into the glorious Inagh Valley, beyond which the wonderful Twelve Bens rose. They are always an inspiring sight and it was lovely to relax for a little while and soak it all in. I didn't stand for too long as the wind was biting so I turned and made my way back over the tops I had already climbed. The return went well and I found myself back at my car just four and a half hours after setting off.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-VPG-mU6E08PpC7GKftoYgbVf4JKCIVt9CO2VVrRxa2-W1nERkjyF5YIZVNUOjJ_w46Yl-IoF0Yteotnp4W3pRwOU11az58kxuYE3eInNAbo053OXCufuBFbCOjjoJAEU89q_Rkx8M8u0DsvZkDwqmGkYdmsj4Xsy4SVUt6fDicY44J0ZSh3YfX5AlXp/s3264/20231107_130606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-VPG-mU6E08PpC7GKftoYgbVf4JKCIVt9CO2VVrRxa2-W1nERkjyF5YIZVNUOjJ_w46Yl-IoF0Yteotnp4W3pRwOU11az58kxuYE3eInNAbo053OXCufuBFbCOjjoJAEU89q_Rkx8M8u0DsvZkDwqmGkYdmsj4Xsy4SVUt6fDicY44J0ZSh3YfX5AlXp/w640-h288/20231107_130606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2CcGCtmyrbT3TML0KXZvSw8HqEjNo-3ULkvl6LUToauOqyPRuTDyIGZf6trKTe5a0sG5wM_boS2-kIgIyRjfwar_88BuFoMHAfkOMeSPxm_ph9cfzaNPlw6BZ2ygO2EiOaxn_bU1izzxDglB_Ea7dP0FrrJtl0qzoZRehB0Gu6LM6nbPQ_CtLCu_GTbv/s4000/20231107_125600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2CcGCtmyrbT3TML0KXZvSw8HqEjNo-3ULkvl6LUToauOqyPRuTDyIGZf6trKTe5a0sG5wM_boS2-kIgIyRjfwar_88BuFoMHAfkOMeSPxm_ph9cfzaNPlw6BZ2ygO2EiOaxn_bU1izzxDglB_Ea7dP0FrrJtl0qzoZRehB0Gu6LM6nbPQ_CtLCu_GTbv/w640-h288/20231107_125600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRelg30LOM934ogBxJF627pdfvdfnLKwr5F7Oh8r2jZUxhnWwEHir2EGaXWFLhI1HL0cHi167DK2q_tUEdXlQjQeKlOCO5kLZQpVUdwHM2YyN5I6SOv3km-gyV0PxYNCzKRA_ojINrwtqnIPvZ4_U2WhTpRFfwbCAYbTvx5oVBGskxmKBTePZGALaXwsn/s3264/20231107_130614.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRelg30LOM934ogBxJF627pdfvdfnLKwr5F7Oh8r2jZUxhnWwEHir2EGaXWFLhI1HL0cHi167DK2q_tUEdXlQjQeKlOCO5kLZQpVUdwHM2YyN5I6SOv3km-gyV0PxYNCzKRA_ojINrwtqnIPvZ4_U2WhTpRFfwbCAYbTvx5oVBGskxmKBTePZGALaXwsn/w640-h288/20231107_130614.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFwmQAZuGPML1Jh93pTs-6nod83RsSMTh_9VZRzUnCzR8XzmA5YWc4jc3b16U84HjyEIbPOYBGhOYlj-Amizdn5iic7I2LSPPZ5OyweWpA5sBhqxoQojWIwcT6-dbW5-k1GhvhjW8fXbVWanNYKaUjLojYm2n-5NVoxBvhd-CFqjmIDisCrPeKPktU63j/s4000/20231107_133749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFwmQAZuGPML1Jh93pTs-6nod83RsSMTh_9VZRzUnCzR8XzmA5YWc4jc3b16U84HjyEIbPOYBGhOYlj-Amizdn5iic7I2LSPPZ5OyweWpA5sBhqxoQojWIwcT6-dbW5-k1GhvhjW8fXbVWanNYKaUjLojYm2n-5NVoxBvhd-CFqjmIDisCrPeKPktU63j/w640-h288/20231107_133749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It had been a decent outing and I had covered 13 kilometres and climbed over 1200 metres. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>Wednesday November 8th;</p><p>I had spent a couple of hours fishing from the pier near the hotel the previous evening but the crabs were cleaning the hooks after just a few minutes and only a few pin whiting were caught. The forecast for today was for a stiff breeze to bring frequent heavy showers with possible longer spells of rain. I planned to dig some bait up near Westport and climb Croagh Patrick after that. I would then do some fishing for the afternoon/evening. Heavy early morning rain had given way to mostly blue skies for the delightful drive to Westport. I drove out as far as Bertra beach where I spent over an hour and a hlaf digging for a scanty supply of lugworm. While digging I was hit by a couple of windswept heavy rain showers that looked to become more frequent in the ever darkening skies. Once finished digging I wasted no time in heading to the nearby car park at Murrisk and I set off for Croagh Patrick.</p><p>The shapely summit was visible throughout the morning but now as I started to climb the cloud rolled in and I was almost immediately assailed by heavy rain. I didn't mind though as I was well clothed against the elements. The well made track rises steadily up the flanks of Teeveenacroaghy until it reaches a saddle at around the 450 metre contour. Easy walking follows for the next 700 metres or so before the steep summit cone is reached. A long series of unrelenting steps follows so as to surmount the 260 metre climb. As I had been in cloud since the saddle there wasn't any reason to be stopping so I made swift progress both up and down. The rain thankfully stayed away after the initial onslaught and I actually got all the way back to the car in the dry. It had been a short outing, covering just over 7 kilometres, climbing 760 metres in two hours 20 minutes.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA6AzOUqXQYcT-EfYKbyiN-Uu-WxizIIBtOv41Yd0In1_7ypBwvlvL_kbS5W73bWNZqMCBZ3Hyef91R_zkGQBPfB1BbzXGXS8C9D4U6T788M027JvvOaVwsZJv1646jyaIZiH7LYZQkar-s8nDyRIrdaZjJ1U9u6aWILtTRNimZcCB2RSd8QNAkRHk73U/s4000/20231108_125736.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA6AzOUqXQYcT-EfYKbyiN-Uu-WxizIIBtOv41Yd0In1_7ypBwvlvL_kbS5W73bWNZqMCBZ3Hyef91R_zkGQBPfB1BbzXGXS8C9D4U6T788M027JvvOaVwsZJv1646jyaIZiH7LYZQkar-s8nDyRIrdaZjJ1U9u6aWILtTRNimZcCB2RSd8QNAkRHk73U/w640-h288/20231108_125736.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the saddle looking down towards Clew Bay and the Nephin Wilderness beyond.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>I ended up fishing that afternoon at the departure point for the Killary cruise boat. It was deep water but there was a lot of weed out front and this made landing fish difficult. That said I spent an enjoyable couple of hours hauling out dogfish on every cast. Getting them through the weed was tough work and I reckon that a ray or bull huss would be almost impossible to land. I might try it again though.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thursday November 9th;</p><p>Today was to be the worst weather day with strong winds and plenty of rain. It was too windy to head up onto the mountains so I decided that I would try and fish for a bit and go for a run in the afternoon. Well, I tried to do some fishing from the rocks into Little Killary but the wind made it uncomfortable and difficult. A couple of casts into the surf at Glassilaun beach proved enough as there was lots of weed. I had to retreat back to the hotel. Once back in my warm room and after a shower I got lazy and ended up napping the afternoon away. No run for me.</p><p><br /></p><p>Friday November 10th;</p><p>All good things end and today I was to return home. Thankfully the weather for today was promised to be good so I was going to do a hike before starting on the long drive home. It was something of a surprise to see when I went down for breakfast heavy rain sweep across the waters of Killary. Thankfully it was just a passing squall and by the time I left the hotel it was mostly clear skies and sunshine. I debated whether to climb the nearby Devilsmother but I opted instead to drive towards Kylemore and when I reached the small chapel in the middle of the bog I stopped and headed for the Benchoona mountains. Well I always called them that, I see recently they are being called the North Bens. I'm not sure I agree with this as they are separated by a road and Kylemore lake which lies down below 100 metres. Anyway, I crossed the wet boggy ground until I reached the river near some invasive rhododendron bushes. The river was a little bigger than expected but I managed to cross with dry feet and now I was on the spur that rises to the highest top in the range, Garraun at 598 metres. The ridge is long and fairly gradual but height is steadily gained and the already expansive and wonderful views only get better and better.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzP2ningb7iJLZjUy0QbdrVgCMJaiZdwSQlIO_SNGEYpBHFPtTT8PEI1RtsHNBnWMkWzJvcIZAqXdsQ6DdIc7mVbC73DdBGoXJ3dKmcmW8S3Yx8NxQlGkkXu5IYAqD3BKzqm-Fp6gYQpHqX7PFtoR3zafLrmbmcJ7fbX36nDK-TmUClTu87zEqH23zb0r/s3264/20231110_102205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzP2ningb7iJLZjUy0QbdrVgCMJaiZdwSQlIO_SNGEYpBHFPtTT8PEI1RtsHNBnWMkWzJvcIZAqXdsQ6DdIc7mVbC73DdBGoXJ3dKmcmW8S3Yx8NxQlGkkXu5IYAqD3BKzqm-Fp6gYQpHqX7PFtoR3zafLrmbmcJ7fbX36nDK-TmUClTu87zEqH23zb0r/w640-h288/20231110_102205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKcZFIvhZOj1hYvCsdQb07KzJvc2GnyTtFF7FOYF5NjoYw4qeycwZCWmEESkhe5yMXanQBSb7OFyaik_J42j0x14FS59d5jByoOUjyjj9uOYxKjFeSl3qnmjNZA-K99BRDkOb0fFpo8u1iuAw0HnMI18veFXS7Fn6gbP0yNXw1DTJWPY4mQLDz2KhF_GF/s3264/20231110_094537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKcZFIvhZOj1hYvCsdQb07KzJvc2GnyTtFF7FOYF5NjoYw4qeycwZCWmEESkhe5yMXanQBSb7OFyaik_J42j0x14FS59d5jByoOUjyjj9uOYxKjFeSl3qnmjNZA-K99BRDkOb0fFpo8u1iuAw0HnMI18veFXS7Fn6gbP0yNXw1DTJWPY4mQLDz2KhF_GF/w640-h288/20231110_094537.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> Immediately below, nestled Lough Fee and beyond Killary Lough cut inland. Mweelrea soared just across the water and the rest of the mountains above Delphi looked great. Looking back towards the car, the Maumturks and the Twelve Bens rose up either side of the stunning Inagh Valley. Wow. Once I reached the broad top I headed for the nearby Benchoona East top and continued along the rough ground to the main summit at 561 metres. I paused here to soak up the coastal views below before turning and heading across towards Altnagaigera at 549 metres. This was really just a westward spur of Garraun South Top which I headed to next. After this, I followed the broad spur that descended easily, almost parallel to the spur I climbed up, towards the road. Gradually the ground got wetter but it wasn't too long before I reached the road. I found a spot where I could easily surmount the wire fence and ditch beyond and shortly after that I reached the car. It had taken just under 4 hours to cover the 13 kilometres and climb 750 metres. It was especially nice to get finished and changed just before a nasty rain shower arrived. Now all that was left was to drive the 270 kilometres home. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJplFRnoWtOhuaxCrRUONyHivRntQZYf-QN1XapJpRngiGwa-rux_p9pMISJWby5btKZD8gBej8gWWsC1uWt3VdCQq4NeFF1Ak4frEdYklph3hvmpCkjCFnJ5-4XlWQyEMMFeydbfkRO2IYEgrDxvMbl3v2DL_zK_5bHbORw4UzVubzB-yUdiy1JUxmTRY/s3264/20231110_102636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJplFRnoWtOhuaxCrRUONyHivRntQZYf-QN1XapJpRngiGwa-rux_p9pMISJWby5btKZD8gBej8gWWsC1uWt3VdCQq4NeFF1Ak4frEdYklph3hvmpCkjCFnJ5-4XlWQyEMMFeydbfkRO2IYEgrDxvMbl3v2DL_zK_5bHbORw4UzVubzB-yUdiy1JUxmTRY/w640-h288/20231110_102636.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDx8LZQ2c6pMnQscKnFlIOxyyzoSdM3wBxncpVxozMQwDVq6mXw33Nh_2nwA-HZ7jmekESbxUvAs6vvzNwnZNz5M5zUTt0qQwmIn1oi3it4a7U0MoJy0BqwBx23JV4vxq4EWCsmBxQhsRNtpeMfA43wv4w1EkxIdjbUcbqBsJP_-I3heIhjWzoCzdPWwh/s3264/20231110_115524.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDx8LZQ2c6pMnQscKnFlIOxyyzoSdM3wBxncpVxozMQwDVq6mXw33Nh_2nwA-HZ7jmekESbxUvAs6vvzNwnZNz5M5zUTt0qQwmIn1oi3it4a7U0MoJy0BqwBx23JV4vxq4EWCsmBxQhsRNtpeMfA43wv4w1EkxIdjbUcbqBsJP_-I3heIhjWzoCzdPWwh/w640-h288/20231110_115524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ag9e6OZfEYy4_EHJ8RsLh8mjijyuuI6wE7NvJIxpCwq1Ub39jHVLCwBAx_lFKS6a_afYCJAMynTkQ1jdQy5vyYcWrYya6S4O0buoxyD_Fz0Z62f_GwI7n7Xzn-aDFWYfZDi527DRm5dDrKpIQUd8ONs1M0LO1QoDbUOyIRuG9j9USjpweQrdGBeGM_Sv/s3264/20231110_112701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ag9e6OZfEYy4_EHJ8RsLh8mjijyuuI6wE7NvJIxpCwq1Ub39jHVLCwBAx_lFKS6a_afYCJAMynTkQ1jdQy5vyYcWrYya6S4O0buoxyD_Fz0Z62f_GwI7n7Xzn-aDFWYfZDi527DRm5dDrKpIQUd8ONs1M0LO1QoDbUOyIRuG9j9USjpweQrdGBeGM_Sv/w640-h288/20231110_112701.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tzn_O9Qm1jCPAh_p7-KoJLuOnmA4nRk-VNRopJKukpbg5j3a7ETAone63Tfta6xihz36lyEE07d6l196ZkElIamvdieAHyW-1bWVWLrQmKOifw0-ILyHzC7TH49Wa6za50oBS2cFvlFdPbATntzcJNW4jjE81dCp9hyWRrFbWwTAi_hSlyYcdcDqlLxT/s3264/20231110_112723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tzn_O9Qm1jCPAh_p7-KoJLuOnmA4nRk-VNRopJKukpbg5j3a7ETAone63Tfta6xihz36lyEE07d6l196ZkElIamvdieAHyW-1bWVWLrQmKOifw0-ILyHzC7TH49Wa6za50oBS2cFvlFdPbATntzcJNW4jjE81dCp9hyWRrFbWwTAi_hSlyYcdcDqlLxT/w640-h288/20231110_112723.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Connemara always delivers.<p></p><p><br /></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-37693352318341273462023-07-31T10:23:00.002+01:002023-07-31T10:23:38.274+01:00THE GR 10..CAUTERETS TO HENDAYE<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxUnbtq--CoadrNtvrEduIRruuK_pwES3viRsTTr-cmFdc1nKK65QRkVcN-bYsofA7p3GyhO1U4boVM-nvlX5mer1-v3r0vTKa3--SlMtAiiiukkClCbTOMvmEEgbrTX9lfzCKXR2wWsHQE1XHNy0oumz_MPxanqMB9ipDtVCCU1tlS7Rr0EDHEnbM93U/s4160/IMG_20230621_123122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxUnbtq--CoadrNtvrEduIRruuK_pwES3viRsTTr-cmFdc1nKK65QRkVcN-bYsofA7p3GyhO1U4boVM-nvlX5mer1-v3r0vTKa3--SlMtAiiiukkClCbTOMvmEEgbrTX9lfzCKXR2wWsHQE1XHNy0oumz_MPxanqMB9ipDtVCCU1tlS7Rr0EDHEnbM93U/w640-h308/IMG_20230621_123122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Way way back in December 2011, on a whim I decided to head for a hike on the GR 10 in the Pyrenees. I enjoyed a delightful 6 days and fell in love with the range then. I vowed to return soon and continue my journey to the west. Over four further visits I eventually reached Cauterets in 2019. Now I returned and hoped to complete the traverse of the range and finally reach Hendaye in the two weeks I had available to me.<p></p><p>Saturday June 17th;</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0Eda4py2Ba5JISo7ZX-idaXqO-C03d4gdHlr8XocJfwm1IH1Tqz7BZYooBhRqwNCvMjencipb2ar6KtTYN2GndrLJHn7gTaOmqEcMHq-S9TIrjFZ8jzruJdz2mUfyfF2bRow2m3ArKr2gwz0kTU3wfwzMkcHloUcm8XbyWKhShYI8rz5GkMv0NJLwxAw/s4160/IMG_20230617_140120.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0Eda4py2Ba5JISo7ZX-idaXqO-C03d4gdHlr8XocJfwm1IH1Tqz7BZYooBhRqwNCvMjencipb2ar6KtTYN2GndrLJHn7gTaOmqEcMHq-S9TIrjFZ8jzruJdz2mUfyfF2bRow2m3ArKr2gwz0kTU3wfwzMkcHloUcm8XbyWKhShYI8rz5GkMv0NJLwxAw/w640-h308/IMG_20230617_140120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />An early morning departure from Dublin saw me landing in Lourdes airport before 11am. A rather crowded and chaotic scramble to catch a bus to town saw me arrive into the town before midday. I had lots of time to go to the nearby outdoor shop to get some gas before my but left for Cauterets. The heat came as something of a shock with the thermometers reading up to 33 degrees. It was a reminder that I was just about as far south in France as I could get. I enjoyed the bus ride to the pretty spa town and alighted at 13.50. I immediately walked up to a shop and bought a couple of litres of water and then wasted no time in heading for the trail. Once found I climbed up out of town into the woods and, once I found a quiet corner I wasted no time in changing my clothes to my shorts and T-shirt. My travel clothes were already damp with sweat and these were to serve as my only change for the duration of the trek. As is usual for my I was carrying about six days food. The bag was therefore pretty heavy but this gave me the option of camping wild whenever I could. Mind you the weather forecast was quite poor. Rain and lightning storms were forecast for the next week. It was however lovely right now but I knew just how quickly things could change. After climbing up through the woods for a bit the trail entered open ground and the glory of the surrounding mountains was fully revealed. Green lush valleys, full of flowers and wildlife gave was to high rocky escarpments which rose sharply to become jagged peaks. It was true mountain heaven. The skies were mostly blue but some cloud billowed up from the peaks and I knew that they could quickly become thunderheads. However, the only thunder I could hear at the moment was from the multitude of motorbikes that were heading up to a large parking area beside a ski lift. There must have been hundreds of them there and it is fair to say that they wrecked the ambiance of the area. Still a sudden arrival of a spit of rain saw them swiftly retreat back towards town and the area became once again peaceful.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzUgruh1ydhiA7vzFHk6lv_kPTRp7UKpbcdYAkc3WC2cCUZB5THbb91VzVGoEmnTYnuxGvjkgZrcHPHirLiswiF10iEDgJMZI5PuNdrwdJPGky3G7ih6Txl-Ye4kiylTd9GYbzH6s56OnaKuy0gQ-MTAy96MbKWGSjdW1T6YNW32DRwSaMEQMQ7R6-Qnn/s4160/IMG_20230617_162007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzUgruh1ydhiA7vzFHk6lv_kPTRp7UKpbcdYAkc3WC2cCUZB5THbb91VzVGoEmnTYnuxGvjkgZrcHPHirLiswiF10iEDgJMZI5PuNdrwdJPGky3G7ih6Txl-Ye4kiylTd9GYbzH6s56OnaKuy0gQ-MTAy96MbKWGSjdW1T6YNW32DRwSaMEQMQ7R6-Qnn/w640-h308/IMG_20230617_162007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lXkTSh-ta6unS4U4HE3w1K0gmmhQiMPG5Jzgm0UT3HOtEde8nehUSymcyyIU3HkVVJm1mIpJ72CgmX6QtHIvBWbIaDrt65ZN-lNqQCejYk1jb-i62wVw4YBO8lQU_4sU3WBs9Z2afaP8O-S6aYjfN1YObiKQuUo1crxgayEMv_nLj6f_4CKfvNhCFx6H/s4160/IMG_20230617_165727.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lXkTSh-ta6unS4U4HE3w1K0gmmhQiMPG5Jzgm0UT3HOtEde8nehUSymcyyIU3HkVVJm1mIpJ72CgmX6QtHIvBWbIaDrt65ZN-lNqQCejYk1jb-i62wVw4YBO8lQU_4sU3WBs9Z2afaP8O-S6aYjfN1YObiKQuUo1crxgayEMv_nLj6f_4CKfvNhCFx6H/w640-h308/IMG_20230617_165727.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The spit of rain didn't last long but it served as a warning that more was likely as the afternoon wore on. I did however have options for today. In an ideal world the weather would hold and I would be able to camp up high. There was a refuge up ahead (Refuge d'llheou at 1975 metres), where I could perhaps camp beside or stay in if the weather turned. In an ideal world, I could maybe head over Col d'llheou and reach a campsite by Lac d'Estaing. It would all depend on the weather and of course how I felt physically. On that side of things I was quite pleased. I found myself feeling quite strong and I was able to make steady progress up the valley. At the head of the valley there was a pretty waterfall and once I reached and finally passed it I entered ever wilder ground. Now I was up at over 1800 metres so I had climbed 900 metres and two hours forty five minutes had passed. It wasn't far now to the refuge. When I reached the refuge I found it to be quite busy with some children chasing about and quite a few adults milling around outside. Even though it was now after 5pm I found that I really didn't want to stay there so I decided to press on towards the Col. I reached the col at 6 pm and now that I was at 2256 metres it meant that I had climbed over 1300 metres today. It felt like a great effort for the first day and I was well pleased as I headed down towards the still unseen Lac d'Estaing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRbZCVbrBMSUh6QdNK2FKO1A_mTP_ReQIDnUYbu1O5LvmCJvJIIqVwO_VghMtJJwJbWHw3hgnDwM_pk6OTjV-f_bzQEqQMHarto25J9HmCZRBXspPxO6BCfWqOCUZSt2uBIm94BeUdUGwb4smm0hZfyhj16_FIuuJglbDWXwxGMAXMja1EweYEJvo9Ssz/s4160/IMG_20230617_170830.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRbZCVbrBMSUh6QdNK2FKO1A_mTP_ReQIDnUYbu1O5LvmCJvJIIqVwO_VghMtJJwJbWHw3hgnDwM_pk6OTjV-f_bzQEqQMHarto25J9HmCZRBXspPxO6BCfWqOCUZSt2uBIm94BeUdUGwb4smm0hZfyhj16_FIuuJglbDWXwxGMAXMja1EweYEJvo9Ssz/w640-h308/IMG_20230617_170830.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5BrQQ8_yxTNIBaWkhoHCbe60Gom0L8dqV3Tvfup5ItqpNgzctA4Jx0jk5B2p6ZjfPdhrkgjlWxyFu8cKDPIwpLOzrP_1aWg144zcmp-D07p5kM6DwF7tT__eElHMFnLGVwXfOGKnCvygWTDh2heTlMbra4zBHCx4eWsCW8s9EzC8P055bvUl4_NqsxHN/s4160/IMG_20230617_180002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5BrQQ8_yxTNIBaWkhoHCbe60Gom0L8dqV3Tvfup5ItqpNgzctA4Jx0jk5B2p6ZjfPdhrkgjlWxyFu8cKDPIwpLOzrP_1aWg144zcmp-D07p5kM6DwF7tT__eElHMFnLGVwXfOGKnCvygWTDh2heTlMbra4zBHCx4eWsCW8s9EzC8P055bvUl4_NqsxHN/w640-h308/IMG_20230617_180002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRg3RZ3lFZoLqcPNNhcg6ysSZpG1NtKeouPiFPBVKPdD87veXJuvOY4f5qXjdEXsCYHRM5IyuLxiOZXDCT958X0xnMtcyM7L_0J5z9uXvQRqVLwLNUUwrk5WhQKqY-YeQQy2w_uC9c560UthlGm_va4JU2T2vUo8ZWJhZNrY24RLpRiZHjRKlUnXC7F_Ea/s4160/IMG_20230617_181450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRg3RZ3lFZoLqcPNNhcg6ysSZpG1NtKeouPiFPBVKPdD87veXJuvOY4f5qXjdEXsCYHRM5IyuLxiOZXDCT958X0xnMtcyM7L_0J5z9uXvQRqVLwLNUUwrk5WhQKqY-YeQQy2w_uC9c560UthlGm_va4JU2T2vUo8ZWJhZNrY24RLpRiZHjRKlUnXC7F_Ea/w640-h308/IMG_20230617_181450.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>What wasn't so pleasing however, was the first rumbles of thunder that could be heard and the evidence of the ever darkening skies overhead. When I was about half way along the descent the rain finally arrived. Not too heavy but the frequency of the rumbles seemed to be increasing even though they were as yet not near. When I entered the woods things seemed to take a turn for the worse. The rain became heavier and things became very gloomy indeed. I eventually reached the lake side but it seemed that the hoped for campsite didn't actually exist and was just a place for camper vans to park. Instead I turned right and headed towards the village of Estaing which was still over an hour away. About 500 metres beyond the lake I saw an open restaurant and auberge and went in. Alas it was just an eatery and didn't provide accommodation but the woman there said that she owned a gite nearby and I could stay there. Result!. She drove me the couple of kilometres to the gite and I counted my lucky stars as while in the car the storm truly broke. The sky darkened even deeper and the rain became torrential and all the while lightning forked across the sky. I was super relieved not to have to walk for an hour in that. The gite was basic but comfortable. It felt great to sit and relax and watch the spectacular light show from the comfort of a room. I enjoyed a great night of sleep. <p></p><p>Day 1 covered nearly 19 kilometres, over 1300 metres ascent in just shy of 6 hours. Welcome back to the Pyrenees. </p><p>Sunday June 18th;</p><p>One of the things that is recommended when hiking in the Pyrenees is to start early and finish early so as to avoid the thunderstorms that prevail in the afternoons. With that in mind I set my alarm for 05.30. I got up when it went off but it was still quite dark outside. By the time I left the gite it was fully light but it was also clear that the weather had still not cleared and it was overcast and gloomy with the promise of more rain in the air.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zYtl5C-RpA23-RDv6p42nYuc0307CZsGzqTqx_QdM0A-hBFEl71FwV4nFvdCXN9GKPfaTcLyuZ0JHTeePzoXE8AEOhKt9uNp3qFSmhVrCiQHj-tYtrLS_ogN8CTUO0zjsaFqez5pr4_MZc2dyQtE7-h_MQ6rsHaGmpeZiyehVk-S8ERK_JgBQc-Ink2l/s4160/IMG_20230618_075134.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zYtl5C-RpA23-RDv6p42nYuc0307CZsGzqTqx_QdM0A-hBFEl71FwV4nFvdCXN9GKPfaTcLyuZ0JHTeePzoXE8AEOhKt9uNp3qFSmhVrCiQHj-tYtrLS_ogN8CTUO0zjsaFqez5pr4_MZc2dyQtE7-h_MQ6rsHaGmpeZiyehVk-S8ERK_JgBQc-Ink2l/w640-h308/IMG_20230618_075134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The route continues from just outside the door and once it crosses the road and river it heads uphill over the shoulder of the mountainside. It was initially up through woodland (yet again) before it joined a rough track that rose gently enough until it reached open pastures above. The rain had returned and rumbles of thunder resounded from the peaks above. Damm, it seemed that the clearance I had hoped would arrive wouldn't materialise. I must confess to being nervous about hiking through lightning. We don't get a lot of it in Ireland and when we do, going onto the mountains in it would definitely not be the norm. Even though the skies were overcast the views were still great and the tops remained clear. The storm never really became bad and after a while I was able to relax.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARRjZwidvdp5RRnlhALeYnM5ligfE7xlqD2o9ddMP4mLck6msQr0vpFQBCqZYu0IY645MtSfTjUmo2F_fri27Ndc6W6lVAbrjC_PPxk7iQxAYIjQ06Iw2G91rWqwl9faOtahEuGgnEFFh3k0TbeXpVN94o28seL9NObk6Y4jHUiBfCIKT8QCxJ3AoyYav/s4160/IMG_20230618_093336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARRjZwidvdp5RRnlhALeYnM5ligfE7xlqD2o9ddMP4mLck6msQr0vpFQBCqZYu0IY645MtSfTjUmo2F_fri27Ndc6W6lVAbrjC_PPxk7iQxAYIjQ06Iw2G91rWqwl9faOtahEuGgnEFFh3k0TbeXpVN94o28seL9NObk6Y4jHUiBfCIKT8QCxJ3AoyYav/w640-h308/IMG_20230618_093336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GRYObV0m2_krB-fQpjkJFYOi2gjO_ZwVCP3tN2eGlBUUYBxCf-9dGtwmWFghd5Gl77u6WAL8mvgTm4O7TaYXvmUpojx4JO53CGGNBBAgtthD_lXi5QLJOp0bXomKfJ6kDOwtOsRCtjh95kl8mzwtIq00miQzO7VPw_ACimgvIQNcU1cXOjYfJjasK3qN/s4160/IMG_20230617_182331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GRYObV0m2_krB-fQpjkJFYOi2gjO_ZwVCP3tN2eGlBUUYBxCf-9dGtwmWFghd5Gl77u6WAL8mvgTm4O7TaYXvmUpojx4JO53CGGNBBAgtthD_lXi5QLJOp0bXomKfJ6kDOwtOsRCtjh95kl8mzwtIq00miQzO7VPw_ACimgvIQNcU1cXOjYfJjasK3qN/w640-h308/IMG_20230617_182331.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> The weather became better when I reached the higher open ground and more expansive views were on offer. My plan for the day was to try and get as far as the ski town of Gourette. It was all dependant on the weather and if things turned really bad I could stay in Arrens which was not far away. The rain came and went as I descended to Arrens but the threat of lightning receded so I had no reason to end my day early. Arrens itself was quiet and sleepy on this Sunday morning. Just a few people milled about and nothing seemed to be open. I wasted no time in setting off on the next step of the journey. After rising gently on ever quieter lanes the trail once again entered the woods. Before long I once again reached open pastures. These seemed to be mostly populated by horses. I was feeling okay but it's fair to say that I was far from flying along. By the time I reached Col de Saucede I was feeling the strain and I knew I had another col to get over to reach Gourette.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioy-E6wNPyrDhxOGIPdtcbWIu9APKBns21zkO5Yd2xx93cP6p4WObBz-oANlCaPR_FWQkhRZvWSv-bTL3jzgjBvR91Orm8sRw7eGo7rR5c23Wiq_dMyAeyVtwyqdsZuway-swrX8mwekD28gmNH5UPTUtBSJPHOF2I3pzNWteJX93lSgJztn32jqwQAHew/s4160/IMG_20230618_122219.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioy-E6wNPyrDhxOGIPdtcbWIu9APKBns21zkO5Yd2xx93cP6p4WObBz-oANlCaPR_FWQkhRZvWSv-bTL3jzgjBvR91Orm8sRw7eGo7rR5c23Wiq_dMyAeyVtwyqdsZuway-swrX8mwekD28gmNH5UPTUtBSJPHOF2I3pzNWteJX93lSgJztn32jqwQAHew/w640-h308/IMG_20230618_122219.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHeK19zKlJrhu6BnYRwy-tDtNcgZrpHlZ8rVFUjhX9CBX4KQzdlbOOh4rdXkjW74Dv2vD9V0OdWyVLOYNgzwngWSbsv_M7tIw01wiAn1iaDee3iVwIFzdfoHEwzlcEZ3kdmB2jQxHQBQr6iI04RLfnufuSBTcmDoPYuKa2rXLiJ32ZXi08d_Ea4w35brW/s4160/IMG_20230618_114512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHeK19zKlJrhu6BnYRwy-tDtNcgZrpHlZ8rVFUjhX9CBX4KQzdlbOOh4rdXkjW74Dv2vD9V0OdWyVLOYNgzwngWSbsv_M7tIw01wiAn1iaDee3iVwIFzdfoHEwzlcEZ3kdmB2jQxHQBQr6iI04RLfnufuSBTcmDoPYuKa2rXLiJ32ZXi08d_Ea4w35brW/w640-h308/IMG_20230618_114512.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I stopped at the col for a rest and a bite to eat and contemplated the route ahead. I could see the road to Gourette that stayed high on the mountainside but the trail dropped into the valley below the road before rising and crossing it a couple of kilometres further on. Staying on the road would save a couple of hundred metres of climbing but I could also see that there were a couple of short tunnels and I didn't fancy meeting cars while in them. Therefore, when the time came I stuck to the trail and dropped into the valley. On the plus side, the weather was getting better and there was the odd patch of warm sunshine. When I reached the lowest point before the climb I was struggling and under no illusions as to what lay ahead. Still there was nothing for it but to plod on. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGTeUOZ9MJv0sLn_6zGFIAwOFZr2dhqlmspVIOi5HQ76EQOE87kq8ZcPgx-STC-RFTo_O5j5isd98tzDKJ5HKcCEwuRMZnlAtLUTDPBrG_s5o_cPtNjtWAY8crfAC9zfx-mbpEdgykY2Qaidcd-r8YTRAjDTk1yX9xFgyVuHoZUX6uYNNboDVCf1igA7a/s4160/IMG_20230618_145732.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGTeUOZ9MJv0sLn_6zGFIAwOFZr2dhqlmspVIOi5HQ76EQOE87kq8ZcPgx-STC-RFTo_O5j5isd98tzDKJ5HKcCEwuRMZnlAtLUTDPBrG_s5o_cPtNjtWAY8crfAC9zfx-mbpEdgykY2Qaidcd-r8YTRAjDTk1yX9xFgyVuHoZUX6uYNNboDVCf1igA7a/w640-h308/IMG_20230618_145732.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaBlzDEdwqSefrsuiPdklQKRxF3N2_Trt9ZMu_ytF3b2WhspBq8MTHKZZS0t9yQgZFftwPkzbJxwmoPpDPBGX5DM0YnHD7MvtUsAc-e4eFGSu_dzWemKoE_-tluf9sOBQ2X7Zk0c0g4huLSChGjdL1PBkFrlx53j0dhj3lDgTDGYReCPPJ_oV2ReXwwJy/s4160/IMG_20230618_145739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaBlzDEdwqSefrsuiPdklQKRxF3N2_Trt9ZMu_ytF3b2WhspBq8MTHKZZS0t9yQgZFftwPkzbJxwmoPpDPBGX5DM0YnHD7MvtUsAc-e4eFGSu_dzWemKoE_-tluf9sOBQ2X7Zk0c0g4huLSChGjdL1PBkFrlx53j0dhj3lDgTDGYReCPPJ_oV2ReXwwJy/w640-h308/IMG_20230618_145739.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrvK6CVFlSz9425oFCYPYb0Wcz63XsCy6CtI6nyCdkVLxRuxVzYUZBphBY3vTGhJp7EoDkcIMmaiVDpy2IQ7ct2Jtdmp2Q0nfH4Ro5qJD7nrhHwS4d_DLDVNHDsWeAibRTqzeY4pCn4Dhx2C6kAq_t7KQnbjkgPW9B_uZ6AyUsIDDuLNxalMzqDlVHWpR/s4160/IMG_20230618_145757.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrvK6CVFlSz9425oFCYPYb0Wcz63XsCy6CtI6nyCdkVLxRuxVzYUZBphBY3vTGhJp7EoDkcIMmaiVDpy2IQ7ct2Jtdmp2Q0nfH4Ro5qJD7nrhHwS4d_DLDVNHDsWeAibRTqzeY4pCn4Dhx2C6kAq_t7KQnbjkgPW9B_uZ6AyUsIDDuLNxalMzqDlVHWpR/w640-h308/IMG_20230618_145757.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The next col, Col des Tortes was up at 1799 metres, so that meant a final climb of the day of almost 700 metres. I was slow but I did eventually reach it and I was able to enjoy stunning new vistas. I could also see Gourette not far away below me. I booked myself into a hotel for the night and set off down. Suddenly from seemingly out of the blue a shower of rain arrived and I had to don the rain gear again. It didn't last long however but I left the gear on rather than stopping again. Once down in the rather charmless town I went in search of my accommodation. To cut a long story short I couldn't find it. The location on booking.com wasn't correct and after getting increasingly frustrated and trying several phone calls I eventually had to concede defeat and I walked into another place and took a room. It was an end to the day I could have done without but it felt great to finally relax. The forecast rain and storms duly arrived at dinnertime and once again I was able to relax and enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of a room.<p></p><p>Day 2 had been an eight hour day plus the time wasted in searching for my room. I had covered approximately 24 kilometres, climbed 1800 metres with 1500 metres descent.</p><p>Monday June 19th;</p><p>Once again there was lightning forecast for the afternoon but the morning had been promised dry. Alas as I exited the hotel at 7am the skies were far from clear but I hoped that this morning things would improve early. Today I would have to cross over the highest point of the trip, the Hourquette d'Arre, which at 2465 metres would be a proper visit to the high mountains. It would also mean an 1100 metre climb to reach the pass even though I was starting at over 1300 metres. I found the trail and set of out of the silent village. The trail climbs up through mostly open pastures on the left side of the valley above the town. Thankfully well away from any ski lifts. The river in the ever deepening ravine was thunderous and swollen from all the overnight rain. Unfortunately before I was a half hour into the day the rain returned and with it came the thunder. It wasn't a storm of fierce intensity but there was a couple of times when I jumped when the bang came right above me. Still there was nothing for it but to go on.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMkE_iMufLm5rh0jLc3V3_Cqp7aV0M9qb7TEranUmHELOSAeTKUZE35JTaG2b3_LJqO4LW_KOKSQAvQ3wTvfNHJBFdZ9g77aI0SEXIqd8PHpO6_Lrqed1kznaoIiIxRk1jesFu8L2ocYUXzOybPe3WU-NIggcF62LPf1s0gk_6uSSgeFEKzrr8a7Nm8nX/s4160/IMG_20230619_073510.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMkE_iMufLm5rh0jLc3V3_Cqp7aV0M9qb7TEranUmHELOSAeTKUZE35JTaG2b3_LJqO4LW_KOKSQAvQ3wTvfNHJBFdZ9g77aI0SEXIqd8PHpO6_Lrqed1kznaoIiIxRk1jesFu8L2ocYUXzOybPe3WU-NIggcF62LPf1s0gk_6uSSgeFEKzrr8a7Nm8nX/w640-h308/IMG_20230619_073510.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weather was once again less than ideal.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>As I reached up near the 2000 metre mark things really started to take on the feel of the high mountains. Now there were extensive snow fields in the coums and the peaks that surrounded me were bastions of rock. When I reached the outflow from Lac d'Anglas I contemplated taking the boots off so as to get across dry but I decided to step on the submerged stones and it worked out quite well, just a little seepage entered the boots. An easy section followed as I passed a disused mining area before a steep climb up through rocks and some snow. Once up at 2300 metres it became a little more difficult to follow the trail as the markings were mostly hidden. I did find some markers that rose up to the right and I followed those. Up here the wind was quite strong and the continuous rain made it a less than pleasant experience. I finally crested the ridge and suddenly there was no more markers and the route down the steep far side was far from clear. It was then I noticed the cabin in the snow field several hundred metres away to the south of me and I realised that I had followed the wrong trail. I was up by Arre Sourins at 2600 metres and I needed to travel a few hundred metres along the ridge to reach Hourquette d'Arre so I could continue on the route. On the ridge, which was quite narrow, the wind was really strong and buffetting. My hands were also quite cold so instead of staying on the ridge I surveyed the ground to my right and reckoned that I could safely descend it to reach easier ground a few hundred metres lower. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazWGUHST-cnBXJFJRsSmatI9cU9bps9XfYrvmQ-OuZdx3F9mfGhJq-obOkTc-Js3-Y7DFNuakDLJRGPNFfuqcIx3kYNuepQ1M7bNwooJji5uYnh2Nk3_7zOxsWr9IfKyjFWwfNQx3tMJw3RChRvs7zVqEjaz_8CPKgNy8LzlIM0N4uKpRRtvqM_vgcOhq/s4160/IMG_20230619_083720.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazWGUHST-cnBXJFJRsSmatI9cU9bps9XfYrvmQ-OuZdx3F9mfGhJq-obOkTc-Js3-Y7DFNuakDLJRGPNFfuqcIx3kYNuepQ1M7bNwooJji5uYnh2Nk3_7zOxsWr9IfKyjFWwfNQx3tMJw3RChRvs7zVqEjaz_8CPKgNy8LzlIM0N4uKpRRtvqM_vgcOhq/w640-h308/IMG_20230619_083720.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting up into the high mountains..still 500mtrs higher to go.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23t5yFFzFY9_RHAsdqfRrXZAdEwe0KxcVIzuqDy1sQuI9roeSiSRGti0ikSxJ9acxIbgnbtFvhKl_Mg_NwKM2OZoy2t6juS5580BbYPEfAd2BxPB_K-IzSJcXcls9VptSF5Yop8qRGTct5Rm9JpYAPmXHdoz7bnItI37DYIew-qsoeVMACCd_aua4n-TK/s4160/IMG_20230619_083724.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23t5yFFzFY9_RHAsdqfRrXZAdEwe0KxcVIzuqDy1sQuI9roeSiSRGti0ikSxJ9acxIbgnbtFvhKl_Mg_NwKM2OZoy2t6juS5580BbYPEfAd2BxPB_K-IzSJcXcls9VptSF5Yop8qRGTct5Rm9JpYAPmXHdoz7bnItI37DYIew-qsoeVMACCd_aua4n-TK/w640-h308/IMG_20230619_083724.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I basically went up to the skyline on the top right.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Although the ground was steep the descent went fine and when I reached the easier ground I also saw that I had re-joined the trail. Thankfully down here the wind was absent and the rain had also stopped. After descending down to around the 1800 metre contour the trail crossed the river. I guess that this wouldn't present a problem with dryer weather but now the torrent was swollen and fast so I had to take off the boots and wade across. I was glad for the stabilising aid of my hiking poles. Once across there followed and long gentle descent to reach the plateau de Cezy. While I was mostly in the dry, all about showers of rain misted the mountains. Sometimes this can make things look dreary and grim but today I saw a misty magical landscape full of majesty and beauty. Two things in particular aided this view. First was the sight of the famous Pic Du Midi D'Ossau. This gnarled tower of rock rises to almost 2900 metres and presented a forbidding sight as it smouldered and towered beyond the nearer Pic de la Sagette. If Tolkien designed mountains then it would have to be in Mordor. The other was the stunning valley that stretched away to the southeast. The Val d'Artouste was a misty magical looking place that had a wide flat floor from which steep walls rose to rocky peaks of 2800 metres and more. It was a constant draw for the eye.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6Lo5EQQ0OHiz8q3iBjbSV1-gJKiT4mZ7tcB_yNi1JLK9scg_JufWCFeAaA9ZUH6mVPQohHNxNetTi3O-g2GydfP4boLeTOWhQBCI6YQhbsVAO60S9H2DyxlfJAejgkdQ7su3cmZQjLAs0C_umxaF0-70qm2U49Mq3K4NOb5gvfvaYCfJ0RBR2mMWrgBN/s4160/IMG_20230619_102746.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6Lo5EQQ0OHiz8q3iBjbSV1-gJKiT4mZ7tcB_yNi1JLK9scg_JufWCFeAaA9ZUH6mVPQohHNxNetTi3O-g2GydfP4boLeTOWhQBCI6YQhbsVAO60S9H2DyxlfJAejgkdQ7su3cmZQjLAs0C_umxaF0-70qm2U49Mq3K4NOb5gvfvaYCfJ0RBR2mMWrgBN/w640-h308/IMG_20230619_102746.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyea18jrxDqo-5Bl60FIpIJKiTHme-EQ_DPfyuVBqZrq9GJICq5hJVr03tTvdS9y0XiK-dCdm1g0CsmmZi6SOoHFL8VMcUHY6R6aN9aIVzd_CRQ-uVmCwV43IVzypI_cRPtYJHQHvA-PhIjD3u3TnSHEsh1uvEn9kMNAp1eZq9qTjrMFc9Ux_8vYw8hp4s/s4160/IMG_20230619_102742%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyea18jrxDqo-5Bl60FIpIJKiTHme-EQ_DPfyuVBqZrq9GJICq5hJVr03tTvdS9y0XiK-dCdm1g0CsmmZi6SOoHFL8VMcUHY6R6aN9aIVzd_CRQ-uVmCwV43IVzypI_cRPtYJHQHvA-PhIjD3u3TnSHEsh1uvEn9kMNAp1eZq9qTjrMFc9Ux_8vYw8hp4s/w640-h308/IMG_20230619_102742%20(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The descent was steeper than it looks here.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zYL3t8lUCNWlOINQkfrvMs8QzhWLkD3F5j-rDrVpSe0En_D-FDHyjsX1GbLQDnF8vPRl8LV9wH9n-K18DlhuoAZjg7vzR0Urt15VPrTpOy-dbBO77px9RqTOK5TKNJV555U4aFX2q6p9qZUwOrTlMYiTGQkYtx0_L7cl255vplnwD-_MzkQE5pE0o1v5/s4160/IMG_20230619_112703.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zYL3t8lUCNWlOINQkfrvMs8QzhWLkD3F5j-rDrVpSe0En_D-FDHyjsX1GbLQDnF8vPRl8LV9wH9n-K18DlhuoAZjg7vzR0Urt15VPrTpOy-dbBO77px9RqTOK5TKNJV555U4aFX2q6p9qZUwOrTlMYiTGQkYtx0_L7cl255vplnwD-_MzkQE5pE0o1v5/w640-h308/IMG_20230619_112703.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boots off time</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxLAyL8KKmxEV-HyhsofZ6zw5cPvfim03ha_JtIG-ddiykTABCN5I7CaoyLNJkRFWGRzuYIX-45LsIvptnquvsLy6Z4u-XuOPVHPHN0Gfph4vkyEAI1MKcoDwp0ij1MYN_T-m5aIBZV7tPB6adQI7Syq3y1EhsNHbDk7sVPNfejQoGrEBgbAUkYPWmie1/s4160/IMG_20230619_121038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxLAyL8KKmxEV-HyhsofZ6zw5cPvfim03ha_JtIG-ddiykTABCN5I7CaoyLNJkRFWGRzuYIX-45LsIvptnquvsLy6Z4u-XuOPVHPHN0Gfph4vkyEAI1MKcoDwp0ij1MYN_T-m5aIBZV7tPB6adQI7Syq3y1EhsNHbDk7sVPNfejQoGrEBgbAUkYPWmie1/w640-h308/IMG_20230619_121038.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once I reached the plateau the trail dropped steeply into the woods and eventually after a seemingly endless series of twists and turns reached at 1100 metres. If I thought that all the climbing was done for the day I was wrong. The trail twisted it's way around the hillside before you eventually reach a road a small lake and hydroelectric power station. Now the trail mostly followed the road down into the sleepy hamlet of Gabas. To say that I was tired by now was an understatement. I first reached a bed and breakfast but a sign on the door said that the reception was closed until 1600. It was now only just gone 1400 so I settled in to wait. I strolled down the road a hundred metres and alongside a closed little shop there was some sheltered seating. Another hiker was sitting there so I joined him. He was from Brittany and had good English so we chatted awhile. He too was waiting for the accommodation to open. At first I thought he was waiting for the B&B but it seemed that there was a refuge just alongside where we were which he had booked into and was just waiting for someone to come with the keys. He very helpfully rang the guy and sorted out a place for me as well. Before long we gained entry to the apartment and were shortly joined by three others. It made for a very comfortable and convivial evening. There was even a coffee maker there. Always a plus for me.<p></p><p>Day 3 had also been an eight hour plus day. I had covered approximately 22 kilometres and climbed 1500 metres with 1700 metres descent.</p><p>Tuesday June 20th;</p><p>There had been the usual storms in the night and once again it was gloomy and overcast when I left the refuge. This time I didn't get one hundred metres before it started to rain. There was also some rumbling of thunder. I plodded on and before I had covered a kilometre things really took a turn for the worse. The first few kilometres of the route today were along the forrested road that rose as far as Lac de Bious Artigues. It's fair to say that it would be a shadowy walk anyway but now things became really dark. The rain became torrential and the sky became full of fury. It seemed that there was no let up in the thunder and every ten or fifteen seconds the world lit up. Quite simply I had never been out in its equal. When a farm truck pulled up alongside and stopped I wasted no time in. The kindly man drove me to the lake and on the way up we were treated to some spectacular bolts that struck down into the valley behind. Thankfully the worst was past by the time we arrived. I felt a bit shaken but very thankful and relieved.</p><p>Wow, what a start to the day. As I followed the trail around the lake I now decided that I would head as far as the Refuge d'Ayou and reassess the situation there. Thankfully only the odd rumble could now be heard and away to the south there was the odd patch of clear sky. My hopes of a sustained improvement in the weather were dashed by the sight of a black cloud coming in over a mountain ahead and by the time I neared Cabane de Roumassot the rain was once again pouring down. It didn't last long however and thankfully there was no accompanying lightning and once it was spent there seemed to be a more sustained improvement. That meant that I was able to discount stopping at the refuge and I set the village of Etsaut as my new destination for today. I kept on looking back at the mighty sight Pic Du Midi D'Ossau as it smoked with cloud and I couldn't help but feel sad that I was beginning to leave the high mountains behind me. I hadn't really thought about that before I came. I knew that the mountains would taper off as they neared the coast but I hadn't quite realised just how soon that would happen. Still I was sure that they would still be beautiful and would hold many surprises.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-axH9IryJy5Q9QOIo30l2MyuGo2zB8wzG47EuxK-FPBa0zaaSkv7IFgp0iClddnnSyeUGV3CppLdJRkiXOeUXyc5eWg4LkVoG0udFFLKpl54mb8Ilpmhiql8J6JlRNTny7iuxHpSHRsROzGTfPUF8YuxR2IDpSN3Casxc7_JhB6QlbAzLpdfnGExtHtSH/s4160/IMG_20230620_094755.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-axH9IryJy5Q9QOIo30l2MyuGo2zB8wzG47EuxK-FPBa0zaaSkv7IFgp0iClddnnSyeUGV3CppLdJRkiXOeUXyc5eWg4LkVoG0udFFLKpl54mb8Ilpmhiql8J6JlRNTny7iuxHpSHRsROzGTfPUF8YuxR2IDpSN3Casxc7_JhB6QlbAzLpdfnGExtHtSH/w640-h308/IMG_20230620_094755.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way ahead</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRjxd0RyjIqEyqp2nIaFCIjhfBUppqL_xZzGynXzlJgRuEcPZ5tmXFlK0YZ9IPjEjz7wsu1a3qhJIrcRNjqToWJn9tCSJ2nBv3MJFpCu6OOu8wM2Q7SkP36KNFpfMerkAARqQT5FV8el17fT1BiHpImKIa9xtj8wbgUZMs0g-ZiZvKbLN2XgwBlsPFJDf/s4160/IMG_20230620_091006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRjxd0RyjIqEyqp2nIaFCIjhfBUppqL_xZzGynXzlJgRuEcPZ5tmXFlK0YZ9IPjEjz7wsu1a3qhJIrcRNjqToWJn9tCSJ2nBv3MJFpCu6OOu8wM2Q7SkP36KNFpfMerkAARqQT5FV8el17fT1BiHpImKIa9xtj8wbgUZMs0g-ZiZvKbLN2XgwBlsPFJDf/w640-h308/IMG_20230620_091006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to Pic de Midi D'Ossau</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>There were quite a few people leaving the refuge as I passed by. I guess they had the good sense to wait for an improvement in the weather. The going was fairly easy as far as the Col d'Ayous, which at 2180 metres would be the highest point of the day. The valley ahead was long and gentle and I was looking forward to enjoying a leisurely descent. Once again the hillsides were full of cascading streams and now with the ever improving weather I could see the mountains stretching away to the horizon. After an initial steep drop I was soon on the trail as it kept close to the river in the valley floor. Not much further on I came across a group searching for a place to cross the river to get to my side. I then assumed that there was no bridge so I decided to cross myself at the earliest opportunity. It was a slightly awkward crossing but I managed it without getting wet (wetter). I was then a bit miffed to find a bridge over the torrent about 500 metres further down. My enjoyment of the descent was also marred by the ever increasing amount of mud on the trail. The passage of boots and livestock, combined with the rain, had at times turned the trail into a mudbath. The next few kilometres were the worst that I encountered all trip. At times it was simply a case of hoping that the muck didn't come over the boots as I waded through. Eventually I reached some forest trails and things improved. Next came the rather spectacular Gorges d'Enfer where the trail was cut into the cliffside and was called Chemin de la Mature. The trail was quite wide but it still made for an airy and spectacular passage. After this section the trail descended gradually to a road which soon entered the rather quaint village of Etsout. I found the gite and booked myself in for the night and settled down to relax and reflect on the day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26LcNQp4JpJ8IEcJA_B5tFLC3TTzpJiOxNK8EWsCERfzZAJDXI7MWFh8m8K8gznVhhX8QOh8AIOrtHcXxVEVQQ8SpA9GKeUwnzn6VeLEy8USXASOT2fDbRi3kxyXTfhyqxguXA43-rwqQs-f0bA90l5K_py8-GVHWXIh0zqSlScGaXexQ3lsK7s1vKjdc/s4160/IMG_20230620_124854.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26LcNQp4JpJ8IEcJA_B5tFLC3TTzpJiOxNK8EWsCERfzZAJDXI7MWFh8m8K8gznVhhX8QOh8AIOrtHcXxVEVQQ8SpA9GKeUwnzn6VeLEy8USXASOT2fDbRi3kxyXTfhyqxguXA43-rwqQs-f0bA90l5K_py8-GVHWXIh0zqSlScGaXexQ3lsK7s1vKjdc/w640-h307/IMG_20230620_124854.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Chemin de la Mature</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y4EzZ4qTRP6uZfE1029j1AJB0-Dj_BszBMx9G889qSJIQVyD5H9C6GgKaKOzME0OS8CZMISCjf_HdI4hp1e_qilZWPLgNSJvjGDZd1mV7e5o22N0en0EFvjno5NG3yOYciCc8WO9pOG57HkrdUm-Cc_QkTPQstlfKMzy_JlmMbQ6d1raVYxXybLz1GHP/s4160/IMG_20230620_123052.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y4EzZ4qTRP6uZfE1029j1AJB0-Dj_BszBMx9G889qSJIQVyD5H9C6GgKaKOzME0OS8CZMISCjf_HdI4hp1e_qilZWPLgNSJvjGDZd1mV7e5o22N0en0EFvjno5NG3yOYciCc8WO9pOG57HkrdUm-Cc_QkTPQstlfKMzy_JlmMbQ6d1raVYxXybLz1GHP/w640-h308/IMG_20230620_123052.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Day 4 covered 25 kilometres (including a couple in the truck), climbed 1200 metres (including 150 in the truck), descended 1600 metres in 6 hours 45 mins.</p><p>Wednesday June 21st;</p><p>The cloud hung low on the mountains this morning but it didn't seem so bad and the stillness was only broken by birdsong. I was feeling pretty good and looking forward to what the day would bring. |As I passed up through Borce and entered the woods I was treated to misty views back across the valley. The first target for today was to reach the Col de Barrancq, which at 1600 metres was not too high. That said, I had started at just 600 metres so it meant a 1000 metre climb to start the day. I was quite hopeful that the weather would be better today so it came as a disappointment to feel the first drops of rain less than a half hour in. It wasn't the torrential stuff of yesterday morning but it was soon accompanied by thunder and lightning which came and went to varying degrees all the was to the col. Things never got as bad as the day before and maybe I was becoming more used to it but I wasn't as bothered by the storm today. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdW0bH4fiSvXsXfoqVNfd3d2NIIDNm4JHTZreFB7uWKOSJ4KKD-9hOnfHu0CesR7jRi7cWeVZP9QuUB24rW6bsEBw9MPahralD8Uh9_em59U1iBFA6DeqH38Sq9L7gHt5hdbAJEaDQc6a3jpIF4UA1Tx08WA485QGZ2d8d-h2jtRWYF9JGHRFWiqNKvkbb/s4160/IMG_20230621_081001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdW0bH4fiSvXsXfoqVNfd3d2NIIDNm4JHTZreFB7uWKOSJ4KKD-9hOnfHu0CesR7jRi7cWeVZP9QuUB24rW6bsEBw9MPahralD8Uh9_em59U1iBFA6DeqH38Sq9L7gHt5hdbAJEaDQc6a3jpIF4UA1Tx08WA485QGZ2d8d-h2jtRWYF9JGHRFWiqNKvkbb/w640-h308/IMG_20230621_081001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The thunder had passed but light rain persisted as the trail wound its way down to the flat valley below. There were some gnarly looking peaks showing through the mist and after a while some better skies began to appear. Once down in the valley a series of tracks and flower filled lanes contoured around a spur of the mountains until I finally reached a new valley and got my first sight of the village of Lescun where I could choose to stay or go on. The views from here were also wonderful as the valley was backed by a series of gorgeous mountains, all well over the 2000 metre mark, that offered, possibly the best vista of the trip so far. It felt like a delightful bonus and it seemed that I wasn't done with the high mountains just yet. The weather was all the while looking better and by the time I reached the pretty village I was able to relax in the little square and enjoy some coffee and lunch. It was still early. Once again I had started at about 7am and it had taken just 5 hours to reach here. With the weather looking better I was loath to finish the day now. So, during lunch I perused the app and map and surveyed my options. There was a refuge not too far along the trail, Refuge de l'Aberouat, which at over 1400 metres would add another 500 metres climbing to the day. That seemed like it would be enough.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCes5gUCTGjNBI8zX557WDigq8SzJ1xf8hHXhNAuY50tkeXmCR0n8z2bpouv3VSFGiZM9s1_kZE20ztH4VPf2RzhJn-zK_WIV6Nu8pK16GuaAT8Uop48R_HvrEMxEjtnNibjV9M7Cpv_QkHnNXWcqRt3GsINvBzMsp6SWSRtWtDBZRhm21UQpH_E_358Cw/s4160/IMG_20230621_100735.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCes5gUCTGjNBI8zX557WDigq8SzJ1xf8hHXhNAuY50tkeXmCR0n8z2bpouv3VSFGiZM9s1_kZE20ztH4VPf2RzhJn-zK_WIV6Nu8pK16GuaAT8Uop48R_HvrEMxEjtnNibjV9M7Cpv_QkHnNXWcqRt3GsINvBzMsp6SWSRtWtDBZRhm21UQpH_E_358Cw/w640-h308/IMG_20230621_100735.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Misty and beautiful after the col</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_w7_s1uWtmFw7ApCFoyCWDMsUVZ5o-w7vd4vT70qQ33DeOs7Oh2YHt1SErwOBPlX3NaJOXKJdQfti7E4MHrWs97JBBa3YRU--fNsh5UaSQAtv66RGqMlOsqPNvC5AEJN4cQcj0eoWXE1j15A4-3cSg7nRSPCYzZAPrL0cM_RIoqQVrPMcFQZELyw-crHP/s4160/IMG_20230621_111555.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_w7_s1uWtmFw7ApCFoyCWDMsUVZ5o-w7vd4vT70qQ33DeOs7Oh2YHt1SErwOBPlX3NaJOXKJdQfti7E4MHrWs97JBBa3YRU--fNsh5UaSQAtv66RGqMlOsqPNvC5AEJN4cQcj0eoWXE1j15A4-3cSg7nRSPCYzZAPrL0cM_RIoqQVrPMcFQZELyw-crHP/w640-h308/IMG_20230621_111555.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabulous new views</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIIQYHFIvJFUlUlcq2KKNkmqwqK7n8GNeKL1GCJp8a-YvWTCLO3G4i37wACSD4Xx30xoNZxNCE3a97w8PeoxUZvJgGOoQ945wizmWaZ7dCmyQbCwjirZZfM7TthJIYpLkN1xI1VCXarLKxkPCjWetV9mGMjzcpd8V2ZBfcHOFxlsGwNxFPl98sRjaxtuN/s4160/IMG_20230621_112328.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIIQYHFIvJFUlUlcq2KKNkmqwqK7n8GNeKL1GCJp8a-YvWTCLO3G4i37wACSD4Xx30xoNZxNCE3a97w8PeoxUZvJgGOoQ945wizmWaZ7dCmyQbCwjirZZfM7TthJIYpLkN1xI1VCXarLKxkPCjWetV9mGMjzcpd8V2ZBfcHOFxlsGwNxFPl98sRjaxtuN/w640-h308/IMG_20230621_112328.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delights closer to hand as well.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-dLVQZUEzYfIxWcdW09ZeJj15uGZkeZZITDDi_r_PEF5WuFBkW-bQawQFb55ipIa96d2nqW2b3a1EwTOXw1FlYmnWibeE-ONpIyLM-KOX7aKTX7P2MHOo8VJIQ3KRdn_CrulnuSPNgUtPn73xASFkHhJF4t5ReajIOkBUzVV_fK9AO4VgZMfWzGxWW0C/s4160/IMG_20230621_123122.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-dLVQZUEzYfIxWcdW09ZeJj15uGZkeZZITDDi_r_PEF5WuFBkW-bQawQFb55ipIa96d2nqW2b3a1EwTOXw1FlYmnWibeE-ONpIyLM-KOX7aKTX7P2MHOo8VJIQ3KRdn_CrulnuSPNgUtPn73xASFkHhJF4t5ReajIOkBUzVV_fK9AO4VgZMfWzGxWW0C/w640-h308/IMG_20230621_123122.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Lescun and the rain was coming again.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Not long after setting off towards the refuge the rain returned and I briefly thought of returning to the village. I decided that I could reach the refuge whatever the weather and continued up. The trail went up through open pastures and woodland and it had some delightful pockets of flower meadows in forest clearings. The rain stopped before I reached the refuge and bright sun started to appear. It took me nearly an hour and a half to reach the quite large refuge and I was quite relieved to drop my bag outside. The relief didn't last long when I saw the sign on the door saying that the refuge was closed that day. I thought about pitching my tent nearby but I saw that there was a cabin further up the trail so I decided to head for that instead. The trail continued up through mature forest before eventually emerging to uninterrupted open ground that soared up to the impressive Pic d'Aine (2504 metres) at the back of the valley. Now blue skies and warm sun prevailed and everything looked wonderful. I'm not sure how I managed it but I walked past the hut without seeing it and instead continued to another hut further up the mountain. The hut I passed was I believe an open shelter but the one I reached was closed. I found a delightful spot for my tent just outside and I settled into my new home for the night. I was at Cabane du Cap de la Baitch at just under 1700 metres. It was now 15.15 so I was looking forward to a long evening recuperating in the sun. I did enjoy a couple of glorious hours but my optimism was ultimately misplaced. After I had taken the opportunity to wash my shorts, t-shirt and socks and enjoyed a brew and a bite to eat some cloud appeared to fill the valley below and it gradually crept up towards me. By 17.30 my paradise was lost in the mist and soon after the rain arrived and with it the storms. The rain was at times thunderous on the tent but I stayed dry and cosy. It eased around eleven and I rested if not slept well.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA223fWM72Wl4PrIXixoGTmTyIJbWruEsW13Y562XxCF1GWOWUOmQAOfzW3UbmcbF5r0Blyww0N2waBB_1CLK5q1A6YTqhPhn8uym8np9cCUA37Fat_nDpFv_aKTLaXmG7DYcX7kSTps8bWHv7IffsnN5XDl7lFfscrg3qcaTOvPt7jgUWLd0wB2PBfGaj/s4160/IMG_20230621_134310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA223fWM72Wl4PrIXixoGTmTyIJbWruEsW13Y562XxCF1GWOWUOmQAOfzW3UbmcbF5r0Blyww0N2waBB_1CLK5q1A6YTqhPhn8uym8np9cCUA37Fat_nDpFv_aKTLaXmG7DYcX7kSTps8bWHv7IffsnN5XDl7lFfscrg3qcaTOvPt7jgUWLd0wB2PBfGaj/w640-h308/IMG_20230621_134310.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzX0C4MMKvDrynbT7irTBHxpzPlTk5siEK-WgpEQl-Eiv84zxQfT3n6iBgUWqXjPTKZNV9kxYFSL-sstTuPI53ZQ9131Hw2lwT147hXy1J7PsuohkfiA9MEVp0f3Jzxg-Q8nJEjvzRzUw_zx1SVR_LpOhTezp701cbgbZuYyFL9jIT1sLarJMArLenLMda/s4160/IMG_20230621_145405.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzX0C4MMKvDrynbT7irTBHxpzPlTk5siEK-WgpEQl-Eiv84zxQfT3n6iBgUWqXjPTKZNV9kxYFSL-sstTuPI53ZQ9131Hw2lwT147hXy1J7PsuohkfiA9MEVp0f3Jzxg-Q8nJEjvzRzUw_zx1SVR_LpOhTezp701cbgbZuYyFL9jIT1sLarJMArLenLMda/w640-h308/IMG_20230621_145405.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cabin is nestling dead centre</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI86Xb55VacuPPtyQ9YklCfP68BVw4-pQzBoHiDNJKX5XnU_Xe5m5nQD3yfDWSbgfzBnyrQtV3m7CLbjNdJS14H1ibs-FjZyFRZR6h81Q3jKci_rLMpOcr3VEdfwcgPG5pb2IRznjQ9Q8OToeTS3GtHa7iyY60b8JEj7f4c45zkjbbI3bWL45jR-8HgGQv/s4160/IMG_20230621_154444.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI86Xb55VacuPPtyQ9YklCfP68BVw4-pQzBoHiDNJKX5XnU_Xe5m5nQD3yfDWSbgfzBnyrQtV3m7CLbjNdJS14H1ibs-FjZyFRZR6h81Q3jKci_rLMpOcr3VEdfwcgPG5pb2IRznjQ9Q8OToeTS3GtHa7iyY60b8JEj7f4c45zkjbbI3bWL45jR-8HgGQv/w640-h308/IMG_20230621_154444.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping heaven..for a while.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6e9y2sMlFPTWcBgI_PcCZz1fy_o6s5y3OfPs4FH6xfm9qw4vLJb_ytEaxm_mJfmMV46-HufA9qXmeYDlGmw4yI_GqpiEG3FwdU0c0i4GTSgoyG6aGsCyrYTRnFjgiNjYQvUujaWdCW5hAenNhqw3jX-jrIUtAs2jVzh3ALaSxh1ZqdICdiUayMLoZpUOT/s4160/IMG_20230621_173151.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6e9y2sMlFPTWcBgI_PcCZz1fy_o6s5y3OfPs4FH6xfm9qw4vLJb_ytEaxm_mJfmMV46-HufA9qXmeYDlGmw4yI_GqpiEG3FwdU0c0i4GTSgoyG6aGsCyrYTRnFjgiNjYQvUujaWdCW5hAenNhqw3jX-jrIUtAs2jVzh3ALaSxh1ZqdICdiUayMLoZpUOT/w640-h308/IMG_20230621_173151.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chane coming fast</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUcAbZpOdJFO6aN94zXx6BRqBssbw52BJ8wH16gA5FtVAwvo_BQJgPl8rWFJeYTfb-lnYZuhFMz8o0w-SKlUI_u9dBTiHJra_S74dQF4pP8KILWR_Ho7JxlGoLfz525sT-HRk7HMmUALLPI6Etw1UjdNzkU4Ts5zJpgo-mSiNawGvFN24FsNr6poJNpQd/s4160/IMG_20230622_060923.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUcAbZpOdJFO6aN94zXx6BRqBssbw52BJ8wH16gA5FtVAwvo_BQJgPl8rWFJeYTfb-lnYZuhFMz8o0w-SKlUI_u9dBTiHJra_S74dQF4pP8KILWR_Ho7JxlGoLfz525sT-HRk7HMmUALLPI6Etw1UjdNzkU4Ts5zJpgo-mSiNawGvFN24FsNr6poJNpQd/w640-h308/IMG_20230622_060923.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salamander</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Day 5 had been a biggie...25 kilometres plus...over 2000 metres ascent in 8 hours.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday June 22nd;</div><div><br /></div><div>It was dry this morning, mostly, and I managed to get all packed and breakfasted in the dry. One advantage of camping at nearly 1700 metres was that I only had less than 200 metres ascent to reach Pas d'Azuns at 1873 metres. The trail rose up through some rocky cliffs and I was delighted to get my first (and only) look at a curious Izzard. It felt like a gift, especially as this was definitely the last day in the high hills. I was delighted and in great form as I crested the pass and contoured around towards the nearby Pas de l'Osque which at 1922 metres would be the highest point of the day. The rain came and went as I progressed on the undulating rocky ground until I reached the top of a ski piste and after that the route wound its way steadily downhill until I reached the small ski village at Arret de la Pierre St Martin. There was a refuge here but I was only starting my day. The local farmers were also busy milking their substantial flocks of sheep. I was wary of the possibility of meeting one of the famous Pyrenean mountain dogs who can be extremely fierce when protecting their flock, but this time I didn't see any.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUNd8jETd3fNmfsR7jt6Y9pu7FmoJz9ZUyn53Q21uy8gSb6HYRG4VDjF6iMvyCDsuHwom1r9m3xLN8KcD2NegPRndxndnj-0yWGQVASarmbimK4fE-3sbbge-jWYbt6_8oWQpCv_FDyXMXCZ7Fj35fAfS6dUeBTdEJ8csSLkjUjqPZJ_rmxnF3Fn8UEqe/s4160/IMG_20230622_065837.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUNd8jETd3fNmfsR7jt6Y9pu7FmoJz9ZUyn53Q21uy8gSb6HYRG4VDjF6iMvyCDsuHwom1r9m3xLN8KcD2NegPRndxndnj-0yWGQVASarmbimK4fE-3sbbge-jWYbt6_8oWQpCv_FDyXMXCZ7Fj35fAfS6dUeBTdEJ8csSLkjUjqPZJ_rmxnF3Fn8UEqe/w308-h640/IMG_20230622_065837.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the cabin behind.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfGijl7hJER3sQevdBScUmswjUdbTIPnajXfAnWjXgrCbdkVHSQNjET55TVlsYIqkbztykBX3ifu-1oYx_HvH_3HlHu6GfU2MKI58QGYAm-nXN69PDC-ik1BZqYjj5kg1bohKv_DVdiDb04XSEJPFo3Byp4nEXYa0OEb5FDgXnSxlfnxrTiyksuXqWOj2/s4160/IMG_20230622_072229.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfGijl7hJER3sQevdBScUmswjUdbTIPnajXfAnWjXgrCbdkVHSQNjET55TVlsYIqkbztykBX3ifu-1oYx_HvH_3HlHu6GfU2MKI58QGYAm-nXN69PDC-ik1BZqYjj5kg1bohKv_DVdiDb04XSEJPFo3Byp4nEXYa0OEb5FDgXnSxlfnxrTiyksuXqWOj2/w640-h308/IMG_20230622_072229.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up by the pass</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7rt4rAHdc08hyMT2nSHtvG5dPVDy2lKrhdu_XbjDNJefE79lSpFKcgwmSjxkvo2TR9d0g0g9LFtBf79B48N_KrLiZuYB3_9eIGKmcOc3j0Yd6WRj6bTyxkmZOnI6zqYPG59R9geTBhSf0agdpxD4pOg2obDu4CoZt1DbvGCk9UKRPMfKOSQIDLCICJ77/s4160/IMG_20230622_072204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7rt4rAHdc08hyMT2nSHtvG5dPVDy2lKrhdu_XbjDNJefE79lSpFKcgwmSjxkvo2TR9d0g0g9LFtBf79B48N_KrLiZuYB3_9eIGKmcOc3j0Yd6WRj6bTyxkmZOnI6zqYPG59R9geTBhSf0agdpxD4pOg2obDu4CoZt1DbvGCk9UKRPMfKOSQIDLCICJ77/w640-h308/IMG_20230622_072204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloudy wet but beautiful.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once past the refuge the nature of the terrain changed. Gone were the rocky ramparts and gnarly ground. When I could get a look at the nature of the mountains ahead I could see the rounded grassy humpbacks stretching into the distance. After rising gently through pastures I reached a road that rose as far as Col de la Pierre At Martin at 1765 metres. Even though there was no lightning it was raining steadily most of the day and there didn't seem to be any great hope of a clearance. Near the Col there was another flock of sheep being milked and this time I could see one of the guard dogs in their midst. I climbed up the slope a ways until I could skirt the flock and re-joined the route a hundred metres beyond them. There wasn't a sound from the dog, phew. I was then less than pleased to see the dog detach itself from the flock and head towards me. My relief was great when the dog trotted on by me heading to more sheep on the slopes beyond. Once I realised that I wasn't in danger I was able to admire what a beautiful creature it was.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10HDaXSdnH6DXAuGzfepDiagF5tbfkHhg9ZF0Bv1wxH--v81dXNZpcHFjQU1GRjSJACWmjLzr-2G9dDSfu68wM4VTkbk5Q7RFBfsOqO3VCF8i0Apjt53oeZtD7iQjZR6fSSdmBiVkyq7HeRJWlHk9OTci9cBIWZAAF4Rc0WdzUPB0RD1CAtIiJHdSuuPv/s4160/IMG_20230622_073556.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10HDaXSdnH6DXAuGzfepDiagF5tbfkHhg9ZF0Bv1wxH--v81dXNZpcHFjQU1GRjSJACWmjLzr-2G9dDSfu68wM4VTkbk5Q7RFBfsOqO3VCF8i0Apjt53oeZtD7iQjZR6fSSdmBiVkyq7HeRJWlHk9OTci9cBIWZAAF4Rc0WdzUPB0RD1CAtIiJHdSuuPv/w640-h308/IMG_20230622_073556.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolling green hills on the way ahead</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> A long descent along muddy tracks followed before I once again reached the forest where the trail became a little easier to navigate. The rain persisted and when I reached the gite at Ste Engrace I had had enough. Even though it was still just 12.30 I decided to stop for the day. The guardienne was a real sweetie and had a face on her like someone who was just after licking piss off a nettle. This she maintained for the duration. After initially grumbling that I had no reservation, she agreed that I could stay. After changing and settling in I returned and asked if I could have half board and again she grudgingly acquiesced. I settled in for the long haul. Now normally I dislike staying in dormitories but the presence of a French Canadian couple, an Englishman from the Isle of Wight and a delightful young woman from Lille who had perfect English made for a very pleasant afternoon and evening.. If I thought that the guardienne was less than pleasant to me, then she really took a set against the unfortunate English guy. He too asked for half board and was flatly refused. She wouldn't sell him bread and the only thing he was able to buy for dinner was a tin of pate and a tin of veal in oil. A native of the Basque country gave myself and the girl from Lille a tour of the village and told us a little of the symbols and culture of the area. It all made for an interesting and pleasant experience. I even slept very well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Day 6 covered just 18.5 kilometres...650 metres ascent...1700 descent in just over five and a half hours.</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday June 23rd;</div><div><br /></div><div>Good news, at last. The weather forecast was very nice for the next few days. I had been quizzing people the evening before about how long it took to get to Saint Jean Pied de la Port and Hendaye after that. Each said that it took four days to reach Saint Jean and a further six days to reach Hendaye. As I had a total of nine days left I would need to make a push at some point if I was to reach Hendaye. Now that the forecast was good I decided to try and reach Saint Jean in three days.</div><div>I left the gite at 07.35 and set off on the next section. I had a delightful encounter almost immediately when I came face to face with a beautiful pine martin just a few hundred metres from the gite. It was my first time seeing one and I was thrilled. The trail, after initially following a river until it reached Pont d'Enfer, then rose up through the woods once again before it reached a quiet little road that wound its way through open pastures to reach a pass at 1381 metres. Now the skies were blue and it was pleasantly warm and I revelled in the day. I got some great looks at the frequent fly bys of vultures. What magnificent birds they are. The trail then dropped and joined another track that contoured high above a deep valley to the south. It was easy walking for several kilometres until the trail turned back on itself and entered the deep wooded gorge.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAdMzJLGi7GiWv28iARtnU-aLJt7V_QVJlHMwd7tUwZvB0tOC8SBp0Rn0W_tfqneqPE6sslB18NyBweDip34DZlF2BqLYM2bSFoJqa4R_4NXuRya3fdgRl7CITyQB8NFRb6afH5Uw3Gt78ZS1taeMSw4spYU6jF-eWmAMinSBC74ViPv3CryptxtacEi5/s4160/IMG_20230623_110837.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAdMzJLGi7GiWv28iARtnU-aLJt7V_QVJlHMwd7tUwZvB0tOC8SBp0Rn0W_tfqneqPE6sslB18NyBweDip34DZlF2BqLYM2bSFoJqa4R_4NXuRya3fdgRl7CITyQB8NFRb6afH5Uw3Gt78ZS1taeMSw4spYU6jF-eWmAMinSBC74ViPv3CryptxtacEi5/w640-h308/IMG_20230623_110837.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkDJwTmRws55fYm3XYaGh1d2Ebo0rQWdBb64b7WTtVONLpIJv50nfU5mtGiY1GUi2ZMN3E15XdSDo_xbC05vprHp3g2iz3WHqgDGTi07Gj19-mRbnzv9Xj7pXkEFQ2R4-LACjaQDIW3C3yXL7xTP__E9I-kLOxMdKhPaQefRrwnc3geXpTnVk28IorgmH/s4160/IMG_20230623_102056.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkDJwTmRws55fYm3XYaGh1d2Ebo0rQWdBb64b7WTtVONLpIJv50nfU5mtGiY1GUi2ZMN3E15XdSDo_xbC05vprHp3g2iz3WHqgDGTi07Gj19-mRbnzv9Xj7pXkEFQ2R4-LACjaQDIW3C3yXL7xTP__E9I-kLOxMdKhPaQefRrwnc3geXpTnVk28IorgmH/w640-h308/IMG_20230623_102056.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDL9VS5AZaz0jE5Z9vYPwpO3iGwJXemmU6Ay5BlrJywg4GI1b0rX-rta42GX4-RtVdHV4_Z0Pamrl08Joosh_cGnV0NVZo9fJgAXVwKBMWgwZkkoqebpJE1c8CzVl9AX_OBcnL1eqIjUoSlAqq-C28NXKtLZbVzIrRpPMn0CFARDCESz99sAY1Ac-3OxV/s4160/IMG_20230623_093720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDL9VS5AZaz0jE5Z9vYPwpO3iGwJXemmU6Ay5BlrJywg4GI1b0rX-rta42GX4-RtVdHV4_Z0Pamrl08Joosh_cGnV0NVZo9fJgAXVwKBMWgwZkkoqebpJE1c8CzVl9AX_OBcnL1eqIjUoSlAqq-C28NXKtLZbVzIrRpPMn0CFARDCESz99sAY1Ac-3OxV/w640-h308/IMG_20230623_093720.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Once it crossed the river, there followed a long shaded section along forestry roads. I enjoyed a bite of lunch in the shade before shortly thereafter I reached a spectacular pedestrian bridge that spanned the gorge. I was a robust structure but it still had enough movement to thrill when in the middle of the 70 metre span. Add in the fact that you are over 400 feet above the raging torrent and it is indeed an exciting place. It was a delightful bonus to the day. Not long after this I reached the road and the gite and restaurant at Logibar. By now I had covered almost 28 kilometres but I was determined to push on and find somewhere to camp so that I could reach |Saint Jean in three days. It was warm and I was out of water so I went into the bar and asked if I could fill my water bottle and the guy tried to sell me bottled water rather than from the tap. I told him I would find a stream and left. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9Jwr5DKjEHG9t67fXMTHM0JZPLvSmW4wRUc6MVd60HH16BnaZlg7o-BgS1FEqbj1_p7NM-PqVgjTuXcD33EORXBGztm7JhdRXckkqDPPJJzvz_WxUN1VbuqugaWqSgPo9CkSNS_EDpB2sUZvfnw31Fs_WOvrI38QMciNctPzQI23Zy1azkMYHEyOLPyc/s4160/IMG_20230623_141825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9Jwr5DKjEHG9t67fXMTHM0JZPLvSmW4wRUc6MVd60HH16BnaZlg7o-BgS1FEqbj1_p7NM-PqVgjTuXcD33EORXBGztm7JhdRXckkqDPPJJzvz_WxUN1VbuqugaWqSgPo9CkSNS_EDpB2sUZvfnw31Fs_WOvrI38QMciNctPzQI23Zy1azkMYHEyOLPyc/w640-h308/IMG_20230623_141825.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BaCTMX-o1qJwu6zBRWVcnUfUNKkHpLrieeynLQrIj1gSj99YQfH6AJgf6jvyE0rXEqFGaG347f3raOMnTkaqJecvS-oHP6rW0AXZ9Hw_DQ-ev5VAjinA_JL7jCIMWA8hTx9fJbvi8WgGGFRoPHzAZ1fq5imNJ8yWCRWBpOXiwwvndvFosM2FaeYmQA8U/s4160/IMG_20230623_141448.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BaCTMX-o1qJwu6zBRWVcnUfUNKkHpLrieeynLQrIj1gSj99YQfH6AJgf6jvyE0rXEqFGaG347f3raOMnTkaqJecvS-oHP6rW0AXZ9Hw_DQ-ev5VAjinA_JL7jCIMWA8hTx9fJbvi8WgGGFRoPHzAZ1fq5imNJ8yWCRWBpOXiwwvndvFosM2FaeYmQA8U/w640-h308/IMG_20230623_141448.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The climbing started straight away and soon I was once again rising up steeply through the woods. The gite was down at 400 metres so I knew I had at least for or five hundred metres of climbing to do before I would have any hope of finding a home for the night. Once out of the trees the trail rose up through vast swathes of bracken that covered the hillside. It was here that I got my first introduction to horseflies. I suddenly found that four or five of them buzzed around me and I immediately put my peaked cap to good use and swatted them away. One did manage to get a taste of me before meeting its demise but boy was their size a surprise. I needed no encouragement in keeping a vigilant eye out for them. Thankfully they had a quite distinctive low drone and I was able to know when the took an interest in me. I pressed on and when I was up at around the 900 metre contour the trail traversed the steep hillside and near an old ruined farm building I found a good water source. The long drink was very welcome and I filled up my water bottles and determined that I would camp at the next available opportunity. This came a mere two hundred metres further on when a grassy clearing surrounded by beech trees appeared. I wasted no time in dropping the bag and once I settled on a nice spot I soon had my home for the night up. It was a delightful camping experience. Calm, warm, not too many flies, a good water source nearby and somewhere to sit and enjoy the expansive views. I was a happy bunny.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoxK4_EycqwEf-SCxH14GzBg79ahOocNdmEUt30HnYsRrnAfzFHQtQRznHDi4vBVfK3mnJlUM_JXNzrGKFCtQ7ynTWtvp5Bzy32FL2q1uyFgC5oCmkzTX0Ki9W6ZIZ8O1DyEDkfLYXwdAySP4aVOqcqDc6kApMjW6tk-H4YiVyiyKrDedJOs8EdoYn7Jd/s4160/IMG_20230623_174546.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoxK4_EycqwEf-SCxH14GzBg79ahOocNdmEUt30HnYsRrnAfzFHQtQRznHDi4vBVfK3mnJlUM_JXNzrGKFCtQ7ynTWtvp5Bzy32FL2q1uyFgC5oCmkzTX0Ki9W6ZIZ8O1DyEDkfLYXwdAySP4aVOqcqDc6kApMjW6tk-H4YiVyiyKrDedJOs8EdoYn7Jd/w640-h308/IMG_20230623_174546.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP6gRdsOztU9qWNPU1-uii9qxwk2u0erxlXnbdFOHSzFgFPLJ64o81ZnhY-uOb8o7dohgW1JKyOIvPa6d1XnrSwnouseUYgBmDlJR7HLCNGhjTvh4vjR1YUKmhYMjZaSqXYDqdvUd0p7mctLb1-CEqP5wtRs3zVsswaY59QJ18Prn6o9F6vJbg0HsLNOb/s4160/IMG_20230623_172754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP6gRdsOztU9qWNPU1-uii9qxwk2u0erxlXnbdFOHSzFgFPLJ64o81ZnhY-uOb8o7dohgW1JKyOIvPa6d1XnrSwnouseUYgBmDlJR7HLCNGhjTvh4vjR1YUKmhYMjZaSqXYDqdvUd0p7mctLb1-CEqP5wtRs3zVsswaY59QJ18Prn6o9F6vJbg0HsLNOb/w640-h308/IMG_20230623_172754.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Day 7 covered 32 kilometres...1800 metres ascent...1450 metres descent in just shy of 9 hours. It had been a good effort.</div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday June 24th;</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a beautiful weather morning. I took things a little more leisurely this morning and it was 07.40 before I was ready to set off. The beauty of starting up at the top of the ridge is that it makes for an easy start to the day and so it proved to be. The initial kilometre was a delight as it made its way along the ridge towards the next pass.. The previous day I had met a hiker who warned that this section of the trail was very muddy. When I reached a roadway where there was a large cattle through the trail took a turn for the worse. For the next few kilometres the trail was clearly also used by cattle and it made for some very sticky going. There was an almost constant need to be side stepping or sometimes simply trudge through muck and sometimes avoiding a slip was difficult. That said I was feeling pretty strong and I made good progress. It was great to be enjoying another great weather day. Finally I reached another road at Col Ugadze and I left the mud behind. A lovely easy traverse under the flanks of Pic des Escaliers (1472 metres) followed before a steep pull up onto its north spur and then a rising traverse to reach a broad grassy ridge just west of the summit. The views all along had been wonderful and I took my time and tried to soak them in.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglifXVrq2NYn5L2ELe9ipSAXHaPEYcGkZ8s7WMAdNunQ5G9jDnjyWSB6OWFE5RsU2cFT9FA3DXAtx0kMAdVgjK4_UdlxWEEMoIl0SvkIGMQ4H7GBDtok548GP-_zG7PsXEBEEiLpVv-hCXxbG8XqZfnKPNamzpuiVqjw38KmgJVeDpPGdVbMWM-ynFUikU/s4160/IMG_20230624_074353.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglifXVrq2NYn5L2ELe9ipSAXHaPEYcGkZ8s7WMAdNunQ5G9jDnjyWSB6OWFE5RsU2cFT9FA3DXAtx0kMAdVgjK4_UdlxWEEMoIl0SvkIGMQ4H7GBDtok548GP-_zG7PsXEBEEiLpVv-hCXxbG8XqZfnKPNamzpuiVqjw38KmgJVeDpPGdVbMWM-ynFUikU/w640-h308/IMG_20230624_074353.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the campsite.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSDprhmVh-_dwU1_boIHchjC6NOxztAZTzLgz_DJkunXQMqgakkRfUvmB_viWWpMPFpQcWe6iTXXI7Rf0-VjUiCXjvS6MzsbO3KFtFwGLnI7gUOeB4z8uUcE6Tc0GguBcbi655M7cPbENMBadKIwUahogSQ8vjhzDIkesYBvWB6lie7FQYY86cTTlzQxM/s4160/IMG_20230624_063734.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSDprhmVh-_dwU1_boIHchjC6NOxztAZTzLgz_DJkunXQMqgakkRfUvmB_viWWpMPFpQcWe6iTXXI7Rf0-VjUiCXjvS6MzsbO3KFtFwGLnI7gUOeB4z8uUcE6Tc0GguBcbi655M7cPbENMBadKIwUahogSQ8vjhzDIkesYBvWB6lie7FQYY86cTTlzQxM/w640-h308/IMG_20230624_063734.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice morning for it..Pic d'Orhy 2017mtrs..The most westerly over 2000 metres</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibi_3Oy9pd8dY1A0ZgdKzMaoT0kllT3EW97xR73ygpzcOXm5TaaIYKxroy0dsIR0byWzfs5l6HLa-bFwo61ifxX1kXm7pu6PkhHn1_nFD-G3FHrOrJPh2joRVwgLWN4YPEvZ5cHtQ9gFHDFEbD6rMM9GwR_cxCxf4kSVGnrWKMOmJBGIlDB9M5cZyizbcJ/s6080/IMG_20230624_105639.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="6080" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibi_3Oy9pd8dY1A0ZgdKzMaoT0kllT3EW97xR73ygpzcOXm5TaaIYKxroy0dsIR0byWzfs5l6HLa-bFwo61ifxX1kXm7pu6PkhHn1_nFD-G3FHrOrJPh2joRVwgLWN4YPEvZ5cHtQ9gFHDFEbD6rMM9GwR_cxCxf4kSVGnrWKMOmJBGIlDB9M5cZyizbcJ/w640-h324/IMG_20230624_105639.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking way way back</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Even though I had started up over 900 metres I had climbed over 700 metres by now and covered over eleven kilometres. I didn't have a target destination in mind for today. I just wanted to put in another good shift and see where I was after eight or so hours. It wasn't long before I reached Col Bagargi, which was quite busy, and next came Les Chalets d'Iraty where accommodation is provided for hikers of the GR 10. As it was just midday and the weather was so good it didn't even enter my head to stay. Instead I set off along the trail to discover what lay ahead. Not having a guide book and travelling in the "wrong" direction does have its drawbacks. It makes planning a little more difficult, and it is easy to miss that perfect camping spot or whatever but it also makes it feel a little more exciting and there is more of an adventurous feel to each day.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopMK8H2ru3HhCuAk4uWWqqgpb_e-Fq8Adnhlg-8meffcc5wUjlISLxyiALrz7-nVZgOKIiRtyVWpNpw49L71BeAJyGINDAfuV2eZ0RDPAyLdUOglvKnpGG2aYaooYZUAbR5yAXpW-Wgb9voYhKCYuJ3jZiu5WJtOHFXArJqessZYsugZZRcXSlzwiiERz/s4160/IMG_20230624_142149.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopMK8H2ru3HhCuAk4uWWqqgpb_e-Fq8Adnhlg-8meffcc5wUjlISLxyiALrz7-nVZgOKIiRtyVWpNpw49L71BeAJyGINDAfuV2eZ0RDPAyLdUOglvKnpGG2aYaooYZUAbR5yAXpW-Wgb9voYhKCYuJ3jZiu5WJtOHFXArJqessZYsugZZRcXSlzwiiERz/w640-h308/IMG_20230624_142149.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking to the west. Getting lower.</td></tr></tbody></table>The next few kilometres are easy and on good trails. Then you drop steeply down through the woods and, after crossing a road, you climb up the far side for a while before easier going returns again as you head towards Iraty. This is a busy junction where there is a mobile home park, a couple of rustic restaurants and a large parking area. It being a Saturday the area was quite busy. I went to the nearest restaurant to see if I could but a baguette or similar and I must have asked to take a dump in the middle of the floor instead judging by the response. I left quickly and continued along the trail. The route followed the road for a kilometre before the trail turns right and begins to climb towards the broad grassy summit of Okabe 1466 metres. As the route left the road at just 990 metres, it meant that the climb was nearly 500 metres. I confess to getting tired by the time I reached the top. I had covered over 23 kilometres and climber over 1400 metres and I was looking forward to finding somewhere to camp before too long. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ57k9Vl0IhlcW1Ui2sB43Muvr4ckmtFMFp8BWrCzJOFTea4gmUjbubkIyg9ud8gpKE6SGgHFwNRgJK4KkDTkVHf9iisTSWKipxjmXHeoBP7GK3n_5FzSmPPaCWEMAnoHpiMLo8A8rB8azoYiWjHc0rhfrcbfZgOLPLCFWCnQ9WjXtEl0CMamhgtYZnGK7/s4160/IMG_20230624_151325.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ57k9Vl0IhlcW1Ui2sB43Muvr4ckmtFMFp8BWrCzJOFTea4gmUjbubkIyg9ud8gpKE6SGgHFwNRgJK4KkDTkVHf9iisTSWKipxjmXHeoBP7GK3n_5FzSmPPaCWEMAnoHpiMLo8A8rB8azoYiWjHc0rhfrcbfZgOLPLCFWCnQ9WjXtEl0CMamhgtYZnGK7/w640-h308/IMG_20230624_151325.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was tempted to camp near here..Col d'Irhu</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>The next few kilometres provided easy walking and I reached another road at Col d'Irau. I had thought of pitching my tent near the col as there was nice cropped grass and a good water source but there was also signs warning against camping so I continued on. I met a hiker coming against me and asked him if he had spotted any good spots to camp ahead. He told me that once I had completed the next descent I would reach a road beside a river and that there were a couple of good spots there. I was a little sceptical about camping beside a road but when I finally reached the river at Bordes d'Intzarazki I found that the road was a 4by4 track so my mind was put at ease. Unfortunately the few good camping spots had already been taken so I had to press on. The track rose gradually across the hillside over the next few kilometres and I finally reached a farming area where I found a water-source and a nice spot for my tent. I was pretty tired and dehydrated and the first thing I did was get the tent up and set about cooking some tea. I had covered over 32 kilometres and climbed over 1600 metres and I needed to rest. Unfortunately after I had enjoyed my dinner and entered the tent to try and relax and get away from the copious amount of flies (of all kinds) I found that the tent was like an oven in the afternoon sun and soon I was a ball of sweat. I felt like I had no choice but to pack up again and make my way as far as the nearest gite at Kaskoleta . I stowed and packed away everything again and set off. Thankfully it was all downhill and I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was closer than I thought to the gite. After less than two kilometres I reached it. A very pleasant woman welcomed me to the excellent and quite newly renovated gite and soon I was enjoying the pleasure of a shower and a cool comfortable bed. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_W7_FThlDIyfloF5M1AOzzj-7zR5emqE6fLPXjNbZ4Qm-gfA84cmyAuPdFdv8ZQARt2epeN1aL236CjkFOHznJIdOf6lZ8KwvYD_JbrUAp_GbiHJtTS_OGc9auU5S7wJM_EJ8feQWHtlTNHK605bdDWE9fu_nhoURrGWQeMvFjRULkIa-Q1Gv31WgxFf/s4160/IMG_20230624_162826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_W7_FThlDIyfloF5M1AOzzj-7zR5emqE6fLPXjNbZ4Qm-gfA84cmyAuPdFdv8ZQARt2epeN1aL236CjkFOHznJIdOf6lZ8KwvYD_JbrUAp_GbiHJtTS_OGc9auU5S7wJM_EJ8feQWHtlTNHK605bdDWE9fu_nhoURrGWQeMvFjRULkIa-Q1Gv31WgxFf/w640-h308/IMG_20230624_162826.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Day 8 ended up being a nine and a half hour day, I'd covered 34 kilometres, climbed 1600 metres and descended 1940 metres. It had been another good effort.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday June 25th;</div><div><br /></div><div>The big effort of the previous two days meant that it was a relatively simple job to reach Saint Jean Pied de la Port today. Indeed it was a shorter day than I had intended but I decided to treat it like a rest day. It was a beautiful still bright morning and I was on the move just before 7am. The firsr four kilometres are all downhill along a quiet little country lane and after the exertions of the previous couple of days it was just the ticket. I was soon in the little village of Esterencuby where it looked like a lot of cyclists were getting ready for a ride. Almost 400 metres had been lost in height and next up came the only climb of the day, a mere 365 metre pull up and over the shoulder of Handiagamendi. One thing to note is the change in language and names of some mountains and places. This is the Basque country and the region has its own culture and language and identity. All the way from Saint Engrace to Hendaye there is a different look and feel to both the countryside and villages. it seems that every hamlet and village in the region is home to a sports hall-stadium where Pelota is played. I was fortunate to see a little of a game in Saint Engrace and it is a fast paced game played with a wooden paddle and ball on a an oversized handball/squash court.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQuuEgyLzQBljJV9cYj74h-ahuJ5CTdwp5y59X7bPU0cBtFlfOoTm-GKXfWJM9Pm40L3g9BI7lNVx-LmJdTbwJomIZmguDUkOp6d3LEtXsbVTO1wlc1dg_vqvW74VtqvtpuC7Oj5etPgXO1kiq74RjOHn-VpSpa7B8ONUVDo3uRADHsgzKMX0Hgkzb3EG/s3264/IMG_20230625_073058.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQuuEgyLzQBljJV9cYj74h-ahuJ5CTdwp5y59X7bPU0cBtFlfOoTm-GKXfWJM9Pm40L3g9BI7lNVx-LmJdTbwJomIZmguDUkOp6d3LEtXsbVTO1wlc1dg_vqvW74VtqvtpuC7Oj5etPgXO1kiq74RjOHn-VpSpa7B8ONUVDo3uRADHsgzKMX0Hgkzb3EG/w640-h480/IMG_20230625_073058.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice morning for it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMt0zW-f6GUoalcZAMR94fg-IAjrK6A3jysM2nqWl6_ZD10WaqlaBjLh41Cp4e5oPOmVmeZnH96bVSAp1aWqJU7A4GZemDXw1qMu1xji3xrz2kSBbJ42azA1BwpoZQGoCkGVUGVly2cJxgJ165EbLd25S4DfjiRjYjmZ6WZDwLrP1H8zssIRVpde6qWDu/s4160/IMG_20230625_075315.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMt0zW-f6GUoalcZAMR94fg-IAjrK6A3jysM2nqWl6_ZD10WaqlaBjLh41Cp4e5oPOmVmeZnH96bVSAp1aWqJU7A4GZemDXw1qMu1xji3xrz2kSBbJ42azA1BwpoZQGoCkGVUGVly2cJxgJ165EbLd25S4DfjiRjYjmZ6WZDwLrP1H8zssIRVpde6qWDu/w640-h308/IMG_20230625_075315.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down in Esterencuby</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The climb over the shoulder of the hill was easy as it rose gently along another quiet little lane. I had another delightful little encounter with wildlife on the way up. This time it was a little group of what I would guess grouse or partridge chicks as they foraged on the road side. They chirped their way into the long grass as I passed and it made my morning. Soon I reached the high point and the wide lowlands where Saint Jean sat was laid out before me. An easy descent on good a goo trail saw me reach another road before a final section through some woodland before I reached another road and this I followed all the way to the town. The trail entered the town at the top of the main tourist street near the citadel and it was immediately something of a shock to the system. Even though it was still before 11am there were lots and lots of people about and it felt like entering an alien land. Little shop after little shop plied their trinkets and baubles and lots of tourists mingled with lots of hikers, who I guess were here to do some of "The Camino". As there was a supermarket open until midday I made for that to stock up on some supplies and I then headed for the nice municipal campsite right in the heart of the town. I found a nice spot for my tent and relaxed for the remainder of the day. It was still before noon.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ENqrx_N5lc1mL8VHAa7hYceb_N6SxIvCyNAzZMqkMrel-DVdGRWeN7mJ9UgU9VJaiGRCZShUfvKItq54cpvinc1FNXW_7Nw40j-6AqSz56hLmaNtMwpdLZUs-C8kuRVa39XBic1e6NT4INHXb6rwz_UhibqVRuyg3dW1MrCIFqi4fqUmSHpEWQOQMqh6/s4160/IMG_20230625_083509.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ENqrx_N5lc1mL8VHAa7hYceb_N6SxIvCyNAzZMqkMrel-DVdGRWeN7mJ9UgU9VJaiGRCZShUfvKItq54cpvinc1FNXW_7Nw40j-6AqSz56hLmaNtMwpdLZUs-C8kuRVa39XBic1e6NT4INHXb6rwz_UhibqVRuyg3dW1MrCIFqi4fqUmSHpEWQOQMqh6/w640-h308/IMG_20230625_083509.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yesterday the hike came over the high point on the right.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDEGslXcO5V5bzVXqRS_n066lRRPfdhWtaQHvtI5nmfHL683HrublDFv6XDguvYOWoeCiJiGc9KyaBIDXzOzHCXlFa_bFeI1PvCsplQIC8flOMrMTjWnutZRDEeQKSqbcWRihrBveMmdqIrjEjz7S2H1Cpu_KEKtXmh4DiE5xAL6BeTHxD53z7A4LbNv6/s4160/IMG_20230625_091528.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDEGslXcO5V5bzVXqRS_n066lRRPfdhWtaQHvtI5nmfHL683HrublDFv6XDguvYOWoeCiJiGc9KyaBIDXzOzHCXlFa_bFeI1PvCsplQIC8flOMrMTjWnutZRDEeQKSqbcWRihrBveMmdqIrjEjz7S2H1Cpu_KEKtXmh4DiE5xAL6BeTHxD53z7A4LbNv6/w640-h308/IMG_20230625_091528.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint Jean lays ahead.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpB18GQDuuotCbKAi332WIsK7ORHf4kxUpaOwwKfvutaemX4q5JYHUIqhV5lnPvy1OxLHYz0R87I5aV652pOIiwfRN1BOEX44BZUvFZWIIHnGFid6PArXJT-PemQPFxg2coJ12wxETQG-cH2Y98KCQb3cZ42PGcaPOT_hvleSMRF9U8GW0HAnlQVcEhMRv/s4160/IMG_20230625_105203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpB18GQDuuotCbKAi332WIsK7ORHf4kxUpaOwwKfvutaemX4q5JYHUIqhV5lnPvy1OxLHYz0R87I5aV652pOIiwfRN1BOEX44BZUvFZWIIHnGFid6PArXJT-PemQPFxg2coJ12wxETQG-cH2Y98KCQb3cZ42PGcaPOT_hvleSMRF9U8GW0HAnlQVcEhMRv/w640-h308/IMG_20230625_105203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxrKxWAb_KbGX_6MY71zYfWZejS_Ur4IA6f2hI1GrtfI8pO_NYOvbL5n-LVdebQVLEfeB5siQDnltNrUlLGldf_cmdyzfz1sIETn7nEvxXJG8wxo6SzFJbA8MT7U88dmvZ2CEKglVHA3qzvnVBBTBquuJBu1jLdXl0YTMpdD0kE3-qjIwPMEGFAB7G95a/s4160/IMG_20230625_105354.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxrKxWAb_KbGX_6MY71zYfWZejS_Ur4IA6f2hI1GrtfI8pO_NYOvbL5n-LVdebQVLEfeB5siQDnltNrUlLGldf_cmdyzfz1sIETn7nEvxXJG8wxo6SzFJbA8MT7U88dmvZ2CEKglVHA3qzvnVBBTBquuJBu1jLdXl0YTMpdD0kE3-qjIwPMEGFAB7G95a/w640-h308/IMG_20230625_105354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The hot sunny afternoon gave way to an overcast sky in the evening and it actually rained quite heavily into the night. <br /><div><br /></div><div>Day 9 covered 18 kilometres...450 metres ascent...950 metres descent in less than 5 hours. Since I was finished so early it certainly felt like a rest day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Monday June 26th;</div><div><br /></div><div>The rain of the night had stopped before dawn but things were still quite overcast when I began the day. I now had six days left to reach Hendaye which was plenty of time. There was no need now to put in any big days to finish the hike. That said, each day wouldn't be too short either. The target for today was to reach Saint Ettienne de Baigorry and the GR went in as semi circular route and crossed over the top of Munhoa (1023 metres) which meant, as I was starting down at 160 metres, it would have a nice bit of climbing as well. It was after 8am when I set off into the now quiet town. After couple kilometres I was out in the countryside and the route continued along ever quieter lanes as it headed for the base of Munhoa. After five kilometres the road gave way to a track that twisted and turned up the mountainside. The cloud shrouded the summits and it was quite atmospheric. It felt a lot like being on the hills at home. I was pretty lucky really and the cloud rose with me and by the time I reached the top I had some teasing views to nearby mountains and valleys.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3pTlXdL67Z4-Y6tdBqIMDho0RT8GnkarhrAoFH53zJ6C5MmPTkVp-YSIPX_oZkopFf5MEPDj4hmW8rj2aqf_Qy_XTBRO_lCOc0pkyQaLnIcLSZsAn6syNCvw6PWBHutrkImDMVcM1-U9VsNcr_0T2pb8J14k_pJzvuYRTyFNBEuFuSyRG7LQpsQ8CIp5/s4160/IMG_20230626_085148.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3pTlXdL67Z4-Y6tdBqIMDho0RT8GnkarhrAoFH53zJ6C5MmPTkVp-YSIPX_oZkopFf5MEPDj4hmW8rj2aqf_Qy_XTBRO_lCOc0pkyQaLnIcLSZsAn6syNCvw6PWBHutrkImDMVcM1-U9VsNcr_0T2pb8J14k_pJzvuYRTyFNBEuFuSyRG7LQpsQ8CIp5/w640-h308/IMG_20230626_085148.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pretty typical farmhouse</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYyQ8p8a3WVacZ9jMnZY_gv5-z4LtzNvzIcThHXLPwyBSKPn5IVcnEJKlNHJesMh6em9uTlQHBE79jE8AvXJ0aDHUQM20Fx60l7NvFbFBNsFTb3PZn86vBGJgEiOB6fx-kllAOitWas6dOshjGbnmd8MNwlUmu6A6WKVxRMnWGPN9a4-ftey8fM37S5CW/s4160/IMG_20230626_084340.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYyQ8p8a3WVacZ9jMnZY_gv5-z4LtzNvzIcThHXLPwyBSKPn5IVcnEJKlNHJesMh6em9uTlQHBE79jE8AvXJ0aDHUQM20Fx60l7NvFbFBNsFTb3PZn86vBGJgEiOB6fx-kllAOitWas6dOshjGbnmd8MNwlUmu6A6WKVxRMnWGPN9a4-ftey8fM37S5CW/w640-h308/IMG_20230626_084340.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloudy but dry</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvCMSsjCX3b-IqecXCSjcChi-QGA_JjvYpsIv16ME5fABwIVy9qbHGs7TA7109q-gM-eAghyOna19R9ltxuOueANbXpbW1C_qoV1TPu6mcyZod2BfEu1tuCqn8KOrWSKxkDTE5Qka3VULMtW_bu-rjWf1jMkF0i8RtZuZeVs1tyItrxw2GFwm8gBHRpgC/s4160/IMG_20230626_091231.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvCMSsjCX3b-IqecXCSjcChi-QGA_JjvYpsIv16ME5fABwIVy9qbHGs7TA7109q-gM-eAghyOna19R9ltxuOueANbXpbW1C_qoV1TPu6mcyZod2BfEu1tuCqn8KOrWSKxkDTE5Qka3VULMtW_bu-rjWf1jMkF0i8RtZuZeVs1tyItrxw2GFwm8gBHRpgC/w640-h308/IMG_20230626_091231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXL4eexzexOfPigQqdcYUWQKfFfwK2YHn2BdiMEipqqAd4qhnb_F_YCG2bng_E-7ZBEaohugwUygwidPEr7MAl4vr9uuuyc9DX_AHY6cDwGUIhOd_F2yrhlQ33YeE_HAiuqqXC-1wHWEY6NbmNMrKJPAS0xWXUXK_SvCdT26g7j73wVfxig2HJJYgzW-G/s4160/IMG_20230626_112048.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXL4eexzexOfPigQqdcYUWQKfFfwK2YHn2BdiMEipqqAd4qhnb_F_YCG2bng_E-7ZBEaohugwUygwidPEr7MAl4vr9uuuyc9DX_AHY6cDwGUIhOd_F2yrhlQ33YeE_HAiuqqXC-1wHWEY6NbmNMrKJPAS0xWXUXK_SvCdT26g7j73wVfxig2HJJYgzW-G/w640-h308/IMG_20230626_112048.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oilarandoi just about clearing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRsdjKD4RL2nnvRRm1YfZ5lLBtK4ULd2ohpYSphgRNtBg-mavGWyUjLuTATs-a0yoNV-1F207Ak6gOket_RWJeGDGm_VBa_CTa4uhlyiQq2uk3PpI8_IzZTjntGq3vCVxjRho6Im3c3H3yW22zcCRBCn_3Fa8RIcAnRSZKNsCwPakrQeVKUnpVw37pcV8/s4160/IMG_20230626_122331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRsdjKD4RL2nnvRRm1YfZ5lLBtK4ULd2ohpYSphgRNtBg-mavGWyUjLuTATs-a0yoNV-1F207Ak6gOket_RWJeGDGm_VBa_CTa4uhlyiQq2uk3PpI8_IzZTjntGq3vCVxjRho6Im3c3H3yW22zcCRBCn_3Fa8RIcAnRSZKNsCwPakrQeVKUnpVw37pcV8/w640-h308/IMG_20230626_122331.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>An easy section follows until you reach Col d'Urdanzia and then you enter the woods and drop towards the pass at Ahartzago Lepoa at 737 metres. On the way I was treated to teasing views of the nearby summit called OiIarandoi 939 metres and when I reached the pass I decided to include it in my day. Unfortunately the cloud descended as I rose and I had no views but I was still glad to have done it. The summmit is adorned with a small chapel. I returned to the pass and after a bite to eat I followed the trail as it contoured around the flanks of the mountain. It dropped steeply in places down some broken rocky slopes until it crossed a shoulder and then dropped steeply to the pretty village of Saint Ettienne. Once down I walked the kilometre or so to reach the excellent campsite. It was just after 14.15 when I arrived, so once again I had a long evening to relax.</div><div><br /></div><div>Day 10 was 22 kilometres in length...1150 metres ascent in 6 hours 20 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tuesday June 27th;</div><div><br /></div><div>Todays section was from Saint Ettienne to Bidarray. I was quite looking forward to this section as it crossed over a long series of rather spectacular looking tops on the French-Spanish border. Unfortunately the cloud of yesterday persisted and the tops were again hidden. It was once again dry and I was in good spirits as I walked back through the pretty village. There was a short climb up a quiet lane before a more sustained climb up through forest and then open ground saw me reach the shoulder of Aintziaga, the first major top of the ridge at 905 metres. It presented a steep rocky prow that didn't look easily climbable but the trail passed to the right and climbed up to a shallow col beyond the peak. A steep pull from the col ensues and after gaining 200 metres I arrived at the summit of Buztanzelhai at 1030 metres. The wispy cloud tried to clear and foggy views were on offer across to other tops and down to the valley far below.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3uqH8vpDaQl_Q9yy4k_ZK13FxJmbJQ6Oa5cuMNywhDgFHlQd0slemd8g0H8IGkZ_KWA1DPYH_3At15v2MDDYouwu0TZMruDIwj23J6rozklTk_b2rxfVbWI6KSWsnxbwgZosiAqb_lzmnYVIQRif_GbmbsgTlUba-ijVz2zMkucUeWtYMlRHXh0Q9yRm/s4160/IMG_20230627_092537.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3uqH8vpDaQl_Q9yy4k_ZK13FxJmbJQ6Oa5cuMNywhDgFHlQd0slemd8g0H8IGkZ_KWA1DPYH_3At15v2MDDYouwu0TZMruDIwj23J6rozklTk_b2rxfVbWI6KSWsnxbwgZosiAqb_lzmnYVIQRif_GbmbsgTlUba-ijVz2zMkucUeWtYMlRHXh0Q9yRm/w640-h308/IMG_20230627_092537.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tops of yesterday</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileoWwhIOfS4kpCbFkwBhty3jple4VOlpCiWET8Cfm7UgokrjK1THK7wRk0KK9OLNAB5wFgFyz-FvIrO6kAivEna6NWX04s_AmGHjkSpF9eSFgDyC-bHnKGdVgv3qhZFyGtS5BBMf7ci5vTSLLL-PXblSffYo0XY59EJpaPyIbPawMk7pMt61h5Zc7jAtw/s4160/IMG_20230627_092544.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileoWwhIOfS4kpCbFkwBhty3jple4VOlpCiWET8Cfm7UgokrjK1THK7wRk0KK9OLNAB5wFgFyz-FvIrO6kAivEna6NWX04s_AmGHjkSpF9eSFgDyC-bHnKGdVgv3qhZFyGtS5BBMf7ci5vTSLLL-PXblSffYo0XY59EJpaPyIbPawMk7pMt61h5Zc7jAtw/w640-h308/IMG_20230627_092544.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The ridge turns to the north and passes over a series of tops. To the right a series of cliff guard the summits of the ridge. To the left the slope is gentler and the ground drops into a wooded valley beyond which rise rounded grassy mountains of 1000 metres and more. It was actually a very spectacular place to be and at times things looked wonderful when cliffs loomed out of swirling mists. I had the first peak to myself but as I progressed I met more and more people. It was clearly a popular day out. The trail drops down to near the 800 metre contour and briefly enters the woods before climbing again to over 1000 metres. After this the climbing is more or less done and after passing over Pic d'lParla at 1045 metres there follows a long descent on the continuation of the ridge as it drops down to Bidarray. Once down in the village I made my way to the gite Aire Zabal. I arrived at about 14.20 and was a little disappointed to be told that reception would open at 16.00. There was nothing for it but to chill and relax in the afternoon sun for a couple of hours. I was joined soon after by a German pilgrim who didn't speak any English...or French it seemed. It took a bit of explaining but he eventually grasped that using his phone to translate German to French wasn't helping me understand what he was trying to say. I had planned on staying in my tent but if you did you weren't allowed into the gite , so you couldn't use the loo or kitchen. The loo was about 500 metres away at the far end of the village. I opted to stay in the gite. The place got quite busy as the day wore on and Bidarray is also a stopping point on a variant of "The Camino". There were eight of us in the room for the night and unfortunately my German friend in the adjacent bunk was a deep sleeper who snored continuously and loudly. It got so bad that I left the room and tried to get some sleep in the lounge area. Sleep eluded me and I even tried going for a stroll around the village at three in the morning. It was a long night.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pjTET1gNZn6RAyeI0xSCnJJJnas9-t4xLZXqP9gs6UjT-zMcKyZRWzvpg-a5eEhJzKeYeePrNfsGt1iNx-B3XAT-wOAsNGoMJtZ_-o3DDxjY4gapUdvan7lQRz80S_FsCfEeQ74mEaH0-9wbBTOXZ-vnDUS2i1yvmC3Bt1A6u8zPcVt574_pleG91t07/s4160/IMG_20230627_120816.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pjTET1gNZn6RAyeI0xSCnJJJnas9-t4xLZXqP9gs6UjT-zMcKyZRWzvpg-a5eEhJzKeYeePrNfsGt1iNx-B3XAT-wOAsNGoMJtZ_-o3DDxjY4gapUdvan7lQRz80S_FsCfEeQ74mEaH0-9wbBTOXZ-vnDUS2i1yvmC3Bt1A6u8zPcVt574_pleG91t07/w640-h308/IMG_20230627_120816.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2nppQVKje87N_O3hCZc7xMrog6DuPwWm5LjUcMxPy7kErAJjUuNtmzNWhSu6ql5lbQ-OkSbZdy9Gkopn4qVv04_3W5mtkS6FPj9tLsx9328YNA6lVRI96fVe8eFzE2DeA-AIPEDxae6aPJWB3vIJ4CR2swJ5jLBrJhkknldNAC9QQhQHlWZugiZjgfAn/s4160/IMG_20230627_120714.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2nppQVKje87N_O3hCZc7xMrog6DuPwWm5LjUcMxPy7kErAJjUuNtmzNWhSu6ql5lbQ-OkSbZdy9Gkopn4qVv04_3W5mtkS6FPj9tLsx9328YNA6lVRI96fVe8eFzE2DeA-AIPEDxae6aPJWB3vIJ4CR2swJ5jLBrJhkknldNAC9QQhQHlWZugiZjgfAn/w640-h308/IMG_20230627_120714.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1UA8YlyXJdK-GuCK_5UAS6-doY_foAdZYeff8e6LL5y-ZdBNgGMxOULHdYnvpXyfrKM8EWBWt1H5w_rh9lkCDs0PwGQxGCZeyBb2JXeGYaR8JC0SPsB5e8zd5K39Pi_4uN0B7svCMJmGCVWXmKPjL8YJUpNCi2okUoIIj7GC9PdZK2IwBmBEgB_KaiUv/s4160/IMG_20230627_095256.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1UA8YlyXJdK-GuCK_5UAS6-doY_foAdZYeff8e6LL5y-ZdBNgGMxOULHdYnvpXyfrKM8EWBWt1H5w_rh9lkCDs0PwGQxGCZeyBb2JXeGYaR8JC0SPsB5e8zd5K39Pi_4uN0B7svCMJmGCVWXmKPjL8YJUpNCi2okUoIIj7GC9PdZK2IwBmBEgB_KaiUv/w640-h308/IMG_20230627_095256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuntLMRET9pxFl-ZpfMBDyA0aDsJYP8n632PTfVikX0olTjaFzCCDIsjvTOyavsgwvY8ehlFRVBkm9d8uEXuDhPT9OJIUKCHkt_R0V47ycX-5AIxlv2rsQ93qHoVUK6HCRgB9YUdzrU0W4SK5pSd7ZShlh2KbglOMuFBU9V-y5ED10KarCCuBzZ5sqnsp/s4160/IMG_20230627_125211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuntLMRET9pxFl-ZpfMBDyA0aDsJYP8n632PTfVikX0olTjaFzCCDIsjvTOyavsgwvY8ehlFRVBkm9d8uEXuDhPT9OJIUKCHkt_R0V47ycX-5AIxlv2rsQ93qHoVUK6HCRgB9YUdzrU0W4SK5pSd7ZShlh2KbglOMuFBU9V-y5ED10KarCCuBzZ5sqnsp/w640-h308/IMG_20230627_125211.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpIUfAA8hfUMt72L6QFi5P8TyXQjfWsN27a4TnDknvxgSlIIy_9Rc86tryqDN84ii9ezDKwZPh2IBiPOTS4goc78Vzte7g_x_33AReDx_H092ZYp3ukemTbVnxlHiBSa7bi2OOsZoe1MIi8IYgSNEtLsKfQWwkGLaFtnQm5e0l87qpLl5lM3cBGiBZbZT/s4160/IMG_20230627_141013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpIUfAA8hfUMt72L6QFi5P8TyXQjfWsN27a4TnDknvxgSlIIy_9Rc86tryqDN84ii9ezDKwZPh2IBiPOTS4goc78Vzte7g_x_33AReDx_H092ZYp3ukemTbVnxlHiBSa7bi2OOsZoe1MIi8IYgSNEtLsKfQWwkGLaFtnQm5e0l87qpLl5lM3cBGiBZbZT/w640-h308/IMG_20230627_141013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Day 11 a mere 19 kilometres....1250 metres ascent in 6 hours 25 mins.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday June 28th;</div><div><br /></div><div>I was on the move again this morning at 7am. The destination for today was the village of Ainhoa. Once again the weather was good, no rain was forecast and temps were to stay in the low twenties. The route today had a gentle start as it followed a quiet road as it meandered alongside the pretty Bastan river. It was just as well things were easy as I was feeling rough this morning. A combination of not eating enough and no sleep meant I was less than fine form. I guess the feeling that the trip was winding down also added to the malaise. I wasn't sure what to expect from now on. All the big mountains were well behind me and things certainly had a less wild feel. Still, each day would bring me somewhere new and I was looking forward to seeing what came next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVxXg1I1iPF0wsQJSDATrjCqyyAjNU4HSi-BZEpq5g7Sx9q5SN1qjs_5fwviEnxb5Sg91HbzZwGsrfqHkOWwDAfQ5xKjXKbhzqKTBeg3AnlwQNVfyBBybkZRVahKcxIBJdObncOrY_5Y6JuUZVWAgLbx-wh7s6HvG7M4C9rp39xwp-IDpptPVu9J9GIoQ/s4160/IMG_20230628_080146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVxXg1I1iPF0wsQJSDATrjCqyyAjNU4HSi-BZEpq5g7Sx9q5SN1qjs_5fwviEnxb5Sg91HbzZwGsrfqHkOWwDAfQ5xKjXKbhzqKTBeg3AnlwQNVfyBBybkZRVahKcxIBJdObncOrY_5Y6JuUZVWAgLbx-wh7s6HvG7M4C9rp39xwp-IDpptPVu9J9GIoQ/w640-h308/IMG_20230628_080146.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOxF39DU-36aPF0_31LKgRBHtx0z3h39tblNiWFB4fvtlIgOBWsDBTOBsJJ9f_tPfzFvakgvVyQ_6AOxzgUTHmFi5zWJjVAY-ECdyvqkHk8dNgNR0UtNuwi77NFrQ5eSKhs1mcqv0jfPxTT6jFbNaQYkA6mw3rWrrElkX_uoqRLX0qkRNJnHksh5q13ZX/s4160/IMG_20230628_082648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOxF39DU-36aPF0_31LKgRBHtx0z3h39tblNiWFB4fvtlIgOBWsDBTOBsJJ9f_tPfzFvakgvVyQ_6AOxzgUTHmFi5zWJjVAY-ECdyvqkHk8dNgNR0UtNuwi77NFrQ5eSKhs1mcqv0jfPxTT6jFbNaQYkA6mw3rWrrElkX_uoqRLX0qkRNJnHksh5q13ZX/w640-h308/IMG_20230628_082648.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower hills but still wild and wonderful</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>After five kilometres the trail suddenly left the road and began to climb steeply up the hillside. My fears that all things wild were behind me turned out to be unfounded. Soon I was climbing up through rough rocky ramparts and over four hundred metres of height are gained. Rounding a corner I came upon a large group of vultures, some of whom were feeding on a hidden carcass a mere twenty metres above the trail. Many more were perched on nearby rocks, seemingly patiently waiting their turn to feast. The sound of them hissing and screeching at each other by the feast was quite eerie. I wasn't about to climb up to see what was providing the food. It was a wonderful sight and it was great to see up close these wonderful birds. My mood was certainly improved but my physical struggles remained, but when I reached the top of this steep section I was suddenly on a expansive grassy plateau that provided easy walking all the way to Col de Mehatse. A rest and a decent bite to eat went some way to restoring me. The easy going continues for the next couple of kilometres along a quiet lane before the trail turns and traverses gently open hillside to reach another col at Lepoa. More easy going follows to reach Col de Trois Croix. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpwzWFVgJZVqVQIjAWHvqRT6U-hvv4y5zYdjexzFAP5R36i3oLZqYjLPh1Wkex9vDUhuP8KStdzrze0ttrlSErINqm-JOry0epp1TbZqhu7gjKEuXbS7iR__jAap2S7nSxCNk5p0BAnRhTseGyhvsnB4xzsMkosuMQM-uBJOCzJEtXa_8poNlcIxPT54c/s4160/IMG_20230628_085259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpwzWFVgJZVqVQIjAWHvqRT6U-hvv4y5zYdjexzFAP5R36i3oLZqYjLPh1Wkex9vDUhuP8KStdzrze0ttrlSErINqm-JOry0epp1TbZqhu7gjKEuXbS7iR__jAap2S7nSxCNk5p0BAnRhTseGyhvsnB4xzsMkosuMQM-uBJOCzJEtXa_8poNlcIxPT54c/w640-h308/IMG_20230628_085259.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFWV_oFRtNsiJHLOH5acKwOMbO2z7hSz098ltIFvjRYzer89xmUsmaYVMNSX6YDxrRStYfgLFOeNJsYI3FfM897LeeIW_Mb0j-jaVpYW-d2EL6OnmzeIfbEwbK5SUG3ArZDAV15oQvLssXg4uJkaFSbQe79F4Ck32tnL_dULtK0HQiErYjLsGheEdnruZ/s4160/IMG_20230628_100848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFWV_oFRtNsiJHLOH5acKwOMbO2z7hSz098ltIFvjRYzer89xmUsmaYVMNSX6YDxrRStYfgLFOeNJsYI3FfM897LeeIW_Mb0j-jaVpYW-d2EL6OnmzeIfbEwbK5SUG3ArZDAV15oQvLssXg4uJkaFSbQe79F4Ck32tnL_dULtK0HQiErYjLsGheEdnruZ/w640-h308/IMG_20230628_100848.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B5BIeeG7GgffZmynS49SQ5DYJwf937LsnwmRm7uo59OZl5HItnkG-SAQU8xIX40blDUx7MSSp_9d-OUKbobT2O8d5QE7QmBQhCgLuwEFQBclUZ5C-JvPO7b7h1sh7R5zpJdg6nHJInwVzTmII6flsuwgxjyZ3EBErKC4ARvB-7TQeM_udy7KodPfI-8k/s4160/IMG_20230628_114333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B5BIeeG7GgffZmynS49SQ5DYJwf937LsnwmRm7uo59OZl5HItnkG-SAQU8xIX40blDUx7MSSp_9d-OUKbobT2O8d5QE7QmBQhCgLuwEFQBclUZ5C-JvPO7b7h1sh7R5zpJdg6nHJInwVzTmII6flsuwgxjyZ3EBErKC4ARvB-7TQeM_udy7KodPfI-8k/w640-h308/IMG_20230628_114333.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>After rounding the hill called |Errebi I could suddenly see the village of Ainhoa not far away. Before that I reached a rather spectacular if not a little macabre Calvary, where three large crosses were adorned by life size figures in various poses of agony. Beneath these a small graveyard sat and nearby a small chapel completed the scene. It was fascinating. The trail drops a further three hundred metres and suddenly I was in the village. It was a very pretty place with a wide street lined on either side with impressive, large, old and very Basque houses. It was clearly a tourist destination and was home to several hotels and restaurants and quite a few people milled about. I however was on a mission to find somewhere to stay. The tourist office was closed but I assumed that a village like this would have a gite. I asked in a nearby shop where it might be and was surprised to learn that there was none. I had a look at the hotels but they were quite/very expensive so I was pleased to see a sign for a farm campsite. It was quite close but when I arrived there was no one about. There was a phone number posted on a doorway and I I rang it. Unfortunately the man spoke no English and I struggled to understand him. Eventually I grasped that I had to go around the side of the barn and lo and behold there, alongside a large sheep barn was a small but perfectly formed, grassed and fenced place for camping. Toilets and showers were on the side. It was excellent. It was still early and I was the first to arrive but in a while a total of six others came to stay. At four pm the man I spoke to earlier arrived and he collected the fee. I also learned that they supplied dinner and breakfast as well. I also saw that there was a superb campers kitchen which was equipped with cooking and cooling equipment. It was a little treasure. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPJIO8dYxxnoI97Uzh50Nx3_Kgsw4ZwJw3g6d25L8ZbbWF3wPCRBgemOlEP_qYsugVDSEevTYWUHov_T7UUqhBiOGVoPY-uPnwM_DH9k3oO2c1MfUQbGf2RQ4ihdDLC1loP9Q1waxIJ1N91cC6KXROUpGj--ZSxB6_XNY1z3WpDl8o6WMyq_cUPICuCmt/s4160/IMG_20230628_122636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPJIO8dYxxnoI97Uzh50Nx3_Kgsw4ZwJw3g6d25L8ZbbWF3wPCRBgemOlEP_qYsugVDSEevTYWUHov_T7UUqhBiOGVoPY-uPnwM_DH9k3oO2c1MfUQbGf2RQ4ihdDLC1loP9Q1waxIJ1N91cC6KXROUpGj--ZSxB6_XNY1z3WpDl8o6WMyq_cUPICuCmt/w640-h308/IMG_20230628_122636.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEWU0caWt5joL4XZU7IPC6GA-io712xyxc-7qYsUEOrnBOc8Mj5QlkeLwOb2SaDtt0Y3k1HIFVlRq9b-k5GHbA8a71lFKmsNQVdI8w_Lsc3WCCVewzRoVqhuty3zxYtHfHSSkjmKisaK99y9XaV0fHlpJ4SfzV-oeMm7_dNFJPlNxPqxszhGo-djPTdi1/s4160/IMG_20230629_073537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEWU0caWt5joL4XZU7IPC6GA-io712xyxc-7qYsUEOrnBOc8Mj5QlkeLwOb2SaDtt0Y3k1HIFVlRq9b-k5GHbA8a71lFKmsNQVdI8w_Lsc3WCCVewzRoVqhuty3zxYtHfHSSkjmKisaK99y9XaV0fHlpJ4SfzV-oeMm7_dNFJPlNxPqxszhGo-djPTdi1/w640-h308/IMG_20230629_073537.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Day 12 covered 22.5 kilometres....climbed 950 metres in a time of six hours.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday June 29th;</div><div><br /></div><div>I left a still sleeping Ainhoa at 07.30 and set off on the penultimate day of the trip. Todays stage went as far as a gite near Olhette but on route it passed through another village called Sare. Looking at the map there didn't seem to be much in the way of climbing today but I reserved judgement. The route followed a quiet lane away from the village through farmland and then alongside a wooded glen. It was a nice gentle start to the day and I was feeling much better than yesterday. As I walked alongside the woods I heard a deep growl from in the undergrowth not far below me. I stopped and looked but couldn't see anything so I continued on. About one hundred metres further on I heard the growl again, just as close to me. Again I couldn't see anything and I continued on. Just beyond this the route left the road and entered the woods. Again I heard the growl and again it was just as near as before. Clearly something was keeping an eye on me but again I couldn't see anything. I was getting a little anxious and I kept a constant eye out for whatever it was. All I knew was that I would be just as happy not to see it at all. I walked on and thankfully I didn't hear any more growling. After a little bit I was again able to relax and enjoy my surroundings. The easy going continued as the trail followed a river and later forest tracks before eventually reaching quiet lanes that led to the very pretty village of Sare.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgY8_gYG0NEjeQsta0kfCvwonNrytRdnVeh9eDyUFwRb4ZlRFW7foh6x4dfmkIxSVKIUz3o4-q_1jOzS2gK3-Qx0wtUrlNsjjG5c61dEtB-vCXKUKe6OjbGJrocmWUHJ-tyhUl85iwF-R_WvhLyS4931XKHRrMPbh3zq3UKpCq2if4yxyBbhCBUL8bDNHR/s4160/IMG_20230629_101105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgY8_gYG0NEjeQsta0kfCvwonNrytRdnVeh9eDyUFwRb4ZlRFW7foh6x4dfmkIxSVKIUz3o4-q_1jOzS2gK3-Qx0wtUrlNsjjG5c61dEtB-vCXKUKe6OjbGJrocmWUHJ-tyhUl85iwF-R_WvhLyS4931XKHRrMPbh3zq3UKpCq2if4yxyBbhCBUL8bDNHR/w640-h308/IMG_20230629_101105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvHvZ2urxj_SjZ3eL_JVczb9Oo20bF3kmONjDK5ChNybo2qG3eahMNtUL_c2d8I1ET6D-9v4w2rbXrMXPCwRqrC24Bc8TV_AXz5t7iaSjcE2VkaqQOrtxhGKIPh5SVUJoYTW9MFReoNXiO9wHHC8H6TfM9NXMsZfPFz6KQf_2rrPbFJCplbIf_hGCVppS/s4160/IMG_20230629_101156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvHvZ2urxj_SjZ3eL_JVczb9Oo20bF3kmONjDK5ChNybo2qG3eahMNtUL_c2d8I1ET6D-9v4w2rbXrMXPCwRqrC24Bc8TV_AXz5t7iaSjcE2VkaqQOrtxhGKIPh5SVUJoYTW9MFReoNXiO9wHHC8H6TfM9NXMsZfPFz6KQf_2rrPbFJCplbIf_hGCVppS/w640-h308/IMG_20230629_101156.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU0M-WbAZbtdhshDEDPHBKVF1XQH-Ie9f3Sfod57esh4c4MEbOYh2_wPsOvds_TSnYM2IDglUwq2nsY6MrnDTrk81Ea7AJiq_XwzpxNQfk2In0rh7oKigbzYRqRF6kVb6yHV6WHnSN3maQ8TWj4i0U7mpxlJCJdrz8dwBl7JavaBWAZRueUF9wz--Iv_Q/s4160/IMG_20230629_104621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU0M-WbAZbtdhshDEDPHBKVF1XQH-Ie9f3Sfod57esh4c4MEbOYh2_wPsOvds_TSnYM2IDglUwq2nsY6MrnDTrk81Ea7AJiq_XwzpxNQfk2In0rh7oKigbzYRqRF6kVb6yHV6WHnSN3maQ8TWj4i0U7mpxlJCJdrz8dwBl7JavaBWAZRueUF9wz--Iv_Q/w640-h308/IMG_20230629_104621.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>This village was quite busy and was clearly another tourist hotspot. As I had covered over twelve kilometres I decided to take a little break and enjoyed a very nice coffee and pastry and relaxed for a little while before setting off on the next leg. Once again a quiet lane saw me leave the bustle behind and the trail then climbed up a scrubby hillside as it headed for a col under the quite shapely 900 metre peak called La Rhune. As I got nearer the col I could see a tourist train pass and head for the summit of La Rhune. I began to think about heading up myself.. It would have meant another 350 metres climbing added to the day but as there wasn't too much climbing in the day anyway it seemed like a good idea. Unfortunately near the col the summit became shrouded in cloud so I left it be and remained on the trail. The cloud persisted long after so I was ultimately glad I gave it a miss. Just beyond the col there was a large grassy area that was populated by horses but had good water sources and would mmake a great place to camp. Soon the trail dropped gently on the right hand side of a valley until I reached a road head at the oddly named Manttobiatta. I decided to give the nearby gite a miss after my experience in Bidarray and decided to head for a campsite about two and a half kilometres further on. I reached a busy road and soon reached the campsite but I was disappointed to find that it was just for mobile homes. I decided to press on for another two and a half kilometres until I reached the basic but good campsite there. Ascain had a small town feel about it but it was still very pretty. I went to the nearby shop for something for my dinner and when I saw that they had fresh baguettes I decided to buy one. I took a bite when I left the shop and my oh my it was delicious. Little more than half remained by the time I got back to the tent. It rained heavily into the night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ETCX6p3pwxOVk_xOtrDuXwi_dkxPSdcm3eGo5OK2L0e89k4JTdvtEiLEJh_4ZrMAGeyvYxcO9-HWFVQIo5ak3mWlRINQJ78csBwbBszjc_HYtpOK3jKspqxvz4Jr_5Rj0LmeoYo_Dj40xjyueiDEHfoGAN3F7c9iK0UUT5HFtuK8BB9r-uqokatAxvmF/s4160/IMG_20230629_113911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ETCX6p3pwxOVk_xOtrDuXwi_dkxPSdcm3eGo5OK2L0e89k4JTdvtEiLEJh_4ZrMAGeyvYxcO9-HWFVQIo5ak3mWlRINQJ78csBwbBszjc_HYtpOK3jKspqxvz4Jr_5Rj0LmeoYo_Dj40xjyueiDEHfoGAN3F7c9iK0UUT5HFtuK8BB9r-uqokatAxvmF/w640-h308/IMG_20230629_113911.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXZPhbwFiP9_M8tzlNF9Tr-Y7v6Y0Uq2t-OphkuqTY2CX9EeznhLsUQcLGvHUdZH7TzWQ2931PEVwpgZgvtXVAsBV9STKGq630HfxkpsWDJ0pdfI7hGfiY_e4Rw54nMjGXd4kI_fblgkOs7jeVMj_EhsUWRDR_ZrGUbmAHo5Bt2GWAVNG0Flm0PwObBKz/s4160/IMG_20230629_123404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXZPhbwFiP9_M8tzlNF9Tr-Y7v6Y0Uq2t-OphkuqTY2CX9EeznhLsUQcLGvHUdZH7TzWQ2931PEVwpgZgvtXVAsBV9STKGq630HfxkpsWDJ0pdfI7hGfiY_e4Rw54nMjGXd4kI_fblgkOs7jeVMj_EhsUWRDR_ZrGUbmAHo5Bt2GWAVNG0Flm0PwObBKz/w640-h308/IMG_20230629_123404.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great camp spot and looking towards journeys end.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>It had been an interesting outing but I could have done without the four kilometres plus on the busy road.</div><div>Day thirteen covered 28 kilometres....climbed 850 metres in just about 7 hours.</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday June 30th;</div><div><br /></div><div>Wow, the last day of the trip. It was with a mixture of relief and sadness that I greeted today. Relief that I had managed to get this far unscathed by storm, injury and excess fatigue, and sadness that after today I would have finished the wonderful GR 10 and that this particular journey of discovery I had begun all those years ago would be ending.</div><div>Relief also I guess that the heavy rain of the previous night had passed and it was a very nice weather morning. I retraced my steps along the road and once I reached the gite I began climbing up through the woods on the opposite side of the valley I came down yesterday. The trail runs through a mixture of open hillside and forest and is never too steep or taxing. It undulates its way around several hills until suddenly after around twelve kilometres into the day you arrive at Col d'lBardin with its large collection of shops and bars. I couldn't figure out why it existed at all until I looked it up. The road is on the border and it seems that all the shops etc are on the Spanish side of the road and since petrol, beer, goods etc are cheaper in Spain than in France, it explained why the place was so busy. A steep climb out of the bustle follows and soon, thankfully, the place is left behind. and the next few kilometres were the nicest of the day. To the right the Atlantic ocean and several towns on its shores lay and to the left the very pretty wooded hills of the fledgling Spanish Pyrenees were a soothing sight.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtcXMa4IdA1gHnk51hw_d9nwi_pdPr0etJMmpsbIiJMgKEZFHL2pHBKAOFRk4UBRg1BvsahvmNLqpSldeIGrOzVQKIAK3URBlKXH_ZNsl_cqpjmyY4hf4ugDfwFizTNZ4qeZOyPH6zb9IZR188jC1FnBj8QMV6FY1bDrABb-dZIous_HRwCxZOIFvL9y3/s4160/IMG_20230630_103629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtcXMa4IdA1gHnk51hw_d9nwi_pdPr0etJMmpsbIiJMgKEZFHL2pHBKAOFRk4UBRg1BvsahvmNLqpSldeIGrOzVQKIAK3URBlKXH_ZNsl_cqpjmyY4hf4ugDfwFizTNZ4qeZOyPH6zb9IZR188jC1FnBj8QMV6FY1bDrABb-dZIous_HRwCxZOIFvL9y3/w640-h308/IMG_20230630_103629.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the shops on the Spanish side of the road at Col d'lBardin</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR9JzQna5uTztuPKbmOgHSGLb_j10WxMeCU0vo5_RzBErscmUz3qgCRKQ3UHrgZKbbF0GJ0775Wo34SFIRrphPIhBZDALsy0Vvx6NF4l_KryDlI-hVHexabzKuuePBmjROUvP0pqRdAEoZhyQSbUWj_GDE726oZ878yTUG01vUEDE3rTki6Qwt62IMFPw/s4160/IMG_20230630_085221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR9JzQna5uTztuPKbmOgHSGLb_j10WxMeCU0vo5_RzBErscmUz3qgCRKQ3UHrgZKbbF0GJ0775Wo34SFIRrphPIhBZDALsy0Vvx6NF4l_KryDlI-hVHexabzKuuePBmjROUvP0pqRdAEoZhyQSbUWj_GDE726oZ878yTUG01vUEDE3rTki6Qwt62IMFPw/w640-h308/IMG_20230630_085221.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Rhune in the clear this morning</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When I arrived at what looked like the final wild place of the hike, I stopped and enjoyed a bite of lunch. The Spanish town of Irun lay across the valley below and I was surprised by how big it was. It even has an international airport as I saw a jet take off while eating. Hendaye was still hidden by the hills ahead. After a short descent I reached civilization at Biriatou. On the map it seemed so close to the end but it was another seven kilometres before I finally reached the train station. Now I know that the official end of the route is on the beach but to me that seemed arbitrary, and as I needed to catch a train back to Lourdes, the station seemed like the logical end for me. Perhaps more importantly, me feet were very tired and the relief when I finally removed the boots while I waited for my train was great indeed. I had over one and a half hours to wait for my train but it felt great to sit and relax for a while. The coffee available from the little shop in the station was surprisingly good and I indulged in several. The return to Lourdes went seamlessly and I was in my hotel near the train station by eighteen thirty. Another journey was over.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqf-tkH0ctyRt6jtp_iuhoph5OIk0LlVboCRG1RwJFVJp0xvRLs3fTozrohmohIL29gXLc5uObKtDISsqMfnyn8aYFf2jKksti_2nsQZFM0jWE_mwLiapuNKfdZLiADsBXjlNIttDbrrqjPnlLMwW045YHydsGC3Ga9l5Rd8_xaJxbuN_pb5TluqdG-U4/s4160/IMG_20230630_110947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqf-tkH0ctyRt6jtp_iuhoph5OIk0LlVboCRG1RwJFVJp0xvRLs3fTozrohmohIL29gXLc5uObKtDISsqMfnyn8aYFf2jKksti_2nsQZFM0jWE_mwLiapuNKfdZLiADsBXjlNIttDbrrqjPnlLMwW045YHydsGC3Ga9l5Rd8_xaJxbuN_pb5TluqdG-U4/w640-h308/IMG_20230630_110947.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spanish mountains looking wild and wonderful</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS6Qaz4fOjfv8vOpE8eD7VPCsmlYENHEgFAN4-3AJvjSWiscfDw27nbSzQztjaxqcWyB96G5Ajw1OYTAfm_3FPoLxk4NsuYCm4MRQPvJFH8Y2-GH2ZEj4tmwwmPacICYwakhUybhmngVTpr8WJxknkUdJmVPV9UkSVf-L8WeSTib29raieSzwT4Nt23Xn/s4160/IMG_20230630_122957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS6Qaz4fOjfv8vOpE8eD7VPCsmlYENHEgFAN4-3AJvjSWiscfDw27nbSzQztjaxqcWyB96G5Ajw1OYTAfm_3FPoLxk4NsuYCm4MRQPvJFH8Y2-GH2ZEj4tmwwmPacICYwakhUybhmngVTpr8WJxknkUdJmVPV9UkSVf-L8WeSTib29raieSzwT4Nt23Xn/w640-h308/IMG_20230630_122957.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at Irun</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Day 14 Even though there were no big hills today I covered almost 27 kilometres....just shy of 1000 metres ascent in just less than seven hours.</div><div><br /></div><div>THOUGHTS</div><div><br /></div><div>So after travelling 336 kilometres and climbing 17500 metres over the fourteen days, how did I rate the trip. Firstly I was, and still am, very thankful to be able to do such a hike without any real problems. Of course there was fatigue, and with the storms, even some fear, but overall it was a really positive experience. Before I went I hadn't really thought about leaving the high mountains so early in the trip and I guess this came as a little disappointment. That said, day five, to and beyond Lescun, was a real delight. It was for me the highlight of the trip. I had feared that as the mountains got lower that my enjoyment would lessen, and to a small extent this was true, but there were truly enjoyable days after that. The camp above the village of Laruns, the traverse of the ridge towards Bidarray and the many wonderful sightings of vultures and other wildlife was also wonderful. The weather could have been better I guess but after day five I was spared any more storms. After that it was really quite good. If I was to begin the entire odyssey again I think I would start the traverse in Hendaye, as you would gradually be reaching wilder and wilder territory. It is also fair to say that the wildness on the eastern side of the range lasts for much closer to the sea. Now that I have done the GR 10, I find myself thinking about the Spanish GR 11 or even the HRP for possible adventures in the future. I'm sure I will come up with something. </div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-28676816770512643992023-05-21T09:46:00.000+01:002024-01-24T17:44:44.571+00:00LOS TRES MILES. AN ATTEMPT AT A TRAVERSE OF THE SIERRA NEVADA<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmH8WHEuCXiXW2kQGTXKy-vwyTZnrEv38N5Skn0lWR_NAWwnYA5NnsXDI-8me0Xdaikt5PVpAFgpRjhs2A_WLjwunZxUZTkoaGI7W8Rpr8tJsVE-lTibiPMgjKy2I1PAG2lRKcQBpzo7Zcv1hMDdZzia3amJdKlU3eEsazLkH_N3dwyNX9O16kdyMkQ/s4160/IMG_20230330_144735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmH8WHEuCXiXW2kQGTXKy-vwyTZnrEv38N5Skn0lWR_NAWwnYA5NnsXDI-8me0Xdaikt5PVpAFgpRjhs2A_WLjwunZxUZTkoaGI7W8Rpr8tJsVE-lTibiPMgjKy2I1PAG2lRKcQBpzo7Zcv1hMDdZzia3amJdKlU3eEsazLkH_N3dwyNX9O16kdyMkQ/w640-h308/IMG_20230330_144735.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This was my third visit to the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain and my second attempt at crossing the crest of the 3000 metre peaks of the range. My previous visits had each been in the month of February and I had experienced fairly adverse winter conditions. On my first trip in 2017 I had intended on following the GR 7. This is a low level marked route that goes from village to village. Immediate issues with following the route meant that I went high into the mountains instead. A heavy dump of snow made accessing the summits impossible and I ended up going from village to village anyway along the GR 240. A higher trail that wasn't marked on my map.<p></p><p> https://howlingmist.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-winter-week-in-sierra-nevada.html</p><p>My second visit was in February 2018. That time I intended to cross the summits but once again adverse weather made the high mountains an inhospitable place and I had to retreat to lower levels. I did manage to summit Mulhacen on that occasion but clouds obscured the views.</p><p>https://howlingmist.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-sierra-nevada-and-alpujarra.html</p><p>This time I decided that a visit a little later in the year might make all the difference to my chances of doing the summits. I was right.</p><p>Day 1 March 29th 2023.</p><p>An evening flight saw me reach Malaga at midnight on Tuesday March 28th and a taxi ride meant I was in my hotel at 1am. I was up again at 6am to refresh and ready myself for the bus journey to Granada which went well and I alighted in the lovely city at 08.46 under a warm Spanish sun. It is about 1.5 kilometres walk to a large Decathlon store where I was able to pick up some gas for the hike. I walked back to near the bus station where I caught a tram to the city centre and as is usually the way with me, I just missed my bus connection to Guejar Sierra. The mountain village where I planned to begin the walk. I wasn't too worried however as there was another bus an hour later so I settled in to wait. Not before I searched for somewhere to buy a map of the Sierra Nevada range. I was surprised that they didn't have any maps in Decathlon and the couple of newsagents nearby the bus stop didn't have any either. I hoped that once I reached the village, the tourist office would be able to supply me with one. I caught the 11am bus and after a scenic ride I was walking into the village at 11.40. Alas my hopes of buying a map were soon dashed and I was forced to rely on an online app (Mapy.cz) for navigation, which was less than ideal.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFlUVigux9rQXeKtgNzphcDz1JdnHAan2sYSY2x0YYngXP7LxjuzU4CdJLKdk2Y9oi5x7E5gtbZxqkmj1C--1GUYbbfsT6GIDk95RE1tf8wSJRcCWXyLWAg7pYB3asOFumO0za-PMenBn3e8Ke_Fu1u6t9gncQTQpGhlu3L00FXbIPaEqcWU5VKpj4Q/s4160/IMG_20230329_125847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-glJ2EjDS6wyFhxswxfzqp4CZTSKZ2BzuFsMfA2nSIK0ykQw4pDslUTPnJ8Malws0T9x_kXZ83YlRzE3Chx_PnpmzvRJl-eWX5vT9S8XwlA6oESQv064AwE1gPSq7Ps0pJFRS-82vXe99X7GxM5OeTRc-vb1q_F-jJaeMjHOEcszj3QFQMw1ulU-_bA/s4160/IMG_20230329_121839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-glJ2EjDS6wyFhxswxfzqp4CZTSKZ2BzuFsMfA2nSIK0ykQw4pDslUTPnJ8Malws0T9x_kXZ83YlRzE3Chx_PnpmzvRJl-eWX5vT9S8XwlA6oESQv064AwE1gPSq7Ps0pJFRS-82vXe99X7GxM5OeTRc-vb1q_F-jJaeMjHOEcszj3QFQMw1ulU-_bA/w640-h308/IMG_20230329_121839.jpg" title="Leaving Guejar Sierra" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Guejar Sierra</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFlUVigux9rQXeKtgNzphcDz1JdnHAan2sYSY2x0YYngXP7LxjuzU4CdJLKdk2Y9oi5x7E5gtbZxqkmj1C--1GUYbbfsT6GIDk95RE1tf8wSJRcCWXyLWAg7pYB3asOFumO0za-PMenBn3e8Ke_Fu1u6t9gncQTQpGhlu3L00FXbIPaEqcWU5VKpj4Q/w640-h308/IMG_20230329_125847.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahead and along the spur on the left</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFlUVigux9rQXeKtgNzphcDz1JdnHAan2sYSY2x0YYngXP7LxjuzU4CdJLKdk2Y9oi5x7E5gtbZxqkmj1C--1GUYbbfsT6GIDk95RE1tf8wSJRcCWXyLWAg7pYB3asOFumO0za-PMenBn3e8Ke_Fu1u6t9gncQTQpGhlu3L00FXbIPaEqcWU5VKpj4Q/s4160/IMG_20230329_125847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKJOKMBezcrAkOrKCfPzg3ku3HrOla6jIhtZAVkl5eSAr0tbbGVHYeHpG2QlnchRuoTNW6lx0RTjSAQu6pMRN2ggI8kjbl0lGCN8i5S_nBnf3zqaazPlWMcQ5ESkK8wJBtlvARWhT8vV9lXs4370lW8hFkHldYqaGJy4xXANF6RnTkIfPCMpl-ZWv1A/s4160/IMG_20230329_161300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKJOKMBezcrAkOrKCfPzg3ku3HrOla6jIhtZAVkl5eSAr0tbbGVHYeHpG2QlnchRuoTNW6lx0RTjSAQu6pMRN2ggI8kjbl0lGCN8i5S_nBnf3zqaazPlWMcQ5ESkK8wJBtlvARWhT8vV9lXs4370lW8hFkHldYqaGJy4xXANF6RnTkIfPCMpl-ZWv1A/w640-h308/IMG_20230329_161300.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once up on the spur the main ridge looks wonderful</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Soon I was leaving the village behind and rising up a steep tarred road that contoured the mountainside. This soon became a dirt road and eventually a hiking trail. Wow, it felt warm. As someone who was just emerging from the an Irish winter, the warm Spanish sun was something of a shock to the system, but a delight also. It meant that I was soon lathered in sweat as I hauled the heavy bag up the slopes. One of the problems with trying to do a hike like this at this time of year is that you have to cover all bases. I had to be prepared to dress for winter and summer weather and an ice axe and crampons were also needed. That, coupled with enough food for five days meant the bag was heavier than normal. I had once again been fighting an infection in the weeks prior to the trip, so my fitness was less than it should have been. It all meant that it wasn't too long before I was struggling a fair bit. The trail was very pleasant and never very steep as it headed for Collado de la Gitana at 1718 metres. It took me about 90 minutes to reach here and I had gained over 600 metres by now. I was struggling but still enjoying myself mightily. After a wet and rather miserable winter in Ireland, here I was in warm sunshine, walking up through ever wilder mountainsides and looking across at snow clad 3000 metre peaks. I decided that I would consider stopping at Fuenta de los Amigos where I camped on my last visit, but that was still over six kilometres away and several hundred metres higher up. There was more to do.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUj4GZBruy7VPFhMsfioBEBxnPqNGzS4P2bpw1YuoSptiuWBeM233GgWOJzwSjSOTFHdT1TR1Uu9pb7iucTcIadJfI348xx5o-DH2fCpoI663Pg5HCKqu5r2oc880c-NwtJ5Dz_JhXyuVU66FscBwchC7XYGQ7oYx_AvdD30kC0_8vESghxGPC7xtsHA/s4160/IMG_20230329_161307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUj4GZBruy7VPFhMsfioBEBxnPqNGzS4P2bpw1YuoSptiuWBeM233GgWOJzwSjSOTFHdT1TR1Uu9pb7iucTcIadJfI348xx5o-DH2fCpoI663Pg5HCKqu5r2oc880c-NwtJ5Dz_JhXyuVU66FscBwchC7XYGQ7oYx_AvdD30kC0_8vESghxGPC7xtsHA/w640-h308/IMG_20230329_161307.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Generally easy going now</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>The going is actually a bit easier from here and over the next few kilometres height is gained fairly gradually as you pass just under Cerro del Tamboril at 1929 metres. The ridge is wide and the tops are rounded. The ground was very dry and the foliage was mainly a mixture of gorse and juniper. Anywhere there was a water source (which were few and far between) there was some grass to be found. I followed a crest as I approached Collado del Alguacil 1891 metres where there was some stone remains of long abandoned shepherds structures, At the col, a road crosses over and several cars were parked there. I crossed and headed for Fuentes ds los Amigos which was still nearly four kilometres away. Height is gained very gradually but when I did finally reach Fuentas I was up over 2100 metres. I was really feeling rough by now and I was eager to drop the bag and call it a day. Alas there were lots of cattle about and it soon became obvious that I couldn't stay there. There was nothing for it but to continue. I could see, what looked like a nice flat grassy area, ahead at the next pass. Even though it was a further four kilometres to reach it, I hoped that the green grass was the indicator of a water source, so I headed for it. The going was mostly flat, although a couple of hundred metres are gained and lost but I eventually reached my home some 5 hours forty minutes after starting out. I was shattered. It was such a relief to drop the bag. Unfortunately it was pretty clear that there was no water source nearby, so after setting up the tent, I had to head along the pass towards some gullies that were coming down from Cerro del Mirador Alto where I hoped that water could be found. Everything was dry until I had dropped about 100 metres below the pass. It meant that it was a round trip of nearly three kilometres with another 150 metres climbing before I was back at the tent and able to cook dinner. While cooking there was a near catastrophe. When my pasta was just about cooked I watched in horror as the pot started to tilt and it fell off the burner. I reached to stop it but was too late. However by some miracle the entire contents of the pot fell into a plastic bowl sitting on the ground. My dinner was saved and more importantly, I was spared a second trip to get some water. A long and peaceful night followed.</p><p>18 kilometres...1300 metres ascent....5 hours 30 minutes.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSD8qu4uqesDSVycHekHbxRqsa2JI5CL7I_FwB6AxIwzcLspoApyJK0weClH629tEVSAeutgEF0ja39l37ZfKzCwxqiSt2BntDrsz5witjA7T4Pz1v-b7DZd0vDstAJoNrEb2g4O_eKTKczjk9SBMdmybS21ozEhT5H4uCZfwiILUl7oO_Ng_ZQOQIw/s4160/IMG_20230329_201223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSD8qu4uqesDSVycHekHbxRqsa2JI5CL7I_FwB6AxIwzcLspoApyJK0weClH629tEVSAeutgEF0ja39l37ZfKzCwxqiSt2BntDrsz5witjA7T4Pz1v-b7DZd0vDstAJoNrEb2g4O_eKTKczjk9SBMdmybS21ozEhT5H4uCZfwiILUl7oO_Ng_ZQOQIw/w640-h308/IMG_20230329_201223.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping heaven...If there was a water source nearby.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Day 2 March 30th 2023;</p><p>I had expected it to get cold last night but when I emerged from my tent at first light it felt quite mild and there was no sign of frost. It was a lovely weather morning and the forecast was quite good for the next few days. The only worry was that the winds were to become strong up high in a couple of days time, and after my experiences the last time I was here I hoped that they wouldn't be too severe. Today however promised sunshine and light winds. After struggling so much yesterday I feared that I would find today even worse. Today the plan was to reach the summit of Cerro Pelado at 3182 metres and follow the crest of the main ridge before dropping down to a lake under Puntal de las Calderetas. As well as struggling with the wind and cold last time, I seemed to struggle with altitude once I neared 3000 metres. I was prepared for a tough day.</p><p>Things started off pretty easily as I crossed the wide col and made for the slopes of Cerro del Mirador Alto where the real climbing began. I was determined to take it easy and to ease myself into the day but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had recovered a lot from yesterday. Once I started up the slopes of the mountain I was able to keep up a slow but steady pace and I gained height steadily enough. When I was last here these slopes were mostly covered in snow but today they were entirely snow free. It wasn't until I reached the upper crest of the ridge near the 3000 metre mark that some snow covered the eastern slopes. Once there I filled the water bottles with slush and that supplied ample water for the remainder of the day. In contrast to last time, it was a delight to reach the broad slopes of Picon de Jerez 3088 metres. Today it was sunshine and a light breeze that greeted me and I was able to relax and enjoy the glorious views. This section of the Sierra Nevada is a wide serpentine ridge that reminded me of the Cairngorm plateau. The views are expansive and wonderful. To the east the range stretched for another 40 kilometres, gradually declining in height. To the south the Mediterranean could easily be seen and to the north rugged, arid rocky and mountainous land stretched into the haze. Then there was the west. The broad crest of the range was a stony, undulating series of tops that offered gentle, stress free walking. There was some snow on the ridge but not much. Up here more extensive snow fields revealed themselves and the vista became much more alpine. Today, with such good weather, I was really looking forward to the remainder of the day.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRzZiiE7P-YL07I7Cnf4Hb0u-HtE1LfUv7gNMeAn2QIAYWVAoMG1FqI3bcU5URsrNKqf3WzWoALgmmXOwn9PJVq51Jx2mboVN7Q84sFTsJFEZCPRAKjyanfUiqCcs7WxeyVod4XeBlxNwWHgLMcpXZKb9MQSK8X81twi4mwguIhkIMRSlPgFu2DeakQ/s4160/IMG_20230329_204732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRzZiiE7P-YL07I7Cnf4Hb0u-HtE1LfUv7gNMeAn2QIAYWVAoMG1FqI3bcU5URsrNKqf3WzWoALgmmXOwn9PJVq51Jx2mboVN7Q84sFTsJFEZCPRAKjyanfUiqCcs7WxeyVod4XeBlxNwWHgLMcpXZKb9MQSK8X81twi4mwguIhkIMRSlPgFu2DeakQ/w640-h308/IMG_20230329_204732.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful morning<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwMViCEYscYTjCtjLUMebcBxmTVDeqN91VFCQ3XKRCy-Rv-7570jk8_9b_Rch30IdMber2tnTRxrj0ksyDAbgQ2LOKeBals2DvTvgG5CxpiE_WhqEIZkk_eJDOTIhY9q2YX5uFC9wOYh5rJ5j19vWpegMlL153K77Ih6WNdOLngaU9mBjE6_gMS4zIA/s4160/IMG_20230330_085627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwMViCEYscYTjCtjLUMebcBxmTVDeqN91VFCQ3XKRCy-Rv-7570jk8_9b_Rch30IdMber2tnTRxrj0ksyDAbgQ2LOKeBals2DvTvgG5CxpiE_WhqEIZkk_eJDOTIhY9q2YX5uFC9wOYh5rJ5j19vWpegMlL153K77Ih6WNdOLngaU9mBjE6_gMS4zIA/w640-h308/IMG_20230330_085627.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gradual slopes and blue sky.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucv043_tx7hAi58vggiM7OM0i6lSmcrQO9to0DFJvDLOi-nsFUDM2TI9rsJ7XYdPBf-Qu0tlR4E382bhT2D27Yl_NjkvqPTllkaWJb4bhm35H7x0HECUhaQu_P8DWB5qWzmcjzUGLRS3jlgd3UKekGnbTibITfy9v6_8tlal7TyWoep3y7A7nLnBc6Q/s4160/IMG_20230330_095720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucv043_tx7hAi58vggiM7OM0i6lSmcrQO9to0DFJvDLOi-nsFUDM2TI9rsJ7XYdPBf-Qu0tlR4E382bhT2D27Yl_NjkvqPTllkaWJb4bhm35H7x0HECUhaQu_P8DWB5qWzmcjzUGLRS3jlgd3UKekGnbTibITfy9v6_8tlal7TyWoep3y7A7nLnBc6Q/w640-h308/IMG_20230330_095720.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The range continues to the east.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After crossing over Puntal de Juntillas 3143 metres I headed for the outlying Cerro Pelado, which at 3182 metres would be the highest point of the day. As this was an out and back section I dropped the bag at the wide col and easily bagged the summit. Once back at the bag I rested awhile and enjoyed a bite to eat. I had covered about nine kilometres and climbed 1000 metres, so the bulk of the ascent was done for the day. I met three day hikers at the pass and they seemed fascinated by what I intended to do. They were the only people I saw all day. Once on the move again I headed for the next top called Puntal de los Cuartos at 3148 metres. Here the ridge became more defined and it swung around in a southerly direction. Once there I could see the ridge that came up from below Guejar Sierra. I had been tempted to do that one and it offers an alternative to the one I took. It joined the main ridge at this top and it also has a refuge on it at the 2400 metre mark. Next up came Pico de la Justicia at 3141 metres. There wasn't a lot of height lost or gained but the ridge gradually became more defined, and this coupled with some snow and bouldery ground slowed progress a little. After this top there was a more substantial drop to the next pass but the going was straightforward and soon I was down at Collado de la Buitrera and just below 3000 metres. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsn7U3LFwgNEHDE4tuzQCHZVedefqSZs0xMUTeL2X3CwPQfeBITufaVzVB61oV_EBLJBCzsce5o_nDwDSQsRb9eDkqRE_pzz2gaEObl7BAC8SJJKifWIlMBcrlVRs7a8pK1uXPbQeiMaGVhwv1hmS1CQ0MEQf_uvCltgYqWq7Y4FMwgIwc3NPkYThiqw/s4160/IMG_20230330_110842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsn7U3LFwgNEHDE4tuzQCHZVedefqSZs0xMUTeL2X3CwPQfeBITufaVzVB61oV_EBLJBCzsce5o_nDwDSQsRb9eDkqRE_pzz2gaEObl7BAC8SJJKifWIlMBcrlVRs7a8pK1uXPbQeiMaGVhwv1hmS1CQ0MEQf_uvCltgYqWq7Y4FMwgIwc3NPkYThiqw/w640-h308/IMG_20230330_110842.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaching the crest of the main ridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x0qIQyRy89WJwQE1XY7IgFqJCiWyvyL9dIW34q1Akd78JujNuLjfSL_Rb0InIANQNz9RHeVFf02oqHhf8woInqJ_mIu35VyEsH13jwgyI4rP9QJBT253sffOHkve6GMMubixSZ03R6E09TCYF7a5PQ_IAp4XN52K70IBxbX8hTwTlHJ4dHYT3C16QQ/s4160/IMG_20230330_111807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x0qIQyRy89WJwQE1XY7IgFqJCiWyvyL9dIW34q1Akd78JujNuLjfSL_Rb0InIANQNz9RHeVFf02oqHhf8woInqJ_mIu35VyEsH13jwgyI4rP9QJBT253sffOHkve6GMMubixSZ03R6E09TCYF7a5PQ_IAp4XN52K70IBxbX8hTwTlHJ4dHYT3C16QQ/w640-h308/IMG_20230330_111807.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5PeP3XhZZCUkIg6NhXuvp6QAuoShTKpj8ktX3k4Hs76xVmOwc-qQXsa_TPaFzBvLtlVioT1EWTd62Utp7eOv6dhPK_jUtKTNu1KN2RKYFzTA0LaJz5qadhTR7fP_K0x9BSKVO-oqj9TzuRgmeJ7-peqr9rNm5H84R5kGFmyb-jLK2gEY54ZlEX883A/s4160/IMG_20230330_115818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5PeP3XhZZCUkIg6NhXuvp6QAuoShTKpj8ktX3k4Hs76xVmOwc-qQXsa_TPaFzBvLtlVioT1EWTd62Utp7eOv6dhPK_jUtKTNu1KN2RKYFzTA0LaJz5qadhTR7fP_K0x9BSKVO-oqj9TzuRgmeJ7-peqr9rNm5H84R5kGFmyb-jLK2gEY54ZlEX883A/w640-h308/IMG_20230330_115818.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The route follows the skyline</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sEuZrJEnSRb0hU-OdztCGPRRADpiAEQa5SyTi6Hk1r32V-3Z86N2t4Vl-8eB_9lqGunnLC3Dp9LTgYCxMcUIDG7dnKQzwxuLtYJLHuLFsVg_gxLWIVabK4z5NGALjsQUVQiy-bT9rdlgkppnanrU9mhdLCo3aoJQhapHkwtIptYkaYzvHtXKXfVlTQ/s4160/IMG_20230330_131439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sEuZrJEnSRb0hU-OdztCGPRRADpiAEQa5SyTi6Hk1r32V-3Z86N2t4Vl-8eB_9lqGunnLC3Dp9LTgYCxMcUIDG7dnKQzwxuLtYJLHuLFsVg_gxLWIVabK4z5NGALjsQUVQiy-bT9rdlgkppnanrU9mhdLCo3aoJQhapHkwtIptYkaYzvHtXKXfVlTQ/w640-h308/IMG_20230330_131439.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy but entertaining.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was getting fatigued again and I was on the lookout for somewhere to camp. In the valley to the left of the pass there looked like a possible place lower down where several watercourses merged. I decided that I would try there. First though I decided to climb the next top on the ridge called Pico del Cuervo at 3147 metres. That meant I had over 150 metres of a steepish climb ahead so I dropped the bag once again and made my way to the rocky, quite defined summit. The views over the chasm to Alcazaba and Mulhacen were wonderful and alpine. I was looking forward to visiting them tomorrow. Once back at the col I dropped easily to the broad shoulder and joined a faint track heading down. I crossed the shallow valley and joined the ridge to my right where I could see into both sides and immediately I spotted a likely place near a small lake below Laguna de Vacares. I reached it and wasted no time in setting up my home for the night. It was a pretty idyllic spot with a gurgling stream alongside and snowy alpine mountains above. Even though I was at 2700 metres the temperatures were very pleasant and I whiled away a lovely afternoon and enjoyed my surroundings. When the sun disappeared behind the mountain things got pretty chilly after that and I retreated into my tent. It was lovely to see several Ibex play fighting just a couple of hundred metres from the tent. I slept very well. <p></p><p>17 kilometres...1400 metres ascent...7 hours 30 minutes.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUNBn9axnvdKmNgk0M-MuSiS4xJ1pbl61Ubzyu8Kg1ALq9gICfHdp8iXJut5Jbz1nYo1WqF0CGuPNPrlWGsVyRudGAar2NPr0RIod83DnWiXv2Pdjz2F7_7MfHoU7eNwp1tNPVXmmuSKIyQeVgKLt8Aum-_w1FGQ0T8xEHmQszzbQ71Bd3yMEVtzZjw/s4160/IMG_20230330_144742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUNBn9axnvdKmNgk0M-MuSiS4xJ1pbl61Ubzyu8Kg1ALq9gICfHdp8iXJut5Jbz1nYo1WqF0CGuPNPrlWGsVyRudGAar2NPr0RIod83DnWiXv2Pdjz2F7_7MfHoU7eNwp1tNPVXmmuSKIyQeVgKLt8Aum-_w1FGQ0T8xEHmQszzbQ71Bd3yMEVtzZjw/w640-h308/IMG_20230330_144742.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopefully reach there tomorrow</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUx-DqPnj5LDk_1Ni5T2BuJeN_MkoCBHV4ySe8_rsyQ5bmRon1ku-XfQkl0Q-YAyk1TQ-kvdwWZBwDU26T6HeCF5W9X2lJ-MOSGzvGbs-vfPVq-rxZMwbymtPhm18go66M7PJTLH9UpyChKlgPLAOXcjM0hn_tvhwXMC1qi6MaAZjmhuQTsCYQbAlNcw/s4160/IMG_20230330_162259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUx-DqPnj5LDk_1Ni5T2BuJeN_MkoCBHV4ySe8_rsyQ5bmRon1ku-XfQkl0Q-YAyk1TQ-kvdwWZBwDU26T6HeCF5W9X2lJ-MOSGzvGbs-vfPVq-rxZMwbymtPhm18go66M7PJTLH9UpyChKlgPLAOXcjM0hn_tvhwXMC1qi6MaAZjmhuQTsCYQbAlNcw/w640-h308/IMG_20230330_162259.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now this was camping heaven.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Day 3 March 31st;</p><p>I was looking forward to today. It was clear that I would need to use my crampons and ice axe early on today, as it was necessary to climb a large snow field so as to reach the next summit on the ridge Puntal de Vacares 3144 metres. This meant that I had over 400 metres to climb and over half of that was on the snow. Progress over the summits today would be a more complicated affair. Between each summit there was substantial drops and to take a direct route would mean tackling graded winter climbs. I didn't fancy trying this with my heavy bag, so in order to progress I would need to descend into a valley so as to reach Alcazaba and Mulhacen. I was a little late starting off today and it was after 9am when I finally got going. Not having a map was becoming a real problem. It was all well and good having the app on the phone but where I stayed last night had no signal so I couldn't check out the route ahead. Even when I had signal it was hard to see the phone screen in the bright light and with the small section that could be seen it was hard to gauge progress or get a feel for what lay ahead. I would have to play it by ear. It was around the 2800 metre mark that I reached the snow and I put on my crampons and got the axe out and set off. I was delighted to find that the snow was nice and hard, with just the spikes digging into it. The slope averaged around 30 degrees so it allowed for reasonably quick progress. At least it would have if I was feeling strong but alas the legs felt like lead and I found that I had to stop at fairly frequent intervals. Normally on a slope like this I can slog away and keep up a steady pace but not today. It still felt great to find myself in an alpine environment once again. It had been a while. When I crested out on the ridge it was just a 300 metre walk to the rocky summit. I did get an added surprise when I found that I had the company of a young Ibex on the summit. It studied me for a few moments before scampering off.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEE47QG_p4Draj6qFXgM_na1Y2Ck3SV1LC41zPT42CZAS-3UQi8LeKTsKsiXqlLA5c_z95akE5WMS6bGXG3VjGOOKf01EsIfAmbIBcdn2Z6lY7nA0SWUcKvrhAA5elZVcCGyXM-AEDC2v-WDZBvfprBW5orX9ltJ-BUMXIYnZKLbwd3JN3LgJjZHhHg/s4160/IMG_20230331_093004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEE47QG_p4Draj6qFXgM_na1Y2Ck3SV1LC41zPT42CZAS-3UQi8LeKTsKsiXqlLA5c_z95akE5WMS6bGXG3VjGOOKf01EsIfAmbIBcdn2Z6lY7nA0SWUcKvrhAA5elZVcCGyXM-AEDC2v-WDZBvfprBW5orX9ltJ-BUMXIYnZKLbwd3JN3LgJjZHhHg/w640-h308/IMG_20230331_093004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curiousity</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fMQV1hwHZvohKpPS0SRBAbyjYukC9dfNQbk4qGN5VTNHG3uK47twsPk7OFnttp9oh-Vsdmnf5dxvSlE6lzDEVp8FJPoBqMj1kCbWPQnZAp5EmqJrk2BkdvcghA8NA0-Qty-MS21EmiJL7thhenn7uvBauGpNp5si8QTUuKkZrID6Y9JUFwLsaGrz6g/s4160/IMG_20230331_092932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fMQV1hwHZvohKpPS0SRBAbyjYukC9dfNQbk4qGN5VTNHG3uK47twsPk7OFnttp9oh-Vsdmnf5dxvSlE6lzDEVp8FJPoBqMj1kCbWPQnZAp5EmqJrk2BkdvcghA8NA0-Qty-MS21EmiJL7thhenn7uvBauGpNp5si8QTUuKkZrID6Y9JUFwLsaGrz6g/w640-h308/IMG_20230331_092932.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards Alkazaba</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>The next kilometre on the ridge was rocky and at times narrow with some steep drops. A path on the left of a rock spur made it possible to progress. Soon I reached the next top ( more of a bump really) Puntal Goteron at 3071 metres where I descended the spur to the valley under the impressive rugged northeast face of Alcazaba. This presented a kilometre of cliffs and snow fields and even had some ice falls in view...It was definitely still winter here. I studied the face and picked a spot just beyond the final big buttress where I thought it would be straightforward to climb to the crest of the summit ridge. I reached the base of the snow and once again got the winter hardware out and set off. A rising traverse on hard neve led me to a narrow short gully between some rocks. Here it got a little spicy as the snow became icy and the gradient increased to over 40 degrees. It was just for twenty or so metres but it required concentration. After this an unbroken snow field soared skyward at around 35 degrees. It was steep and unrelenting and the intervals between rests became shorter and shorter. Bugger. The crest never seemed to get any nearer and eventually I was only able to take a pitiful few steps before stopping. The legs were gone. I decided to exit the snow onto a loose rock spur descending on my right. I reasoned that very tired legs and a steep sometimes icy snow slope had the potential for a mistake so I reckoned I would be safer on the rock. Things worked out ok but it took me an age to finally reach the easy ground of the summit ridge. I wasn't a whole lot quicker climbing the 300 remaining metres ascent but finally I reached the top of the third highest peak in the range..Alcazaba at 3369 metres. It had taken me four and a half hours to reach here. I was beginning to have serious doubts that I would be able to finish the full traverse in the two further days I had available to me.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbhnDV_yBvCjpfhhoQTMEjaScxrt8aKUGu0NgtUm67ZyrFPqwTxbrSW2pfeQxswq9Vqx9Yg-Uq0RI1iQPETPjS5OeTLwDYu-QX-FZ1bNJpX3pYuMVnA5g9GGqALmIOvbRLwDlAJow7QCK_kuVWkjj2uGBfZCoCugali-D3eaECRnhRw4UBLhP5tSPMQ/s4160/IMG_20230331_100842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbhnDV_yBvCjpfhhoQTMEjaScxrt8aKUGu0NgtUm67ZyrFPqwTxbrSW2pfeQxswq9Vqx9Yg-Uq0RI1iQPETPjS5OeTLwDYu-QX-FZ1bNJpX3pYuMVnA5g9GGqALmIOvbRLwDlAJow7QCK_kuVWkjj2uGBfZCoCugali-D3eaECRnhRw4UBLhP5tSPMQ/w640-h308/IMG_20230331_100842.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The imposing east face of Alkazaba. Definitely still winter here.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7U7CGwt1gESH05-1HI8oqzD9PJ2qY7qe_HQ_Z7UKVVAkZ9qmkH7tLuhiJfBaobfVyDABSDAeSf2nbsyW_7_HK9bavYiv9Dd8W6MmptcuohBBsYdHlVzDbS2WbsKHZNDEPGmINMHZseItORLnRU6ui0dCY4-UrXKqptRFf2O_mvpVURqXHT_LxowZiA/s4160/IMG_20230331_102419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7U7CGwt1gESH05-1HI8oqzD9PJ2qY7qe_HQ_Z7UKVVAkZ9qmkH7tLuhiJfBaobfVyDABSDAeSf2nbsyW_7_HK9bavYiv9Dd8W6MmptcuohBBsYdHlVzDbS2WbsKHZNDEPGmINMHZseItORLnRU6ui0dCY4-UrXKqptRFf2O_mvpVURqXHT_LxowZiA/w640-h308/IMG_20230331_102419.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5J3GFihs8imCWFQDqQZShKtYJiCVhH7ZC4cDNRTejyhytK4cM6G6QnuOk9z3RdA4Z_QOTmhshMnC-5CGZjDi_9re1CXXONW6fgZjlaJKiuGLUDG_1_pkRZkqQO9HQ7e3rqJs98Hh9tTLozlSQaspItb_gSN8ffU_TuuCngcnrJQvL1eNgLzFLDj0Jjw/s4160/IMG_20230331_120631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5J3GFihs8imCWFQDqQZShKtYJiCVhH7ZC4cDNRTejyhytK4cM6G6QnuOk9z3RdA4Z_QOTmhshMnC-5CGZjDi_9re1CXXONW6fgZjlaJKiuGLUDG_1_pkRZkqQO9HQ7e3rqJs98Hh9tTLozlSQaspItb_gSN8ffU_TuuCngcnrJQvL1eNgLzFLDj0Jjw/w640-h308/IMG_20230331_120631.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The snow was steeper than it first appeared.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Alcazaba is the highest point in a rectangular plateau like area that held a lot of snow. I followed the northern rim until I reached Puntal de la Cornisa 3316 metres. The app showed a track descending through the cliffs of the southern sloped of the spur that stretched to the east, which gave access to the valley below. With so much snow here I hoped that the track would be obvious and not too difficult. Thankfully the southern side of the spur was snow free and the track could clearly be seen as it wend its way down through the steep ground. The descent went well and it was at times spectacular as the rock seemed to loom overhead. One hundred and fifty metres are lost quickly and soon I was on easy ground as I headed for the lake Laguna Hondera nearly two kilometres away. When I reached the end of the lake the trail climbed steeply for fifty metres to reach the crest of a spur that rose towards Mulhacen. If the struggle that I had climbing the fifty metres from the lake was any indicator, then the remaining 500 metres plus to reach the summit of Mulhacen would probably prove too much. I had been on the go now for over six hours and I dreaded to think how long it would take me to reach the summit. My day wouldn't have been over then, as it was still a fair way to reach a refuge under Valeta where I had hoped to spend the night. The reason I wanted to reach the refuge and not rely on my tent was that the forecast was for a stiff wind overnight up high, and I was all too aware of just how wintry things could become and of the limitations of my tent. Indeed it was already quite windy now. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZSp5l1AuEADQZ8OnCKgbIzBsW95BQ8uxr44TKajVoARJhcr5IWDEnvIZf-5GEvKb0Q5FXSs-6k0O5VrWvpFkBhMJEXqkdXXCh6uy1x-vE7bShQFBySzHfhE5joR-tDgjx49bAeKg1_o8Obyl0Lo3SOWGYrx2Fwv3eglHIORHjRl0mfU6cTXldKrnig/s4160/IMG_20230331_140147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZSp5l1AuEADQZ8OnCKgbIzBsW95BQ8uxr44TKajVoARJhcr5IWDEnvIZf-5GEvKb0Q5FXSs-6k0O5VrWvpFkBhMJEXqkdXXCh6uy1x-vE7bShQFBySzHfhE5joR-tDgjx49bAeKg1_o8Obyl0Lo3SOWGYrx2Fwv3eglHIORHjRl0mfU6cTXldKrnig/w640-h308/IMG_20230331_140147.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mulhacen looking mighty</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wEkB-DiB7b-p7x3PahfoaVONgnhmyYKfXj1gSAQQgcVss0rLGyxWVM6KADon0Yl774hP0zBeRqlqy_V59huruppahxhYwtAAP4PhyyozulYgnhhw7atuDecC5PGew89wnsbOYBZftCT12mkh609B0nPj-gWgK_cSAeh5_yRTRInqItT-TCBtMVjmBg/s4160/IMG_20230331_143612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wEkB-DiB7b-p7x3PahfoaVONgnhmyYKfXj1gSAQQgcVss0rLGyxWVM6KADon0Yl774hP0zBeRqlqy_V59huruppahxhYwtAAP4PhyyozulYgnhhw7atuDecC5PGew89wnsbOYBZftCT12mkh609B0nPj-gWgK_cSAeh5_yRTRInqItT-TCBtMVjmBg/w640-h308/IMG_20230331_143612.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down at 2900 metres meant it was a long way to the summit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It wasn't that I was lazy or afraid of big days, my real problem was that my flight home was on Sunday evening. I therefore had to be down in good time to catch a bus to Granada and my train to Malaga before my flight. In reality I had to consider being finished by lunchtime Sunday and this I was no longer confident in doing. I therefore made the decision to head towards Capeliera and complete my journey on the lower trails. The descent went well but it went on and on. Not that it was all downhill. From the spur I had to make a rising traverse to crest another spur and this added over 100 metres to the day. I then headed towards the refuge Poqueira and after that followed the well used trail down to the village. There is some up and down on the trail when it reached the narrow gorge by the river but it was the climb on the road before reaching the village that nearly broke the spirit. The village seemed to take an age to appear but finally, after turning a corner on the trail, the whitewashed cluster of houses lay just ahead. I was really relieved to enter the busy little village and even more relieved to enter my little hotel. My oh my but it felt good to drop the bag and take off the boots. It had taken me four and a half hours to reach here and it all added up to a ten and a half hour day. I was spent. After a rest, a shower (lovely) and a bite to eat I made a plan for the next couple of days. I would head to Lanjaron tomorrow along the GR 240 and from there I could easily reach Durcal, from where a bus could be got to Granada. </p><p>24 kilometres....1600 metres ascent....2800 metres descent in 10 hours 40 minutes. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpeQ414ixbXBzGEccKfrx6AaL9QzXbndKB2vxyVrtAJkeJ5S9Qqal2NeMXww5PmO0yaT-PbVRRtn4UnV7l2RBrZg65PaoF-gLx8UaSoykGGR4f-PDf1emPlJzU3d2nfLU6oMLf16pRZShRLlMo3lWY1MYXFCcACBuyQp4f1La2PFEZeCahqvOdMySAQ/s4160/IMG_20230331_161521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpeQ414ixbXBzGEccKfrx6AaL9QzXbndKB2vxyVrtAJkeJ5S9Qqal2NeMXww5PmO0yaT-PbVRRtn4UnV7l2RBrZg65PaoF-gLx8UaSoykGGR4f-PDf1emPlJzU3d2nfLU6oMLf16pRZShRLlMo3lWY1MYXFCcACBuyQp4f1La2PFEZeCahqvOdMySAQ/w640-h308/IMG_20230331_161521.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down to Refuge Poqueira</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqed1Lgv2VGFhYJMVYjyonpj2MLABzQpCOu0Vid3SxT8oBQIMrilYL2yltP1nsCga5vi0dX45-cD2ww-066lmb0-A3le0JiqIYJFC72htO-jYv7_F3SuzRWxtJ3MlQVY0wvE7eitGdMiaQLh6VppN044oe1apXanm7BYzhh4NQGWYyaDgXDVRrQH4AA/s4160/IMG_20230331_193339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqed1Lgv2VGFhYJMVYjyonpj2MLABzQpCOu0Vid3SxT8oBQIMrilYL2yltP1nsCga5vi0dX45-cD2ww-066lmb0-A3le0JiqIYJFC72htO-jYv7_F3SuzRWxtJ3MlQVY0wvE7eitGdMiaQLh6VppN044oe1apXanm7BYzhh4NQGWYyaDgXDVRrQH4AA/w640-h308/IMG_20230331_193339.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally Capeliera comes into view.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Day 4 April 1st;</p><p> Capeliera clings to the steep mountainside at an elevation of between 1480 metres and 1350metres. From the upper level the chaotic jumble of alleys and white houses drop steeply towards the narrow valley. I emerged into the sleepy village at 9am on a stunning weather morning. It promised to be warm and sunny for the entire day. I would like to be able to say I felt well rested this morning but I actually slept poorly and my legs ached from the big descent of yesterday. It was however a delight to descend the trail under the sporadic trees and listen to the birds as they rejoiced in Spring. Down at 1250 metres I reached Puenta Chiscar and once across the river the trail rose steeply and gained 300 metres until it reached a forest road that contoured around the long spur that descended from the unseen main ridge high above. From here on the going was really easy. No more steep climbs were encountered and twelve kilometres were glorious. Even though I was still up at nearly 1800 metres the weather was quite warm and there was an abundance of insect and bird life. The views down to the valleys below was ever interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. After 10 kilometres I reached the picnic area at Puenta Palo where I had "enjoyed" a wintry nights camping on my first visit to the area. Then it had snowed heavily overnight and forced me to abandon any plans I had to reach the summits. Today it was an altogether different experience as I sat in the sunshine and enjoyed a bite to eat.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXBCKp93BJoAo506RK623Y7lmwFG4xeG-Tc13XHHJOHe5Tob2fH5YJ7SIuKYh6-1xuYdHYZa826Y9997rWf05_YwKk6aa2BqANKxBQjYRJ4_u3SrQkWSF_N5j5OPOzm6QKiMhiV8GZW3nqwZXyf1WLZ3QVDDX4kuyOK_AoQfrH0hbhCLyFuvYNLvfvg/s4160/IMG_20230401_092609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXBCKp93BJoAo506RK623Y7lmwFG4xeG-Tc13XHHJOHe5Tob2fH5YJ7SIuKYh6-1xuYdHYZa826Y9997rWf05_YwKk6aa2BqANKxBQjYRJ4_u3SrQkWSF_N5j5OPOzm6QKiMhiV8GZW3nqwZXyf1WLZ3QVDDX4kuyOK_AoQfrH0hbhCLyFuvYNLvfvg/w640-h308/IMG_20230401_092609.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely way to start the day</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoipIDJ0wC_acRltdVWnSpHqRxR1NTge9EyBXaEEDbzHk5YUMAZCkXwcTQgXxXK8OCeaZg9LtzTcWKU8eVsn0KC03_qUZ_7bWMhPc9Bj9MkGszy_UECd9HeSrVweR5oPZRXajkCLHgKF45SlG9itknpJ48rrdJr1cn4x9DiR0AT5F7lfCe1kQMhyGXCw/s6528/IMG_20230401_104228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="6528" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoipIDJ0wC_acRltdVWnSpHqRxR1NTge9EyBXaEEDbzHk5YUMAZCkXwcTQgXxXK8OCeaZg9LtzTcWKU8eVsn0KC03_qUZ_7bWMhPc9Bj9MkGszy_UECd9HeSrVweR5oPZRXajkCLHgKF45SlG9itknpJ48rrdJr1cn4x9DiR0AT5F7lfCe1kQMhyGXCw/w640-h226/IMG_20230401_104228.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleliera Bubion Pampaneira </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu1CCe7PR4OrD1n8_nwbxzcfgo_gMlU_iNtwWVYXTyl6xfG_zStjIwFb2y-fXxPBD-vkjjjpQij55UDTuANR3KVBmht-yOMv6f-OTMyb5dUSiEUGtmJ6g3YJbkKctAIInrAYnQ2Ll8FsTxRFF8bPhDigIfEORdU9-4pMx0CppL2OY0jfBcBN3euzIng/s4160/IMG_20230401_105554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu1CCe7PR4OrD1n8_nwbxzcfgo_gMlU_iNtwWVYXTyl6xfG_zStjIwFb2y-fXxPBD-vkjjjpQij55UDTuANR3KVBmht-yOMv6f-OTMyb5dUSiEUGtmJ6g3YJbkKctAIInrAYnQ2Ll8FsTxRFF8bPhDigIfEORdU9-4pMx0CppL2OY0jfBcBN3euzIng/w640-h308/IMG_20230401_105554.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy and delightful walking</td></tr></tbody></table><br />More easy walking followed as I continued to contour along the mountainside. Lanjaron could be seen nestling in the valley below and I knew I was approaching journeys end for today. Well that's what I thought until I reached a junction in the trail and I saw a signpost that indicated that Lanjaron was still 14 kilometres away. I took that trail and it dropped easily down through some farms towards the valley. It was mostly on dirt roads now and the reason for the long distance to the town was the gentle gradient of the track as it twisted and turned along the hillside. I managed to cut off a lot of the corners and this shortened the journey. Eventually after a total of 26 kilometres I entered the busy little town and headed for my hotel. Of course my hotel was at the far side of town so it was a great relief to drop the bag in the pleasant foyer and check in. There was a couple checking in when I arrived and I was soon to discover that the guy behind the desk was the slowest receptionist in the world. I found myself standing wearily waiting for over half an hour before I was finally issued with my key and I could enter my room. A lovely soothing shower and a cup of coffee helped restore me and I spent some time wandering through the bustling town that evening. One more day to go.</p><p> 27 kilometres...700 metres ascent...1400 metres descent in 7 hours.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPgZnf4pwGth26BqEOTNQU0AGvc4AeByN-K211XwKy-UhoWlGYf_4Me2ysQBVWpHNGUP5zpyDncW6ZaWI0GxDnslFT7zN5u7C_QqOkrppG9J1iQAjbegfeXs-wqaryY7WjkCrDDBB8Hatq_7247ruWvNC9k360Za3ANYEcoJrb0wPdm9hveXjrChxmA/s4160/IMG_20230401_115501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPgZnf4pwGth26BqEOTNQU0AGvc4AeByN-K211XwKy-UhoWlGYf_4Me2ysQBVWpHNGUP5zpyDncW6ZaWI0GxDnslFT7zN5u7C_QqOkrppG9J1iQAjbegfeXs-wqaryY7WjkCrDDBB8Hatq_7247ruWvNC9k360Za3ANYEcoJrb0wPdm9hveXjrChxmA/w640-h308/IMG_20230401_115501.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVeQWNSGkbjO1QKIYDQQpsLmRsiNGE8161ZCLU8NXByFsCKyQtRj08mFcynq6OpP1GC8k1GWC2x5ag6RutQkUcb1Eu0CW_znXyVM_B6IGXEm4o80-uFL1l1f-hzkjdmOc0QLL23Y-zM09Wqsq0arc0Af2NWwGYHG-ExNQZOxu7jdkwSvXvTIZIkF9hA/s4160/IMG_20230401_140123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVeQWNSGkbjO1QKIYDQQpsLmRsiNGE8161ZCLU8NXByFsCKyQtRj08mFcynq6OpP1GC8k1GWC2x5ag6RutQkUcb1Eu0CW_znXyVM_B6IGXEm4o80-uFL1l1f-hzkjdmOc0QLL23Y-zM09Wqsq0arc0Af2NWwGYHG-ExNQZOxu7jdkwSvXvTIZIkF9hA/w640-h308/IMG_20230401_140123.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First sight of Lanjaron...still a long way to get there.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTX_kQb0IhOcyRdm6Tg9uWk6jKrop7Q_cMgJVNzYYuokDAND-G0k7NYgKsCIslKZ4wRfDlcBTcSI3_YVjd__UXGcGGSOJCXuVADHoSJ2YY-khg2739KpsS0EqodLRi_tZFuyVFNDfE0ewtetCtgjIGGmtWQSKUpDy1j1eDWBRLBh67p5sAphtV1_j5bQ/s4160/IMG_20230401_132455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTX_kQb0IhOcyRdm6Tg9uWk6jKrop7Q_cMgJVNzYYuokDAND-G0k7NYgKsCIslKZ4wRfDlcBTcSI3_YVjd__UXGcGGSOJCXuVADHoSJ2YY-khg2739KpsS0EqodLRi_tZFuyVFNDfE0ewtetCtgjIGGmtWQSKUpDy1j1eDWBRLBh67p5sAphtV1_j5bQ/w640-h308/IMG_20230401_132455.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is so much more to explore.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Day 5 April 2nd;</p><p>Once again it was a lovely weather morning. The trail to Niguelas starts at the western end of the town and rises up along a winding quiet road that eventually morphs into a forest track. Height is gained steadily and it is clearly a popular route with mountain bikers as several parties passed me early on. Today is a fairly gentle day. Starting at 650 metres, the highest point would be at around 1200 metres, so there wouldn't be too much ascent in the journey. I still wondered if I had made the correct decision to abandon the high ridge and I found myself looking up at the high ground and thinking what if. That said, yesterday had been enjoyable and stress free. I don't think I would have had the same peace of mind up high. It was quite warm this morning. One of the problems of this kind of trek is trying to dress for winter when you are up high, and experiencing summer low down. I would have liked to be able to put on some shorts and light T-shirt but it wasn't to be. Choices had to be made when packing. One thing that really struck me on this trip was how arid everywhere was. All the trails were dry and dusty and I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if they got a summer like they had last year, when temperatures reached over 40 degrees. It wasn't threatening to be anything like that today but it would get to the low twenties and it was very comfortable.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f_zqMtqU36sf6p5kmGPCvvp86cYnzLZIJ-eX6ICBaLC-4kpb_V5S-RrMBH-RnMpRsBahjW1a_ONfBbc4yhxHushFnzFqI-UNaX1zHIfv3V7tqVjneSl1P9HY6OJVFdCtoUmSBG_3kIbDpX0QWkg4QoGLUIypWa9SM9MASofaPi2yvB6z91CDnpvOGg/s4160/IMG_20230402_100424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f_zqMtqU36sf6p5kmGPCvvp86cYnzLZIJ-eX6ICBaLC-4kpb_V5S-RrMBH-RnMpRsBahjW1a_ONfBbc4yhxHushFnzFqI-UNaX1zHIfv3V7tqVjneSl1P9HY6OJVFdCtoUmSBG_3kIbDpX0QWkg4QoGLUIypWa9SM9MASofaPi2yvB6z91CDnpvOGg/w640-h308/IMG_20230402_100424.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Lanjaron</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZEICTeEvZVgxwL9XHDLji77lUCkRqv25TGp_an6DR1Bq-61xirDKasIU3rosKoljLWPgcFC3FbdWc0o5GHW8JEZ1KXtW6mAaW_EjmsvFN4_ElrO8_8Ws6DWmz2CMU6vcaxJXTEZeeVr3TJQf5uaPei-PULoDEPWfIWjkksfGeO0W8Li7x4RPbHuh5g/s4160/IMG_20230402_104230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZEICTeEvZVgxwL9XHDLji77lUCkRqv25TGp_an6DR1Bq-61xirDKasIU3rosKoljLWPgcFC3FbdWc0o5GHW8JEZ1KXtW6mAaW_EjmsvFN4_ElrO8_8Ws6DWmz2CMU6vcaxJXTEZeeVr3TJQf5uaPei-PULoDEPWfIWjkksfGeO0W8Li7x4RPbHuh5g/w640-h308/IMG_20230402_104230.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Soon I was leaving the town behind and I reached a track that contoured around the ridges that descended from on high. When last I was here the almond groves were in blossom but today the flowers were gone. It was mostly easy walking and I wandered along at a leisurely pace as I had plenty of time. In a couple of places the ravines were precipitous and spectacular. Eventually I crossed my final ridge and I could see Niguelas ahead. The village was quite busy when I entered it and as I passed the church there was a service ongoing to celebrate Palm Sunday. Everyone was dressed in their Sunday best and there was a festive feel in the air. I could have waited for a bus here but I opted to continue as far as Durcal which was just a couple of kilometres further on. Once beyond the village I passed through some "fragrant" little farms which baked in the sun. Finally I reached the road and followed this into the centre of the small town. It was bustling with people who were all enjoying their family lunch in the various restaurants that bordered the little square. I had almost an hour to wait for my bus to Granada so I relaxed and people watched for a bit. I confess to getting a bit nervous when the time for the bus to arrive got near and nobody else appeared to catch it. I feared that I had misread the timetable or that there was nothing running due to it being a religious festival but thankfully at the appointed time the bus arrived and a few other people arrived when it did. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-f3KkbGZS1IlnKEzSUcRSuZFcbLpk1ULXZVVu_al4NyhyYL09-UdzroBzaSm7e4LRpIE4YA0FPnbDiYbiuUpHTvD7K-o8OqDywOK28jyf57O66mqnAyrlI51kKXInMMHW7ki_VDbG6QspDwhTfInfLLl_XVnIzzbdUP589-ZMQgUqrS-LFLNGMlHwQ/s4160/IMG_20230402_112324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-f3KkbGZS1IlnKEzSUcRSuZFcbLpk1ULXZVVu_al4NyhyYL09-UdzroBzaSm7e4LRpIE4YA0FPnbDiYbiuUpHTvD7K-o8OqDywOK28jyf57O66mqnAyrlI51kKXInMMHW7ki_VDbG6QspDwhTfInfLLl_XVnIzzbdUP589-ZMQgUqrS-LFLNGMlHwQ/w640-h308/IMG_20230402_112324.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeQd-n7gXG2WIKSn2nXmyaN6KbHcSrH8X8_9qcHwo1eGz3vrDldkZBMCn5ydmenJPLMtNTwh91FLqMg1gN_IZM2t-hL2xnBQ5oVGAVhkBdOsaWQrrJaa7yXwEbSaeyAt-U1oN9v1SeFJ9tHxnnBG10kmLzrOnkTlhbZQ5GpXpHhvd741bqluCY0q62g/s4160/IMG_20230402_111225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeQd-n7gXG2WIKSn2nXmyaN6KbHcSrH8X8_9qcHwo1eGz3vrDldkZBMCn5ydmenJPLMtNTwh91FLqMg1gN_IZM2t-hL2xnBQ5oVGAVhkBdOsaWQrrJaa7yXwEbSaeyAt-U1oN9v1SeFJ9tHxnnBG10kmLzrOnkTlhbZQ5GpXpHhvd741bqluCY0q62g/w640-h308/IMG_20230402_111225.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-_18xtHnw-GgAfLIwxDfkDPPedcxsHrClXlRQBvikfg7Q809quldqUeh0TIAEw-NFP7tpG9F7eQY00n1lBn-ytTvmjYe8vEFrowZC8POZkZi7fK3eQj7QRu5fCpSElORnWCX3n4f8qI_sA5WCRn4hI97qeYI2InYeFvx64Fe13DQq8tuHTGpyF0eQA/s4160/IMG_20230402_122529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-_18xtHnw-GgAfLIwxDfkDPPedcxsHrClXlRQBvikfg7Q809quldqUeh0TIAEw-NFP7tpG9F7eQY00n1lBn-ytTvmjYe8vEFrowZC8POZkZi7fK3eQj7QRu5fCpSElORnWCX3n4f8qI_sA5WCRn4hI97qeYI2InYeFvx64Fe13DQq8tuHTGpyF0eQA/w640-h308/IMG_20230402_122529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I paid the hefty 2 euro for the 30 kilometre bus ride and sat back and relaxed for the journey. Granada was very busy and when I reached the centre the streets were thronged with people as they gathered to watch a large religious - festive procession where people carried alters, statues and iconography. Many were wearing costumes. Some of the costumes included people wearing sinister looking hoods that I believe are a tradition from the inquisition and before. It was vibrant and colourful and was an unexpected delight. I walked to the train station and caught the train to Malaga and after a brief wander around went to the airport. My flight didn't actually leave until half past midnight and it was gone half past two when I landed in Dublin airport so it was a long journey home. If I was to do it again I wouldn't have left Malaga until the Monday and this would have allowed me more time to complete the traverse of the range. Live and learn. </p><p>21 kilometres....800 metres ascent in 5 hours 15 minutes.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin39Hww08W2_hI8vDNHf449Spi-_-OKUq5kC9YnkTy6z8siu5CnzfaMlBaQ4dkOO0YaT35K4Nd94r6CPxHv8aymUbzdDT2iAAnj_gDElzyllTCCUBkZ7Ad96_ELMwF6u6THp0G-HJbiW247pC2pKM2W4XGEZefTB0TY9XuHykaqDU1o0wUXQd4P_BKTg/s4160/IMG_20230402_125339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin39Hww08W2_hI8vDNHf449Spi-_-OKUq5kC9YnkTy6z8siu5CnzfaMlBaQ4dkOO0YaT35K4Nd94r6CPxHv8aymUbzdDT2iAAnj_gDElzyllTCCUBkZ7Ad96_ELMwF6u6THp0G-HJbiW247pC2pKM2W4XGEZefTB0TY9XuHykaqDU1o0wUXQd4P_BKTg/w640-h308/IMG_20230402_125339.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Niguelas and Durcal</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxYPJsalaZOhlD1dg5KQc9vfvG3M4Q3QQVEU6DJmVsLkTSClWBD1zUo33pcRyL2gTxaYqUnnzp5FukWX1y-jfTWu7RrXAzfzZcCgD6WZYxukxdYWubNGPUAe55zEcRPMqliTaUjAm0tJ4oIYsfym-nr2Od0SGnJAksBvjSp6DXTpLC1a-9F4BHaXL7Q/s4160/IMG_20230402_173257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxYPJsalaZOhlD1dg5KQc9vfvG3M4Q3QQVEU6DJmVsLkTSClWBD1zUo33pcRyL2gTxaYqUnnzp5FukWX1y-jfTWu7RrXAzfzZcCgD6WZYxukxdYWubNGPUAe55zEcRPMqliTaUjAm0tJ4oIYsfym-nr2Od0SGnJAksBvjSp6DXTpLC1a-9F4BHaXL7Q/w640-h308/IMG_20230402_173257.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVen8_OVVg5keFm21ovaC7hE1NFrb-mUi_hEbyWk46l9Mw-nQ9CH6YQ1kbbwkR4VyT-qtwNr2H6uvF72lkQErwPoW7Vc7RFul-YyCzhk0lP2uXvc2As-jI4P3KgTrAfJSQLx2X5-ie_2SG9ICloosEar18nwLzOsdy1ZWHnjdc4Eb2S3XVTVSgPgTUw/s4160/IMG_20230402_173527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVen8_OVVg5keFm21ovaC7hE1NFrb-mUi_hEbyWk46l9Mw-nQ9CH6YQ1kbbwkR4VyT-qtwNr2H6uvF72lkQErwPoW7Vc7RFul-YyCzhk0lP2uXvc2As-jI4P3KgTrAfJSQLx2X5-ie_2SG9ICloosEar18nwLzOsdy1ZWHnjdc4Eb2S3XVTVSgPgTUw/w640-h308/IMG_20230402_173527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Overall I was very pleased with the trip. There was a tinge of disappointment that I didn't manage to complete the full traverse and even now I am wondering if I made the right decision. I do reckon that I could have completed it but it would have led to a stressful couple of days. The fact that I did enjoy the final two days, I guess really answers the question. I think I made the correct decision to go at the end of March. The days are longer and the weather is better, yet winter is still to be found on high. The best of both worlds. I have a feeling I will return again.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-4804608567839835842022-12-05T09:28:00.001+00:002023-08-16T14:52:59.103+01:00The GR 5 Modane to Nice<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJq5d7l-SNdQc6Llzll9j6uC1BFKcsOcDEp1KyGbBBPBhWBeQMZhwAYX-xWp6--NucCBoDwIDksvYRlKoF74U8TjSizSTsKBDAr3rNue1tDvnFdyFTzYxQ2aew8TxOn7WQklsIK6m5ERBS8mcpiOSNU5vhk8rEMeNCMqYAx1WwzltVcNOv2pIuj8mqA/s4160/IMG_20221019_143245.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJq5d7l-SNdQc6Llzll9j6uC1BFKcsOcDEp1KyGbBBPBhWBeQMZhwAYX-xWp6--NucCBoDwIDksvYRlKoF74U8TjSizSTsKBDAr3rNue1tDvnFdyFTzYxQ2aew8TxOn7WQklsIK6m5ERBS8mcpiOSNU5vhk8rEMeNCMqYAx1WwzltVcNOv2pIuj8mqA/w640-h308/IMG_20221019_143245.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />They say a lot can happen in a few years and boy are they right. Little did I imagine that when I did the first half of the GR 5 in June 2019, that a world wide pandemic would happen, and that it would take until 2022 before things returned to something approaching normal.<p></p><p>As someone who used to go on several trips a year, this trip would be my first in over thirty months. It's fair to say that I had gotten over the travel bug and I was finding it hard to motivate myself. Things weren't helped by contracting COVID (for the first time) just a month before departure. I was okay but the effects were still lingering as I left. </p><p>So, on the 15th of October I headed for Dublin for an afternoon flight to Geneva. My hope was to follow the GR 5 from Modane and get as close as possible to Nice in the 12 days I had available to me. I wasn't overly confident as I hadn't been very active over the previous couple of months and I had put on a bit of extra poundage. Ah well, I would give it a go. My lack of travel practice became evident when I boarded the wrong train in Geneva and wasn't able to reach my starting point of until midday October 16th. Oh dear.</p><p> Sunday October 16th;</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKriqOmLd2j-AqCmIEElykhfGY6kJfUO2gDM5tbcdSFBbGesY8AMuxhhQnOJ7BBAB6SoOmFbGhUF955GqrlEFOaMqHVN-Rh-sX4eleGUJGnmH_bfNxj2Ru5m-uMiUn6fstetdBXggVysFRHIqwXvwwSSNduaQq-y-kMVzuvNTur_MRIwNK7CfY4xD3Q/s5184/IMG_1914.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKriqOmLd2j-AqCmIEElykhfGY6kJfUO2gDM5tbcdSFBbGesY8AMuxhhQnOJ7BBAB6SoOmFbGhUF955GqrlEFOaMqHVN-Rh-sX4eleGUJGnmH_bfNxj2Ru5m-uMiUn6fstetdBXggVysFRHIqwXvwwSSNduaQq-y-kMVzuvNTur_MRIwNK7CfY4xD3Q/w640-h360/IMG_1914.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I got off the train on a sleepy sunny Sunday lunchtime. Now that I had finally arrived I was keen to get underway. I had downloaded and subscribed to the Iphigenie app and this is what I would use for all my mapping needs. The target for today was to reach the Mont Thabor refuge, which lay some 1400 metres higher-up. I stowed everything away in my rucksack and set off. I soon found the trail and before too long I had left the town behind. Once I had climbed up above the motorway and became enveloped in the woods, it was like putting on a comfortable old jumper. I was back in a familiar world. That's not to say it was comfortable. Previous lack of training, extra weight and especially the after effects of COVID, all made it pretty tough going. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlsqFxdXB_2f-5br35F4pOCctfltYOBOqOTy8Iy5_m4bcQnH4U8nk57pfFn8fkzEylBlw-ELbBtQWid5S_qiZLh_oIovLcMKfOm7OrpCvgJHO5kF36SpoDe7JYaLbVZDnOkBoxITngoHvAhzU2RcSsWHk3uV09OBCx7hEkLuKCaK1KUqBmJcuHMWr8A/s5184/IMG_1916.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlsqFxdXB_2f-5br35F4pOCctfltYOBOqOTy8Iy5_m4bcQnH4U8nk57pfFn8fkzEylBlw-ELbBtQWid5S_qiZLh_oIovLcMKfOm7OrpCvgJHO5kF36SpoDe7JYaLbVZDnOkBoxITngoHvAhzU2RcSsWHk3uV09OBCx7hEkLuKCaK1KUqBmJcuHMWr8A/w640-h360/IMG_1916.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87TrCeJgfbyvRt3igQaFYu_nRlA8dJXX-pJDSqu1eSeKaE5cUDAzqPaMVtVP-aVfJkGQU32rvPE64WgGA9jg8q6DDj-xaR-5qKG3Gw7gta6t044aqJPolgMxpGGC4Z8Tbt73g3GoJqsS_WWswk1MI-KdCIq2vb9dtDv4ccAkJJ-Dv-I5CTm-z2mEygQ/s5184/IMG_1915.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87TrCeJgfbyvRt3igQaFYu_nRlA8dJXX-pJDSqu1eSeKaE5cUDAzqPaMVtVP-aVfJkGQU32rvPE64WgGA9jg8q6DDj-xaR-5qKG3Gw7gta6t044aqJPolgMxpGGC4Z8Tbt73g3GoJqsS_WWswk1MI-KdCIq2vb9dtDv4ccAkJJ-Dv-I5CTm-z2mEygQ/w640-h360/IMG_1915.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I managed to keep up a slow and steady pace and, as is usually the way, height is steadily gained. The trail is initially fairly steep but after around 300 metres of height gain, things ease back and a very enjoyable section follows until you reach the ski town of Valfréjus. Now the trail follows a track gently uphill. The weather was perfect. Sunny and calm and warm enough to hike in a tee shirt. Mind you, my earlier misgivings about my fitness were proving well founded. It was becoming clear that I was far from over the effects of COVID. My breathing was laboured and I was coughing and clearing regularly. I just hoped that things would improve as the days passed. Once I passed the imposing Fort du Lavoir I entered open mountain pastures and the more expansive scenery was a joy. The relatively easy going continued but my struggles remained. At one stage my vision became quite blurry and I was forced to stop and take a break. Ten minutes and some food and water helped, and it was okay once I set out again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk3_WakKciLJSG1GThAWpSAoKVJ-fKGtd70iVyXddFVzEJVyJvtmFq7nv5n7bGpLxsKWe9t-gkMtN_Hygqw2ndHA5oeHOrdxa3AS7qZJdYwqEr6rLeGQquKGfybBlmrGuT3ubxeyaXCjlUM6iWUYIh2jBnRr4ciO3369ZPs9iv1HyelCK3woqVJ2GCA/s5184/IMG_1923.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk3_WakKciLJSG1GThAWpSAoKVJ-fKGtd70iVyXddFVzEJVyJvtmFq7nv5n7bGpLxsKWe9t-gkMtN_Hygqw2ndHA5oeHOrdxa3AS7qZJdYwqEr6rLeGQquKGfybBlmrGuT3ubxeyaXCjlUM6iWUYIh2jBnRr4ciO3369ZPs9iv1HyelCK3woqVJ2GCA/w640-h360/IMG_1923.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPZIPBQCOESjSAXGAbz_7y-Aiiww3eO3IJBqxdgFdlw6dvMZzCOAnlCNOglLUhkRscJpD3p2P5e_9y69lR1d_eRUSUPuwXFH7o8RIi5amDS9hVktrcRWxqht35P-mKJo4uYFal68VHLd8g4_-N9ZL50RQYTeX3SFnkE97jQP4oELVYp9T1Bdi3g9eVA/s5184/IMG_1929.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPZIPBQCOESjSAXGAbz_7y-Aiiww3eO3IJBqxdgFdlw6dvMZzCOAnlCNOglLUhkRscJpD3p2P5e_9y69lR1d_eRUSUPuwXFH7o8RIi5amDS9hVktrcRWxqht35P-mKJo4uYFal68VHLd8g4_-N9ZL50RQYTeX3SFnkE97jQP4oELVYp9T1Bdi3g9eVA/w640-h360/IMG_1929.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8KFmSe0P0CJ5bRLoCrfCcvnkcUHd1P11PPRGmmt1JRB9LdMgblp1WDNPJFhLGo3bkqOpmPuzC3oK0vca-3Pk57Oma1j1VH-KqEPgIfUdj6UtHW5IDo2NTmxFLs0HfUw4MIv4qfxE9I5B_Uc0vnDzX4cfIn5RVFnOAHk6Rkcv3jtVxLwZTX77pr51aA/s5184/IMG_1931.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8KFmSe0P0CJ5bRLoCrfCcvnkcUHd1P11PPRGmmt1JRB9LdMgblp1WDNPJFhLGo3bkqOpmPuzC3oK0vca-3Pk57Oma1j1VH-KqEPgIfUdj6UtHW5IDo2NTmxFLs0HfUw4MIv4qfxE9I5B_Uc0vnDzX4cfIn5RVFnOAHk6Rkcv3jtVxLwZTX77pr51aA/w640-h360/IMG_1931.JPG" width="640" /></a>Onward and ever upward was the only way and before too long I was wandering through wilder, less pastoral ground. Eventually the pass and the refuge came into view and I knew that I didn't have far to go. Up here at 2500 metres it was starting to feel quite chilly but I decided to press on to the refuge before stopping. Finally I reached the Col de la Valee Edroite and I turned and followed the track that headed for the nearby refuge. After a final climb I finally dropped the rucksack on the covered porch of the quite large imposing timber building. The guardian was finished for the season so accommodation was limited to the winter room. There was a few others milling about, but it transpired that they had earlier climbed Mont Thabor, and soon left. In the end there was just one other person besides myself staying. There was a plentiful supply of chopped wood in the refuge and we soon had a good fire going in the stove. This was very welcome. I hadn't been able to get gas on the journey but now I was able to cook my dinner on the hot plate. It made for a warm comfortable evening and was well worth the 12euro fee. I whiled away some time outside soaking in the views before retiring to bed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMronHlHXBpb1WXSl97QzTxzC2ObVTU2wfijDUvEgRmK4kRNr0FrOe9rl21LHBgsC9yorx2RaaZ9r3c6jNqcNcbHLCwtG5YPZAIfAwLPd2wckielSvB7A3X2jcUzc9hfSytcbNPS4SkGH5VdyHzZO_p94B6HprEg1hJv5ll5JpoEmBivLkaJ6ITFg5wg/s5184/IMG_1937.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMronHlHXBpb1WXSl97QzTxzC2ObVTU2wfijDUvEgRmK4kRNr0FrOe9rl21LHBgsC9yorx2RaaZ9r3c6jNqcNcbHLCwtG5YPZAIfAwLPd2wckielSvB7A3X2jcUzc9hfSytcbNPS4SkGH5VdyHzZO_p94B6HprEg1hJv5ll5JpoEmBivLkaJ6ITFg5wg/w640-h360/IMG_1937.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbAgvzg8nXegBcRyUWeUW2MHFv01PQquNx8raUnFETC_5wSBBU1yJ4_YU92_4yKF_BAwAvDpD4Wygiv_ukIguZ8QogabZEYwq3HOW7wCaKv9E-kqvumaSICbZnZuiGvVMSt9J9Qd-6L0wx_AqmWITIYcWu5s1Vq4pJ7wr41Kajmtr0wexNz-Vsy6_7w/s5184/IMG_1936.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbAgvzg8nXegBcRyUWeUW2MHFv01PQquNx8raUnFETC_5wSBBU1yJ4_YU92_4yKF_BAwAvDpD4Wygiv_ukIguZ8QogabZEYwq3HOW7wCaKv9E-kqvumaSICbZnZuiGvVMSt9J9Qd-6L0wx_AqmWITIYcWu5s1Vq4pJ7wr41Kajmtr0wexNz-Vsy6_7w/w640-h360/IMG_1936.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cuZWuo9VARwC3t_nuqDtMvf_9kzDoA3PoF2GW741NujcTmNyIM5WDAK-lpjwpSnd81TicE99eg-yIL7Gy32yjuSZjRK3P_TdVMB4lW7WoERCY1p3uPzqoWiaX6HFgAgqgKZbeHX3ZmvrHwmDi9TaeUUwXAuqwqSfXCch7S-93amANeNBeQrMHTqBkQ/s5184/IMG_1934.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cuZWuo9VARwC3t_nuqDtMvf_9kzDoA3PoF2GW741NujcTmNyIM5WDAK-lpjwpSnd81TicE99eg-yIL7Gy32yjuSZjRK3P_TdVMB4lW7WoERCY1p3uPzqoWiaX6HFgAgqgKZbeHX3ZmvrHwmDi9TaeUUwXAuqwqSfXCch7S-93amANeNBeQrMHTqBkQ/w640-h360/IMG_1934.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>All in all it had been a good day. Great weather, 15 kilometres and a substantial 1500 metres of climbing in four and a half hours. Welcome to the Alps.</p><p>Monday October 17th;</p><p>I didn't sleep well. In fact I didn't sleep at all. I don't know if it was the altitude or the chest infection but I tossed and turned and generally my breathing felt tight all night. That said I wasn't feeling bad this morning and I was looking forward to seeing what today would bring. It promised to be another fine weather day, and it was mostly blue skies when I exited the refuge. There was some cloud drifting over the nearby col but I didn't mind as I expected that to burn off quickly. Once moving I could certainly feel yesterday's exertions in my legs. Thankfully today wasn't going to be an overly big day and there wasn't a lot of climbing. Choices lay ahead for later today and tomorrow. For the hike to Briancon I wanted to take the GR 5 C variant, so I wanted to get to Nevache today. I was also toying with the idea of including Mont Thabor in the day. At 3178 metres it is a big old lump, and it would add over 700 metres climbing to the day. I reckoned that once I was unencumbered with the big bag, I could fit it in okay. I was thinking that I could get to the summit and back in two and a half hours. Alas, once I reached the Col, I saw the signpost pointing to the mountain suggested that the summit was four hours away. That would suggest (being optimistic) that it would entail a five hour round trip, and I just didn't have that sort of time and added up to an eleven hour day. I reluctantly turned away from it and stuck to the GR 5.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJkO7r65SpRwjSOwKu1JbV41Rp-lKlZXimutfXA0e5Q2ciRIlobzH1B617ueKpE5wWkc_MfVi6ucmouOv-x2zyXMvZvZwytOZJ4gmorGA2bMDhfFsE9ci4PjAYHMdymczSxt56r-ADwbDvAtt3kAmhHUbqWznMiPAVu5-I8Lz22m2l2UlB9IQvw2jSw/s5184/IMG_1942.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJkO7r65SpRwjSOwKu1JbV41Rp-lKlZXimutfXA0e5Q2ciRIlobzH1B617ueKpE5wWkc_MfVi6ucmouOv-x2zyXMvZvZwytOZJ4gmorGA2bMDhfFsE9ci4PjAYHMdymczSxt56r-ADwbDvAtt3kAmhHUbqWznMiPAVu5-I8Lz22m2l2UlB9IQvw2jSw/w640-h360/IMG_1942.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Once down at the Col, I entered the cloud, which filled the Vallee de la Edroite. Basically, I was then in the mist until I got below 2000 metres. However it was easy and gentle going. Despite the lack of views I was loving the trek. Open grassy pastures gave way to sparse spruce woodland before finally, where the trail dropped sharply to the right into a deep wooded valley I emerged under the cloud. It was a lovely sight as the spruce trees were aglow in their autumn finery. This valley was, until after the second world war, part of Italy and the signposts and names were still in Italian. Once I got down to the down to the hamlet that contained the refugios i Re Magi and Terzo Alpini the only meaningful climbing of the day lay ahead. Oh boy did my legs protest when I started climbing. The trail cuts straight up the slope across pastures until, when it enters the forest it goes on a rising traverse through the trees. I coped a little better after a bit, and before too long I reached the gentle Col des Thures at 2194 metres. I stopped for a little rest here and also took delight in the fact that finally the cloud seemed to be burning off and some sunshine appeared. By the time I was finished my rest it was a mostly blue sky day, and once again I was treated to glorious scenery. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8a7BaePj9hIJeOfc5l1VmDm8oI5CQZjPFoOA9U7usteV9phLo5Hi-zMd2mUpzAs-5HHvxyWVkyvRYCxVN_Bp5S6Ag_mJq1qganilaeQ4rJ7YG9tI2lBEoxYfnnS1bZOLxWZeG5dU2O7bIYs3HRSL_n5asaoHTy-Mm-_pMt-LLEfy3fRiz_9kxIqgbQ/s5184/IMG_1948.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8a7BaePj9hIJeOfc5l1VmDm8oI5CQZjPFoOA9U7usteV9phLo5Hi-zMd2mUpzAs-5HHvxyWVkyvRYCxVN_Bp5S6Ag_mJq1qganilaeQ4rJ7YG9tI2lBEoxYfnnS1bZOLxWZeG5dU2O7bIYs3HRSL_n5asaoHTy-Mm-_pMt-LLEfy3fRiz_9kxIqgbQ/w640-h360/IMG_1948.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80LCN4Xdxkd6rtVwiuP3IA4JTjmHp8MBlUg3fFlwUWERHgMNEYDGNG_r79jcWf1RdP17gFrW_aqWCds25dsJOWj3TjmyoKjOo7D91E68pJfThO4kubC44mQp1McdAd_ZS883ZOoZDE87tU4d_H6WkJ3Ukdvp-QoRp1XPNyeJ43OwVxZWlR_c_K0acsw/s5184/IMG_1947.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80LCN4Xdxkd6rtVwiuP3IA4JTjmHp8MBlUg3fFlwUWERHgMNEYDGNG_r79jcWf1RdP17gFrW_aqWCds25dsJOWj3TjmyoKjOo7D91E68pJfThO4kubC44mQp1McdAd_ZS883ZOoZDE87tU4d_H6WkJ3Ukdvp-QoRp1XPNyeJ43OwVxZWlR_c_K0acsw/w640-h360/IMG_1947.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Easy walking, gently downhill, follows, until you reach the solitary Cabane Pastoral des Thures at 2080 metres. Here the path splits. The right hand one takes a more or less direct line to the valley floor and Nevache, while the left hand one climbs two hundred metres, crosses the shoulder of l'Aguille Rouge, before dropping down towards the Col de l'Echelle. I took the left hand one and almost immediately was struggling on the uphill section. The views however were ample compensation for any fatigue I felt, and it was great to be once again enjoying a sunny day. Once over the shoulder the trail dropped through the woods towards the Col. I somehow managed to contrive to follow the GR 57 at the Col, and this led directly down towards Pamplinet. The proper route goes left at the col and turns north before going around and over the Roches de la Sueur, briefly entering Italy, and returning to Pamplinet from the northeast. It was just as well I didn't do that section as I fear it would have been brutal on me, given my ever increasing fatigue. It would have meant an extra 8 kilometres and over 500 metres extra ascent. Anyway, I arrived into the sleepy little village of Pamplinet and decided to continue as far as Nevache which was the logical starting point for tomorrows hike. It was quite warm and I rested and enjoyed a long drink from the fountain before heading along the good trail that leads gently over the next few kilometres to Roubion, a place where there was a restaurant and a shop. Needless to say all were closed and so was the nearby campsite. As there was an easy water supply and seating and benches in the field near the facilities I decided to camp there anyway. It was a huge relief to drop the bag and get the tent up. I wasted no time in getting into my sleeping bag and I crashed for a couple of hours.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwG4mbzpWQyE033wbM-QyfV_1dilpeimOp3gRxXGilrWPnMM26Hfvs6utJqbqMl-xoW3eSEghjzkI93bhfjSyLItTL96W7bz1RKbU8o6jXzzye3Me7nUbeymG0hC7JYARrmtL_tYesRmQzT9_6yqrChKJaYCMhgMOLkG-JDZKexcVp5OZq4EGYcotJw/s5184/IMG_1955.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwG4mbzpWQyE033wbM-QyfV_1dilpeimOp3gRxXGilrWPnMM26Hfvs6utJqbqMl-xoW3eSEghjzkI93bhfjSyLItTL96W7bz1RKbU8o6jXzzye3Me7nUbeymG0hC7JYARrmtL_tYesRmQzT9_6yqrChKJaYCMhgMOLkG-JDZKexcVp5OZq4EGYcotJw/w640-h360/IMG_1955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuqrWtde45aApC4xP6ldWQZZpkiQFmkj_vO5UJF_FYmyYBYcnbAsxxlyXwZ7pK0ScS01QridCyT2qkZFAwgj1mHbKMkwaPCVYhkDBAK5AZ_caOg3xzUXYyNrDcFloulX3o1ftJTRtIx8k5oyoQhObK967ypUDs3uILIZLYp_PkQNYrS8ySxTJVr9pPQ/s5184/IMG_1953.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuqrWtde45aApC4xP6ldWQZZpkiQFmkj_vO5UJF_FYmyYBYcnbAsxxlyXwZ7pK0ScS01QridCyT2qkZFAwgj1mHbKMkwaPCVYhkDBAK5AZ_caOg3xzUXYyNrDcFloulX3o1ftJTRtIx8k5oyoQhObK967ypUDs3uILIZLYp_PkQNYrS8ySxTJVr9pPQ/w640-h360/IMG_1953.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-nihY2vQFDR4YWWTmBWEFUsZu73Uk3L8GliKoaF08IYc3mth5biz68o8jHKvUREwOldBNYAZNyCPmTcgKvkmR_n7y_UFofpgDzBuGxiWd9MPY1QPUCEMlWPVm1jll-vJmHPPxhBW4czmFiGkPQuUVRuyjs1NeDou8FhD_-EUms-rBM8X9xHXYKJ2gw/s5184/IMG_1952.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-nihY2vQFDR4YWWTmBWEFUsZu73Uk3L8GliKoaF08IYc3mth5biz68o8jHKvUREwOldBNYAZNyCPmTcgKvkmR_n7y_UFofpgDzBuGxiWd9MPY1QPUCEMlWPVm1jll-vJmHPPxhBW4czmFiGkPQuUVRuyjs1NeDou8FhD_-EUms-rBM8X9xHXYKJ2gw/w640-h360/IMG_1952.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It had taken me just shy of seven hours to cover the 23 kilometres with a modest 700 metres of ascent.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7BboufW5oB0RcRGfkPhSA0a9iSk5mAKAUeoB0eGh-7bjr-aXgd5cuhaONCbn21abZ-f_I0TtPZEtOw8Fj3UpKPw6iqtBSXAJ5sN4_ay-xJ4GhWtnNJSEP6zeJFowYdCs23fMx8OnbA_4gdi_d9ujRyCP_5yfjWlsX_g6183J_mRpVz1ZJMBNcVlnfA/s4160/IMG_20221017_122303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7BboufW5oB0RcRGfkPhSA0a9iSk5mAKAUeoB0eGh-7bjr-aXgd5cuhaONCbn21abZ-f_I0TtPZEtOw8Fj3UpKPw6iqtBSXAJ5sN4_ay-xJ4GhWtnNJSEP6zeJFowYdCs23fMx8OnbA_4gdi_d9ujRyCP_5yfjWlsX_g6183J_mRpVz1ZJMBNcVlnfA/w640-h308/IMG_20221017_122303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Tuesday October 18th;</p><p>I must confess I was somewhat nervous about today. It promised to be the biggest day so far, and involved a fair bit of climbing. I was pretty sure that I would struggle, given my unfit state. It was all a question of how much.</p><p>Where I was camping was right beside the river Le Claree. As the valley was pretty flat here there were some nice slow pools, in which some ducks had made there home. I emerged at dawn from the tent to a calm, clear, chilly morning. About nine campervans had also made the campground their home for the night. As I set about readying myself for the day, I was surprised to see a few walk past in shorts and with towels etc. I thought they had been using the showers of the campsite (which were locked up yesterday) but a few moments later I saw them gingerly immerse themselves in the river. Now that would certainly get rid of any morning sleepiness. As I had no gas to make tea or coffee, breakfast was a brief affair and I was all packed up and on the move by 8am. When confidence is low then take it slow. Well that is what I told myself.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AG3oEpw1aF07pPi9gvv4p0G1KqAF8ajCO7Jury91kjjARdJuyI5Q1nxV_kanMFzcicaZcr7WLIWO3Ryn3GQrxCWmBRVQd5fBcLYZn2IdLSOAPqqz0Qhg7MF8Tnq2oaeFunF9WWaGTXIwGa4zkxfPALYI75aMkDytOy2RbfcXHh46vt-RpRPIOKa2iQ/s5184/IMG_1957.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AG3oEpw1aF07pPi9gvv4p0G1KqAF8ajCO7Jury91kjjARdJuyI5Q1nxV_kanMFzcicaZcr7WLIWO3Ryn3GQrxCWmBRVQd5fBcLYZn2IdLSOAPqqz0Qhg7MF8Tnq2oaeFunF9WWaGTXIwGa4zkxfPALYI75aMkDytOy2RbfcXHh46vt-RpRPIOKa2iQ/w640-h360/IMG_1957.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A very easy first kilometre allowed me to enjoy walking alongside the river, until I reached a footbridge. Now the GR turns and headed once again for the woods. On these hikes this is a recurring theme. From a valley base the normal sequence is to climb up through the woods until you reach open alpine pastures, then cross over a col, before repeating the process in reverse. Today was no different. I steady climb up through the forest, saw me gain 600 metres before I emerged into lovely open ground that rose gently towards the first col of the day Porte de Cristol at 2531 metres. I won't say that I wasn't struggling once again, but overall I was pleased that I was able to make steady progress. Once up at the wild col the views opened up even further. I got my first glimpses of the glorious snow and ice capped Ecrins massif. What a treat it was to see these giants that rise to over 4000 metres. I could also see in the distant hazy valley floor, my destination for today, Briancon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTKVkdxqXSEslO-D4UgiPk1vYOHu96OvSaRZCSDmlS25opgumB949Axk_iyLlMOgkhZzsquRnHgmTuyJTr6-PJmSP6CdpSwPAAzT3b4CtBh9ECGf7jla9O3lI-vXLHLufPkUI4iNa8UGmAK8zvpEQ668sCFm9kzl5gYDh1d8hxUEnzmpu6fX4USEH1g/s5184/IMG_1960.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTKVkdxqXSEslO-D4UgiPk1vYOHu96OvSaRZCSDmlS25opgumB949Axk_iyLlMOgkhZzsquRnHgmTuyJTr6-PJmSP6CdpSwPAAzT3b4CtBh9ECGf7jla9O3lI-vXLHLufPkUI4iNa8UGmAK8zvpEQ668sCFm9kzl5gYDh1d8hxUEnzmpu6fX4USEH1g/w640-h360/IMG_1960.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa2YejpjIthMdp-ov24DkYvvjt0MVdngMXCQeYinMPR03KXDCs1PS626FziNhCSAZ5UsO5F-mKLBIlSKOtawvjk7kFFC9WFIGcEssvYt-10-lVBEgLEQ5yjG1PiZiea0K-MYCnzlJDUZzb6SFDnKfiq6-1MeQR5XnxB8i-9WvqusJDNzK6vrAcbj54g/s5184/IMG_1962.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa2YejpjIthMdp-ov24DkYvvjt0MVdngMXCQeYinMPR03KXDCs1PS626FziNhCSAZ5UsO5F-mKLBIlSKOtawvjk7kFFC9WFIGcEssvYt-10-lVBEgLEQ5yjG1PiZiea0K-MYCnzlJDUZzb6SFDnKfiq6-1MeQR5XnxB8i-9WvqusJDNzK6vrAcbj54g/w640-h360/IMG_1962.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />By now I had climbed almost 1000 metres, but the next section is an almost level traverse of the mountainside on a good track to reach first, Col de Granon (2404 metres), and then Col de Barteaux (2382 metres), almost five kilometres away. I enjoyed this section and it was lovely to see the Ecrins reveal themselves more and more as I progressed. The highlight of todays walk was to be a traverse of the Crete de Peyrolle. This was supposed to give an airy, exhilarating hike, along the ridge between a few 2600 metre tops before a steep descent to Briancon. I was debating whether to do this section or not, as I had the choice of bypassing it and staying on a lower path. Despite my fatigue, I found myself spurning the easier option and heading for the base of the climb. The climb itself gained 200 metres, and I was delighted to find it wasn't as bad as I feared. Soon I found myself enjoying easy walking and I reached the first top, Le Croix de la Cime at 2606 metres. The views were wonderful and I was so glad I decided to take this option. The next two and a half kilometres promised to be special. The path actually bypasses the highest top Le Grand Peyrolle at 2645 metres, but it still visits the ridge line and gives some airy views of the spectacular cliffs on the north-eastern side of the mountain. Further along, the trail sticks faithfully to the crest, and in a couple of places it requires a little care and concentration. All the while, the view across to the Ecrins was particularly spectacular.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0aF0vrfW3Z5VDRbGfSm23rDiLgVAf4QgNfg-WG4QE3DwFP72GRTdWaey6VcPGzpucrQGFgwBH05yVr2nItxPb3R9llLR45sTMXRMzmGmPlaZ-13I8OEIMAnSGpc1DefIQWY5hRfqI9qny1PhmoulZMu-Qa1m6oTGgHLC69XLAAuF3_KDlH0OZAbvFA/s5184/IMG_1969.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0aF0vrfW3Z5VDRbGfSm23rDiLgVAf4QgNfg-WG4QE3DwFP72GRTdWaey6VcPGzpucrQGFgwBH05yVr2nItxPb3R9llLR45sTMXRMzmGmPlaZ-13I8OEIMAnSGpc1DefIQWY5hRfqI9qny1PhmoulZMu-Qa1m6oTGgHLC69XLAAuF3_KDlH0OZAbvFA/w640-h360/IMG_1969.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading for Crete de Peyrolle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR49zLM6zbrlxJVin-QH_uaX1ZROy5JqHfAQ4_aEsI8cLltt256LPbLHO4OYl-VG6WXTq4tFa3E3nXvXGQNA0GQy0zkmm7tUd96c3nBA0nlyfY0IsCKPrMPg4h7eLraLGBpNlnVlLa9uboEs8DXwqexDlcpJhNv9S754mn9LLkE-5TaGB14pHJOfoZtg/s5184/IMG_1974.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR49zLM6zbrlxJVin-QH_uaX1ZROy5JqHfAQ4_aEsI8cLltt256LPbLHO4OYl-VG6WXTq4tFa3E3nXvXGQNA0GQy0zkmm7tUd96c3nBA0nlyfY0IsCKPrMPg4h7eLraLGBpNlnVlLa9uboEs8DXwqexDlcpJhNv9S754mn9LLkE-5TaGB14pHJOfoZtg/w640-h360/IMG_1974.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />All good things come to an end, and eventually I reached the end of the crest and began the descent. Once again a little care is needed as the trail twists and winds its way down the steep mountainside until you reach the woods and an old military fort, spectacularly situated at l'Enrouye. The going is pretty straightforward from now on and the trail twists and turns until you reach a road at the Croix de Toulouse. Now the trail drops steeply through the woods, and before too long you reach an old fort, (one of several) guarding the narrows of the valley floor. Soon after, you enter the spectacular walled old town, which looked delightful. My hotel was situated about a kilometre from the old town, further down in the valley. I wasted no time in heading for it and to say I was looking forward to a long shower would be an understatement. Once I was checked in and refreshed I went about trying to get some gas so that I could cook for the rest of the trip. I was a little disappointed to discover that the nearest place I could get some was a Decathlon store which was nearly three kilometres away on the edge of town. Ah well, needs must, and I set off. On the plus side I also managed to get a couple of dehydrated dinners and breakfasts and these would prove necessary on the following days.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiZRXcr9AmJz5hg0znu6FT0Y3p0K_ZU-X2ST0kZRuXzb6fjTsH8URnVK-pdlbqW8QfsKJNgHzaUBD9WwHRc2Uu2IMrEQ8MHxCZV0Wmer9bTnxllILDe0JTZIpA79pikFQdZ3f42JNAdx78B9OWpT6SwbEAANKzuTHoq26QUeIayNWWkrbkRjQs2N-pg/s4160/IMG_20221018_130902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiZRXcr9AmJz5hg0znu6FT0Y3p0K_ZU-X2ST0kZRuXzb6fjTsH8URnVK-pdlbqW8QfsKJNgHzaUBD9WwHRc2Uu2IMrEQ8MHxCZV0Wmer9bTnxllILDe0JTZIpA79pikFQdZ3f42JNAdx78B9OWpT6SwbEAANKzuTHoq26QUeIayNWWkrbkRjQs2N-pg/w640-h308/IMG_20221018_130902.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYbYcssgoEWRyJae3OrRtt410ufZiyXxSvh_RKfly8vZv2qxtc2GK7lSYA-wf8NXKjIGKN6zLMX6sQGsZ4K4voS6kTqLwrD-C2DeUF1aoVmY5hE9cZSfDOtRJA4CATLHSL0YNv3js2f7f01133g_82xk82QL5I5C3WY9OgfWdtH3lCMbqQiV7TQpmig/s5184/IMG_1991.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYbYcssgoEWRyJae3OrRtt410ufZiyXxSvh_RKfly8vZv2qxtc2GK7lSYA-wf8NXKjIGKN6zLMX6sQGsZ4K4voS6kTqLwrD-C2DeUF1aoVmY5hE9cZSfDOtRJA4CATLHSL0YNv3js2f7f01133g_82xk82QL5I5C3WY9OgfWdtH3lCMbqQiV7TQpmig/w640-h360/IMG_1991.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It had been a good day. 25 kilometres, 1500 metres ascent, 1800 metres descent in 8.5 hours.<p></p><p>Wednesday October 19th;</p><p>The weather was once again excellent today but bad weather was promised for the following couple of days before an improvement was due to arrive once again. I was in good spirits this morning. While I still felt tired, I was now becoming more confident that I could manage a relatively big outing and hopefully get my fitness back. Not that I planned a very big day today and it was gone 09.30 when I set off. The plan was to reach Brunissard, some twenty two kilometres away and this would mean climbing over fourteen hundred metres. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSfNEXR5CcmkMt6-Yzg7NH2ykK9FT5qUAa6UszYMmYG_s7vStPWh3udl38OtzNAyP64N_19yzsno_4sm8K_WQpCLwz_92VMlc8eSrPMYwMBt47IoPaAZPIiuYLehrUrg5mKeokIhpqUYS9WfABc1who35euc-7SA2uIt6KEGkOHkWZYtl4PU2-7gcBw/s5184/IMG_1995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSfNEXR5CcmkMt6-Yzg7NH2ykK9FT5qUAa6UszYMmYG_s7vStPWh3udl38OtzNAyP64N_19yzsno_4sm8K_WQpCLwz_92VMlc8eSrPMYwMBt47IoPaAZPIiuYLehrUrg5mKeokIhpqUYS9WfABc1who35euc-7SA2uIt6KEGkOHkWZYtl4PU2-7gcBw/w640-h360/IMG_1995.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Using the Iphigeni app I had no difficulty in finding my way out of town and before long I was walking along the quiet lane above Villar St Pancrace. It was nice to pause and look back at the town and the mountains of yesterday before I once again entered the woods and climbed towards places new. After gaining a nice bit of height on the forest trail I once again reached a forestry roadway and this is followed easily for about four kilometres, until you reach the hamlet at Chalets des Ayes. Here the air was filled with the noise of cow bells. I was also up at over 1700 metres so a nice bit of height had been gained already. The trail once again entered the woods and more or less ran alongside the stream that foamed in the glen floor. It was never too steep, but it gained height steadily, until I reached a track near the junction of the treeline and open alpine pastures. By now I had cover over ten kilometres and gained over eight hundred metres so it was nice to rest a while and enjoy a cool drink in the sun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvtODugy4K-u-JqnfBW5AqTFRIr9Omid3PAbB0GeI61iAPulmOCGqXTQna1phx6JslTPeAgbkmax7QkLvel9KwXwDMN6yrYO8zGf_Nd0YhUJ1hhnXSdbZxkPMjBcpMsUBG5cJrdOHhc7mcn0f77_5ey_Lun7obiVBhl-swrqltl1rRtdUa41ifrx5Kg/s5184/IMG_1998.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvtODugy4K-u-JqnfBW5AqTFRIr9Omid3PAbB0GeI61iAPulmOCGqXTQna1phx6JslTPeAgbkmax7QkLvel9KwXwDMN6yrYO8zGf_Nd0YhUJ1hhnXSdbZxkPMjBcpMsUBG5cJrdOHhc7mcn0f77_5ey_Lun7obiVBhl-swrqltl1rRtdUa41ifrx5Kg/w640-h360/IMG_1998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8nhbgLQRdilGx6qCI0zUzTpihxvEmjTBlMJsARFoz4RMMg-n3qv6FSCy_TWHrnVJ_5oiNwZiqsj0fDb4QiyHePv4dvAFpfBw7F2NoTxVaHPJN32acQ8-I16UMX35u_fvlD9lHPNR8CuRpgyrpBNr1Jgzw0OvLy8LNY3IkLtU-gaHXNrM5LemygUL1g/s5184/IMG_1997.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8nhbgLQRdilGx6qCI0zUzTpihxvEmjTBlMJsARFoz4RMMg-n3qv6FSCy_TWHrnVJ_5oiNwZiqsj0fDb4QiyHePv4dvAFpfBw7F2NoTxVaHPJN32acQ8-I16UMX35u_fvlD9lHPNR8CuRpgyrpBNr1Jgzw0OvLy8LNY3IkLtU-gaHXNrM5LemygUL1g/w640-h360/IMG_1997.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Soon I passed the few alpages at Chalets de vers le Col and I could see the trail headed easily up to the col on the left side of the valley. I waited until I was a long way towards the col before dropping to the fledgling stream in the beginnings of a gully, so I could replenish my water. I waited until now because there were still a lot of cattle grazing up here. Before too long I reached the col and I rested a while and enjoyed wonderful new vistas. I looked back and enjoyed my last views of the Ecrin Massif. Ahead lay new horizons and wonderful mountains stretched into the distant haze. I was particularly smitten by the stunning landscape that draped the slopes of Pic de Balart, Pic de la Rousse and Pic du Cros. They weren't particularly high, or even particularly jagged, but there was something about the entire juxtaposition of rocky mountain, undulating pastures and colourful forest that had me thinking of it as somewhere from a Tolkien novel. After I was rested, I headed down into the beautiful valley below. The descent went well and before long I was over the worst and reached easier ground near some chalets. The trail now rounds the shoulder of the southern spur of Pic de Deaudouis and what was was a steep scree slope, becomes an impressive cliff face, that is a rock climbing site. A track winds down to the flat valley floor and then the GR more or less follows the road, until, after passing a campsite (closed) you reach the village of Brunissard. With no obvious place to camp nearby I continued until I reached la Chalp just a kilometre further on. A few people were chatting outside a restaurant and I tentatively asked if they knew of a good spot to pitch my tent for the evening. They were very nice, and, while they said they didn't know, they went into the restaurant and asked the owner. He, very kindly said I could pitch up in the paddock alongside his place and I readily agreed. It didn't take long to set up camp on the nice level ground and I whiled away a nice couple of hours in the afternoon sun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZ-W-XXXuTn32B44dJN_nK-VZGF20x2rJNCxmCsZyt3GNdC5U8K9qnCcbrPiSnYGJcR735TNWg7u1RSc4f1XXf_SjzKiHBPjC3uRJtIhBMKqO_rN9YwzmKisvniagC3fMxLJhb9SlaxOE78Nn_6XYAAh_I1dUbAAbZ9V2om-R3kKymErXthe9wJBLMA/s5184/IMG_2005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZ-W-XXXuTn32B44dJN_nK-VZGF20x2rJNCxmCsZyt3GNdC5U8K9qnCcbrPiSnYGJcR735TNWg7u1RSc4f1XXf_SjzKiHBPjC3uRJtIhBMKqO_rN9YwzmKisvniagC3fMxLJhb9SlaxOE78Nn_6XYAAh_I1dUbAAbZ9V2om-R3kKymErXthe9wJBLMA/w640-h360/IMG_2005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpH4dF8azqu8tYBqH6CC_C3w6grce73tJ1COcJXJ6oqv0sn_u1SiJanh3JielQ0o4E7zE3Ns89QXy6FiKT7BbimlELnOgEE6ztmZFIwfM0GU5z3O-T2aqMxEHtM0LbfLO-e_LnbWJ3YeMSUUtTHIZIJK_rLeR8EZscMUn4uC9ygwdLQU385deeOwde4A/s5184/IMG_2009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpH4dF8azqu8tYBqH6CC_C3w6grce73tJ1COcJXJ6oqv0sn_u1SiJanh3JielQ0o4E7zE3Ns89QXy6FiKT7BbimlELnOgEE6ztmZFIwfM0GU5z3O-T2aqMxEHtM0LbfLO-e_LnbWJ3YeMSUUtTHIZIJK_rLeR8EZscMUn4uC9ygwdLQU385deeOwde4A/w640-h360/IMG_2009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77nY771mJpcnTnxQ5DrJrQcqxxMI2MOdPbfAtK0KkJnrUk9UxVIwxFvK44pyuPtQWi8qlRHZllAWg9-7mGLxxNRphVNzBnRWG6PCxpPxlfTKU3w0CLtiowO3f954w7dmHPEhCGHRF4GUG5Nec0RyEP79IXby8XD14qEWFrV5EPckPbxFZXOR9_NG-nQ/s5184/IMG_2017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77nY771mJpcnTnxQ5DrJrQcqxxMI2MOdPbfAtK0KkJnrUk9UxVIwxFvK44pyuPtQWi8qlRHZllAWg9-7mGLxxNRphVNzBnRWG6PCxpPxlfTKU3w0CLtiowO3f954w7dmHPEhCGHRF4GUG5Nec0RyEP79IXby8XD14qEWFrV5EPckPbxFZXOR9_NG-nQ/w640-h360/IMG_2017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iJO3TQ6RAky2xzPTTsnCEMQ_bEHbDkdmu9pkzpfO9Gx__VsrMxCSPzcExd5_Zgk-gOqfmajCU91pk1Z2BG39mCyfeLClLZoJVB5DDTsbfvCZqa8VfEd0w0Um8RJ_Jnuu0BZorQnq_0bO7NEKUAirvPmGE_5u9nrsuYtCLdG7n1e6pQyiVxt3mQ5eRA/s5184/IMG_2019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iJO3TQ6RAky2xzPTTsnCEMQ_bEHbDkdmu9pkzpfO9Gx__VsrMxCSPzcExd5_Zgk-gOqfmajCU91pk1Z2BG39mCyfeLClLZoJVB5DDTsbfvCZqa8VfEd0w0Um8RJ_Jnuu0BZorQnq_0bO7NEKUAirvPmGE_5u9nrsuYtCLdG7n1e6pQyiVxt3mQ5eRA/w640-h360/IMG_2019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />About 20 kilometres and 1300 metres climbing in just six hours.<p></p><p>Thursday October 20th,</p><p>I exited the tent in the dawn light to another calm dry morning. Some rain was due to arrive in the afternoon and already there was quite a bit of cloud in the skies. Indeed as I was starting to get some breakfast ready at the nearby seating area, I was spattered by a sudden spit of rain that led to a hasty retreat back into my tent. Thankfully it was short lived and I was able to get packed up in the dry. Away to the south the impressive collection of snow clad peaks called Pics De La Font Sancte, which rose to over 3400 metres, looked moody and already some rain had arrived there. I made sure to put my rain gear within easy reach and I set off at 08.20.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Yy7-i6yFgl5A7naa1MRt3nw22oLGsWKwUhJ7EhpqTjvngD5UMZHGVn51AOw6oPBhK4ycRAj0ch7w3FByYs4f55Lg5ewLXlU7EwJE6QpkL6AP504KW58BddIjntSoeZ1FxG_C1rAVcLmMHyQNwfIb5tQw82ea-ujvahcwpwTAWqrpdDO61FlvPBBOxA/s5184/IMG_2029.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Yy7-i6yFgl5A7naa1MRt3nw22oLGsWKwUhJ7EhpqTjvngD5UMZHGVn51AOw6oPBhK4ycRAj0ch7w3FByYs4f55Lg5ewLXlU7EwJE6QpkL6AP504KW58BddIjntSoeZ1FxG_C1rAVcLmMHyQNwfIb5tQw82ea-ujvahcwpwTAWqrpdDO61FlvPBBOxA/w640-h360/IMG_2029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs45cpKcDb1cyWoWU3bBKo0P47Y7eG9YrEBM1lVYwqNo4euCcaIv58d_4-l8A3E7m2JO5xSneQ_xHIpxy-rrDev3L0jG7AhDNIeCd_h7LuduDHC-Yiy578XYPifrIWCahggeYLNouM9H_6yeQ7B3QQ6kTxtYHVkt-f143fqmNuzXHwEJa9og7--Lmmvw/s5184/IMG_2027.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs45cpKcDb1cyWoWU3bBKo0P47Y7eG9YrEBM1lVYwqNo4euCcaIv58d_4-l8A3E7m2JO5xSneQ_xHIpxy-rrDev3L0jG7AhDNIeCd_h7LuduDHC-Yiy578XYPifrIWCahggeYLNouM9H_6yeQ7B3QQ6kTxtYHVkt-f143fqmNuzXHwEJa9og7--Lmmvw/w640-h360/IMG_2027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The going is pretty easy as the trail follows a track up along the hillside after La Chalp. After about five kilometres I arrived at the Lac de Roue which would actually have made an ideal camping spot the previous evening. Lots of picnic tables, a good water source and plenty of shelter make it a great place to camp. Ah well, I had enjoyed the previous evening too much for regrets. The day couldn't make up its mind whether to rain or not. Whenever it decided to start I would quickly don the waterproofs and it would stop almost immediately. I didn't complain though, it could be worse. The trail dropped through the woods and soon reached Chateau Queyras where an impressive fort sits atop a rock outcrop that guards the narrow valley. The fort originally dated back over 1000 years. It was quite spectacular. Another spectacular sight was the large articulated truck that was firmly stuck on a sharp bend in the narrow lane that led to the lower village. The main road was blocked by roadworks and the driver obviously thought that he could use this road. A decision he deeply regretted I'm guessing. How he extricated himself I will never know.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8opi60WgwVj0lkPoLrGe1HoWNWZWueNPnKKc4FHEaxvmPd_YMonRlwGyMNM1F-sQ2rZ4O5mmQiq6QZMK39y0lIKVaTViq9ZH8nbODLdSOTUPgC04iwYT7WPdiVBz1mTM64Tv0D5FD5noVQxkvy_mtRM7es-Kz8HNfw_xG8jzVKv66_8pK8V0TNpsKA/s4160/IMG_20221020_103314.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8opi60WgwVj0lkPoLrGe1HoWNWZWueNPnKKc4FHEaxvmPd_YMonRlwGyMNM1F-sQ2rZ4O5mmQiq6QZMK39y0lIKVaTViq9ZH8nbODLdSOTUPgC04iwYT7WPdiVBz1mTM64Tv0D5FD5noVQxkvy_mtRM7es-Kz8HNfw_xG8jzVKv66_8pK8V0TNpsKA/w640-h308/IMG_20221020_103314.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> I climbed around the truck and soon reached the trail that headed for the main pass of the day, the rather curiously named, Col de Fromage, which was still about eight kilometres away. The weather was becoming wetter and the clouds started to become lower and the day became more atmospheric. The trail itself was never very steep and overall the going was easy. Once up at around 1800 metres the valley opened out and the spruce trees became sparse and the spectacular twin peaks of Roche de Clot and Point de la Selle were framed at the head of the valley. Eventually I crossed over the shoulder of Point de la Selle and a long easy traverse of the mountain follows until the col is reached. One oddity was when I passed what appeared to be a place where gypsum was mined and below this a steep white ravine dropped for several hundred metres to the right. At the col I was delighted to see some blue skies appear and an eagle soared over the nearby Crete des Chambrettes some 300 metres higher up. I made the mistake of following a trail that was signposted for Ceillac which was my destination for today. It climbed up towards the ridge but after a while I noticed the lack of red and white markers so I retraced my steps to the col and thankfully discovered that the GR took a more directly downhill route.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTXVLUZHCemAX-MpvkQFO4E_fJLUdhxb-v7XFu2JJGZcJ7NDvCA6c2URPiViYIhPxOor9-IbOYX-2zeJ29Deg0ZOu2zv3hmFa_uB01WIJO01xQ9Qj04QFcVYWv3pEiMXzqrYg6IAYENXsnzF_OixdqB_-oRuaSrSQXRykOytgwkYEWHfkBnrNM_YrAA/s5184/IMG_2035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTXVLUZHCemAX-MpvkQFO4E_fJLUdhxb-v7XFu2JJGZcJ7NDvCA6c2URPiViYIhPxOor9-IbOYX-2zeJ29Deg0ZOu2zv3hmFa_uB01WIJO01xQ9Qj04QFcVYWv3pEiMXzqrYg6IAYENXsnzF_OixdqB_-oRuaSrSQXRykOytgwkYEWHfkBnrNM_YrAA/w640-h360/IMG_2035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZYvoFYuVVhL6JYMWp5V4ImHBFPs2__N1FtF-oCLvkLvIFRyqfIUAi6WSLxed1Sn9tigb2Z0YDydaOg9Xk6xmpb7mP1xYv_uvvicEoACWVcDwzmAZuHzTxMeYQ3NXtaXBWKQdLYBcsI_XCuOgmNWIM3egpha_v12YEqFy08APNH_yJvRze6S7ald_Xg/s5184/IMG_2040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZYvoFYuVVhL6JYMWp5V4ImHBFPs2__N1FtF-oCLvkLvIFRyqfIUAi6WSLxed1Sn9tigb2Z0YDydaOg9Xk6xmpb7mP1xYv_uvvicEoACWVcDwzmAZuHzTxMeYQ3NXtaXBWKQdLYBcsI_XCuOgmNWIM3egpha_v12YEqFy08APNH_yJvRze6S7ald_Xg/w640-h360/IMG_2040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKROHFLSoI6hOOl03zZtOOxhHT7r0DbQg2I7YkVXhfLf-tfsSF8ad4QnXTTDNgLS6s0XOY9NHzji4glSNO6rKztjMvwoicp-ZZj2vyFjRuwg04DYgniPZq7kg4EhJ65ESRz8_1Xx_dM1P2z3WMmjnT4Wpg5-annbXvzTyP7SiLeD18Lg6Vt-mSKfsMg/s5184/IMG_2043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKROHFLSoI6hOOl03zZtOOxhHT7r0DbQg2I7YkVXhfLf-tfsSF8ad4QnXTTDNgLS6s0XOY9NHzji4glSNO6rKztjMvwoicp-ZZj2vyFjRuwg04DYgniPZq7kg4EhJ65ESRz8_1Xx_dM1P2z3WMmjnT4Wpg5-annbXvzTyP7SiLeD18Lg6Vt-mSKfsMg/w640-h360/IMG_2043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The descent went nicely and before too long I reached a lane at le Villard. It was an easy couple of kilometres to reach the compact village but, as I was learning to expect on this trip, most everything seemed to be closed. I had resigned myself to staying in my tent once again, so it was a pleasant surprise to see the door to the Gite open and a light on in the office. My delight was short lived however when I was informed that they were closed. They did tell me that the Refuge de Melezet was open and that it was about four kilometres further up the valley. I decided to head for it. I walked alongside the river but had to climb one hundred and fifty metres to reach the little collection of houses in which the old refuge stood. As I arrived a woman was getting into her car. She asked if I wanted the refuge, but when I said I did she informed me that since I hadn't booked she was closing for the evening so I couldn't stay. I was a bit pissed off but I had no choice but to turn around and head back down to the river. I found a spot for my tent near a ski lift and settled down for the night. The weather continued to disimprove through the evening into the night. I could have really used a long shower and comfy bed but thems the breaks.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY_xU-DoHFg-D3B_k_8R4bIsDvfm7LuAcFdpwipD-gVq4fScmqDBzWB5zBaeXf-IK5pe1ms0X-e909HekfrUgVWmQsvsAuEQj_3M9oCm1EiYczklhd6A5g1mkh1r0ZkJNbtdhFoGLBOKg2oO7WNUetLL2K1ZlVBLjMKMBJ7jzkBimkqLYvqzYdOsf_Q/s4160/IMG_20221020_135915.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY_xU-DoHFg-D3B_k_8R4bIsDvfm7LuAcFdpwipD-gVq4fScmqDBzWB5zBaeXf-IK5pe1ms0X-e909HekfrUgVWmQsvsAuEQj_3M9oCm1EiYczklhd6A5g1mkh1r0ZkJNbtdhFoGLBOKg2oO7WNUetLL2K1ZlVBLjMKMBJ7jzkBimkqLYvqzYdOsf_Q/w640-h308/IMG_20221020_135915.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOZs-GuWZIA-9uj-28hUy_hUMsY0NpNdkDuvO8bjatKcYcnCOk_wtNP9U2nMunfv9dVptR_-Pdd0r79ZUHbKSlwGCPRAWolTlUdMZ_Uq5sfOjlluIV5AaIuPv8DWGIz4if6vpLLXLI-5Y5ViJwmFGXk1NqmQ3YOzl2y1yyKTRbbDKRdrbPZM-82wSaQ/s4160/IMG_20221020_161208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOZs-GuWZIA-9uj-28hUy_hUMsY0NpNdkDuvO8bjatKcYcnCOk_wtNP9U2nMunfv9dVptR_-Pdd0r79ZUHbKSlwGCPRAWolTlUdMZ_Uq5sfOjlluIV5AaIuPv8DWGIz4if6vpLLXLI-5Y5ViJwmFGXk1NqmQ3YOzl2y1yyKTRbbDKRdrbPZM-82wSaQ/w640-h307/IMG_20221020_161208.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><p></p><p>It had been a fairly taxing day. 27 kilometres covered with over 1400 metres climbed in 8 hours.</p><p>Friday October 21st;</p><p>It had rain all night and at times it was quite heavy. I hadn't slept well at all and I spent much of the night having something of a crisis of confidence. At one stage I spent some time looking at possible ways to abandon the trip. I had visions of flooded trails, rockfall and hardship and all without the safety net of somewhere other than the tent to stay. </p><p>This morning there was no debate as to whether to put on the waterproofs from the get go. It was raining steadily and it didn't look likely to stop anytime soon. That said, I was pleased to find that the trail was not flooded and the wind was quite light. I have often been out in a lot worse. My spirits were improving. As is often the case, once I was on the move things seemed better. I had camped quite close to where the GR climbs up into the forest and begins its journey for Col Girardin, which at just a metre short of 2700 metres is one of the highest on the entire route. I actually like walking in the rain. The world becomes a little smaller and quieter and the woods adopt a mysterious hue. So it was this morning, and it was just the ticket to re establish my commitment to the trip. Starting at 1700 metres meant that it wasn't too long before I started to leave the shelter of the trees at around the 2100 metre mark. Now the nature of the outing began to change. Here the rain was being blown by a stiff wind and it began to feel like a wet day on Carrauntoohil. As I got higher things only got worse. When I reached Chappelle Ste-Anne, which stood above the azure Lac Ste Anne, I was very glad to avail of some shelter and try and warm up a bit. Here at 2400 metres the rain was turning to hail and I had to guard my face from its sting.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDygRoGtbAViv6Hp776zEwxF0F5f4x-XblsjSfDzeaTmJQnqn1to39S4UHkorAitDFdAGtX8N0AtDfIj770f-oBF9mrhs11FyiWw7XwG9coHOcpEGmmHsmSWnb8zyPq9i9qJqMY-8rHVL5Q0TC20s1zGUGCPIELJduzbwN_Mig4cmVfcvrBKTj6guVEg/s5184/IMG_2047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDygRoGtbAViv6Hp776zEwxF0F5f4x-XblsjSfDzeaTmJQnqn1to39S4UHkorAitDFdAGtX8N0AtDfIj770f-oBF9mrhs11FyiWw7XwG9coHOcpEGmmHsmSWnb8zyPq9i9qJqMY-8rHVL5Q0TC20s1zGUGCPIELJduzbwN_Mig4cmVfcvrBKTj6guVEg/w640-h360/IMG_2047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_n9htL8wavGZ_hiIG1stjqVzm37H54Qas8Tz8p4BmPv82zuSu6oRtEImZiQJK6vLHmYOdO-J9Esy6zYuCXsfGDizlR3W-c1NCbHajAp2T0jGrFNJbQjHtC4jUNj3gJs7eysn8kwVlaOl7JZDlAakyzoGgcqlZqudKwUAt7fuSxNG3fu8GMyR5w3gZQ/s5184/IMG_2049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_n9htL8wavGZ_hiIG1stjqVzm37H54Qas8Tz8p4BmPv82zuSu6oRtEImZiQJK6vLHmYOdO-J9Esy6zYuCXsfGDizlR3W-c1NCbHajAp2T0jGrFNJbQjHtC4jUNj3gJs7eysn8kwVlaOl7JZDlAakyzoGgcqlZqudKwUAt7fuSxNG3fu8GMyR5w3gZQ/w640-h362/IMG_2049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><p></p><p>Despite everything, I was enjoying myself. One of my biggest fears had been that all the rain would have fallen as snow up this high, but thankfully that wasn't the case and the pass remained clear. Another joy was the snow clad rugged mountains that formed the backdrop of the hike. The Pics de la Font Sancte, which had seemed so distant just yesterday morning, now loomed large and moody above me and in a way only looked better in these conditions. The path twisted it way up a scree slope and eventually I stood in the col. Not that I lingered, as the weather was foul. The path zig zags steeply down the slope on the other side but before too long a flat grassy area is reached. Thankfully the wind seemed less strong on this side and the rain started to ease as well. The trail splits at around 2350 metres. One branch goes directly down to Maljasset while the one I wanted traverses airely above a cliff before it begins to descend towards Le Barge. The long deep valley made a spectacular sight, backed as it was by jagged 3000 metre peaks on the other side. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0esOfTwvQdkkUbvZRODKovPHbT-cI8MIPGrQLeg-0CnRUApmYOD7Gz6RmlnASnNvbiZbzKFnUsy3KRfLSeHC9i3zhlJgP6BXB7erQBMiMpoalZT5yc6NZnKzYG4tgwfI3rwQx_EFIvy6J-R21IdIKOBWqCca2gAmwY_W5lKfCn9ekvFjp6MrEMDkgg/s5184/IMG_2055.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0esOfTwvQdkkUbvZRODKovPHbT-cI8MIPGrQLeg-0CnRUApmYOD7Gz6RmlnASnNvbiZbzKFnUsy3KRfLSeHC9i3zhlJgP6BXB7erQBMiMpoalZT5yc6NZnKzYG4tgwfI3rwQx_EFIvy6J-R21IdIKOBWqCca2gAmwY_W5lKfCn9ekvFjp6MrEMDkgg/w640-h360/IMG_2055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3gM2d7MYAoz5czR2Db7kzw5vst6gxH3_6oy5xVoOSThwOM3xDjOq20xOCJ6uV-1gPRF5skvR9qhCDNdMDODaXb16asP5B1IZIgLkFxgaqvi5Oi9iGnhm3mQkaUSWG9GoGDEFIo3w1g48ebVEyieupDM8mg18Qw6PcKlhDLa61LHaMzsG1JxIsRmdag/s5184/IMG_2054.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3gM2d7MYAoz5czR2Db7kzw5vst6gxH3_6oy5xVoOSThwOM3xDjOq20xOCJ6uV-1gPRF5skvR9qhCDNdMDODaXb16asP5B1IZIgLkFxgaqvi5Oi9iGnhm3mQkaUSWG9GoGDEFIo3w1g48ebVEyieupDM8mg18Qw6PcKlhDLa61LHaMzsG1JxIsRmdag/w640-h360/IMG_2054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I had decided to try and get as far as Fouillouse today so I still had a long way to go. Once I was down in the valley the trail spent the next seven or more kilometres in either sheltered woodlands or for short periods on the quiet road. I stopped about half way along the valley for a bite to eat and I found myself standing and shivering while I ate. Once I had put some fuel in me things got better. When I passed a little place called St Antoine I could see the river pass through a deep cleft in the rock with what appeared to be a bridge crossing it. It looked spectacular. Another thing that looked equally spectacular was the stunning autumnal colour on display in the valley beyond. Eventually I passed the cleft and I was delighted to find that the way to Fouillouse actually went over the bridge. Wowzer, what a spectacular place to stand. Looking over the walls of the bridge at the 300 ft drop to the torrent below certainly got the heart racing. It was a lovely bonus. Shortly after this the trail leaves the road and climbs up through the woods again. All in all you climb over 300 metres before a gradual descent arrives and you reach Fouillouse. I had hoped that the gite in this curious village would be open but alas it would be the tent again tonight. Mind you things weren't all bad. The weather was actually showing signs of improvement and by the time I reached a spot where I could camp about 500 metres beyond the village it was dry. Fouillouse itself was an odd collection of chalets and farm buildings with mostly tin roofs and a mucky dirt track serving as the street through it. That said it was in a beautiful setting.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgs_a_uvgdY1IfCUp1efEC2G0mEjTF2fDfVoWLDK-g7OXSYYlYjpfKJwu8lZrzd0XoVyXp8X0poQuz6wpa5iwtdqd0BbIJ4MQJ9Ol2u7mjSOTrcMoAxFzhB0M8w-K-lIqgIzwEbI-f1AB2UZSVfYSblm642t6Hzq4kh5z9SU7LtvEhm2iXu-XYkT9cng/s5184/IMG_2057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgs_a_uvgdY1IfCUp1efEC2G0mEjTF2fDfVoWLDK-g7OXSYYlYjpfKJwu8lZrzd0XoVyXp8X0poQuz6wpa5iwtdqd0BbIJ4MQJ9Ol2u7mjSOTrcMoAxFzhB0M8w-K-lIqgIzwEbI-f1AB2UZSVfYSblm642t6Hzq4kh5z9SU7LtvEhm2iXu-XYkT9cng/w640-h360/IMG_2057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />23 kilometres covered today with once again 1400 metres of climbing in 7 hours 40 minutes.<p></p><p>Saturday October 22nd;</p><p>There had been some rain overnight but it had dried up and it was quite a pleasant morning when I emerged from my tent. I enjoyed a nice breakfast and it was good to be able to pack up in dry weather. I was hopeful that the rain was behind me. Today the plan was to cross, first the Col du Vallonet at 2524 metres, before next crossing Col de Mallemort at 2558 metres, and then descending to Larche. After that I would play it by ear.</p><p>The trail rose quite gradually along a track and was never steep. That said, I was struggling a lot this morning, and I felt like I had regressed a few days in fitness. I had thought that I was over the lingering effects of Covid but my chest and breathing was tight, even on easy gradients, I found the going tough. Before long I reached Fort de Plat Lombarde. This was a quite large buried fortification with only the gunwales showing above ground. Here the trail splits, with one heading up to the Refuge du Chambeyron and the GR 5 continueing towards the col, which could be seen a few kilometres further on. There was still a fair bit of cloud about but the views were still wonderful and despite my fatigue I was enjoying the day. Once I reached the col the trail descends gently as it heads towards the valley that rises to Col de Mallemort. Around two hundred metres are lost until you reach an old military road that rises towards the col. The cloud started to clear and by the time I was up at the col the impressive rocky ramparts of the surrounding tops could be seen. An impressive ruined barracks stood just below the col and there were two further fortifications on the tops of the peaks either side. Further evidence of the turbulent past of the area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9xG_p2ddP10WNmCseKyLq5fwq_643wYBJ2alO9sRl5Ff9TPzu21Z4oJ4imUmFNNonkAdTVZ3HS0_Qza0IC3SinAd-B9yGgK1pM4jFvzhI1jLfRhZ5-jv3pHl5OTuytfCX0mpWFtvx89Y_b4xtM_hfdnM4W21iouAdGIZDc7G3jmGhshWOilqFYyepA/s5184/IMG_2062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9xG_p2ddP10WNmCseKyLq5fwq_643wYBJ2alO9sRl5Ff9TPzu21Z4oJ4imUmFNNonkAdTVZ3HS0_Qza0IC3SinAd-B9yGgK1pM4jFvzhI1jLfRhZ5-jv3pHl5OTuytfCX0mpWFtvx89Y_b4xtM_hfdnM4W21iouAdGIZDc7G3jmGhshWOilqFYyepA/w640-h360/IMG_2062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgXkIsj0tHG4MPnwxsHUmf1Cb8IgExVdzUh5R0ZQ6B5urfjNRbizoufw0iraQuzlGPm7f-Ft7MPB72SY4lPUjrjHUqnqGOImqCJMR0sQtGuvfNP3-5Erqi8cpVuMkBeXE4FtSjf7kjFQdwEwAieZHM5ey8SajmnhATfrhdfA9cut28Hc5sKg8ozPJRw/s5184/IMG_2061.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgXkIsj0tHG4MPnwxsHUmf1Cb8IgExVdzUh5R0ZQ6B5urfjNRbizoufw0iraQuzlGPm7f-Ft7MPB72SY4lPUjrjHUqnqGOImqCJMR0sQtGuvfNP3-5Erqi8cpVuMkBeXE4FtSjf7kjFQdwEwAieZHM5ey8SajmnhATfrhdfA9cut28Hc5sKg8ozPJRw/w640-h360/IMG_2061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyQCoPEUJHpRE11yaDmBHbqrLOvvB1SnPgjHKfbKKpRAoadmERkDWk7bHvOhhGUuxLigWa1hXMNptV4NI5EBU9EL3oYn07CDmRnuh5c6NRoZ2c4cpk0o031HNYHkysqeXRK-fvrstjHF72QZkaW6e9OYNOp1Mgskv0vtLG06mSFexN_jFpFuur0YqBA/s5184/IMG_2072.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyQCoPEUJHpRE11yaDmBHbqrLOvvB1SnPgjHKfbKKpRAoadmERkDWk7bHvOhhGUuxLigWa1hXMNptV4NI5EBU9EL3oYn07CDmRnuh5c6NRoZ2c4cpk0o031HNYHkysqeXRK-fvrstjHF72QZkaW6e9OYNOp1Mgskv0vtLG06mSFexN_jFpFuur0YqBA/w640-h360/IMG_2072.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The views were excellent from the col and I rested a while and enjoyed a bite to eat. It was a little disappointing to see that across the valley some rain was once again falling. The descent takes a fairly direct line towards the little village of Larche. It was quite straightforward and before too long I reached it. As I said it is a small place and once again everything was closed. I didn't linger and I set off along the lane that stretched for five kilometres to a parking area. Just two hundred metres of height is gained on this stretch so the going is easy. The rain had arrived once again but I was hopeful that it would clear. When I reached the end of the lane at a large parking area, I had reached Val Fourane and the Mercantour National Park. Alongside the empty carpark, there was a timber building which was open. I reckoned that it would make a good spot to stay for the night, so I dropped my bag and relaxed. The rain had stopped however and the valley ahead looked tempting, so I decided to continue for another bit. After a further kilometre up the valley I spied an ideal place to pitch the tent that was too good to pass, so I had found my home for the night. I whiled away the remaining daylight in quiet relaxation and pondered what the coming days would bring. My crisis of confidence was over and I was really looking forward to discovering what lay ahead. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC8VrZ84l09-kRuSmJcdVONtXqEVxX_4vYRue4xlx6qMC5uKPA1rhnLDspzRPhl989QYxQk5aLXez_lC_dmjOuNG9hnYz8aY4NQOryWopind_gKgp6x2I_8Dh2lX38qtoT3rHBPhFeYhUmIoeOSr8txhBNG5GTBxGncbT3b6L715fN8MtH4AFi8FdDg/s5184/IMG_2075.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC8VrZ84l09-kRuSmJcdVONtXqEVxX_4vYRue4xlx6qMC5uKPA1rhnLDspzRPhl989QYxQk5aLXez_lC_dmjOuNG9hnYz8aY4NQOryWopind_gKgp6x2I_8Dh2lX38qtoT3rHBPhFeYhUmIoeOSr8txhBNG5GTBxGncbT3b6L715fN8MtH4AFi8FdDg/w640-h360/IMG_2075.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGLg1fE8xgtLOQPsttRC17X53_kSCpoxaMZerMbq36r3CfoqNqaw4gT0FV8YyKVp-ZR2MXFdT3jOc8GTlsiATpTfXUIiPqFowutnAWBr0NdNxir-WvHkfRmENCfCtf2mZfN4CKzvSjlk6o0N3Eqe5dMSyqw2eeqZCPuk3HU1abhzq4-I6V8813Gyj2Q/s5184/IMG_2074.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGLg1fE8xgtLOQPsttRC17X53_kSCpoxaMZerMbq36r3CfoqNqaw4gT0FV8YyKVp-ZR2MXFdT3jOc8GTlsiATpTfXUIiPqFowutnAWBr0NdNxir-WvHkfRmENCfCtf2mZfN4CKzvSjlk6o0N3Eqe5dMSyqw2eeqZCPuk3HU1abhzq4-I6V8813Gyj2Q/w640-h360/IMG_2074.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc0fs6aju7BhVuqyoFKsvqdXizSTmBo6Wt9EIG5Dt-q0DWm6FRHynQPLvMXEF0hpXfvnFziQT52TzX_4Vr2K1GSBW2n38ATs_fFMAXnyRT24mfAEb3tiJpAJuKdkRnFuucqhjh5vyQIwkLpJhBpP1IE5oMKWXPZjyKycDqnHnZ2yhxyzVbVY0HT_ehA/s5184/IMG_2088.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc0fs6aju7BhVuqyoFKsvqdXizSTmBo6Wt9EIG5Dt-q0DWm6FRHynQPLvMXEF0hpXfvnFziQT52TzX_4Vr2K1GSBW2n38ATs_fFMAXnyRT24mfAEb3tiJpAJuKdkRnFuucqhjh5vyQIwkLpJhBpP1IE5oMKWXPZjyKycDqnHnZ2yhxyzVbVY0HT_ehA/w640-h360/IMG_2088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rl1alrhbVLJlPvSxPvpDCVKhdOeKI3WhgPYOwaYFemWKItiA9gNF8xQtrVffKLLdILHU-pwp4bHQz7_mFv9YnlCU0tumEWb703k2FH_hvHnBCemLRGdsLRnXZyaR5q43ZUheGdx0FbD7vlwsPkDMDT96J5_arQH_gmGHmSLmUIFB26KZ4-TFLT0cMg/s4160/IMG_20221022_152213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rl1alrhbVLJlPvSxPvpDCVKhdOeKI3WhgPYOwaYFemWKItiA9gNF8xQtrVffKLLdILHU-pwp4bHQz7_mFv9YnlCU0tumEWb703k2FH_hvHnBCemLRGdsLRnXZyaR5q43ZUheGdx0FbD7vlwsPkDMDT96J5_arQH_gmGHmSLmUIFB26KZ4-TFLT0cMg/w640-h308/IMG_20221022_152213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It hadn't been an overly taxing day..20 kilometres covered and 1100 metres ascent in 7 hours.<p></p><p>Sunday October 23rd;</p><p>Thankfully the fatigue of yesterday was absent this morning and so was the rain. I was really looking forward to entering once again the Mercantour Park. It is renowned as one of the wildest, most unspoiled areas of the western alps. One thing that I was becoming concerned about was the fact that this would be my fifth day wild camping after Briancon and my phone and battery pack, not to mention food, needed to be topped up. I was using wipes to refresh myself but it is fair to say that a shower would have been welcome. The next town of any consequence I would reach was Saint Etienne de Tinee which was still a fair way off. I kind of hoped that I might reach it today but it would be a big effort and I would just see what developed. The view to the north from the tent looked at the Tete de Moise and other peaks that formed the border between France and Italy. The sky looked menacing and some rain was misting the peaks. To the south, my direction of travel, the sky looked much clearer and I hoped that blue skies would win the day. The Pas de la Cavale at 2671 metres could be seen in the distance and it was flanked by wild and rocky peaks. It all looked very inviting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyuSegi20iosTMEPx7wOR_zfCcf-xlspJWt66n2oPVrATNOZAg-O_UT0m6qOeZb-3mQWFPxquRBXTwbOr1aSPhDgmF5ISHMdNiszrvlKSVzdCeri5vImEVJbNwzNJ6bTXwwiimsGIfPZm6RjG0vBHwbJno8KV_GhJBzAeaY8UAiSJ_NumN1lVk9vsmg/s5184/IMG_2106.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyuSegi20iosTMEPx7wOR_zfCcf-xlspJWt66n2oPVrATNOZAg-O_UT0m6qOeZb-3mQWFPxquRBXTwbOr1aSPhDgmF5ISHMdNiszrvlKSVzdCeri5vImEVJbNwzNJ6bTXwwiimsGIfPZm6RjG0vBHwbJno8KV_GhJBzAeaY8UAiSJ_NumN1lVk9vsmg/w640-h360/IMG_2106.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg9nySWT8FpLM6Nt_fM4eQ6OWaXVzvoGVQ_cc0RGzBlS8u6AM_uDdGM6wIyx1ofYoI54PwTF8W6yUgBQAK5TMtiYfZy7plo39uqRR5DT3BClFixu6FknTcQlQ6mIejttHiN7jacHLrBMmDP1SeS0TKNaEaNsHHPYuvzpHlw6hXPl_mrIN7UjXwCOl1w/s5184/IMG_2105.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg9nySWT8FpLM6Nt_fM4eQ6OWaXVzvoGVQ_cc0RGzBlS8u6AM_uDdGM6wIyx1ofYoI54PwTF8W6yUgBQAK5TMtiYfZy7plo39uqRR5DT3BClFixu6FknTcQlQ6mIejttHiN7jacHLrBMmDP1SeS0TKNaEaNsHHPYuvzpHlw6hXPl_mrIN7UjXwCOl1w/w640-h360/IMG_2105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a lovely morning.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Once packed up and on the move, I followed the track until it became a trail and climbed towards Lac de Lauzanier at 2284 metres, which wasn't too much of a climb, as I had camped at 1950 metres. I was delighted by the wildness of the scenery when I got up to the lake, and things only got better as I headed for the col. I guess it is no coincidence that the wildness of the place was matched by the wildlife. This morning I saw deer, male Ibex butted heads and eagles soared. I was also feeling fairly strong and I hoped the finally I was getting over the chest infection. What a delightful view greeted me at the wild pass. The fledgling Tinee Valley began below me and it basically ran all the way to the Mediterranean. Not that I could see the sea from here, it was still a long way away, but there was much to delight the eye. The trail drops steeply through the brittle rocky headwall, before easier ground is reached. A rather chaotic melange of rock strata sweeps away to the west, with the most spectacular being the huge band of black shale called Les Roubines Negres. Lower down the trail descends easily across grass slopes before crossing a wide rubbly, avalanche or water scoured stream bed. A refuge/bothy is passed, before another 200 metre climb, sees you reach the altogether tamer Col des Fourches at 2261 metres. Here there are some more gunwales guarding the valley below.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6-G99HR-aHv2CFG30KVbWQbiFWklPEIHGjkCsUCBzpqkDXZf-5roJT5XxAzQC--gzlDz7__MJzpXbyaRTOwepNMqSP_IpJDaLKelQFRt5OX2dlWItTqnFYRQN-eEcm0A6P6lRlKMBuYFVpR-gViOmo7oXsIQoexQK-nZeZRVYEvWjwr9HdvHUgNp6g/s5184/IMG_2125.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6-G99HR-aHv2CFG30KVbWQbiFWklPEIHGjkCsUCBzpqkDXZf-5roJT5XxAzQC--gzlDz7__MJzpXbyaRTOwepNMqSP_IpJDaLKelQFRt5OX2dlWItTqnFYRQN-eEcm0A6P6lRlKMBuYFVpR-gViOmo7oXsIQoexQK-nZeZRVYEvWjwr9HdvHUgNp6g/w640-h360/IMG_2125.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6e0EHS-j0-I0TmCwwwQzQu5ytPq2XFjDg4Jaj5PrhdjqA8c-wzDfs-nPGb3Li0YQugAfKFM_lEcwnLcXCH350PlL3vvTYkt1P9uPCioy5OEEGJIS4vN8S1g8A-vHtXhDd3V9l4mHp_f81sTfqKCBhxmkfA2xFhCXCHZ3XhiN4wDiq0YBttf48sZ9_g/s5184/IMG_2118.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6e0EHS-j0-I0TmCwwwQzQu5ytPq2XFjDg4Jaj5PrhdjqA8c-wzDfs-nPGb3Li0YQugAfKFM_lEcwnLcXCH350PlL3vvTYkt1P9uPCioy5OEEGJIS4vN8S1g8A-vHtXhDd3V9l4mHp_f81sTfqKCBhxmkfA2xFhCXCHZ3XhiN4wDiq0YBttf48sZ9_g/w640-h360/IMG_2118.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVYbIGNGKutREWw9DHyzYaj0GuImKFqGMtd2BzffWPe4ABjytL5aFJWD6BuLRWCmklIoBs2VOgGJm3RvKVPxiJjihVRE1qoJpzwSTOfxORBfvjspGvTfbA1jrpIESTiDAVWYBXXPAO9bxljGicX8iR0vYuD0cW20mF-w5-p48stjgRQZfB6MwR91YDw/s5184/IMG_2116.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVYbIGNGKutREWw9DHyzYaj0GuImKFqGMtd2BzffWPe4ABjytL5aFJWD6BuLRWCmklIoBs2VOgGJm3RvKVPxiJjihVRE1qoJpzwSTOfxORBfvjspGvTfbA1jrpIESTiDAVWYBXXPAO9bxljGicX8iR0vYuD0cW20mF-w5-p48stjgRQZfB6MwR91YDw/w640-h360/IMG_2116.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8j6I_OOk3sdAYaQ9bVHc2hLPrWL1UhCOk4ZBxVc7R2NuXNCQspYEsnuGDbA0KGcH_53jquVAuloEVsTr8YI74OnKO4d8D3WAZOrm1c_7sLJT0C545KuNlpbdVHlMX3QvqraoMoQ8nBSXPJHPkCBBtrujxioqW5luYgtpy-L2Ah2nG93dRIvPLaKNEFg/s5184/IMG_2130.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8j6I_OOk3sdAYaQ9bVHc2hLPrWL1UhCOk4ZBxVc7R2NuXNCQspYEsnuGDbA0KGcH_53jquVAuloEVsTr8YI74OnKO4d8D3WAZOrm1c_7sLJT0C545KuNlpbdVHlMX3QvqraoMoQ8nBSXPJHPkCBBtrujxioqW5luYgtpy-L2Ah2nG93dRIvPLaKNEFg/w640-h360/IMG_2130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North from Pas de la Cavale</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOl2xynQTcNjzkK8YlhDeAqqwc9DnWR76IhFtCuJKISchN99BMZmcVzuLNqTwMEmoP38LPltGIoF4fPg1mmoKhsuG8jMQB16QxjIxUZfL7w-g7LcnK5HDuKgxoUqSdXcIGs59aoMiHGTWYPiij68EOY3u-vhRwhyq4qduDrOBdPet173or4r8JZmJcQ/s5184/IMG_2134.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOl2xynQTcNjzkK8YlhDeAqqwc9DnWR76IhFtCuJKISchN99BMZmcVzuLNqTwMEmoP38LPltGIoF4fPg1mmoKhsuG8jMQB16QxjIxUZfL7w-g7LcnK5HDuKgxoUqSdXcIGs59aoMiHGTWYPiij68EOY3u-vhRwhyq4qduDrOBdPet173or4r8JZmJcQ/w640-h360/IMG_2134.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking South</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As I neared the col the air was filled with the sound of high powered cars screaming up a roadway. After leaving the col I soon reached the road that rises to the Col de la Bonette which is the highest road pass in western Europe. Alas I missed seeing the type of cars that had caused the earlier racket and instead I saw a few, lets just say less skilled and less powerful stragglers as they spluttered and slid up the slopes. A short walk on the road follows before you reach the nearby Camp de Fourches. Now the trail dropped through the grassy slopes and headed for the hamlet of Bousieyas at 1900 metres. The weather was turning out very nice and I was really enjoying my day. I enjoyed a long cool drink and bite to eat at the deserted hamlet, before beginning the next climb to the Col de la Colombiere at 2237 metres. The trail followed a vehicle track, so it was never steep but it did add another 400 metres ascent to the day. Once up here I rested and since I had a good phone signal I went online and searched for somewhere to stay in Saint Etienne. Miraculously there was one property available, a studio apartment, and I immediately booked myself in for that night. Now all I had to do was get there.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqZUAJ9BZQaq0Smlza9oEiXY7h2rtU2XU2SXTpR0VJ-UYZhp9aTVE-hc88pTD-QGVlF5_nnRNqYWO9cT1iZuNnIBoq-vJjpJs8jztWiiy19g2nCtwcPTxUF35vif7UmsqcJBgubBJxNyYuqbxaEx5bw82aksGt5f2Esah1ddpqVtJtE89HYSH0nPL9g/s5184/IMG_2144.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqZUAJ9BZQaq0Smlza9oEiXY7h2rtU2XU2SXTpR0VJ-UYZhp9aTVE-hc88pTD-QGVlF5_nnRNqYWO9cT1iZuNnIBoq-vJjpJs8jztWiiy19g2nCtwcPTxUF35vif7UmsqcJBgubBJxNyYuqbxaEx5bw82aksGt5f2Esah1ddpqVtJtE89HYSH0nPL9g/w640-h360/IMG_2144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUSwLYHSgfpwZrmUxTU3Pv2jB9pg4piMBx3M6AAX82gsiy5wLEYIge-27PDsE6GNOJ9YDj28P2AQa1jUmCfSxZwrd-BiJbuxj-pSdwJkZho4bZLhLSAbwf0jOpoIRG7rv_UbrrrSsw65PS2hhCUsdjBKUKFKxlZ2kZA52A1PTHbxZLozCnqYhACInaQ/s5184/IMG_2142.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUSwLYHSgfpwZrmUxTU3Pv2jB9pg4piMBx3M6AAX82gsiy5wLEYIge-27PDsE6GNOJ9YDj28P2AQa1jUmCfSxZwrd-BiJbuxj-pSdwJkZho4bZLhLSAbwf0jOpoIRG7rv_UbrrrSsw65PS2hhCUsdjBKUKFKxlZ2kZA52A1PTHbxZLozCnqYhACInaQ/w640-h360/IMG_2142.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFa9d97IGnolmLWfyj4hoJxyel_dEzSEPQxpThf3GquY5PvblbX7dW6LuMS_a9XLEk1mHXOS0W_-Vrz9X12sKMIMJSTMy4xeh0_GRuw1J0bNlPcmqeGLQ1YdaVmItDnmmbOGNlbPQkVBVB_VS1Q-hGPkIbfpqV_2_Kw_w6UdxUHTTEsmPb9Js61l88yw/s5184/IMG_2167.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFa9d97IGnolmLWfyj4hoJxyel_dEzSEPQxpThf3GquY5PvblbX7dW6LuMS_a9XLEk1mHXOS0W_-Vrz9X12sKMIMJSTMy4xeh0_GRuw1J0bNlPcmqeGLQ1YdaVmItDnmmbOGNlbPQkVBVB_VS1Q-hGPkIbfpqV_2_Kw_w6UdxUHTTEsmPb9Js61l88yw/w640-h360/IMG_2167.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjRtChMb0YWZzteJ9xMPaG26gpez5aXQskhyNrSb_68mlTSIEdDsBuHUrwWpdBZ7hXTUgQy9EQZ5HlF3mS6J_ni7iaGg9SX7PQWGfnbAoEANHjGiFcqHW6_RIWMMTLdPPAXvtIJtUa5Qu1PJcm3rq7xRWdydSlRPV-ZqYcQofy0HmJvyNx6yS3cjAfQ/s5184/IMG_2168.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjRtChMb0YWZzteJ9xMPaG26gpez5aXQskhyNrSb_68mlTSIEdDsBuHUrwWpdBZ7hXTUgQy9EQZ5HlF3mS6J_ni7iaGg9SX7PQWGfnbAoEANHjGiFcqHW6_RIWMMTLdPPAXvtIJtUa5Qu1PJcm3rq7xRWdydSlRPV-ZqYcQofy0HmJvyNx6yS3cjAfQ/w640-h360/IMG_2168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The trail crossed some steep slopes as it headed towards Vallon de St Dalmas. Here I noticed a marked difference in the flora on this side of the col. Now, things had a much more arid, scrubby feel and look. The Mediterranean clearly had a big influence here. The trail dropped and contoured around some deep ravines, before eventually, the village of St Dalmas le Selvage came into view not too far away. The compact cluster of houses, arranged in a somewhat chaotic jumble of narrow alleys was a shabby delight. Ordinarily I would have delighted in spending a little time wandering and exploring, but I was struck by shower fever. I wanted to reach Saint Etienne as soon a possible. It was also a surprise to fine that the Gite in the village was actually open. Once I was down below the pretty painted church, I began the final climb of the day and headed for Col d'Anelle which at 1731 was another 200 metres higher up. Before too long I reached the pass, and after a traverse through the woods, I finally began the steep descent to Saint Etienne, which nestled in the valley below. The surrounding woods were a riot of colour, and now that I knew I would reach the town in reasonable time, I relaxed and enjoyed the descent. I was also very pleased with how my body had held up to the rigours of a long day. It was an enormous relief to finally reach the town and find my accommodation. Once settled in, I wasted no time in enjoying a long hot soothing shower. Bliss. It being a Sunday evening I wasn't hopeful of finding anywhere open for a bite to eat, so it was a particular delight to find a pizza place open. I enjoyed a delicious pizza and some wine for dinner. A great end to a great day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCItUqXjQ9A3Z7bVKdaIy_0gCUSTO_TUTC_b1iv-UUTEgbqN0j4nhSUorloLe6sAWMbPYMZR1t303UP1IGP0ry5isnA-jVZ-9ClnI01xTRLQXoKF7rODoKRdxfsffc92czKzIrpWY3eVXW_OGqhomm3OthWxAnuiBcXA3qskrc2rEHWt6hzkwTY3oqg/s5184/IMG_2178.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCItUqXjQ9A3Z7bVKdaIy_0gCUSTO_TUTC_b1iv-UUTEgbqN0j4nhSUorloLe6sAWMbPYMZR1t303UP1IGP0ry5isnA-jVZ-9ClnI01xTRLQXoKF7rODoKRdxfsffc92czKzIrpWY3eVXW_OGqhomm3OthWxAnuiBcXA3qskrc2rEHWt6hzkwTY3oqg/w640-h360/IMG_2178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMolbOjjmCdwiqohz8oDF6HLlD3R2zzdDh24VH9uSXurZIigGJQL1TDk_E0kMKf7lAlyoRf6preJlioV0OXQLV8NCa4dph-e8bmroE38aUr4RAFqQDMoRMLDoyYpyrBXwhSwfU1W8rnlRvpVZSS3ZVn8BdTBpZ1U3IeXu3fE4BKe6xfbn1wlYL676aNw/s5184/IMG_2177.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMolbOjjmCdwiqohz8oDF6HLlD3R2zzdDh24VH9uSXurZIigGJQL1TDk_E0kMKf7lAlyoRf6preJlioV0OXQLV8NCa4dph-e8bmroE38aUr4RAFqQDMoRMLDoyYpyrBXwhSwfU1W8rnlRvpVZSS3ZVn8BdTBpZ1U3IeXu3fE4BKe6xfbn1wlYL676aNw/w640-h360/IMG_2177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9Fk203pTml8z11l8UfsxBEsXJupDJW4hmrJXB1xJO74PXI_RAOfq2wIpSQTriHmGgLiOJtcQ4HR1E5Dzn7aYILh1daEviulo8Lh7zSYxplnVVpkDE3mUzye1x24r0pkUo0EXXB_guxTIKa77ylnJzymWtePdcqya-m7FLYDUzhs94LFLgZafCe9olA/s5184/IMG_2175.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9Fk203pTml8z11l8UfsxBEsXJupDJW4hmrJXB1xJO74PXI_RAOfq2wIpSQTriHmGgLiOJtcQ4HR1E5Dzn7aYILh1daEviulo8Lh7zSYxplnVVpkDE3mUzye1x24r0pkUo0EXXB_guxTIKa77ylnJzymWtePdcqya-m7FLYDUzhs94LFLgZafCe9olA/w640-h360/IMG_2175.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_1bBWKg7XRjcjjEwIBhAXitiFWspVdrIiF4Ou6OGJMpDY6IRK28sNA6-Syz7YwL-91rzmaG8TxaqbyBn3fWTRUs5HffK5coJMjr5FTT9ltIG3X-1LEHBo1l8X1PBWGXAfhAWVWgZJDhETWzejDYUwvsJkYP9s7t06W4i4Mps2Ryet5JL3rf7HM93ZQ/s5184/IMG_2172.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_1bBWKg7XRjcjjEwIBhAXitiFWspVdrIiF4Ou6OGJMpDY6IRK28sNA6-Syz7YwL-91rzmaG8TxaqbyBn3fWTRUs5HffK5coJMjr5FTT9ltIG3X-1LEHBo1l8X1PBWGXAfhAWVWgZJDhETWzejDYUwvsJkYP9s7t06W4i4Mps2Ryet5JL3rf7HM93ZQ/w640-h360/IMG_2172.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>31 kilometres with 1600 metres ascent, 2100 metres descent, in 9 hours 30 minutes. I slept well.</p><p>Monday October 24th;</p><p>It had rained yesterday evening but the forecast for the reminder of the trip was great. Considering that yesterday had been a pretty big day I was pleased with how good I felt this morning. Having spent some time studying the reminder of the route, it was clear to me that a big effort would be required to get anywhere near Nice in the four days I had left. Well I suppose I could have done a short day on Friday morning, as my flight wasn't until 15.30, but I didn't really want to be under too much pressure on that day. I would just see how things developed.</p><p>I had been looking forward to getting some nice fresh baguettes in the bakery before setting off, but I was to be disappointed, as it was closed on Mondays. The little shop didn't stock any bread, so I had to make do with brioche and some biscuits. The trail followed a quiet road out of the town until after a couple of kilometres it started to climb. As I left the town the hillside opposite echoed with the bellows of stags. A small flock of sheep in a roadside paddock were all fixated by the sound, and silently stared in that direction. Soon the main road is reach and after a couple of hundred metres walk along it, you climb up through the forest until you reach the ski town of Auron. This sits at 1650 metres, so already nearly 500 metres of climbing was done. Auron is quite large and to my eyes quite charmless. It consists of a jumble of large, no doubt expensive, chalets and apartments with the usual collection of restaurants and ski stores. Everything was closed now, but during the season, I guess there would be a buzz. Anyway, I was glad to leave it behind and once I was across the valley with it's car parks and ski runs, I once again entered the woods, and the trail headed for Col de Blainon at 2008 metres. Once I reached the Col I had done 1000 metres of climbing and the day was still young.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEKxuLWe5qI15axGJkl8W0bSguG2BL80X_7tJZj_vSpJY1ikTVsw9EtxEy6iac3ZXqFFoBac_nHl_pIffdjc_om2rnm5A2522RBCQBmdLu5YFyS-AsbL4wY-1f7ug9ru0btzZ-_5L9rZSSks0nA2HY48VNWFe_sqzeXQFQhra_Ogel1djoALkw8voqg/s5184/IMG_2180.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEKxuLWe5qI15axGJkl8W0bSguG2BL80X_7tJZj_vSpJY1ikTVsw9EtxEy6iac3ZXqFFoBac_nHl_pIffdjc_om2rnm5A2522RBCQBmdLu5YFyS-AsbL4wY-1f7ug9ru0btzZ-_5L9rZSSks0nA2HY48VNWFe_sqzeXQFQhra_Ogel1djoALkw8voqg/w640-h360/IMG_2180.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving St Etienne..those colours</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNASHhanR0bkQBYO_xYD_hXG_IfgHoaAld40GB3XYiFSwQW2igoK0ggEVKc5qm-mI0x07c7yrx3BzVLucYSHmDAmigelab4ICTtNQ_xVMlP_hs93R3-reNKcQ_4xBN9kuyZz_7DGLPF-3cDYLKQOfxGtVtDLE10HOH3fdvGCcc37PyLdyCQUcYfMP0g/s5184/IMG_2190.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNASHhanR0bkQBYO_xYD_hXG_IfgHoaAld40GB3XYiFSwQW2igoK0ggEVKc5qm-mI0x07c7yrx3BzVLucYSHmDAmigelab4ICTtNQ_xVMlP_hs93R3-reNKcQ_4xBN9kuyZz_7DGLPF-3cDYLKQOfxGtVtDLE10HOH3fdvGCcc37PyLdyCQUcYfMP0g/w640-h360/IMG_2190.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGKBloy43gxe2L_KpEG7std6foy4vUTQpR-aBicXzWAmg1-pJd2HSd2fegeqOyB-8B8XjXHaILQ0PQX4jArxc2f2S3TeD9vIQxX2ot5FuXrQWuYoKXJTcoTguQ0Dbt2zSzgaXwnGxACzqTRJxu6A5r3b-dnJ9AXzTsNf3xSr5_IghnAh5dD8rm2qIRw/s5184/IMG_2191.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGKBloy43gxe2L_KpEG7std6foy4vUTQpR-aBicXzWAmg1-pJd2HSd2fegeqOyB-8B8XjXHaILQ0PQX4jArxc2f2S3TeD9vIQxX2ot5FuXrQWuYoKXJTcoTguQ0Dbt2zSzgaXwnGxACzqTRJxu6A5r3b-dnJ9AXzTsNf3xSr5_IghnAh5dD8rm2qIRw/w640-h360/IMG_2191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrWkSFoocvb2FqI9r0rBmi7KKn9SzACW1THI7En1vHWS66CuXv7ulyguqqlxcW4XB6QDnPxRmsC25K1LuCakOuRCz8xsIYe9kxAjCQbATt0hY9P55QNgMqSkaziim447arDYI1vxiu7lkOOvGXlAO2GDbI2rYvB00yJQU7yqcet2QzAmjwsoOM3akdg/s5184/IMG_2192.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrWkSFoocvb2FqI9r0rBmi7KKn9SzACW1THI7En1vHWS66CuXv7ulyguqqlxcW4XB6QDnPxRmsC25K1LuCakOuRCz8xsIYe9kxAjCQbATt0hY9P55QNgMqSkaziim447arDYI1vxiu7lkOOvGXlAO2GDbI2rYvB00yJQU7yqcet2QzAmjwsoOM3akdg/w640-h360/IMG_2192.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Next comes the pleasant descent to the little hamlet of Roya. The trail crosses open pastures and I was struck by the unusual proliferation of timber and stone barns that were in varying states of disrepair and ruin. Very few were still being used and I found the area looked little eerie. Roya itself had something of an old timeless feel. It was an interesting section of the hike. I stopped for some lunch by the river in the valley floor, before I began the long climb to Col de Crousette at 2480 metres. After an initial steep section the trail rises gently through the Vallon de la Mairis. Once through a narrows where the trail is menaced by a crumbling overhanging cliff, things open up. You cross the river and rise up through open, ever wilder ground. At the end of Vallon de Sallevieille the climbs steeply up through some rocky ground before reaching another surprisingly large valley at Les Laces. It was yet another demonstration of the scale of these mountains. A further two kilometres and two hundred metres of climbing saw me reach the wild col. There was a stiff breeze up here and it was decidedly chilly, especially since I was still just in my tee shirt. I was looking forward to losing height and reaching a more sheltered position. I was surprised to see the trail continued to climb to the left until it reached the crest of Le Petite Mounier. All in all a further one hundred metres is climbed before the trail heads for Mont Demant. I had to give in, and stop and don some clothes, but once that was done I was toasty warm and able to enjoy the next absolutely delightful section as I headed for Col des Moulines.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKtGzvCpTCdnqshd-ShJGVa95sx77HNYr4nnFb26l5rkdBzCC1HAMQZ2Lx1oLYhq1zO8nVmCrzNqhiiZzELc6fDsVUdFV7RLpWx-BvTPv1p312_PFYnsccEqUjlAJdTYmPLjNinwgBYrMdH8kGQ2IXBr9hMgcc5RHNNQrslp2q4hnjl12BCAuYT9cAQ/s5184/IMG_2197.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKtGzvCpTCdnqshd-ShJGVa95sx77HNYr4nnFb26l5rkdBzCC1HAMQZ2Lx1oLYhq1zO8nVmCrzNqhiiZzELc6fDsVUdFV7RLpWx-BvTPv1p312_PFYnsccEqUjlAJdTYmPLjNinwgBYrMdH8kGQ2IXBr9hMgcc5RHNNQrslp2q4hnjl12BCAuYT9cAQ/w640-h360/IMG_2197.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7sKDqLczkufxhFLQFLi6GpV5sMsFiR4DLAMA0rJ5p4JjWd3eUgXHaVqbLVWNbz5zGUSr0JWiU7-ganaQYQ5rBkIbTYPdPIyEqrybPtq91W469LRxTm8f64GWXj4Y35ywaMreMRaiUI6mBbqRy4v-SlgO7ugSv8BfxXSOjLglRwEykMvxy4leIXJPcA/s5184/IMG_2196.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7sKDqLczkufxhFLQFLi6GpV5sMsFiR4DLAMA0rJ5p4JjWd3eUgXHaVqbLVWNbz5zGUSr0JWiU7-ganaQYQ5rBkIbTYPdPIyEqrybPtq91W469LRxTm8f64GWXj4Y35ywaMreMRaiUI6mBbqRy4v-SlgO7ugSv8BfxXSOjLglRwEykMvxy4leIXJPcA/w640-h360/IMG_2196.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I had been on the move for a long time now and finding somewhere to camp for the night was the next priority. There was no chance before the col, as the trail went along the broad crest of Mont Démant all the way to the col. After the col the route dropped steeply into the wide valley under Mont Mounier, and even from a distance, I could see that camping opportunities would be found there. Once I reached the stream in the floor of the valley, a likely spot was available just nearby. I dropped my bag and spent some time scouting around for the best spot. I spotted another place a couple of hundred metres further on, and once I gave had a look, it was clearly an even better spot, so I opted for there. It is well worth spending a little time deciding on the best spot for the tent as small differences can make for a much more comfortable night. I whiled away the remaining daylight in the calm pleasant evening in solitude and quiet. It had been a good day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Yl8I2Qn41ZfZVoMquNLaPXm3cnuHcvyoG0XYZqb-a3cNu_NDyCf19b611oQUEsqXX7PimSNZZhKIlrXckz8SNaD6A_WCw0cRcvyAynz_F9QvcEalgCiHLGgwl1c0K3LEhXi4WpOMavgXInUSTdUFQflKoLqsoTHm9TP1Qgs-X-lXVxNb-2G4YnMdOQ/s5184/IMG_2208.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Yl8I2Qn41ZfZVoMquNLaPXm3cnuHcvyoG0XYZqb-a3cNu_NDyCf19b611oQUEsqXX7PimSNZZhKIlrXckz8SNaD6A_WCw0cRcvyAynz_F9QvcEalgCiHLGgwl1c0K3LEhXi4WpOMavgXInUSTdUFQflKoLqsoTHm9TP1Qgs-X-lXVxNb-2G4YnMdOQ/w640-h360/IMG_2208.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2Ld-g12ceEZbAt73ZqQ5lVXDff_6jhH4SCJL-0oQ_pnM51AQ9MHdBjgyWKq1rm834jepigWQl_SDOYlFAWqnyJJPxXvHT-8iqUN8cNgM9o-21Lmv3qTR0YmCesiLtUQMrazkXlAeNK9HJAugIBd4rutN8Hw_3BZRgJsjZP7QgSmLYhNbePuq9G-LfQ/s5184/IMG_2207.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2Ld-g12ceEZbAt73ZqQ5lVXDff_6jhH4SCJL-0oQ_pnM51AQ9MHdBjgyWKq1rm834jepigWQl_SDOYlFAWqnyJJPxXvHT-8iqUN8cNgM9o-21Lmv3qTR0YmCesiLtUQMrazkXlAeNK9HJAugIBd4rutN8Hw_3BZRgJsjZP7QgSmLYhNbePuq9G-LfQ/w640-h360/IMG_2207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rdTaDrffsQmBjiHT3tHQ6NTY_zhX7HvZluPl-SSBqwvWDaNNlkQIeejEaQPjW_LAWqcM004tbseAVmM416a1fKRcFtpYbHiS9myeDFRD0KQVRUfuStVY3c0EkgLcZ45t5qtGgccYhke-vzmi0-3pKniqOIzHKDM1_QVwqzzQF13Yh9Hp9Y70DXvqVw/s5184/IMG_2204.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rdTaDrffsQmBjiHT3tHQ6NTY_zhX7HvZluPl-SSBqwvWDaNNlkQIeejEaQPjW_LAWqcM004tbseAVmM416a1fKRcFtpYbHiS9myeDFRD0KQVRUfuStVY3c0EkgLcZ45t5qtGgccYhke-vzmi0-3pKniqOIzHKDM1_QVwqzzQF13Yh9Hp9Y70DXvqVw/w640-h360/IMG_2204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLsB0z7D0SQ0ZSefw7knTP2_2tVmQ3A4bPGa-R4YtncgW6Grw3omDzKNrzmQ10xFvt63p_8QmAVm0cKFhMBZkr3IJDz_5Z9A3-IoLFsFqpuZWR2atIj_zoS65Y4BkCU7Zygze2vMgFuSr6PkJqGV4E_5AtK0Abn85D7wqYaTAFdj_hRIZ5ktq97-HwA/s5184/IMG_2201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLsB0z7D0SQ0ZSefw7knTP2_2tVmQ3A4bPGa-R4YtncgW6Grw3omDzKNrzmQ10xFvt63p_8QmAVm0cKFhMBZkr3IJDz_5Z9A3-IoLFsFqpuZWR2atIj_zoS65Y4BkCU7Zygze2vMgFuSr6PkJqGV4E_5AtK0Abn85D7wqYaTAFdj_hRIZ5ktq97-HwA/w640-h360/IMG_2201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>27 kilometres covered, 2200 metres of ascent, 1600 metres descent, in 9 hours. A long rest was most welcome.</p><p>Tuesday October 25th;</p><p>Today I hoped to reach the village of Saint Dalmas de Valdeblore. It would be another pretty big day so I was packed up and on the move by 8am. It was a lovely morning and the weather promised to be great all the way to Nice. A nice easy start was just the ticket and the trail contoured around the hillside before entering a ravine above the hamlet of Vignols. The ravine was quite spectacular as it was overlooked by a a spectacular hillside covered in outcrops and spires of crumbly rock. An added bonus was the sudden appearance of two eagles between two nearby spires who were being chased off by an angry crow. Lovely. Next up comes the near 200 metre climb up and through the Portes des Lognon. Once through the gap I entered a beautiful, wide, alpine meadowed valley, and delightful easy walking ensued until you reach the vacherie and refuge nearly three kilometres further on. Now the nature of the outing changed as the trail dropped into the forest and dropped steeply until you reach a forest road. This is followed gently downhill most of the way to the delightful hilltop village of Roure.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAogYWRo3-1lQoyF6Wesl33-g73qqgLFbCyR9r5IJ-M3akPbRwgVaQam1Zrvosi49uTdRaQI5iKv0SVC-4Xs0VU6CZVcb6vbEt3yNsHqeiPsCWJxvYpaAt_A8mVxRh2Vm-fS9-SI-Z4HZHm75zSLU-5iAwWukSsLPtEOlX01ZGyNlpS1IAIhmypjBE4g/s5184/IMG_2229.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAogYWRo3-1lQoyF6Wesl33-g73qqgLFbCyR9r5IJ-M3akPbRwgVaQam1Zrvosi49uTdRaQI5iKv0SVC-4Xs0VU6CZVcb6vbEt3yNsHqeiPsCWJxvYpaAt_A8mVxRh2Vm-fS9-SI-Z4HZHm75zSLU-5iAwWukSsLPtEOlX01ZGyNlpS1IAIhmypjBE4g/w640-h360/IMG_2229.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz922GLJzJoWIyfjfYNqDcdRY-pW7g3DfWYKp8bPeLmx3dLa1O0KnfctKr1vARs7VrOLloTF7o21xNdhfEsv_4jSiVq8P_xNgp2BPAdbryGpXrM-qAopTtY0Cs7rdOS6zz_sBaEP3qcsxrPSJQa22kClHu21bVZDAtIBzLpBIaJwbSKqE8aSL5rpjqig/s5184/IMG_2227.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz922GLJzJoWIyfjfYNqDcdRY-pW7g3DfWYKp8bPeLmx3dLa1O0KnfctKr1vARs7VrOLloTF7o21xNdhfEsv_4jSiVq8P_xNgp2BPAdbryGpXrM-qAopTtY0Cs7rdOS6zz_sBaEP3qcsxrPSJQa22kClHu21bVZDAtIBzLpBIaJwbSKqE8aSL5rpjqig/w640-h360/IMG_2227.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TJiVuLdvkTDeMo6y1TO-8C2qG4J5Gm4W6sslYtFhXRBO9F1WoyWGhV4J_BPhCi0aDvpvuwNwR1_IfAxRfE7BZVFp7aEq4QQ_zwMiMQO1-WOlnCDQ98ewZLrwwBRHHhlryntTkVZqRrvZYX245_1uFqAfkLkrXwNafzJeLpJOgX7j-R6l1ExYsQ8lLg/s5184/IMG_2224.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TJiVuLdvkTDeMo6y1TO-8C2qG4J5Gm4W6sslYtFhXRBO9F1WoyWGhV4J_BPhCi0aDvpvuwNwR1_IfAxRfE7BZVFp7aEq4QQ_zwMiMQO1-WOlnCDQ98ewZLrwwBRHHhlryntTkVZqRrvZYX245_1uFqAfkLkrXwNafzJeLpJOgX7j-R6l1ExYsQ8lLg/w640-h360/IMG_2224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeM3nsbvM4sVXgcSnJYyCoOuj62K-EWwEoT4NhBroo9Qh2U-O9-up5OaGgCeURivVMfLH8ORlMg-Fb0y1d6vW0x2gvJ65S6PdZciJWhk5g_GwkI_pBvtZKF_s-N_wStPVgdsFHyIJaNrW5-8rJAPEkY23qBA_2k-GWuLZWbbTv1FGSxLSELf0XlDhbQ/s5184/IMG_2220.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeM3nsbvM4sVXgcSnJYyCoOuj62K-EWwEoT4NhBroo9Qh2U-O9-up5OaGgCeURivVMfLH8ORlMg-Fb0y1d6vW0x2gvJ65S6PdZciJWhk5g_GwkI_pBvtZKF_s-N_wStPVgdsFHyIJaNrW5-8rJAPEkY23qBA_2k-GWuLZWbbTv1FGSxLSELf0XlDhbQ/w640-h360/IMG_2220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBxNFieZ_PQPYu6PoNAwWzSLy9vt6T3aAvPxuUbkOoeq8dwOyclJqHQVWXaxLdm_l3cX8JZVQG0iOwhoMkJRe5VhMdu7_BFwjCMPbiSo0HMfpMLrIe4yVbw2YmPafFKjQQJwPC5fsz0FzLgV1H8hXE9DRyd9aTtfK6Y3kII9D6ypBt2nE13PH_pZjXQ/s5184/IMG_2217.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBxNFieZ_PQPYu6PoNAwWzSLy9vt6T3aAvPxuUbkOoeq8dwOyclJqHQVWXaxLdm_l3cX8JZVQG0iOwhoMkJRe5VhMdu7_BFwjCMPbiSo0HMfpMLrIe4yVbw2YmPafFKjQQJwPC5fsz0FzLgV1H8hXE9DRyd9aTtfK6Y3kII9D6ypBt2nE13PH_pZjXQ/w640-h360/IMG_2217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjq2YnoNYULOKT4MBBEm3yNs7nCXM7kfHMXyZibav5vexJZgj7bTh5EXqmbBNDcgzxsj0pFLXrkm32W8lYy5IyPs-m34CdN5Oduk3MrpgN7nED6Bo4WPC9xzl6Y1filYD3IUX08KUQk7o8eq7XUY1lKB4nLbHOCsmuYCXs87KNQiQBXvRNvrbuXQkPg/s5184/IMG_2214.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjq2YnoNYULOKT4MBBEm3yNs7nCXM7kfHMXyZibav5vexJZgj7bTh5EXqmbBNDcgzxsj0pFLXrkm32W8lYy5IyPs-m34CdN5Oduk3MrpgN7nED6Bo4WPC9xzl6Y1filYD3IUX08KUQk7o8eq7XUY1lKB4nLbHOCsmuYCXs87KNQiQBXvRNvrbuXQkPg/w640-h360/IMG_2214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>One thing that happened on the steep section not long after passing the Refuge de Lognon, was when I felt an odd sensation in the sole of my right boot. I had literally been thinking just how excellent they were, and how I hadn't had a blister or even a sore spot for the entire hike. Anyway, it felt like something had gotten stuck in the sole but after a few steps it seemed to literally click back into place. I began to get a horrible suspicion that the sole was after splitting and I wondered if they would last the day, never mind the rest of the trek. I continued on without checking, as I reckoned that there wasn't much I could do about it anyway. I was glad to discover that things weren't getting any worse. There was also a definite sensation of leaving the high mountains behind as I headed inexorably towards the coast. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckcEPesFcObik5hlBfAc7CgA8WAlIktXGC456_lbCB2ImQpqFh5_uGaEjOOSxlIa6xjxgJyEGDVxFrZ12JO5YkFMJnJ32B6bLmqthbe4KGJQcCEVnUgvrjd3IWBoDu7bZQHq9CcxmoIl5XyKsVWNEEJkKY2NArKZpuaGUfJ01amGBz0zAWz5qruTLgA/s5184/IMG_2230.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckcEPesFcObik5hlBfAc7CgA8WAlIktXGC456_lbCB2ImQpqFh5_uGaEjOOSxlIa6xjxgJyEGDVxFrZ12JO5YkFMJnJ32B6bLmqthbe4KGJQcCEVnUgvrjd3IWBoDu7bZQHq9CcxmoIl5XyKsVWNEEJkKY2NArKZpuaGUfJ01amGBz0zAWz5qruTLgA/w640-h360/IMG_2230.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roure</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Roure sits on a rocky outcrop at an elevation of over 1000 metres some 500 metres above the Tinee Valley floor. It was sunny and quite warm and promised to get warmer still as I progressed. Down down into the deep valley until I reached the village of St Sauveur sur Tinee. It didn't take long to pass through it and another 500 metre climb awaited as I headed for the still hidden village of Rimplas. The climb was mostly on a forest road and wasn't too taxing. Some delightful views were offered back to Roure and Mont Munier, which now looked a long way back, and the deep forested valleys offered delightful interest nearby. At the 860 metre contour I could finally see Rimplas ahead at the end of a long traverse of the Ravine de l'Esclose. I had now covered twenty three kilometres but there was still a fair way to go so I didn't delay before leaving the undoubtedly pretty village. After Rimplas, height is gradually lost and I could see the twin villages of La Bolline and La Roche some four kilometres ahead. I had feared that the trail would drop right down to the valley floor on the right but thankfully it only dropped a couple of hundred metres, which left a 250 metre drag to reach them. The trail actually skirts each village and passes through lanes that were home to lots of modern homes. The wild remote feel to the villages was gradually being lost the nearer I got to the coast.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBqBNJyr_b-ANzMhkqe7oHCsZ-rWrTMg8VoG6pg-sVnoKNLFtRjUr1Poy9kaFzOyt5K3ziFdiMWxcU2S-7wbS5XepY7Z2DeyVOnpLbj3L3vduNNwYRllLPzYcfNTS423Utobk8MlFppRK2zagmzZ2FK85koow5GpIOo4zXfLAswQsLE3SWreOdETdSw/s5184/IMG_2242.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBqBNJyr_b-ANzMhkqe7oHCsZ-rWrTMg8VoG6pg-sVnoKNLFtRjUr1Poy9kaFzOyt5K3ziFdiMWxcU2S-7wbS5XepY7Z2DeyVOnpLbj3L3vduNNwYRllLPzYcfNTS423Utobk8MlFppRK2zagmzZ2FK85koow5GpIOo4zXfLAswQsLE3SWreOdETdSw/w640-h360/IMG_2242.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Bolline</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p> The climb up through the woods to Bolline went okay and thereafter the trail follows a series of lanes that skirted most of the houses. I pushed on and before long I was out in the open countryside and heading for St Dalmas and todays end. It wasn't as long as I feared to reach the village and there wasn't much of a climb either. That said I was mightily relieved to reach the shop in the village and get some bread fresh from the oven. It was glorious later on. I walked the extra kilometre to the quite busy campsite and before long I was settled for the evening.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ2Iyy7T97NvwLHOg3p7O3gUGD7z-O2sQ17QgH2MO__n4DY5nsLk_VCeH9FqO8yqqpeOVmiC4PqaJX6SGCI-zMkTR1acRzPWGnKiFNAgdwjGbEkU3S2llwlB2LQQprOfXHhWckdMpK4ruQANvJBRqz9W_rEDc2rynL4zd3PnATztj6bGtdsibVciR0Q/s5184/IMG_2245.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ2Iyy7T97NvwLHOg3p7O3gUGD7z-O2sQ17QgH2MO__n4DY5nsLk_VCeH9FqO8yqqpeOVmiC4PqaJX6SGCI-zMkTR1acRzPWGnKiFNAgdwjGbEkU3S2llwlB2LQQprOfXHhWckdMpK4ruQANvJBRqz9W_rEDc2rynL4zd3PnATztj6bGtdsibVciR0Q/w640-h360/IMG_2245.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYigYfutIdsBOPUd5TrtJkGoHioOtOvcLU3GlfRsrPeGhQrkxwrmsPteOomTDOz7GFqDisoL4ykLJQM8ytAcgnaDM3hgfKllj_yCFsPp2w0zYTHTdiAMtt_HiRC9nOQLDO36gr6wvt5gNp3A7zCOTWmQdohHA7qjvmPads6zn_hum89pu3DeovlxmTZA/s5184/IMG_2243.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYigYfutIdsBOPUd5TrtJkGoHioOtOvcLU3GlfRsrPeGhQrkxwrmsPteOomTDOz7GFqDisoL4ykLJQM8ytAcgnaDM3hgfKllj_yCFsPp2w0zYTHTdiAMtt_HiRC9nOQLDO36gr6wvt5gNp3A7zCOTWmQdohHA7qjvmPads6zn_hum89pu3DeovlxmTZA/w640-h360/IMG_2243.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I had been another substantial day with 32 kilometres covered, 1500 metres ascent, 1800 metres descent, in almost nine hours.</p><p>Wednesday October 26th;</p><p>It was another lovely weather morning as I left a sleepy St Dalmas. I went down to the shop to stock up on more bread and another couple of bits but was disappointed to find it was closed until 12.00. They do like their time off in this neck of the world. I was a bit peeved but I still had enough for dinner and breakfast tomorrow so all was okay. Still, that fresh baked baguette would have been nice. I soon found the trail out of the village and began the climb towards Col des Deux Claire's which at over 1900 metres gave a 700 metre climb to start the day. It was never steep and I guess it is fair to say that I had gained some fitness over the course of the trek so it is no surprise that I felt good. Once up at the Col I had my first encounter with one of the guard dogs that protect flocks of sheep or goats from predators. It didn't come very close to me but let me know it was watching me and followed me along the trail until I was well away from its charges.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq1nJ5AxZHXCP3EAWT6wkyyVtHgAJkNI83fzMB4LhR6STWd_zMDOsoOEaDQYAP-bgYssd9VhPdLWeUrnghWHJxHroW4jNLy7dE3JjAxQ2HQ40HmTlaHCUcQ_c1KcGAxAbDCTMBjrHmdG00Ppse9lkM-NaWBiQLxAzZNJcRRNWhkuvHIQn-alNtgeh2A/s5184/IMG_2247.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq1nJ5AxZHXCP3EAWT6wkyyVtHgAJkNI83fzMB4LhR6STWd_zMDOsoOEaDQYAP-bgYssd9VhPdLWeUrnghWHJxHroW4jNLy7dE3JjAxQ2HQ40HmTlaHCUcQ_c1KcGAxAbDCTMBjrHmdG00Ppse9lkM-NaWBiQLxAzZNJcRRNWhkuvHIQn-alNtgeh2A/w640-h360/IMG_2247.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once again up at around 2000 metres. The flock of sheep at the col</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The trail stayed just below the mountain crest and instead traversed the grassy slopes from col to col. It continued in this way for five or six kilometres, giving excellent views. Eventually near Col du Fort the trail dropped into the woods. Three hundred metres lower I reached les Granges de la Brasque where cattle grazed an old army barracks and a ruined church clustered by a road. The trail followed the road horizontally for another few kilometres before at Col d'Andrion it dropped through the woods again until it reached Col des Fournes at 1350 metres. It undulated its way through the forest as it headed towards the rocky limestone outcrop called le Brec d'Utelle. One thing of note was the amount of rooting that wild boar had done. Large areas either side of the trail had been ploughed up, most of it looked recently done too. I began to pay more attention to the scrubby undergrowth either side of the trail and I fully expected to see some boar. As it transpired I didn't and I was just as glad.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXX5Q5g5mJfs-s3zd-Q86i6kHrJ6IPSMwMY9rIFf6JYKfGyW4eNGUDiaqSjsByJzBuG1j7hiHTu6oauis7OA254bEpZuZlkBvWT_2E1m9HZCRM7ZbO1qbezoEDJgTR2P_bDQx9APwXJLxAeKpYjobBjL-1iQMY1UmhWrqLWyzNXNiFbuDuc3430l8rYA/s5184/IMG_2248.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXX5Q5g5mJfs-s3zd-Q86i6kHrJ6IPSMwMY9rIFf6JYKfGyW4eNGUDiaqSjsByJzBuG1j7hiHTu6oauis7OA254bEpZuZlkBvWT_2E1m9HZCRM7ZbO1qbezoEDJgTR2P_bDQx9APwXJLxAeKpYjobBjL-1iQMY1UmhWrqLWyzNXNiFbuDuc3430l8rYA/w640-h360/IMG_2248.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Med is away there somewhere</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V_S1gYIG7qgBDr7bBGsDh4ImH65i1JoHJcpwkm2BGjEBZ17hfFQ6QkKhFqzpTtyw_KkCPcF-f5w4Fff1I7DCA4QkeBxkBNLq5fFutQQLRD7Xv6j_PwrNDLgMj-GB1_DIXTXgx3OEkvsFLEHJ9SDfXG29VnnD8Ytwr0DwKRwma-7IetcPuN6PggiF6g/s5184/IMG_2251.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V_S1gYIG7qgBDr7bBGsDh4ImH65i1JoHJcpwkm2BGjEBZ17hfFQ6QkKhFqzpTtyw_KkCPcF-f5w4Fff1I7DCA4QkeBxkBNLq5fFutQQLRD7Xv6j_PwrNDLgMj-GB1_DIXTXgx3OEkvsFLEHJ9SDfXG29VnnD8Ytwr0DwKRwma-7IetcPuN6PggiF6g/w640-h360/IMG_2251.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mont Mounier. Hard to believe I camped under it only yesterday. Making progress</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZADACHsywzQ3-tAVXA61MPpPTRybJuwPCmALUzG9E_KLpzlWz5FJoZKdyD8_JPtR48vQz4ya7rNWXSktexIxwpbr089MI_kMyjSI250HFdObzdKK6uT8gmTe42MdsaoN34a1eN7I4SIY-1xLgzff3Fq9zLF8nafrpAPSaLYms5vcBBpS5Id9QiucIA/s5184/IMG_2253.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZADACHsywzQ3-tAVXA61MPpPTRybJuwPCmALUzG9E_KLpzlWz5FJoZKdyD8_JPtR48vQz4ya7rNWXSktexIxwpbr089MI_kMyjSI250HFdObzdKK6uT8gmTe42MdsaoN34a1eN7I4SIY-1xLgzff3Fq9zLF8nafrpAPSaLYms5vcBBpS5Id9QiucIA/w640-h360/IMG_2253.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towards Vesubie and the 3000 metre tops of the French Italian border</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhiS5EkzPQJ8ykakjD-43iAzP4VEeNlMFBtJKGoI0XEMNCUubyjlUFxQoNbQYo3w5Xbo3bA25zXeltIIXastY9pg-BxeY9pn2JD4nLpypSPXl-0t8rH5LTsS-DM_iMN4YPn9fNkE3LNFikU3jRRSkj9rWcoo0-QgJq0KB88j0B6fbbbW18lzSUE4lfg/s5184/IMG_2255.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhiS5EkzPQJ8ykakjD-43iAzP4VEeNlMFBtJKGoI0XEMNCUubyjlUFxQoNbQYo3w5Xbo3bA25zXeltIIXastY9pg-BxeY9pn2JD4nLpypSPXl-0t8rH5LTsS-DM_iMN4YPn9fNkE3LNFikU3jRRSkj9rWcoo0-QgJq0KB88j0B6fbbbW18lzSUE4lfg/w640-h360/IMG_2255.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once I reached the quite spectacular Brec they trail climbed its narrow flank before crossing to the other side where a superb well constructed track contoured through the steep rocky ramparts of the mountain. Eventually,after reaching the Col du Castle Gineste the trail enters the woods again and drops gradually towards the hilltop village of Utelle. As I entered the village I spotted a possible spot to pitch my tent but I continued into the village as there a gite there that might be open. I entered the pretty square where there was a water source and some seating and dropped the bag. The gite was in the square but it was indeed closed. I relaxed a while in the warm sunshine and chatted to the man, who had excellent English and was originally from Belgium. After a while I went to look at the rather large church for such a small place and when I went to a higher area just beyond it I was delighted to discover a small grassy viewing platform that wasn't overlooked by anything. I had found my home for the night.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePf00tYhBFYD_bZ7JuIkrjGRrLj2iq8eMGcP0YB1jTvLyIf03qeiHG5p0-wuWriGiBytWYSUJTm5BCkw7QlUBQKAqbSLlWycGlkyRYXmDsKl2s7Hg8jOqkEWRUv-PkJKaHWj3FWp2H330JqH3FVDN9Kwoh28GS8SPLO__QV4BE8izqJ9MsMnUPyZyRg/s5184/IMG_2278.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePf00tYhBFYD_bZ7JuIkrjGRrLj2iq8eMGcP0YB1jTvLyIf03qeiHG5p0-wuWriGiBytWYSUJTm5BCkw7QlUBQKAqbSLlWycGlkyRYXmDsKl2s7Hg8jOqkEWRUv-PkJKaHWj3FWp2H330JqH3FVDN9Kwoh28GS8SPLO__QV4BE8izqJ9MsMnUPyZyRg/w640-h360/IMG_2278.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great spot for the tent</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizEvetjBSO3Egu0xj8fEwcMyLf6PltmyobUUmXBdThOjHh2y1pL9M8wzPNOVaOqvnBU-bZruauMC7fesGB2zPYdfDpu8WlJXklR-UmXdxIQ6KHbwYiETtYQCAWII-IJ-PDuCEsoxJ405v9dCBnwdDX8Xp0DlQoesrnDyjgQx4yjrJzM5fSW0sCHnVSg/s5184/IMG_2274.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizEvetjBSO3Egu0xj8fEwcMyLf6PltmyobUUmXBdThOjHh2y1pL9M8wzPNOVaOqvnBU-bZruauMC7fesGB2zPYdfDpu8WlJXklR-UmXdxIQ6KHbwYiETtYQCAWII-IJ-PDuCEsoxJ405v9dCBnwdDX8Xp0DlQoesrnDyjgQx4yjrJzM5fSW0sCHnVSg/w640-h360/IMG_2274.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiH121gF0bJIAxvmt8encr5ZcA3BTwkCpvcpRZctRO6mcgOa2d11za1OlSs81n4AJyZGuOJTPzOdobkpX8QPwTovtcas6untfMophIztsgucWbU5jhp-GHMP4IkbbvSDgIYVoK2CoJudZKJWG3tK20JxHoQFhOhEut104QiHvVn5UZWvn_suHqy24F9Q/s5184/IMG_2267.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiH121gF0bJIAxvmt8encr5ZcA3BTwkCpvcpRZctRO6mcgOa2d11za1OlSs81n4AJyZGuOJTPzOdobkpX8QPwTovtcas6untfMophIztsgucWbU5jhp-GHMP4IkbbvSDgIYVoK2CoJudZKJWG3tK20JxHoQFhOhEut104QiHvVn5UZWvn_suHqy24F9Q/w640-h360/IMG_2267.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It had been another good day. 28 kilometres covered, 1200 metres ascent, 1700 metres descent, in 8 hours.</p><p>Thursday October 27th;</p><p>Day twelve had arrived and journeys end was near. Well not really that near as it was well over thirty kilometres to Nice. I had a decision to make later, whether to stop at the final village before Nice, Aspremont, or try and reach Nice itself. It was another glorious morning and I was feeling good as I left the still sleeping village. Utelle sits at around 800 metres and overlooks the Gorges de Vesubie. The route descends and crosses the river in the valley floor way down at 190 metres so a lot of height is lost. The trail leaves the village and contours the Vallon de l'Aclap, descending gently all the while. A delightful little chapel and refuge is reached called called Chapelle St Antoine. Inside there is a little bench, a table and chair, a wood burner and some religious iconography and a little altar. It felt like a magical little spot. Further on the trail contours under the rocky ramparts of Crete de la Pallu before it starts to descend in earnest to the valley floor. It passed through the cluster of houses at le Cros d'Utelle and soon after the busy road and the river are reached.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoEmnREwkcVO3GQuoVKflOSc1J5hcvB1M-hxNl590k_ySQr63TqdA88jSCZd8S3eRhWjoq9GjKk1BT0KPQ8nzo0VY_YrBrSkNgkq1nALI55LL0zvV30mWrubBKx1RRVRum5i8d8hVgD4LxdI9qe2EpvQB1RZC62_jwdCDJvOA-r_dBu9P25R-Gmkw7A/s5184/IMG_2285.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoEmnREwkcVO3GQuoVKflOSc1J5hcvB1M-hxNl590k_ySQr63TqdA88jSCZd8S3eRhWjoq9GjKk1BT0KPQ8nzo0VY_YrBrSkNgkq1nALI55LL0zvV30mWrubBKx1RRVRum5i8d8hVgD4LxdI9qe2EpvQB1RZC62_jwdCDJvOA-r_dBu9P25R-Gmkw7A/w640-h360/IMG_2285.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEtbAYRgB2OjzyXB2PCxQO1bfIAnN22owMN__k6VI0IzNGpLX6as7k_Y0xBJnvkjmKpQGpKwhD09BiMv8XDfqxiw0JDr8hYWU6aoYBN7KKgjnSJZUgRpf33GBFB1b0Y4FExRMF0dcbN1HR3fQuzNWB8neqAsEBNqHPiDAc6viyaFNRAlrEuUStL-1SQ/s5184/IMG_2284.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEtbAYRgB2OjzyXB2PCxQO1bfIAnN22owMN__k6VI0IzNGpLX6as7k_Y0xBJnvkjmKpQGpKwhD09BiMv8XDfqxiw0JDr8hYWU6aoYBN7KKgjnSJZUgRpf33GBFB1b0Y4FExRMF0dcbN1HR3fQuzNWB8neqAsEBNqHPiDAc6viyaFNRAlrEuUStL-1SQ/w640-h360/IMG_2284.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Utelle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsv6vaJDs0njj6_dCL0Xp5LtN0WmqJHDhR0MirIKERcS0fyP_JRKJjkuef757KgOMNZC_eHOXoN7WgY6Z0QB1CRqHibBFQyAioEVG1m10bBobcamQ689bf6843EChvNMjd2xDbtUOxm6IgrOKjl-Qo0poyPwtCuuDV0I9roaX9EU2KvRyIb1_LldRIA/s5184/IMG_2292.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsv6vaJDs0njj6_dCL0Xp5LtN0WmqJHDhR0MirIKERcS0fyP_JRKJjkuef757KgOMNZC_eHOXoN7WgY6Z0QB1CRqHibBFQyAioEVG1m10bBobcamQ689bf6843EChvNMjd2xDbtUOxm6IgrOKjl-Qo0poyPwtCuuDV0I9roaX9EU2KvRyIb1_LldRIA/w640-h360/IMG_2292.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fmLMtNKSNQt2bhcrV_CKyjBuo75JCP64qH-SDczI3jE-bQLMBsIxV7uWeQCzgoeYhAgudX5EnsTAyMTc7T3CcmkEw1spolOEs0OIoab1HfP3D7pgacSmjlu3U1T6fG4FUkOhrX39rFEd_EaAj24-7fcwBDZ6kQFd-1oCe_RgX_FKVfCwCo4dezPUiw/s5184/IMG_2304.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fmLMtNKSNQt2bhcrV_CKyjBuo75JCP64qH-SDczI3jE-bQLMBsIxV7uWeQCzgoeYhAgudX5EnsTAyMTc7T3CcmkEw1spolOEs0OIoab1HfP3D7pgacSmjlu3U1T6fG4FUkOhrX39rFEd_EaAj24-7fcwBDZ6kQFd-1oCe_RgX_FKVfCwCo4dezPUiw/w640-h360/IMG_2304.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the villages become towns</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After crossing the fine stone footbridge you climb once again towards the next village, Levens, which lay almost 400 metres higher up. After passing the Canal de Vesubie, which was built to provide Nice with a more reliable supply of water, the climb rises through the woods once again. It was really quite warm and when I reached the large village/town the sunshine made it feel like a really good summers day at home. The old village could be seen on the right but the trail skirted this along some busy modern streets before it eventually reached a large area of parkland. As I had covered fourteen kilometres and been on the move for four hours, I rested awhile and enjoyed some of the last of my supplies. Just beyond the park the urban setting was left behind and the trail once again entered the woods. It seemed that the easiest way to guage progress today would be by ticking off the villages en route. Next up was Ste Claire. After a steep drop where 100 metres was swiftly lost, I feared that I would be facing another stiff climb to reach the village. Thankfully the trail levelled out and only a one hundred metres of ascent was needed. It was very noticeable how much more developed all the hillsides now were. Before it seemed like everywhere was virgin woodland and only the occasional hamlet or village was to be found. Now the hillsides were liberally sprinkled with villas and the sound of traffic began to intrude. In truth I was glad that the hike was ending.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcheKOtpWWxWAi441IxzYX4aVF139_5wujGDz0fwOKTFuzEpYMPacpNKqsjh8biVJqTk9Q7fO_B5hkHp_FGYWqlOgqCH504CuixZHP4TCCTD0CGXPLGkfdrKcRmrDZt5PdEHgo6WXc9yMDgbh7OW7TgkyahRzahtlFS-Vl5LxsfOvx1Nm6Ydm8WI0CQ/s5184/IMG_2306.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcheKOtpWWxWAi441IxzYX4aVF139_5wujGDz0fwOKTFuzEpYMPacpNKqsjh8biVJqTk9Q7fO_B5hkHp_FGYWqlOgqCH504CuixZHP4TCCTD0CGXPLGkfdrKcRmrDZt5PdEHgo6WXc9yMDgbh7OW7TgkyahRzahtlFS-Vl5LxsfOvx1Nm6Ydm8WI0CQ/w640-h360/IMG_2306.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspremont</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p> A long walk on a quiet lane followed before I reached Colla Partida. Here the trail contoured under a rocky outcrop and then began a long contour under Mont Cima. Eventually I reached another roadway and before long I was walking down into Aspremont. I kinda debated with myself as to call it a day here or push on to Nice. It really was an easy choice. It wouldn't seem right to stop here. There was a stiff climb out of the village and before long a stoney scrubby trail was contouring under the final mountain of the trek, Mont Chauve d'Aspremont. Having reached a high point at about the 700 metre contour, a long almost level stretch followed along Crete de Graus. Suddenly the metropolis of Nice could be seen ahead. It made a fine sight in the hazey sunshine. Indeed it was so hazey that the Mediterranean could only barely be seen. In the valley floor to the right a huge flat expanse of ground was covered in industrial and residential areas. Now there was a constant buzz from the motorway that ran through it.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQW3Qh6i0Fq9prJVbBGST-w9i2MRjsaYTdJnGunkQ_EleBkiv6DYUqxxF_W9AVkT5kArZmUA97tIpfFpRYlOquu2sntWIwcgpYemgnp4u5vr3JE4MjjkYw78dM5SbeqNE-AiozhUdj34jMarpl1FGzRpYSypU02ysBSQUyhoGHdwwvnBrNQkJ1kAhuw/s5184/IMG_2308.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQW3Qh6i0Fq9prJVbBGST-w9i2MRjsaYTdJnGunkQ_EleBkiv6DYUqxxF_W9AVkT5kArZmUA97tIpfFpRYlOquu2sntWIwcgpYemgnp4u5vr3JE4MjjkYw78dM5SbeqNE-AiozhUdj34jMarpl1FGzRpYSypU02ysBSQUyhoGHdwwvnBrNQkJ1kAhuw/w640-h360/IMG_2308.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearing Nice</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Finally the increasingly busy trail dropped into the woods and very shortly thereafter I reached the paved streets of Gairaut, which basically marked the start of the urban area. Walking downhill for a long time on tarmac isn't my favourite thing, but any misgivings were overshadowed by the fact that I had reached journeys end. All in all about 300 metres was lost while descending the increasingly busy streets so it was a relief, not long after crossing over a motorway, to finally reach St Maurice on the northern side of the city centre. Now I know that the route goes all the way to the Promenade des Anglais but I was completely satisfied to end my hike here. The rather dubious delights of another three kilometres through the busy streets wasn't for me. I made my way to the tram line and after a short ride I alighted by the train station. I checked into my hotel and enjoyed the evening in comfort and quiet reflection. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotoADmid1KCvxs5DeSAfXH93imZL1nIwbPbNASCL4djbKAjdyPvO9Ie9NHaocfZnHc5sv4G7pLrDRLxiOm7L6nEmYZtxZy_EAV8pR6y95mT9xt4YJqtN-siuZgr5olUV03PWrcCf_o0aXRoLdL5fMVXUaC8cdmcJ3iOEgpJCi7ONDlZ3iOlNZqdtrfw/s4160/IMG_20221028_111911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotoADmid1KCvxs5DeSAfXH93imZL1nIwbPbNASCL4djbKAjdyPvO9Ie9NHaocfZnHc5sv4G7pLrDRLxiOm7L6nEmYZtxZy_EAV8pR6y95mT9xt4YJqtN-siuZgr5olUV03PWrcCf_o0aXRoLdL5fMVXUaC8cdmcJ3iOEgpJCi7ONDlZ3iOlNZqdtrfw/w640-h308/IMG_20221028_111911.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhati3SXPWqi2sicG1DakEmltdXkz6Y25uufTU2c_zVab18ZiNwPhPzNXkX8Qod6yymvB4v2AFryCuKKMRwQ4VBHh4cISkvPEw0X5rWaAJYzlVgvV-Ujp9JlH1InSQOdeKYiWhGuiwsaY5qo5x4c8GXw-SmgZ-HvXiJqN2LPAQqnCQ3OWqIjS9Jp40Pvg/s4160/IMG_20221028_075834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhati3SXPWqi2sicG1DakEmltdXkz6Y25uufTU2c_zVab18ZiNwPhPzNXkX8Qod6yymvB4v2AFryCuKKMRwQ4VBHh4cISkvPEw0X5rWaAJYzlVgvV-Ujp9JlH1InSQOdeKYiWhGuiwsaY5qo5x4c8GXw-SmgZ-HvXiJqN2LPAQqnCQ3OWqIjS9Jp40Pvg/w640-h308/IMG_20221028_075834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8F0TiC2cg-rCYvPy2pW7arJ33s90LzgHfOUyXfM9Fc_wAqvg4u3_AKLPFnPhp1apGH8mMC9xMi3dub4FdhxH87jVknzYuNayYQmMh5sRztbmPxUEUef-VAon6DPpGWcPYEqBhkN52RvEOlXM2lPjJ0BeCFwNz8h4a-JkWACxBmtcyOwGCx2rlS4o8w/s4160/IMG_20221028_075827.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8F0TiC2cg-rCYvPy2pW7arJ33s90LzgHfOUyXfM9Fc_wAqvg4u3_AKLPFnPhp1apGH8mMC9xMi3dub4FdhxH87jVknzYuNayYQmMh5sRztbmPxUEUef-VAon6DPpGWcPYEqBhkN52RvEOlXM2lPjJ0BeCFwNz8h4a-JkWACxBmtcyOwGCx2rlS4o8w/w640-h308/IMG_20221028_075827.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice morning for a swim</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p>So the final day totalled 34 kilometres, with 1300 metres ascent, 1900 metres descent, in just nine hours.</p><p>Overall I was very pleased. A tough start had made it all sweeter to feel stronger in the latter stages and it is fair to say that by the final few days I was in as good a hiking fettle as I have ever been. It was also nice to finally complete the GR. I couldn't decide whether it was more enjoyable to do it in summer or late autumn. In the summer the days are long, the wildflowers cover the meadows, and everywhere bursts with life. Every possible type of accommodation is open and you have much more choice about how far you go, what to eat and where to stay. In the autumn, almost everything outside of the towns is closed and this definitely presents difficulties. I had to stay in my tent most nights, and during the long hours of darkness this can become a bit trying. I had to ensure I carried enough food to see me through several days. After Briancon I had enough food for six days and I needed it all. On the plus side, the trail is super quiet, almost totally empty in fact. This might not suit everyone but to me it is a big plus. Also there is the colour. I know that in the summer you have the flowers, but my oh my, the landscape in a wonder at this time of year. The spruce trees were a variety of golden yellows, depending on the light, and they set the mountainsides afire. Lower down, especially further south, deciduous shrubs and trees set the valleys alight in a cacophony of colour. But it was the reddish amber of the naked hillsides, whose every hump and hollow was laid bare in the soft light, that captured my heart. At times the landscape took on a mystical look, that seemed to be straight out of a Tolkien novel, and seemed the stuff of fairy tales. It is fair to say I was smitten. </p><p>In total I had over 300 kilometres and climbed almost 17000 metres in twelve days. There is a little life left in the old dog yet.</p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-25329994045730923312022-11-26T19:03:00.001+00:002022-11-27T09:06:02.346+00:00Leenane November 22<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ng-zQ22Hf1K5HMR8zwykQeZWlfsvPPOLBH7LAvUapLiFnhwdKqNnEfFUZrqsUSBVrXz0I_RfNl9bGtvsts8j2CjYmvbdZleJeYQdQkIctcrwnGoayj_wMbgKo5I_mtFpiMAjBJPuvTYLsn_6C1-CVioRVoZjCxtbhue30Q3cOtPmtpe9QzJgBIcPwA/s3262/IMG_20221117_133626_edit_537189546878444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3262" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ng-zQ22Hf1K5HMR8zwykQeZWlfsvPPOLBH7LAvUapLiFnhwdKqNnEfFUZrqsUSBVrXz0I_RfNl9bGtvsts8j2CjYmvbdZleJeYQdQkIctcrwnGoayj_wMbgKo5I_mtFpiMAjBJPuvTYLsn_6C1-CVioRVoZjCxtbhue30Q3cOtPmtpe9QzJgBIcPwA/w640-h296/IMG_20221117_133626_edit_537189546878444.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I was a flutter of indecision for days before I finally decided to return to the Leenane Hotel for a three night stay. My reasons for hesitation was the, frankly shite weather we were having and the forecast only promised more. That is until a couple of days beforehand things seemed to improve, so I bit the bullet and headed up.<p></p><p>Wednesday November 16th,</p><p>It was a chilly showery morning as I left home and faced into the 260 kilometre drive. The forecast was for it to improve throughout the day and that is what transpired. As is usual, when I got beyond Oughterard, I entered one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. Some clouds clung to the mountain tops and the odd shower could be seen, but overall the glory of Connemara was laid out before me and my anticipation for the trip grew. As it is such a long drive I had decided that I would "enjoy" a run today and keep the hillwalks for the following days. I opted to do a route I had done before, which ran along the shore of Killary Harbour, before returning via the quiet road that cuts under the Bencoonagh Mountains. This would offer either a 16 or 20 kilometre circuit, depending on which route I took at the far end. I drove past the hotel and parked the car down in the valley near the end of Lough Fee.</p><p>It was just about 12.20 when I started so I had lots of time. At least that was my excuse for the leisurely pace I set. I was determined to enjoy it. After a short time on the main road I turned onto the lane that heads for Bunowen. This delightful lane leads right to the water's edge and is a joy to trundle along. Add into the mix the glory of the mountains of the Mweelrea massif, plus the wild ground on the left and it is a heady mix. After perhaps four kilometres you pass a shellfish processing plant ( the harbour is a big producer ) and then the lane becomes a green road before finally dwindling to a rough track. I was quite pleased with how I was doing as I haven't been doing much running, but as I said, I was taking it steady. A delightful stretch followed until I reached Rosroe pier where once again I reached a tarred road. This runs alongside Little Killary before you reach a stiff climb at the waters end. I was feeling pretty good so I opted for the longer option and I turned right and headed to Glassilaun. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc03GoYZY5JwPhvpbmBd03UEjITI3uqGpg_yJeQPGvAFbBdZEuQvKltV7rKj0JPz3CDTtlfrpLY6hi6ddDKLMMAE95hvbyO8tqWpnGfZc9dBHPY5-9TvnaomKMdk_mgGNCwt7u973TKHHfGHtzZg3w6NAhlqlV2bHueCkOUkvXgqDqwUWGobu9iXqLMQ/s4160/IMG_20221116_130143.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc03GoYZY5JwPhvpbmBd03UEjITI3uqGpg_yJeQPGvAFbBdZEuQvKltV7rKj0JPz3CDTtlfrpLY6hi6ddDKLMMAE95hvbyO8tqWpnGfZc9dBHPY5-9TvnaomKMdk_mgGNCwt7u973TKHHfGHtzZg3w6NAhlqlV2bHueCkOUkvXgqDqwUWGobu9iXqLMQ/w640-h308/IMG_20221116_130143.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking west along Killary</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SP2IRwD_bc4IMm6PekQKuETf-GV4bzs6eZXMiixQA3SgGSlEOHKHIX8CnR6LMMkPOjMNp28LCKFnJByNWnyCUtWHTxcxMKickJI2CduU7MH-grdtM9wrbkNK_6X-kY1UoZBaEAJOcFYo8V-X2da6uJCvZ-HuiGjQuW11kMMXbqe31HZE7ijw57itWA/s4160/IMG_20221116_130134_BURST014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SP2IRwD_bc4IMm6PekQKuETf-GV4bzs6eZXMiixQA3SgGSlEOHKHIX8CnR6LMMkPOjMNp28LCKFnJByNWnyCUtWHTxcxMKickJI2CduU7MH-grdtM9wrbkNK_6X-kY1UoZBaEAJOcFYo8V-X2da6uJCvZ-HuiGjQuW11kMMXbqe31HZE7ijw57itWA/w640-h308/IMG_20221116_130134_BURST014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking inland</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWavaSEXbYrwCRUTb7CdDSQ8QhGk54rKQHZVsVvSfEhStWdM8I84gDXKHHSe7aHLXyD8MyY7Jb3TmZsuaEmL7AYfV1s716eLmxGWOgU1Sg79cVoZ3v0wQIa9mSZDW8wGJM3HDEMi7YwfyKjMHHbQ-KB4_sA7MJ6LnclUTkEepj5clq9o0i1Gdlj0HgHg/s4160/IMG_20221116_121521.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWavaSEXbYrwCRUTb7CdDSQ8QhGk54rKQHZVsVvSfEhStWdM8I84gDXKHHSe7aHLXyD8MyY7Jb3TmZsuaEmL7AYfV1s716eLmxGWOgU1Sg79cVoZ3v0wQIa9mSZDW8wGJM3HDEMi7YwfyKjMHHbQ-KB4_sA7MJ6LnclUTkEepj5clq9o0i1Gdlj0HgHg/w640-h308/IMG_20221116_121521.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at the car</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM34xfAXeC43apOnwueL2pdtGw5prO3RAV2U1TUKwUOmROhEX322rOIBTOu1OPkpH9S121vkjzvctsWJqjsO8zjfgsrRF5NCoJPNwYID5aqaKB0oA7i8UMwjx6A6wVhhVuATEaoHHA5gpR6pKoETJdd1bg-osIbq0NIxpdYRDtKBFPg6gizYP-bxv_g/s4160/IMG_20221116_121512.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM34xfAXeC43apOnwueL2pdtGw5prO3RAV2U1TUKwUOmROhEX322rOIBTOu1OPkpH9S121vkjzvctsWJqjsO8zjfgsrRF5NCoJPNwYID5aqaKB0oA7i8UMwjx6A6wVhhVuATEaoHHA5gpR6pKoETJdd1bg-osIbq0NIxpdYRDtKBFPg6gizYP-bxv_g/w640-h308/IMG_20221116_121512.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful views to ease the pain</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>As is sometimes the way, not long after deciding on the longer option I started to feel quite tired. By now I had thirteen kilometres done but seven more remained. I did enjoy the wonderful scenery all way back to the car, but it is fair to say that the final few kilometres became increasingly tough. By the time I reached the car I was wrecked. I wasted no time in changing into warm clothes and I had a bite to eat. Thankfully the drive to the hotel was short and check in seamless, so before long I was enjoying a wonderful long hot shower. Bliss. I chilled in the room until six pm when I went and enjoyed an excellent dinner. I then drove back to Glassilaun beach where I enjoyed a few delightful hours fishing. The fish were obliging and the time flew by. A good nights sleep followed a pretty full on day.</p><p>Thursday November 17th,</p><p>I was looking forward to today. After eating too much for breakfast I left the hotel and began my hike at 9am. It was mostly clear skies and it was forecast to be sunny and calm until dark. It came as a bit of a shock to see rain drifting over the mountain across the water and before long it reached me. Just as I reached for my waterproofs it stopped so I walked happily on. Today I planned to walking along the Western Way until I reached Letterbrecaun and then climb it and follow the ridge back and over Leenane Hill to reach the village. I had done this hike once before almost two years before. That time it was a wet and cloudy all day with nothing in the way of views. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWW6aHkwNWd7ARb-1cgUmr2ST505IzH9uECKxPQkoKNG9yCFlNIFVvJ0SF06R9EVOO5UgqPLOc341z1ls9bQsOPBFhYO1WVqjIxKJ7W8kSqN4VP9QCaFvrbIe64F3cK55TOrtfByBDM5GOcSInoqrHz_4sV3Zml8UeW-JobaXcgmcVWbb81vBKcfpuw/s4160/IMG_20221117_105755.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWW6aHkwNWd7ARb-1cgUmr2ST505IzH9uECKxPQkoKNG9yCFlNIFVvJ0SF06R9EVOO5UgqPLOc341z1ls9bQsOPBFhYO1WVqjIxKJ7W8kSqN4VP9QCaFvrbIe64F3cK55TOrtfByBDM5GOcSInoqrHz_4sV3Zml8UeW-JobaXcgmcVWbb81vBKcfpuw/w640-h308/IMG_20221117_105755.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fabulous section of the Western Way nearing Letterbrecaun</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p>Today I was hopeful for better things. Despite the early spit of rain the morning was looking really good and the mountain tops were mostly clear. After a few hundred metres on the main road, the trail heads left and contours around the hillside through wild and wonderful ground. Everywhere is a delight for the eye. After a few kilometres you enter forestry land and the wilderness feel is lost, but the views remain great. As you progress through the woods you are reaching the glorious Inagh Valley. The splendour of the Twelve Bens is revealed more and more as you get nearer, but what looms ever larger is the wonderfully shapely ridge that drops steeply from Letterbrecaun into the valley. Once you leave the woods the trail heads directly towards the base of the climb.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoUF0jBMgmW9yHhdqyEPJ9SugLRbC-69ZRPi00HQJAdX4IdjU9al3s_7rKlJffhiasuNxogDcBY3c24YXQaCL7r3o1_xfA4Maci8pKqGLx0Hzjc312RdGUEsen3GAYOzxMVgB0gAjVHSXRMA553CoukijRc5Yf0SHH86OqMRY1EVM9W85htADkTfHGg/s4160/IMG_20221117_111534.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoUF0jBMgmW9yHhdqyEPJ9SugLRbC-69ZRPi00HQJAdX4IdjU9al3s_7rKlJffhiasuNxogDcBY3c24YXQaCL7r3o1_xfA4Maci8pKqGLx0Hzjc312RdGUEsen3GAYOzxMVgB0gAjVHSXRMA553CoukijRc5Yf0SHH86OqMRY1EVM9W85htADkTfHGg/w640-h308/IMG_20221117_111534.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Across the Inagh Valley towards the Twelve Bens</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLjlfLzwR6-LbxhQWFaDz51mTEueGFM_NWsEptvM15y_eM6tGe5T3QKSXbY1RZqijKCU4OCGJMUJlK_501gs6kvbVo-SgCnHFscAbvMM-vDr6RI16bBX1m9rc3BQi56FdsR8eN0pYXS9HMRZm_kDlvbkFEhk_QJ9E3DBhwDUJYMCmVYbdWUpWJ3UZ4Q/s4160/IMG_20221117_110650.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLjlfLzwR6-LbxhQWFaDz51mTEueGFM_NWsEptvM15y_eM6tGe5T3QKSXbY1RZqijKCU4OCGJMUJlK_501gs6kvbVo-SgCnHFscAbvMM-vDr6RI16bBX1m9rc3BQi56FdsR8eN0pYXS9HMRZm_kDlvbkFEhk_QJ9E3DBhwDUJYMCmVYbdWUpWJ3UZ4Q/w640-h308/IMG_20221117_110650.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>It is a full twelve kilometres to reach Letterbrecaun. By the time I reached it the weather was perfect. I wasted no time in starting up. That's not to say I rushed. I took it slow and steady and once you manage to keep going, height is gained quickly. The middle section is the steepest and offers some scrambling of varying difficulty. By keeping mostly to the left difficulties can be avoided. The 600 metre climb went well. I'd love to say that it flew by, but the final section seems to just go on and on. Still, the reward of standing on the deserted rocky summit, with those incredible views, soon had me forgetting the effort to get there. I rested for a little while before starting along the ridge for the return journey.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs2xEeg2yhpCOACIkbkd7tbmy5jiM3HBkoj9y_JNtoSiahCiFU9vsbpgkGvd8Y-qDKOCk2T0zlm6tr36Jxj6ryhQoEuFowrrgBG-n6P-u9WcXsGtVKHVUjxZqS2PrT-hlR6PMWZv7vj76L_tELZK5-SUyJBJWK-FarTCMGdXQ5DPKRFmPNGPNjhdBqw/s4160/IMG_20221117_120610.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs2xEeg2yhpCOACIkbkd7tbmy5jiM3HBkoj9y_JNtoSiahCiFU9vsbpgkGvd8Y-qDKOCk2T0zlm6tr36Jxj6ryhQoEuFowrrgBG-n6P-u9WcXsGtVKHVUjxZqS2PrT-hlR6PMWZv7vj76L_tELZK5-SUyJBJWK-FarTCMGdXQ5DPKRFmPNGPNjhdBqw/w640-h308/IMG_20221117_120610.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain water and sunny days</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The broken rocky nature of the ground makes good concentration a must as you head towards the northeast top. After the descent from there, the ground becomes turfy and grassy and easier. That said, the descent into the gap under Binn Bhan is steep and requires care. The views in all directions were a constant delight and I found myself taking more pictures than I had in ages. It was only a few weeks before that I was hiking through the Alps, and I truly felt that the scenery today was a match for any I saw during that hike. The serpentine ridge eventually drops to just 250 metres below the final climb to Leenane Hill. This meant a long 350 pull to reach the broad boggy top. On the way up I could see some rain coming in from the sea. Miraculously the rain entered the valley on either side of the mountain and I stayed dry all the way back to the hotel. It had been a great outing that I had enjoyed immensely.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWJibcrO6qkaC-InmiOVwWkqf_CnVfWnap71ir7f6qJ0puFUL3tBAmdURY6jeIkDzVgnJ2mgPXeD0NawN9rO-CfUMnY3HPQ9u2N_xpPOgc4eDcZhIbhrbc_RXtQQopPRcWUWIEOQhn-vnrV6HeDkVM7tLbB03GwMmC41gMAqVgUevHmF0baKmDhiEDw/s4160/IMG_20221117_151548.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWJibcrO6qkaC-InmiOVwWkqf_CnVfWnap71ir7f6qJ0puFUL3tBAmdURY6jeIkDzVgnJ2mgPXeD0NawN9rO-CfUMnY3HPQ9u2N_xpPOgc4eDcZhIbhrbc_RXtQQopPRcWUWIEOQhn-vnrV6HeDkVM7tLbB03GwMmC41gMAqVgUevHmF0baKmDhiEDw/w640-h308/IMG_20221117_151548.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost back in Leenane</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Bc-X1jlMhtA2kgq21KfVvaEyb64A5v5RpT4YdOuVGwPMeQl5sfigS73QVZNH8_cm-BjjqYzoLVEw3jkjeEANYLsmVwwAPvD2tLG_KNGAbGz9a2S9cMt7gTGrC-4fpLLs8AfpQjqvvUw5FHjwYGUlm2DqvqGPztvmpN1-5Ko-SMZeqhd12p9Pebz1uw/s4160/IMG_20221117_134811.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Bc-X1jlMhtA2kgq21KfVvaEyb64A5v5RpT4YdOuVGwPMeQl5sfigS73QVZNH8_cm-BjjqYzoLVEw3jkjeEANYLsmVwwAPvD2tLG_KNGAbGz9a2S9cMt7gTGrC-4fpLLs8AfpQjqvvUw5FHjwYGUlm2DqvqGPztvmpN1-5Ko-SMZeqhd12p9Pebz1uw/w640-h308/IMG_20221117_134811.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mweelrea Massif</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjIYBX47qNAEt9DWoKFJ87pwz1Uy_AZoWyjCSaWXEwjK-HkL34qZZk84-WEhsjl1hUMhb3ODcxvd0D-9JzcnXHXovGbsdCyQJJc2fW-kAqTfhgCFR8X5gnVQYulndhtbofbLCQNg3eh1ywo9mfnMm68EwNJ2dgaJs4rUBZBEDZn_ngYeg4cq4WOr8_Q/s4160/IMG_20221117_134757.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjIYBX47qNAEt9DWoKFJ87pwz1Uy_AZoWyjCSaWXEwjK-HkL34qZZk84-WEhsjl1hUMhb3ODcxvd0D-9JzcnXHXovGbsdCyQJJc2fW-kAqTfhgCFR8X5gnVQYulndhtbofbLCQNg3eh1ywo9mfnMm68EwNJ2dgaJs4rUBZBEDZn_ngYeg4cq4WOr8_Q/w640-h308/IMG_20221117_134757.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIabJtwDPxgrlao3xRdxSLl3cSXECk-19z3F3zHb609ZbFsukNsG1bGhTNWcqGQv4oKy9q00P6WUZz5NU-AsECc7aR8nMS24zqFhPXeUWas8TtMlexw5dfNAcb41uaWhP9SeQLU8dfqMlERus2raXSzFWfHwWhpg-GY_HZdvAvNoBA4TaBaQB6Aj5s_w/s4160/IMG_20221117_134738.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIabJtwDPxgrlao3xRdxSLl3cSXECk-19z3F3zHb609ZbFsukNsG1bGhTNWcqGQv4oKy9q00P6WUZz5NU-AsECc7aR8nMS24zqFhPXeUWas8TtMlexw5dfNAcb41uaWhP9SeQLU8dfqMlERus2raXSzFWfHwWhpg-GY_HZdvAvNoBA4TaBaQB6Aj5s_w/w640-h308/IMG_20221117_134738.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east towards Maam and Lough Corrib covered in cloud</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp4oiFR1fD-mDxNvniJqseFe0VNR0821qpm5WeLb1eeRldHxZSaqJa5j-qYpdqVbqdk9x_wLj6I2sn6w2v9P0gl0izxpsuYJPHQc5mw82GJB5S-m3JorsEwsze7twXM-piPR5J2wqDoV9xJNPoDlMU4fD7LOHwStE2saguTQZnLqmclt0i4Shnc2FoQ/s3262/IMG_20221117_133626_edit_537189546878444.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3262" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp4oiFR1fD-mDxNvniJqseFe0VNR0821qpm5WeLb1eeRldHxZSaqJa5j-qYpdqVbqdk9x_wLj6I2sn6w2v9P0gl0izxpsuYJPHQc5mw82GJB5S-m3JorsEwsze7twXM-piPR5J2wqDoV9xJNPoDlMU4fD7LOHwStE2saguTQZnLqmclt0i4Shnc2FoQ/w640-h296/IMG_20221117_133626_edit_537189546878444.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bencoonaghs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p> 25.5 kilometres, 1400 metres ascent in just shy of 7 hours. That shower was put to good use again.</p><p>Friday November 18th;</p><p>The forecast for today was very good again so I decided tha another hill walk was just the job. I was feeling surprisingly good after yesterday's outing and I toyed with the idea of doing Mweelrea today. That would mean another big outing and would leave little time for anything else. As I wanted to do some more fishing I opted instead to head to Murrisk near Westport and climb, one of the most famous mountains in the country, Croagh Patrick. I had never climbed it and this seemed too good an opportunity to miss. It was a beautiful morning and I really enjoyed the scenic drive. I was parked and on the move for 09.30.</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCSy3vHA60FQkiBvxtCfHX9ekzLUcyenVn9HqxsBDIpq0nQbVEzb_EEjGko20jX54RZzq5zbz5cxqt5uuEN26Xd4DmNxXcET2wod0G6icLiqU6u3m0uJwD6q4Iy_z0B8gAY7d62ox5vmtgAhbx9YJsK5MJ8QSNjy97JiOVyjovxVP_9YT9IS62JrmrQ/s4160/IMG_20221118_095506.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCSy3vHA60FQkiBvxtCfHX9ekzLUcyenVn9HqxsBDIpq0nQbVEzb_EEjGko20jX54RZzq5zbz5cxqt5uuEN26Xd4DmNxXcET2wod0G6icLiqU6u3m0uJwD6q4Iy_z0B8gAY7d62ox5vmtgAhbx9YJsK5MJ8QSNjy97JiOVyjovxVP_9YT9IS62JrmrQ/w640-h308/IMG_20221118_095506.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely conical summit beckons</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnOPCoXg39ihXJQd5LIyOjGbsnSuPpcLcstEvI5o-zWNECSFF8uHmU6ZOtnRu_9u8UBdTeml4MphkebjCBZCH9jj5F86745T1ovx6ekFapwUGvoNShgmTCvVZRQifobF_dnE94UZ3bXaSuaFgVbzzFmv5YrE9WjqeC_64HrJdXbEIwco1Ahj9hx9ivQ/s4160/IMG_20221118_094644.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnOPCoXg39ihXJQd5LIyOjGbsnSuPpcLcstEvI5o-zWNECSFF8uHmU6ZOtnRu_9u8UBdTeml4MphkebjCBZCH9jj5F86745T1ovx6ekFapwUGvoNShgmTCvVZRQifobF_dnE94UZ3bXaSuaFgVbzzFmv5YrE9WjqeC_64HrJdXbEIwco1Ahj9hx9ivQ/w640-h308/IMG_20221118_094644.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clare island</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was very quiet, with only a few cars in the large car park. I carried an almost empty rucksack and had just trail runners on my feet as I knew that there would be a good track most of the way. I set off at a good pace and soon I was climbing steadily up through the mountainside and enjoying wonderful views. Croagh Patrick is a very shapely mountain. The summit is a pleasing cone shape and as it rises from the sea shore it is big and imposing and dominates the landscape for miles around. At 764 metres it is not the highest mountain in the area but every metre is climbed so as to reach the top. It is basically an l shaped climb. The whole mountain is basically one long ridge that runs east to west, with the main summit rising over 200 metres from this. The climb is an l shape, running pretty straight south until it reached the crest of the ridge at the 500 metre mark. It then traverses easily west until you reach the base of the cone and begin the final part of the climb. This being a so called "holy mountain" it attracts many thousands of people who come as pilgrims to climb it each year. Indeed, on the last Sunday of July, as many as 25000 people turn up to climb it, and this is a major logistical event for the various rescue and civil bodies. Thankfully today it was quiet and felt more like a normal outing.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQfkUYgA31E6apSITt8oyKwaonv6NSpCZRt-A4zcvv-H2kCiYdS-CgnXYQNs_-VP_xRfjhRpKtgIsAqum29fxc53uZye72IR5re4xJP6Y9tQQtQ60jLl2QQxZ3_pUzW_VhwGAe3pQlS3i1c5gDpK4Gw15bpiGu54tyyQUBp2lrTX6IN_SqYEelFhKPw/s4160/IMG_20221118_104516.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQfkUYgA31E6apSITt8oyKwaonv6NSpCZRt-A4zcvv-H2kCiYdS-CgnXYQNs_-VP_xRfjhRpKtgIsAqum29fxc53uZye72IR5re4xJP6Y9tQQtQ60jLl2QQxZ3_pUzW_VhwGAe3pQlS3i1c5gDpK4Gw15bpiGu54tyyQUBp2lrTX6IN_SqYEelFhKPw/w640-h308/IMG_20221118_104516.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clew Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKCfzS0-OoH4Z6125ciVv7qZYc21BK5cO3216RJU67nk3JrHnA3GZYoLlB2NvC-mFNWed76IWDGtW5hsmW8rMB6KZycztRCJEhZ484uE6vShf9q-_KUKoSwN4gSP9BxNz910DEM19v469JFklYdTb99mv-vpXLQhQHptl5AhwJrqYb_p2qn32rABnXg/s4160/IMG_20221118_101845.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKCfzS0-OoH4Z6125ciVv7qZYc21BK5cO3216RJU67nk3JrHnA3GZYoLlB2NvC-mFNWed76IWDGtW5hsmW8rMB6KZycztRCJEhZ484uE6vShf9q-_KUKoSwN4gSP9BxNz910DEM19v469JFklYdTb99mv-vpXLQhQHptl5AhwJrqYb_p2qn32rABnXg/w640-h308/IMG_20221118_101845.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South from the ridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc653IQCXjGDJJDULOsOqfQ5vV_Pr1wLhrSJURTbqOUyyUIrUNOjxsjZhZBsgkQFLPbZd-_8XzasVWtYoQHntfRRT7fUBqCmR92zyKT3Ado1XjpUVktBrVOOvNeF6GJvDoH6N_tQHzmGJxz7PmAedLt85d0P2nmU3FEv9E5ZIZsfHKvS5vkG0qIh68Eg/s4160/IMG_20221118_101839.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc653IQCXjGDJJDULOsOqfQ5vV_Pr1wLhrSJURTbqOUyyUIrUNOjxsjZhZBsgkQFLPbZd-_8XzasVWtYoQHntfRRT7fUBqCmR92zyKT3Ado1XjpUVktBrVOOvNeF6GJvDoH6N_tQHzmGJxz7PmAedLt85d0P2nmU3FEv9E5ZIZsfHKvS5vkG0qIh68Eg/w640-h308/IMG_20221118_101839.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towards Mweelrea and the Sheefry Hills</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Initially the going is easy, but up at around the 300 metre mark the track is rough and eroded and steepens to about 25 degrees. It is however wide enough that you can zig zag if you wish. I passed a few women who were having a fine old time, if the chat and banter was anything to go by, and once I reached the ridge I basically had the mountain to myself. A delightful kilometre passed on the ridge and here I was able to enjoy views to both the north and the south. Some showers of rain misted across the expanse of bog to the south and lit by the sunshine the whole effect was lovely. The views were as delightful as I hoped and everywhere I looked was a joy. At the base of the cone the trail steepened and an excellent path is built most of the way to the top. It didn't take too long to reach the top, "adorned" as it is by a church and "St Patricks Grave" which is strewn with tokens of memory and superstition. Some cloud and sleet arrived and tried to spoil the views and this coupled with the stiff cold wind meant I didn't linger and headed back down. It didn't take long to reach the again and here I met more people, including a couple of young men who were doing the climb barefoot. I was back down at the car in less that two and a half hours. It had been a short but very pleasant outing of less than 8 kilometres and 750 metres ascent.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFcSDNmmRAG1KA4mLSFPq7_miCqbBOkVzh8Wn-McJMBWAvTpywfMafXm20QsXP-PzUzYyQPwvPCubt0EGpXdfUSZix0L3n-A6XILG0kXRX5FKFBDRjPW4qJvFdQn7ii3aQVxLveRbhrYPMD2dnXqAoGUuQXiXZB4eT-NxTMohDPNccjmufotLiUiREA/s4160/IMG_20221118_104448.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFcSDNmmRAG1KA4mLSFPq7_miCqbBOkVzh8Wn-McJMBWAvTpywfMafXm20QsXP-PzUzYyQPwvPCubt0EGpXdfUSZix0L3n-A6XILG0kXRX5FKFBDRjPW4qJvFdQn7ii3aQVxLveRbhrYPMD2dnXqAoGUuQXiXZB4eT-NxTMohDPNccjmufotLiUiREA/w640-h308/IMG_20221118_104448.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit oratory</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEuQSgOlU_kugV_EFkvnc7tqSFaPMgbf9WQpikP8gky4Gx_1yBlLO6dWJmW2pJ0nmMX_UW5o2Wseu_DbrhhFbHZ7nBDOEFvamr47E-Tpg5Ryia-t0FGtqPKm_7QJbOO3_7JGxRQOh8F5IVzQlNKzZD2nl0tVikRqqiiDrGBFrjeP1F_HIhxoEGq_I0g/s4160/IMG_20221118_104521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEuQSgOlU_kugV_EFkvnc7tqSFaPMgbf9WQpikP8gky4Gx_1yBlLO6dWJmW2pJ0nmMX_UW5o2Wseu_DbrhhFbHZ7nBDOEFvamr47E-Tpg5Ryia-t0FGtqPKm_7QJbOO3_7JGxRQOh8F5IVzQlNKzZD2nl0tVikRqqiiDrGBFrjeP1F_HIhxoEGq_I0g/w640-h308/IMG_20221118_104521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgXTMi1pcoRUVEHd7tK4uA-dKdRVIK8hDzw7oO_LpGUC3e1fyXJc1zT5Oz9Inb68DTDcv2pdneJv2F_je4z634sc5M1yIapgbxlvBW8n_YO-UHtR7o4UwsRj8_i1QT17h7tz6DovtGDFZMlo2tCRQKjcIVtgFewgi-r4TM434sRygA_w1tfpF0qmU_g/s4160/IMG_20221118_104529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgXTMi1pcoRUVEHd7tK4uA-dKdRVIK8hDzw7oO_LpGUC3e1fyXJc1zT5Oz9Inb68DTDcv2pdneJv2F_je4z634sc5M1yIapgbxlvBW8n_YO-UHtR7o4UwsRj8_i1QT17h7tz6DovtGDFZMlo2tCRQKjcIVtgFewgi-r4TM434sRygA_w1tfpF0qmU_g/w640-h308/IMG_20221118_104529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2x_bv1C55rHfwym57_thF3ZI1SVcvAOz7E9V94kgcy_DXAHKlLwkRvsToRrXvGKmVeD1zpExeJtP1WSX3eAuzUvwcd-PtLYdN3uCdbEO77wmX22XUGp-AGTCeaSpn-xkpoQ7fnJ52mZgey5l0J0uObkimJucSYgFpSaAWxO-H3TbxydgjepdvA6tF1A/s4160/IMG_20221118_111333.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2x_bv1C55rHfwym57_thF3ZI1SVcvAOz7E9V94kgcy_DXAHKlLwkRvsToRrXvGKmVeD1zpExeJtP1WSX3eAuzUvwcd-PtLYdN3uCdbEO77wmX22XUGp-AGTCeaSpn-xkpoQ7fnJ52mZgey5l0J0uObkimJucSYgFpSaAWxO-H3TbxydgjepdvA6tF1A/w640-h308/IMG_20221118_111333.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I went to a nearby beach to try my hand at a spot of fishing. It was windy and the rain showers became more frequent. I did catch a whopper of a flounder but also lost five rigs, so it was an easy decision to cut the session short and head back towards Leenane. I returned to the hotel via the Louisburg/ Doo Lough road and it was once again a joy. The section that approaches and passes Doo Lough is, in my humble opinion, the most beautiful drive in the country. I didn't stop to take pictures, but instead drove very slowly along the deserted road and savoured the experience. Everywhere in that neck of the woods is truly beautiful.<p></p><p>Saturday November 19th;</p><p>All good things must end and today I had to head back home. The good weather was also to end, with rain and wind the offering for the day. It was forecast to arrive at around 10am so I was hoping to get a swift hillwalk in before heading home. Check out was up until midday so I wasted no time in setting off after a swift breakfast. I decided that the nearby Devilsmother would make a suitable outing. I was on the move by 08.30 and it was a pleasant morning. The sky was cloudy but the tops were clear, and while there was a stiff breeze, it remained dry. All and all not a bad start to the day.</p><p>After a kilometre and a half on the road I made my way onto the open mountain. The going is initially steep but after a while the gradient eases back when you gain the crest of the long broad ridge. Up at the 230 metre contour there is a nice 1.5 kilometre flat stretch which I jogged along. I was conscious that time was limited and that I needed to be fairly swift if I wanted to have a shower etc before heading home. It is four kilometres from the road before you reach the saddle under the climb to the summit, so todays outing is a fair bit longer than yesterdays. I needed to be finished in three hours. With that in mind I put in a good effort on the 300 metre climb to the 645 metre summit. Mind you I recieved some help from the strong wind which pushed at my back on the way up. It was also threatening rain and this duly arrived just before the top. I was still below the cloud and the land looked wild and windswept. It made me appreciate all the more the good weather of the previous days. The descent is initially quite steep and some care was needed to keep control as I jogged downhill. Sodden ground and a buffetting wind ensured I kept maximum concentration. The steep ground gives way to a broad easy ridge that descends steadily to the road at the innermost reaches of Killary. I kept up a steady trot the whole way down and soon I was once again on the road. I now had nearly four kilometres back to the hotel so I kept up a gentle trot all the way back and I arrived drenched, tired but equally delighted into the hotel at just 11.10am.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkg-NK0LJSmpKHUHghw-hiWcQtwOMHeYoJQMjFw6On1lmw2_4wNUmFx3NWCjkoBAp2p-bhnEP0R5Py6iuzi4ttEgEQCXem97_j977JlBFgT7sr5495UGR-NZsllq8mM6wfU55XgbAZQMlS5uhEU4UVC38bYFzpC97RElTBZhYCRSgL9EgVHBJvFF2AA/s4160/IMG_20221119_095827.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkg-NK0LJSmpKHUHghw-hiWcQtwOMHeYoJQMjFw6On1lmw2_4wNUmFx3NWCjkoBAp2p-bhnEP0R5Py6iuzi4ttEgEQCXem97_j977JlBFgT7sr5495UGR-NZsllq8mM6wfU55XgbAZQMlS5uhEU4UVC38bYFzpC97RElTBZhYCRSgL9EgVHBJvFF2AA/w640-h308/IMG_20221119_095827.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even on a dull morning Joyce Country looks great</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jtK9Y4JwDvqFuUzYJ2zUvisDrrHcY53S0ZwGjeutXjA5XIDhqMDHXu897L3NReL5X79_2NHp2ZHjeiS9lePQ3dtNRcKFrL7Ka77IUMW34brmRhHb7gfjzf-sYoqn_tYcAQQqiMoQnOkGZdBs91Gbv5WhkWhpY3S9PlHMhPeOiVHg1PdW7Lwy1tqMWQ/s4160/IMG_20221119_094920.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jtK9Y4JwDvqFuUzYJ2zUvisDrrHcY53S0ZwGjeutXjA5XIDhqMDHXu897L3NReL5X79_2NHp2ZHjeiS9lePQ3dtNRcKFrL7Ka77IUMW34brmRhHb7gfjzf-sYoqn_tYcAQQqiMoQnOkGZdBs91Gbv5WhkWhpY3S9PlHMhPeOiVHg1PdW7Lwy1tqMWQ/w640-h308/IMG_20221119_094920.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lough Finny and Lough Mask beyond</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAz--sx2gGLuGClHwluRwC08k4I8UQP0lpAYQiD31-8qCb9eW9h-3UEWs5jDa6dDf_bwir__akoY9TfZuumIFFF9HbK4lVas5mqSPcCaIq02P21_Yo0UT3YEOeGLkc4j3mW4Oht009cC-FxrE1KsfZQah88qkQZFcyWbxkNMJdOtsN8bMw5iW-6eWRg/s4160/IMG_20221119_085326.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAz--sx2gGLuGClHwluRwC08k4I8UQP0lpAYQiD31-8qCb9eW9h-3UEWs5jDa6dDf_bwir__akoY9TfZuumIFFF9HbK4lVas5mqSPcCaIq02P21_Yo0UT3YEOeGLkc4j3mW4Oht009cC-FxrE1KsfZQah88qkQZFcyWbxkNMJdOtsN8bMw5iW-6eWRg/w640-h308/IMG_20221119_085326.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting up the hill..the hotel nestling under Leenane Hill</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>It had been a near 14 kilometre hike with almost 700 metres ascent, and I was very pleased to have done it in just 2 hours 36 minutes It was great to enter the room and get out of the wet gear before a final shower and change into clean dry clobber. I even had time to enjoy a coffee and cake before checking out and beginning the long drive home. Hotel life is without doubt a very civilised way to enjoy the mountains.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-50395230309080227932022-05-11T12:56:00.001+01:002022-05-11T12:56:27.986+01:00Back to the Beara. Cycling and Hiking.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nTszBFhGg-ut2-sr7kyg7fzkQYxbK6SyjuS6r7cQ2kni1XxqUsVm35V-bMk4t40Xe529pKh1NiW762a-O_THTgOr30LlwM_onpQDpzYMALfJRbsq2mrtuSxNKFNgGP3__GvD9txCTgz6VqrKZ5c74gv79vVugAeHtxKfdG2Aa5U_DxULiyANVYa5ow/s4160/IMG_20220504_181218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nTszBFhGg-ut2-sr7kyg7fzkQYxbK6SyjuS6r7cQ2kni1XxqUsVm35V-bMk4t40Xe529pKh1NiW762a-O_THTgOr30LlwM_onpQDpzYMALfJRbsq2mrtuSxNKFNgGP3__GvD9txCTgz6VqrKZ5c74gv79vVugAeHtxKfdG2Aa5U_DxULiyANVYa5ow/w640-h308/IMG_20220504_181218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> I had a week off work and I wanted to head away for three or four days but I struggled with my usual indecision on where to go. After much mulling things over I headed back to Castletownbere and decided to sample the delights of the Beara Peninsula once again. <p></p><p>Sunday May 1st;</p><p>I'm not a huge fan of heading away on bank holiday weekends, as I tend to prefer the quieter less busy times, but needs must and the good weather that was forecast was too god to miss. Not only do I struggle with making the decision about where to head, but I also struggle with the choice of what to do when I get there. I kept nearly all my options open and packed up my hiking, cycling and fishing gear and set off west. The forecast for today was less than stellar, with light rain promised for much of the afternoon. I had kinda decided to fish for the day, but on the way down the day was actually quite nice so I decided that a bike ride around the beautiful Sheeps Head would be just the thing. Decision made , I was now looking forward to it. Alas as I neared Bantry dark low clouds filled the skies an it started to rain. It was however a brief affair. I drove to the far side of town and donned my cycling gear and readied for the off. Once again some rain made an appearance but I was ready now so I set off anyway. The route starts off nice and easy and undulates along a quiet road on the northern shores of the peninsula. Even in the gloomy conditions it was lovely and, as the rain had once again stopped I was thoroughly enjoying the trip. The first major difficulty is when a steep climb of the hill before Kilcrohane needs to be surmounted. It is not over long but at times it is in double digits in gradient, plus it was into the breeze. My heart was certainly pumping as I gratefully reached the crest.</p><p>If the ascent was tough, the descent was rapid. Perhaps a little too much so as the back of the bike fishtailed while braking when I met a car on the narrow road. No harm done however and once I reached Kilcrohane I turned right and headed along the ever more wild and beautiful road as it headed for the western extremity of the peninsula. Soon the landscape and the seascape become wild and even more delightful. By the time you surmount the steep short climbs to reach the roads end at Ballyroon you definitely feel that you have reached a special place. Today though I was relying on my memory for the sea views as here, the cloud had descended and all was enveloped in mist. Strangely it was none the less special because of that. A short rest and drink of water and I turned and headed back along the way I'd come. Now I was with the breeze and the road all the way to Durrus promised to be faster and easier. It was a very enjoyable return and it felt good not to have to struggle with the breeze. There are no hills on the route as you mostly follow the shoreline to the little village of Durrus which nestles at the eastern end of Dunmanus Bay. A steady climb from here followed before a fast return to Bantry and the car. Remarkably I had stayed dry the whole way and the rain returned once I had gotten changed. A total of 65 kilometres and 750 metres of ascent eased me into the holiday nicely. The Sheeps Head is wonderful.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCtU-ndqPcE6l-4kFDaAgMxUxLECFDInF2U2WBO3f7VVwvXyf76mERXRNO3A-rbiF4i-VvRta2xj_uHNIosECCQlK2oobY4rL4pgAu__eY30jXtwXwbBPNUTbTzWAlAFeyIsfUnvYVDxXGfDAJL-NHOnb3-VOmDpbiCsi93S4ts4uxRF_jdcjA4xW5w/s806/Screenshot%202022-05-07%20at%2014-48-03%20Sheeps%20Head%20Cycle%20Ride%20Strava.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="806" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCtU-ndqPcE6l-4kFDaAgMxUxLECFDInF2U2WBO3f7VVwvXyf76mERXRNO3A-rbiF4i-VvRta2xj_uHNIosECCQlK2oobY4rL4pgAu__eY30jXtwXwbBPNUTbTzWAlAFeyIsfUnvYVDxXGfDAJL-NHOnb3-VOmDpbiCsi93S4ts4uxRF_jdcjA4xW5w/w640-h276/Screenshot%202022-05-07%20at%2014-48-03%20Sheeps%20Head%20Cycle%20Ride%20Strava.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>I went and pitched my large tent in the little campsite on the golf course.The rain eased again in the evening and I spent a couple of hours of less than productive fishing at the adjacent pier but it had been a good first day.</p><p>Monday May 2nd;</p><p>The next few days were supposed to be very good weather wise and emerging from the tent to a calm sunny morning was certainly a good start. I decided that such weather merited another cycle. First up was a quick visit to the little lug bed in Castletownbere, where I spent an hour digging a good supply of bait. Once back at the tent I donned the old man in Lycra kit and headed off at 10.45. I decided to do a decently long cycle today and set off initially for Allihies. It is a nice easy start until the first climb at Gour, which got the heart pumping, but it was early doors and I was feeling pretty good. The weather was wonderful. Sunny, a light breeze and while not warm, it wasn't cold either. Add to this, absolutely stunning scenery and it's easy to understand why I was having a great time. Another climb to the gap before Allihies gave a good excuse for a little rest and drink while I took in one of my most favourite views. The road from here to the top of the climb out of Gortahig is narrow, twisting, undulating and equal parts wonderful and exhausting. It includes a couple of particularly tough climbs and once at the top of the final one, another rest was required.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xh_duQnLsqRFebMrOukA6J6MLVeuDc9EPoNegK-TTCZwcVsZB5xipXS6VU4td5ojvxo2nRrYUY8h4rHSnxY-dQ3Y11RwMvjs0Gh5NfRGQ-hY1fhHcx1Jeur8_NjOZm05NpyDerm7oWlQ75oOD0j9YU-X9a6Mn_XNFRQabiowzUuG5Tn2HmfqDaLZXg/s4160/IMG_20220502_113428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xh_duQnLsqRFebMrOukA6J6MLVeuDc9EPoNegK-TTCZwcVsZB5xipXS6VU4td5ojvxo2nRrYUY8h4rHSnxY-dQ3Y11RwMvjs0Gh5NfRGQ-hY1fhHcx1Jeur8_NjOZm05NpyDerm7oWlQ75oOD0j9YU-X9a6Mn_XNFRQabiowzUuG5Tn2HmfqDaLZXg/w640-h308/IMG_20220502_113428.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always worth a stop to look at Allihies<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Next up is the long relatively easy stretch as far as Lauragh. Major roadworks had closed the road outside Eyeries but I ventured ahead anyway and with some care I was able to get through. Indeed, where they had finished the road offered an improved surface and the section before Ardgroom was it's usual gorgeous self. Not that the rest was too shabby. Views were wonderful all the way. As I neared Lauragh I was starting to feel a bit tired and the looming Healy Pass weighted heavy on the mind. I wasn't over confident of flying up it. I turned onto the narrow road and faced into the 5 kilometre climb. It started well enough and the first couple of K went pretty well. I knew however that I was beginning to struggle. Once I reached the higher section I was beginning to bonk, and let's just say cresting the final section was pretty awful. I didn't pause for a rest and instead tried to use the long descent to recover. I wasn't feeling too bad once I was down in Adrigole and I turned for the final 11 kilometres. The first few kilometres went reasonably well but the short hill at Derreny finally did for me and it was a pure struggle to complete the final stretch. Strangely, it was as much my arms and chest muscles that were spent as it was tired legs. I guess I stood on the pedals during the climbs too much. The hour digging probably hadn't helped either. A good feed and a warm snooze in my sleeping bag went a long way to restoring me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JYEcVSulZ4WsP3ghM3u4yrGjy7e6EwfvBXs-9ZCHHVlzDw_a1n2q36dhqELCZuKGyHlVt_Ij58NmXrMjGPLW8DU5GGSk-nqNmedbtfky-p_Bo0Pt2ZeM7XSW8SuSmWL9sOEiL-l95XkuCmzCl5lLYn52XEZ6X_YAMmITl_APorrbEnP4JZ2tiVGJSw/s924/Screenshot%202022-05-08%20at%2018-30-36%20Castletownbere%20Allihies%20Healy%20Pass%20Cycle%20Ride%20Strava.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="924" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JYEcVSulZ4WsP3ghM3u4yrGjy7e6EwfvBXs-9ZCHHVlzDw_a1n2q36dhqELCZuKGyHlVt_Ij58NmXrMjGPLW8DU5GGSk-nqNmedbtfky-p_Bo0Pt2ZeM7XSW8SuSmWL9sOEiL-l95XkuCmzCl5lLYn52XEZ6X_YAMmITl_APorrbEnP4JZ2tiVGJSw/w640-h338/Screenshot%202022-05-08%20at%2018-30-36%20Castletownbere%20Allihies%20Healy%20Pass%20Cycle%20Ride%20Strava.png" width="640" /></a></div>All told it had been an 82 kilometre outing and included nearly 1200 metres of ascent in 3 hours 40 minutes.<p></p><p>I ventured to a new fishing spot for me in the afternoon, just a couple of hundred metres from where I dig the lugworm.. It was a short and unproductive session. It was still a delight to bask by the water and soak in the sunshine and the views.</p><p>Tuesday May 3rd;</p><p>It was once again a lovely weather morning and after my struggles yesterday on the bike I decided that a hillwalk would be just the ticket for today. The delights of Hungry Hill lie about 6 kilometres from the golf course and I mostly decide to drive to the base of the west ridge and begin my hikes from there. Today, I decided to start from the tent and this meant a three kilometre hike up a quiet narrow little lane to start the day. Normally I'm not a fan of walking on roads but I have to say, with the hedgerows bursting into life, wildflowers in profusion and an accompanying score of birdsong, I loved every step. The three kilometres is also all uphill so by the time I was able to join the Beara Way and turn towards Hungry Hill I had gained 200 metres. It was a joy to be out and I must say it felt so much more relaxing than yesterday. Three more kilometres followed along the way until I reached the base of the mountain. The view of this wild and rugged mountain always inspires. I decided to miss out on the bottom section of the ridge and joined it about one third of the way up where the largest cliff section is to be found. I picked my way up the steep ground and at times enjoyed some fine scrambles and other times avoiding the hardest bits. This is a route that offers something for everyone. After climbing up through a narrow chimney the hardest bits are all done and soon I reached the easy ground of the south top. This offers an incredible panoramic view and I basked a while in the sun and enjoyed a bite to eat. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC232aAG4-d8FUXGdnoR_ownEgxl0ypwam116AkA4VSNDpW_C-PxXcUtl827NKAEh7Py3prhHkTfT7eziqzxI7WVeU6VdqmkiIPeyKDGegZV7LW8rm7ZzIah7JTAvkeCdQSuvGZM7knNEj95BC3rkHN_G8_9txUXYKWWfQ4pb7NuzUZK1MEyshCK7PHA/s4160/IMG_20220503_100305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC232aAG4-d8FUXGdnoR_ownEgxl0ypwam116AkA4VSNDpW_C-PxXcUtl827NKAEh7Py3prhHkTfT7eziqzxI7WVeU6VdqmkiIPeyKDGegZV7LW8rm7ZzIah7JTAvkeCdQSuvGZM7knNEj95BC3rkHN_G8_9txUXYKWWfQ4pb7NuzUZK1MEyshCK7PHA/w640-h308/IMG_20220503_100305.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading for Hungry Hill<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG0JNLt7vKzWDiL4tuM38U_XxzlHumJoc8Q_D-YicruSiwBF4bQ-aj-XVARKWtzNlTh9zgZ3-T9c5Wg-Sy_igD-wN5qsPTl7H7sMk44HN8SFEC_9BiT_ShHZ6cqbwqH755E8RpXwe9hYx2W6gqUGd0DLeggkF7cHG8T_K3ft7BodZ6eYRNVMoULxZ5g/s4160/IMG_20220503_113510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG0JNLt7vKzWDiL4tuM38U_XxzlHumJoc8Q_D-YicruSiwBF4bQ-aj-XVARKWtzNlTh9zgZ3-T9c5Wg-Sy_igD-wN5qsPTl7H7sMk44HN8SFEC_9BiT_ShHZ6cqbwqH755E8RpXwe9hYx2W6gqUGd0DLeggkF7cHG8T_K3ft7BodZ6eYRNVMoULxZ5g/w640-h308/IMG_20220503_113510.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit views.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWg205-4alFaf3WyXQLnt4HP1b9GxxM_pf6U5T-jULn09BH7ZA6bKbE05AAjnIx-EWq98Bku5QXdBzTNz0ed8h96wraY-lR4z8pWHCPVESwJ2ByiAlHZ2Ifh6M_dVgjODAuNvvdioVhFO0_oXLy-g93V_iAmFBaeYNQ7Hn_fR7Dfmlp0N6ksfmJD4Qw/s4160/IMG_20220503_113517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWg205-4alFaf3WyXQLnt4HP1b9GxxM_pf6U5T-jULn09BH7ZA6bKbE05AAjnIx-EWq98Bku5QXdBzTNz0ed8h96wraY-lR4z8pWHCPVESwJ2ByiAlHZ2Ifh6M_dVgjODAuNvvdioVhFO0_oXLy-g93V_iAmFBaeYNQ7Hn_fR7Dfmlp0N6ksfmJD4Qw/w640-h308/IMG_20220503_113517.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix_1HB95H7IFyrUapPnh6euN7KeC2YC3qgzY90fvEuqu0rjnWH7e_sToa0bG9JuPvh-EiRt9fC2OG3loPiuYSIQAugzL7y37H3EFf2olem6CKLA7Jg-KMv5xs5Prriegqfy-pEq-qAXUDhzLI_KIRItDAcchF3XzdN5IMFB58jPRB2-6BKQvcpe8E9w/s4160/IMG_20220503_113534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix_1HB95H7IFyrUapPnh6euN7KeC2YC3qgzY90fvEuqu0rjnWH7e_sToa0bG9JuPvh-EiRt9fC2OG3loPiuYSIQAugzL7y37H3EFf2olem6CKLA7Jg-KMv5xs5Prriegqfy-pEq-qAXUDhzLI_KIRItDAcchF3XzdN5IMFB58jPRB2-6BKQvcpe8E9w/w640-h308/IMG_20220503_113534.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The main top is easily reached and then I turned towards the rough ground that leads to the next top of the day Knocknagree. In the past I have found this section harder than it should be as it is easy to get drawn too far to the left too soon. The way isn't always straightforward, but the secret to an easier traverse is to stay high on Hungry Hill for about 500 or so metres north of the summit and then begin to track west to the ridge from there. The recent dry spell had made the going considerably easier and it was possible to walk directly across areas that at times would be very wet. The 200 metre steep pull to Knocknagree is a good test but once up here then most of the hard climbing is over. I paused for a short while to again soak in the views before I headed for the final top of the day, Maulin. There is some steep ground to be negotiated before you reach the col under Maulin but again the secret is not to try and go down too soon. Walk easily northwest for around 500 metres and then it is much easier to reach the col. Once again I appreciated the dryer than normal underfoot conditions as I crossed to the slopes of Maulin. Now a straightforward 160 metre pull saw me reach the broad top. A really easy descent to reach a bog road that led easily back to the lane I started on. This I once again enjoyed strolling down and I arrived back to the tent a very content boy with my day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH4tTXXinzTinsWOXLTm8pNSCS_dorwUzWAl7_slaXFJV4h341ph1d5Tp8OZPqPm7DDoXc3PL_YQOhfXI2SSOPr9dqJsjybzUtH0vo1LDKVEbuE97b8KRy5oLo_aDW3JDAatVOTAyZKte5E_9VnkWAIxjWo8v7LLtYTQWgAunzl6BgmwLhzORV6XdNw/s4160/IMG_20220503_130208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH4tTXXinzTinsWOXLTm8pNSCS_dorwUzWAl7_slaXFJV4h341ph1d5Tp8OZPqPm7DDoXc3PL_YQOhfXI2SSOPr9dqJsjybzUtH0vo1LDKVEbuE97b8KRy5oLo_aDW3JDAatVOTAyZKte5E_9VnkWAIxjWo8v7LLtYTQWgAunzl6BgmwLhzORV6XdNw/w640-h308/IMG_20220503_130208.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJFjqeJQt7X6zVc5tFZ0u7vmElUMyVGL0okVZoS1IMLhmA4WWMbG86wYJo5u2DSvYTNAMl_Ye5nT2ABjJoNM4Vw7IYvJM8_lorjiBewvtZNJmBc0iu3P8eIYtqO7e7m2h00M89-YR7IZGVJpGQum2jGFM-gP2ljBEcBMcf63f86QrwnhElGmyapkGGA/s4160/IMG_20220503_123407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJFjqeJQt7X6zVc5tFZ0u7vmElUMyVGL0okVZoS1IMLhmA4WWMbG86wYJo5u2DSvYTNAMl_Ye5nT2ABjJoNM4Vw7IYvJM8_lorjiBewvtZNJmBc0iu3P8eIYtqO7e7m2h00M89-YR7IZGVJpGQum2jGFM-gP2ljBEcBMcf63f86QrwnhElGmyapkGGA/w640-h308/IMG_20220503_123407.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAmQBylfrniOERkFiAVzhIHm9gDdTZYOiIUAj3G4NEVKHr6goPTK7hLotsgTjeUYq4lddslWLYhmogp5h60a_vwYYZFcQzXQkgwCvYwApFY5vQYudpTy30V4DxGjX4XWf3FinawnOfJFdXQpJi0lBKZPuYYoTNKGDaN1YWMxdB9kd57jPsB7vYwoJsQ/s4160/IMG_20220503_130224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAmQBylfrniOERkFiAVzhIHm9gDdTZYOiIUAj3G4NEVKHr6goPTK7hLotsgTjeUYq4lddslWLYhmogp5h60a_vwYYZFcQzXQkgwCvYwApFY5vQYudpTy30V4DxGjX4XWf3FinawnOfJFdXQpJi0lBKZPuYYoTNKGDaN1YWMxdB9kd57jPsB7vYwoJsQ/w640-h308/IMG_20220503_130224.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />A respectable total of 22 kilometres in 5 hours 45 minutes with over 1200 metres ascent.<p></p><p>Once again I went for a short fishing session before dinner. Once again I didn't catch anything for dinner. It was however a beautiful place to while some time away..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAv9cxoUXWNJod8uPadPUtegT79st5YGcfVmX3QMjaUlbErHQmOOpv_909ofi71ht6iLl7oiuokBk5R87K_pt-P7MqYPAdHrulEpCIpyWBrQggSyvjkuTa0319eAMGu0bj7UiG_y36sXQjUo_n3ROpxvwESSN0RU75_60ctrqBXs6Jq_-gxHLosb5vw/s4160/IMG_20220503_174046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAv9cxoUXWNJod8uPadPUtegT79st5YGcfVmX3QMjaUlbErHQmOOpv_909ofi71ht6iLl7oiuokBk5R87K_pt-P7MqYPAdHrulEpCIpyWBrQggSyvjkuTa0319eAMGu0bj7UiG_y36sXQjUo_n3ROpxvwESSN0RU75_60ctrqBXs6Jq_-gxHLosb5vw/w640-h308/IMG_20220503_174046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQmMYNuwGH-qdkVBd8FGJN00kW5tteyBaR0MLF98T22L0JlKyV84nKufE8ciKluAHulz4mQmsCV0W5payrd2Jz2HuRkxANFw76s-ZPwDwdzLZ4lBunNHVMgH89-u0ux4rbC_5dOcdbQ_JeseOr8DLD4gIDUPUgOBqXyg57iYBEedGdtwg8CRTbz8Y1w/s4160/IMG_20220503_173520.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQmMYNuwGH-qdkVBd8FGJN00kW5tteyBaR0MLF98T22L0JlKyV84nKufE8ciKluAHulz4mQmsCV0W5payrd2Jz2HuRkxANFw76s-ZPwDwdzLZ4lBunNHVMgH89-u0ux4rbC_5dOcdbQ_JeseOr8DLD4gIDUPUgOBqXyg57iYBEedGdtwg8CRTbz8Y1w/w640-h308/IMG_20220503_173520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /> Wednesday May 4th;</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_RdYQFeiDs-aF_cTzuA7vljqwCh8bNfAx8aKh0rHoBpTGcEJ4bqoG7m8DXnLACOmAEimdEQ6y7yaaOnNEbple_CMwxs_iCoZSb8kIQBmhdrMh9mjQqvNAB9Bm-XU-1Gd6MHLSxcKGt6XabrWTJcwGJl3HMnH5qfstDhVDS3NRJS05nBkSn3CXbiiWw/s4160/IMG_20220504_081217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_RdYQFeiDs-aF_cTzuA7vljqwCh8bNfAx8aKh0rHoBpTGcEJ4bqoG7m8DXnLACOmAEimdEQ6y7yaaOnNEbple_CMwxs_iCoZSb8kIQBmhdrMh9mjQqvNAB9Bm-XU-1Gd6MHLSxcKGt6XabrWTJcwGJl3HMnH5qfstDhVDS3NRJS05nBkSn3CXbiiWw/w640-h308/IMG_20220504_081217.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't beat a sea voyage to start the day.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br />The weather was again excellent this morning and I got up a little earlier so as to catch the 8am ferry, from the jetty adjacent to the golf course, to Bere Island. A place I have long thought to visit. The very pleasant 20 minute trip saw us dock at sheltered Lawrence Cove on the eastern side of the island. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it seemed a little busier that I expected, with more cars about. Perhaps I overstate it a little but I was passed by six or seven cars in the first few minutes of my walk. I planned on doing a loop of the western end of the island and this meant I had to do the first couple of kilometres along the road. Not that this was a hardship, as once I was away from the village of Rerrin, all I had for company was birdsong and flowers. The road initially went through some shady scrubby woodland before climbing along the hillside until I arrived at a wide pass between two hills. I went up to my right to have a look at the impressive Martello Tower that sits atop the first hill. This old British fortification is one of five on the island that were built so as to guard the strategic Bantry Bay against a French invasion in the early 19th century. Indeed the whole island bears the marks of history, and old barracks and gun placements can be found at the extremes. From the tower I followed the Beara Way markers across the pass and climbed easily to the large cross that stands on Knockanallig (267mtrs), the highest hill on the island. I stopped a while and gazed across the sound and I could see my tent and car at the golf course, and above that lay the delightful vista of the ground I had hiked yesterday.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7cTkav31aQTf-hc-USMDbne_xpktz8pXptDi5qLiphKGtYkZIeKIZWfUD3WesnkYVe_-LPyuyhJxHzvISvsSbeKXtMOKb-7KWcMoFZobcokRMEEZpGXJvR60bHc4uNeqW5xMAf0-xqf36knAg_TAx1ei8lCyUwdnddRn7vYI77r6UqtDzj0dR3LOOw/s4160/IMG_20220504_094028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7cTkav31aQTf-hc-USMDbne_xpktz8pXptDi5qLiphKGtYkZIeKIZWfUD3WesnkYVe_-LPyuyhJxHzvISvsSbeKXtMOKb-7KWcMoFZobcokRMEEZpGXJvR60bHc4uNeqW5xMAf0-xqf36knAg_TAx1ei8lCyUwdnddRn7vYI77r6UqtDzj0dR3LOOw/w640-h308/IMG_20220504_094028.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across at yesterdays hike.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsES_IklF0ucfss87PJcYPMfZM5qiFbYCSJnVOS5CoGVZjeNXnanJo--yxVf73F9ijkyWit80FwYMRD3SGOy6oWNmtRqQJdT1vzg62xXtB1iuhld_J3-GVQbt03uHCWDkiduhd4DBA7cnqoTYTaf_wMXV3pdWY1biCQr8EroWJg5Zi99Z7Uppcs0208Q/s4160/IMG_20220504_093753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsES_IklF0ucfss87PJcYPMfZM5qiFbYCSJnVOS5CoGVZjeNXnanJo--yxVf73F9ijkyWit80FwYMRD3SGOy6oWNmtRqQJdT1vzg62xXtB1iuhld_J3-GVQbt03uHCWDkiduhd4DBA7cnqoTYTaf_wMXV3pdWY1biCQr8EroWJg5Zi99Z7Uppcs0208Q/w640-h308/IMG_20220504_093753.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking East<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlYqqRU9rjdZDR7PWzvPvNZZ_8cxZlmvH8061Df64c72qTfdbJ4SduHxWvA7v1Bok4jDQuT2GqS3Yt6623feYn4XVhfrl5jFIy42uRawRbkSZiREQyDomCPuHnY1E0NSK06B1lbGN-dHovgBzvjhUdE3iY8nN7IgdStdIAaJCiR3Gn9XYs0JvcFne4w/s4160/IMG_20220504_092431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlYqqRU9rjdZDR7PWzvPvNZZ_8cxZlmvH8061Df64c72qTfdbJ4SduHxWvA7v1Bok4jDQuT2GqS3Yt6623feYn4XVhfrl5jFIy42uRawRbkSZiREQyDomCPuHnY1E0NSK06B1lbGN-dHovgBzvjhUdE3iY8nN7IgdStdIAaJCiR3Gn9XYs0JvcFne4w/w640-h308/IMG_20220504_092431.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing stone<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlCS6j1FH6d1mUzPpv7z9cv4q7zMGeBumLEIJtpk0D_kItvTWqliQOPAL7oh9qsAa4x0Xyad0yEY2Nxa16pAgKG522uxfRyTHqxkTDBi7Ey_RqvIe-WrGmyjUebNFkX_GhzD8jOIskOraAF0NisCCPgRck47--X0FOUv-Tyt9og5JhY9oI9SSL7sRrw/s4160/IMG_20220504_090904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlCS6j1FH6d1mUzPpv7z9cv4q7zMGeBumLEIJtpk0D_kItvTWqliQOPAL7oh9qsAa4x0Xyad0yEY2Nxa16pAgKG522uxfRyTHqxkTDBi7Ey_RqvIe-WrGmyjUebNFkX_GhzD8jOIskOraAF0NisCCPgRck47--X0FOUv-Tyt9og5JhY9oI9SSL7sRrw/w640-h308/IMG_20220504_090904.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martello tower.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>From here on things become ever wilder. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I was a little surprised and delighted at the expanse of remote hilly ground that swept away to a series of bays and headlands. It invited me on and I didn't hesitate. I dropped towards the rather lovely Doonbed Head and then turned and crossed pathless ground towards the twin heads of Shee Head. It was so beautiful. With blue skies and seas, bathed in warm sunshine, and not another soul in sight, I was in heaven. I climbed up the hillside and joined the trail once again and followed this easily to the spectacular Arnnakinna lighthouse. I stopped here for a little while and gazed across the channel where the wild extremes of the Beara Peninsula stretch away to the west. There is a delightful green road from here that you follow towards Derrycreeveen and once again return to inhabited land. Now, after 8 wonderful and wild kilometres, I was once again on the road. It was about 7 kilometres back to the ferry so I decided that it would be as easy to run it as walk, so I set off at a very gentle jog. I felt good and enjoyed the return route and the road went across the northern side of the island. It went through a couple of little hamlets and was mostly shaded and lots of while and blue bluebells adorned the hedgerows and more. I arrived back in Lawrence Cove a comfortable 20 minutes before the ferry was due to depart and it felt great to sit and relax and dwell upon a delightful outing on a magical island. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUjeCkBT6WDIKReup1JL9eC3UmWE8mjmYOny5DD04A2BCn7Z2sE14eQh1T-YZO0J5rqx2iBarMJjNSV231xb00rH0k9WtQtspdp4lOPpdmqkCeqvujJMGFx20M3nlQ4jmSMDRibnNiMvxJnv5ct_u587sB2QmNDxd8QruhWNkLdoEsL5HCOtpfM7rBQ/s4160/IMG_20220504_095122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUjeCkBT6WDIKReup1JL9eC3UmWE8mjmYOny5DD04A2BCn7Z2sE14eQh1T-YZO0J5rqx2iBarMJjNSV231xb00rH0k9WtQtspdp4lOPpdmqkCeqvujJMGFx20M3nlQ4jmSMDRibnNiMvxJnv5ct_u587sB2QmNDxd8QruhWNkLdoEsL5HCOtpfM7rBQ/w640-h308/IMG_20220504_095122.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wild and wonderful west<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7u1OYkcTVFGm3Zb1qKs6M3HHtZAKiB6jLWnuxRbTQnI7CBeTJ4o7OpcIacMI5BWntoB41NFv14L9ob7_YedfqBhtQMlQXKUKEOU-H6zh6pFLMcSb_3bcshRJj54NIoNm_81SRWO2D8Bqa2qYkZfnneyGvwO4Rk8SNyqezjGK6ir8vCLIkiiTx9rTB6g/s4160/IMG_20220504_104603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7u1OYkcTVFGm3Zb1qKs6M3HHtZAKiB6jLWnuxRbTQnI7CBeTJ4o7OpcIacMI5BWntoB41NFv14L9ob7_YedfqBhtQMlQXKUKEOU-H6zh6pFLMcSb_3bcshRJj54NIoNm_81SRWO2D8Bqa2qYkZfnneyGvwO4Rk8SNyqezjGK6ir8vCLIkiiTx9rTB6g/w640-h308/IMG_20220504_104603.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shee Head and Doonbeg Head with the Sheeps Head and Mizen Head beyond<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZeNi5MwgpyrzlvlSbPLiatacNomXR2TLk-vmAZY6bxrLL-rlfGkL9ONYcim7wzlWsdjAz85uzH26RlZjLummrUY4N1tQY8V74pXjvIVACjrsnctU02Plft_RR3YFu3PYJVvBBbAOD1wXXo650GD6OLJJNkqP1KEcqmxx1YGKmJAiqmJUgxX8RjG29w/s4160/IMG_20220504_104904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZeNi5MwgpyrzlvlSbPLiatacNomXR2TLk-vmAZY6bxrLL-rlfGkL9ONYcim7wzlWsdjAz85uzH26RlZjLummrUY4N1tQY8V74pXjvIVACjrsnctU02Plft_RR3YFu3PYJVvBBbAOD1wXXo650GD6OLJJNkqP1KEcqmxx1YGKmJAiqmJUgxX8RjG29w/w640-h308/IMG_20220504_104904.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijckaGwdFHJPZH6y85lvLtm0ltIK2HhxfXPL80EoRj11z1F4SOtVlBkycLTwVIMuhCc2OR27wMP4lAcULJUa8c-h1SPVeSK9DkZwAwvXgBldia4shAD2DrapWXrA-iLsfbPR5bl_7yGK7U19KR-RVG9qFmDU1A1jh3a9e2QsZ4NbAFQax3OyDJNAmh5g/s792/Screenshot%202022-05-11%20at%2010-49-50%20A%20hike%20on%20Bere%20Island%20Hike%20Strava.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="792" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijckaGwdFHJPZH6y85lvLtm0ltIK2HhxfXPL80EoRj11z1F4SOtVlBkycLTwVIMuhCc2OR27wMP4lAcULJUa8c-h1SPVeSK9DkZwAwvXgBldia4shAD2DrapWXrA-iLsfbPR5bl_7yGK7U19KR-RVG9qFmDU1A1jh3a9e2QsZ4NbAFQax3OyDJNAmh5g/w640-h306/Screenshot%202022-05-11%20at%2010-49-50%20A%20hike%20on%20Bere%20Island%20Hike%20Strava.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />20.5 kilometres, 600metres ascent in 3 hours 45 mins.<br /><p></p><p></p><p>Since I was back at my tent by lunchtime, I had plenty of time to once again do some fishing. This time I went to Dunboy, where I have had less than good success, and try my luck from there. It was great to relax and look across the water at the lighthouse where I had been a couple of hours earlier. This time I managed to catch some fish, the best being a beauty of a pollock which was almost 60 cms long. Great sport.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-L-gbyMu-_VICMTVa2F7L8cl2Q65dvVp_PENHTMatp42Wn3hLNPN_P3cLDdzU3uaIZrUbWClqfMeu-Wg6DXl9uS-VQ4wNoeoby1_HaQ1OnAfXi64V586-udt2yFg6lsmBKeQWJJueCMUCJwxATYsO5pLoJab_CrI9X0JbpZcz1rvBUJ_QtVNJ15LdQ/s4160/IMG_20220504_181218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-L-gbyMu-_VICMTVa2F7L8cl2Q65dvVp_PENHTMatp42Wn3hLNPN_P3cLDdzU3uaIZrUbWClqfMeu-Wg6DXl9uS-VQ4wNoeoby1_HaQ1OnAfXi64V586-udt2yFg6lsmBKeQWJJueCMUCJwxATYsO5pLoJab_CrI9X0JbpZcz1rvBUJ_QtVNJ15LdQ/w640-h308/IMG_20220504_181218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBlqtjDEkvQFvWYncKWo5X465Kin3A6dEVw1p9NrKWNPTN7RpOevZ75euwKjq52ovVYkUp_6SY7I6OChxYppgMeYsV3Vo-pqQPUxfGkNgoUgPrXNG1-RJhTTMIbZKnyt3WxCVXJ9AFU2JQIbjjUJeu2l2KKwe5wpFqi92N_bCDTu9-f8Od-sTCP2-xA/s4160/IMG_20220504_163257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBlqtjDEkvQFvWYncKWo5X465Kin3A6dEVw1p9NrKWNPTN7RpOevZ75euwKjq52ovVYkUp_6SY7I6OChxYppgMeYsV3Vo-pqQPUxfGkNgoUgPrXNG1-RJhTTMIbZKnyt3WxCVXJ9AFU2JQIbjjUJeu2l2KKwe5wpFqi92N_bCDTu9-f8Od-sTCP2-xA/w640-h308/IMG_20220504_163257.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p>Thursday May 5th;</p><p>I was heading home today. The morning was cloudier that the previous few but it was dry and there was only a light breeze, so I decided that a cycle would finish off the trip nicely. After struggling so much near the end of the cycle on Monday I decided to take it a bit easier and do a shorter cycle. A circuit of the western end of the peninsula in the opposite direction to which I went Monday route of choice. Even though it is less than 50 kilometres in length, the hills were still as steep, so it wouldn't be a piece of cake.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fMcASWXmsD7LKViFLuiN2NX_3-UpAABl9gbFTgru31eWl68R7JivLx8gdf579mdEvS3SGbCAfPkycmSdwlzzjOGv4z09vEOdTyFqnLnGeh-oCZIR2HY4y1F1ry7bJcGNBzdh-DNuLQyl6qafTpQFu-L2WiEbGkmCIuFxqQ4ICNmIs8H3GzDva_P48Q/s932/Screenshot%202022-05-11%20at%2012-24-36%20Castletownbere%20to%20Eyeries%20To%20Allihies.%20Ride%20Strava.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="932" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fMcASWXmsD7LKViFLuiN2NX_3-UpAABl9gbFTgru31eWl68R7JivLx8gdf579mdEvS3SGbCAfPkycmSdwlzzjOGv4z09vEOdTyFqnLnGeh-oCZIR2HY4y1F1ry7bJcGNBzdh-DNuLQyl6qafTpQFu-L2WiEbGkmCIuFxqQ4ICNmIs8H3GzDva_P48Q/w640-h340/Screenshot%202022-05-11%20at%2012-24-36%20Castletownbere%20to%20Eyeries%20To%20Allihies.%20Ride%20Strava.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />An easy intro into Castletownbere to start, before a steady pull to the pass before Eyeries follows. The climb was interrupted when I came up behind a few stopped vehicles because a van had hit the ditch. It was only a minor shunt and after a few minutes the road was clear and I was able to continue on. The going is straightforward until you reach the climbs either side of Gortahig. The first one isn't too bad but the second, though only a kilometre in length, is pretty brutal and reaches a gradient of nearly 20% at one point. The remainder of the way to Allihies is not easy. Steeply up before steeply down and constant twists and turns meant that if I wasn't pumping up the hills I was hard on the brakes. The scenery is however gorgeous and helps to distract from the rigours. Another steep climb out of Allihies follows before a delightful section where I was able to relatively relax. Another climb, this time more gentle, to Gour and then it is straightforward all the way back to the tent. It was an ideal end to the trip. <p></p><p>49 kilometres and 720 metres ascent.</p><p>I packed everything up before a shower of rain, good timing, and drove to the beach near Bantry for a final spot of fishing. It was once again not very productive but in enjoyable none the less. I drove home a happy chap.<br /></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-79341213842333517882022-04-25T19:41:00.002+01:002022-04-25T19:41:27.136+01:00The Healy Pass-Caha Pass Cycle and a hike in Glengarriff. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVK4cz21mdw4kb-gBTOa_ysvmLFOp0kVNNzGMhrohR2dfAGzfzWTtHer5ccMjz0DQVb1fDn7E0Eh-dCmVDnbML4t44tBE4IctVNMC9w1jLeD09NwJKzTdGtj7Lc21eg2ByK53MUmMl6gVeHc630ikStP6x3fpsoSNEBs_HR5R-XAJxfyoGpYlHecdAw/s4160/IMG_20220420_095133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVK4cz21mdw4kb-gBTOa_ysvmLFOp0kVNNzGMhrohR2dfAGzfzWTtHer5ccMjz0DQVb1fDn7E0Eh-dCmVDnbML4t44tBE4IctVNMC9w1jLeD09NwJKzTdGtj7Lc21eg2ByK53MUmMl6gVeHc630ikStP6x3fpsoSNEBs_HR5R-XAJxfyoGpYlHecdAw/w640-h308/IMG_20220420_095133.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />A couple of days off gave me the green light for a flying visit to Glengarriff. As is usual I managed to pack the car full with everything I might need for camping, hiking, cycling and fishing. <div><br /><div>Monday April 18th;</div><div> </div><div>A leisurely start to the day saw me head for Bantry at 11am. The plan for today was simple. Fishing. After digging sufficient lugworm for a few sessions I headed for the steep stony beach near the airstrip. The tides were big right now and I hoped that this might bring some fish to this hit or miss venue. Well, to make a long story short, it didn't. The only thing that paid any attention to the baits were spider crabs. On several occasions the traces came back with the hooks nipped off. Add to that, the strong breeze and lots of weed, it was difficult fishing. In the past I have enjoyed great sport here but most of the time it has been very poor so I think I will give this spot a rest for a while. I packed it in at 18.30 and drove to Glengarriff and booked into the small little campsite a couple of kilometres from the village. It was very quiet and I enjoyed a relaxing peaceful evening. </div><div> </div><div>Tuesday April 19th;</div><div><br /></div><div>Today promised to be cool but dry and with little in the way of wind. Perfect cycling weather. It was true to its promise and I enjoyed my breakfast on a sunny calm morning. It wasn't going to be confused with warm though, so I donned an extra layer for the ride. What breeze there was, was coming from the north west so I decided to cycle my planned route in a clockwise direction. This would mean I would have the breeze against me as I climbed the Healy Pass but I hoped it would be with me for the final 30 kilometres or so from Kenmare. Right from the start the going is tough as the road climbs for the first few kilometres until it crests after a short very steep climb at about 130 metres. The reward that follows is a joy. Several gently downhill kilometres follow as you head towards Adrigole and the views get better and better. Next comes the climb of one of the most famous road passes in the country the Healy Pass. The six kilometre climb is never too steep and again the scenery is stunning. In the second half of the climb the road has a series of switchbacks that make it resemble an alpine road. A brief rest on top to catch my breath and have a drink of water and I was recovered enough to relax and enjoy the descent. I was glad to have put on an extra layer as it was quite chilly now.</div><div>There is no respite from the climbing however, as once you finish the descent in Lauragh, another climb awaits to surmount the Lauragh Pass. This is again not too steep but over 170 metres is gained so it it not to be sniffed at. Once again the views are wonderful and help to distract from the rigours of the climb. Once over the crest another enjoyable descent follows and easy cycling follows all the way to Kenmare. A right turn here and you head for the final challenge of the day..the Caha Pass. The first couple of kilometres is flat and the road is very rough. It is a bone shaker of a section. Some height is gently gained over the next several kilometres until finally after Bonane the real drag begins. Remember when I said I hoped that the breeze would be behind me here?, well it was not to be and as I got higher the breeze only made itself more manifestly into my face. That said the climb is not steep and i was able to make steady progress. My back was giving me my biggest problem and was quite painful by the time I finally reached the tunnel that marks the highest point of the day. Another rest here and a drink and it was simply a joy to coast the remainder of the route all the way down to Glengarriff. The final couple of kilometres to the campsite passed easily and I arrived back to my tent very satisfied and pleased with the outing. A total of 79 kilometres in 3 hours 10 minutes with 1050 metres ascent thrown in.</div><div>The less said about the fishing that afternoon the better, except that I did get sun burnt. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmEqNJGHPVJIOk806KpP7-LKRQ2xPjGcM0JwpxdyP0uL1qzhlUryGwOfwJj20UzOF53xhYRlgUDwSMytNViWPjwdjdfqRneRB3AnYU6ThyNlJTUdIwQD4vDXSjrgXDvMROLEU8vnL1Bx5KIZ75lJZqKxb8kOn63GTodGYwFCnPmc4EwnQ0sf3ZDH3zQ/s927/Screenshot%202022-04-22%20at%2010-11-36%20Healy%20Pass%20Lauragh%20Pass%20and%20Caha%20Pass.%20Ride%20Strava.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="927" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmEqNJGHPVJIOk806KpP7-LKRQ2xPjGcM0JwpxdyP0uL1qzhlUryGwOfwJj20UzOF53xhYRlgUDwSMytNViWPjwdjdfqRneRB3AnYU6ThyNlJTUdIwQD4vDXSjrgXDvMROLEU8vnL1Bx5KIZ75lJZqKxb8kOn63GTodGYwFCnPmc4EwnQ0sf3ZDH3zQ/w640-h307/Screenshot%202022-04-22%20at%2010-11-36%20Healy%20Pass%20Lauragh%20Pass%20and%20Caha%20Pass.%20Ride%20Strava.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Wednesday April 20th;</div><div><br /></div><div>It was another fine weather day and once again it promised to stay good for the day. I decided that a hillwalk would be just the ticket to end this little trip before I headed home to begin another round of nights. One of my favourite things is being able to leave the car where it is and starting a hike without having to drive to the start. Today was like that as I was able to leave the campsite on foot and after a few metres on the road I turned onto a quiet little lane that morphed into a farm track that entered a beautiful open valley that led towards Sugarloaf. The first three kilometres were a delight as easy walking saw me draw ever nearer to the base of the hill. After consulting the map it showed the trail continuing right to the base of the steep climb but things became very different as the trail entered a plantation. It was actually a very pleasant change and the route became quite enclosed and the world shrunk to the dark undergrowth. The forestry was more extensive that it first appeared and the trail I was following became more difficult to navigate due to fallen trees and encroaching rhododendron bushes. I reckoned I was gone beyond the ridge I wished to climb so I made a break for it up steep ground through the trees until I reached open ground. I had indeed gone too far, so I was faced with a steep climb directly up the side of the mountain. I guess I could have traverses back across the mountain but the way up seemed doable so I set off up. I found myself progressing up a series of mini gullies up the face that provided some scrambling and route finding kept the mind busy. It was pretty straightforward really but I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much if the day had been wet. The call of a cuckoo in the woods below made me smile and was a sure sign that summer is just around the corner.</div><div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRh5pfLeYrXTyhRJjsaflLld_GgYhzd9zRU2axMIrm_H7AaAB-vJFNGI6zpfMgEwf7ML_Ikkpzs47om-jv6Qgm3RYH86A3qgKXm4CgOWsuo817Y9gfZyYefeLKF4WkIvljb-USJI_GfdfMmO3JEBEz2cJc-gv0WybvqlD_cGoARqsLV3lguvvILu2bA/s4160/IMG_20220420_132103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRh5pfLeYrXTyhRJjsaflLld_GgYhzd9zRU2axMIrm_H7AaAB-vJFNGI6zpfMgEwf7ML_Ikkpzs47om-jv6Qgm3RYH86A3qgKXm4CgOWsuo817Y9gfZyYefeLKF4WkIvljb-USJI_GfdfMmO3JEBEz2cJc-gv0WybvqlD_cGoARqsLV3lguvvILu2bA/w640-h308/IMG_20220420_132103.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like a scene from "The Field"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCl7D3IDTXmucZpYPyXWs1NQZqR7d1B9B-q429oV-O92waFnwK8dIlTV-mBrugMlwKhmLeviY75B1Gj3sdbgVL6Xj92iKjJO8wMfL_B4RJdKt1-MCOgOSFIpnb16HnfmLnGCU6_fWhKD6fMEM9q3meHE4xYaKxBW0IDKmZF8cFtPs6_ntQqo7ZJZjYA/s4160/IMG_20220420_115238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCl7D3IDTXmucZpYPyXWs1NQZqR7d1B9B-q429oV-O92waFnwK8dIlTV-mBrugMlwKhmLeviY75B1Gj3sdbgVL6Xj92iKjJO8wMfL_B4RJdKt1-MCOgOSFIpnb16HnfmLnGCU6_fWhKD6fMEM9q3meHE4xYaKxBW0IDKmZF8cFtPs6_ntQqo7ZJZjYA/w640-h308/IMG_20220420_115238.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straight up the face.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvIdIS8lMIpn7M4n8Y48hNCQByHwkvb5YNcUFxalifcqIBnwDs5xaCglF55eHf4shzQOSFhTnay2A7SQ4UuP1w0VrvV9Zy4P0f-ZMnjkFZ20i6ybAPPFuTpTXG7dqj3DIDQo3I2MeBA9NTWb4yhl3WhEd40e0E3IW8EZB5fjrLZofCi8ZjYqWkzYnSA/s4160/IMG_20220420_095115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvIdIS8lMIpn7M4n8Y48hNCQByHwkvb5YNcUFxalifcqIBnwDs5xaCglF55eHf4shzQOSFhTnay2A7SQ4UuP1w0VrvV9Zy4P0f-ZMnjkFZ20i6ybAPPFuTpTXG7dqj3DIDQo3I2MeBA9NTWb4yhl3WhEd40e0E3IW8EZB5fjrLZofCi8ZjYqWkzYnSA/w640-h308/IMG_20220420_095115.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wonderful walk in..and out<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>After 300 metres of steep ground I reached the crest of the mountain and now I was able to enjoy a glorious 360 degree panorama of this most special of areas. The breeze was a little chilly but an extra layer allowed me to relax and soak in my surroundings for a while. I looked at the possible continuance options of the hike and it looked very possible to continue all the way around Barley lake and make my way back to Glengarriff through the beautiful woods of the national park. I set off and after a drop of just 80 metres another climb of 80 metres followed before I came across the way markers of the Beara Way. On a whim I decided to turn and follow these and return that way. It is a pleasant enough way down, sometimes mucky and boggy and sometimes on a good track. When I reached the point where the trail descends in a more direct manner to the valley floor I once again changed course and decided to climb the rugged top of Derrynafulla and perhaps descend back to the valley I walked in. It was a steep climb to the top and the descent on the far side was no cakewalk as I had to at times pick my route carefully so as to avoid the steep slabs of rock that barred the way. It kept me entertained until finally I was past the worst of them, then the ground underfoot became very pitted, wet and rough. The next kilometre was something of a battle until I finally emerged onto a surprisingly dry, grass paddock, right in the middle of all the boggy rough land all around. A little was beyond this and I was able to join a track that returned me easily back to where it all began. </div><div>It had been an adventurous 17 kilometres over sometimes very rough and steep terrain, but it's fair to say I really enjoyed the whole thing. Just shy of 5 hours in total and just shy of 900 metres of climbing was a fitting end to this little trip. Glengarriff has soooo much to offer.<br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-36196613371942265692022-04-13T17:32:00.001+01:002022-04-17T10:00:37.956+01:00A Wonderful Couple of Days In Cloghane..Benoskee and Brandon<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahLxjj54h-6674WU-1koUOoXbCawyjnEk0gfx_alBQ6WAT_IR7sFYZGVeeXaAOtNVATrsB_AYZf9L9mlOH9yX6BlNj9iP0AV6-nX9EZjhRUwBmz1Ycxcnthl2da5eAba_TYgsrOehQ0-mFYuyMumLMrGIbKYV7EB_VYbm5Ew6-yH67XxnES1CzAw7bQ/s4160/IMG_20220409_132932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahLxjj54h-6674WU-1koUOoXbCawyjnEk0gfx_alBQ6WAT_IR7sFYZGVeeXaAOtNVATrsB_AYZf9L9mlOH9yX6BlNj9iP0AV6-nX9EZjhRUwBmz1Ycxcnthl2da5eAba_TYgsrOehQ0-mFYuyMumLMrGIbKYV7EB_VYbm5Ew6-yH67XxnES1CzAw7bQ/w640-h308/IMG_20220409_132932.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Saturday April 9th;<p></p><p> Saturday finally arrived and after 11 days in a row at work I was very glad when a couple of days off, and I could head away. I couldn't make my mind up where to go and I had kinda decided that I would head to The Reeks and Rossbeigh, however as I drove back I decided to head to Cloghane instead and I booked myself into the excellent Brandon Hostel for the night.</p><p>It was a beautiful morning and it promised to stay fine all day. Tomorrow was supposed to be windswept and rainy, so I was determined to make the most of today. As is usual the sight of the wonderful mountains in the Brandon area was breathtaking. I formulated a plan as I drove back and decided to do a hike up Benoskee first, check into the hostel in the afternoon, and once I had dug sufficient bait, to fish Fermoyle beach until after 10pm. It promised to be a full day. I parked at the junction for Cloghane and after a three kilometre walk along the road I was able to finally gain access to the beautiful valley on the western flanks of Beenatoor, an outlier of Benoskee itself. A good track enters the valley and in the sunshine everything looked wonderful and the nearby woodland was full of birdsong. I was immediately enchanted. The easy going didn't last for long before I turned and commenced the long, steep near 500 metre pull to the top of Beenator. This certainly got the blood pumping but I was feeling quite strong and I made good progress. The calm of the valley was replaced by a chill breeze as I got higher and this added incentive to keep moving. From the broad boggy top there is a gentle drop of 70 metres before a gentle climb of 90 metres saw me reach the next top Coombane at 610 metres. This offers a great place to relax a while and take in the super vistas on display around you. The Brandon massif looks stunning, jagged and spectacular as it rises from the blue shores of Brandon Bay. The Maherees stretch out into the deep to the north and of course the bulk of Benoskee looms large nearby. Next up came the 300 metre climb to the 820 metres summit.This is not too bad as it isn't too steep and the ground is pretty solid underfoot. The odd patch of snow and ice was to be found in shady nooks and that, coupled with the strong cold breeze, told that winter hadn't fully retreated just yet. I found a sheltered spot at the summit to have my lunch and savoured much more than the food. Up here the views were to be found in a full 360 panorama. Loop Head in Clare speared the ocean way beyond the Maherees in the north. Baurtregaum and Caherconree looked majestic as they buttressed the eastern side of the peninsula. The mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula were neatly arranged over Dingle Bay and I could even make out Mount Hillary away in the distance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1QSbIA_jw4-gLzdz-z3RzcMAp6PDJHqI03vMvWs_jzuAjRQbHpI8vjN6AL7DLUqX1pVn9qgWIOJYjkPKhfp1KQNhGlDYyZOE432IeyOyB85GJ9SeXR-ONtrO0xK3TFI05M3FuBCgXkvUZWiWBS7atnzLDYwfCKgO138AwscAfAX_aogg8i8LWbMasw/s4160/IMG_20220409_132909.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1QSbIA_jw4-gLzdz-z3RzcMAp6PDJHqI03vMvWs_jzuAjRQbHpI8vjN6AL7DLUqX1pVn9qgWIOJYjkPKhfp1KQNhGlDYyZOE432IeyOyB85GJ9SeXR-ONtrO0xK3TFI05M3FuBCgXkvUZWiWBS7atnzLDYwfCKgO138AwscAfAX_aogg8i8LWbMasw/w640-h308/IMG_20220409_132909.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwG8GVHVVwrbvah57ZYhZBj1hOr69z5SKQx7ytBtPebxXpOXPt8JV2z803arUXL9AF2P_c1iZ-I7NSK0O_9oijTyZcCpl6NLuZSeheaQXG1EAYj7F2gfJ9hS49ITG9X3QZLNNkyo8G9C1mrwvaB4FUbKuaM8-nHQ1auEVrrPai8-gNb4FgQ3K-TB8xw/s4160/IMG_20220409_122703.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwG8GVHVVwrbvah57ZYhZBj1hOr69z5SKQx7ytBtPebxXpOXPt8JV2z803arUXL9AF2P_c1iZ-I7NSK0O_9oijTyZcCpl6NLuZSeheaQXG1EAYj7F2gfJ9hS49ITG9X3QZLNNkyo8G9C1mrwvaB4FUbKuaM8-nHQ1auEVrrPai8-gNb4FgQ3K-TB8xw/w640-h308/IMG_20220409_122703.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrS77uWndoA_6sCgwCYqiMaWBpXegexsUFhKyXbmjLIy0nKr_11a1sUTenri4D1TpOaROOv0O4MQM2sSlEW4P7FNmiPkP4zYIV-ysRS-8LtnIpl8PIePWJ-br6lZHQxCaOcgysOxoMqyl4w0HO84-Cq0T50ipwq0kj5GAm2FprngTmBDopZDp3jglOrg/s4160/IMG_20220409_114043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrS77uWndoA_6sCgwCYqiMaWBpXegexsUFhKyXbmjLIy0nKr_11a1sUTenri4D1TpOaROOv0O4MQM2sSlEW4P7FNmiPkP4zYIV-ysRS-8LtnIpl8PIePWJ-br6lZHQxCaOcgysOxoMqyl4w0HO84-Cq0T50ipwq0kj5GAm2FprngTmBDopZDp3jglOrg/w640-h308/IMG_20220409_114043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkohgRJm6p_u77_bxJtGki9LkONkhZ380UXs01EIa3s4xA6DQ-rkKSW1lKhk1rNndm2yccCInJopBBeg3pp104psRb4ygZ7fmqudl6MCDnWeycSroXmX-Vq0IMbYii1gnerZW28lNMGa4FIFq-V8XLQO3qHVI1Pwhm0HomLjvGYhqgUbT2SL1PhU8g6Q/s4160/IMG_20220409_112247.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkohgRJm6p_u77_bxJtGki9LkONkhZ380UXs01EIa3s4xA6DQ-rkKSW1lKhk1rNndm2yccCInJopBBeg3pp104psRb4ygZ7fmqudl6MCDnWeycSroXmX-Vq0IMbYii1gnerZW28lNMGa4FIFq-V8XLQO3qHVI1Pwhm0HomLjvGYhqgUbT2SL1PhU8g6Q/w640-h308/IMG_20220409_112247.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I have seldom enjoyed myself more on the mountains and it wasn't over yet. I now had over 950 metres ascent done, so the bulk of the climbing was done for the day, but there was still a few climbs in the offing as I planned to cross over each top that lay between me and Slievanea. The descent to reach the long boggy area between the hills that overlook dingle Bay and the tops I was doing that looked over Tralee Bay is straightforward. Down here, over 400 metres lower down, it was once again warm in the sunshine and the breeze was light. The recent good weather had dried somewhat the normally drenched ground, and it was easy enough to head towards the first top Beenbo at 477 metres. This offers a new perspective on the valley below and actually has some nice rock ridges if you climb from the valley. An easy drop and another rise saw me reach Slievenagower at 486 metres. The hills here drop spectacularly to the lakes in the valley floors and are proof positive that hills don't have to be super high to be mountains. Time was shoving on and if I wanted to avoid having to rush the remainder of my day I would have to forego Slievanea and descend from the next top, the beautiful Slievenalecka 458 metres. The initial 50 metres of descent from this airy top requires some care as it is quite steep. A fall here would be serious. The difficulties are soon past though, and the remainder of the descent is easy. I dropped to the track at the end of Lough Adoon and this actually led directly to the car. I arrived back after taking 5 hours 10 minutes to cover the nearly 19 kilometres and all in all had climbed over 1300 metres. I was delighted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGeQQ5FOj6SGoq1VnezTRTQ-DWGPN0xoQMTBz8CP_50Ij-iC8J0fuWLWUN-AuDFJQyArD2YvncB70EaoiVmZT7t3ROI1r0rHgN4_pvsd7Am--QN_vSiOUlb6X-01Ycfr21X8vMQp6-d9xUTd4b39bwT3rk-oiVmTBDSlIrT3IsrVtevFP45k8AWTFQA/s4160/IMG_20220409_155229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGeQQ5FOj6SGoq1VnezTRTQ-DWGPN0xoQMTBz8CP_50Ij-iC8J0fuWLWUN-AuDFJQyArD2YvncB70EaoiVmZT7t3ROI1r0rHgN4_pvsd7Am--QN_vSiOUlb6X-01Ycfr21X8vMQp6-d9xUTd4b39bwT3rk-oiVmTBDSlIrT3IsrVtevFP45k8AWTFQA/w640-h308/IMG_20220409_155229.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizN5fItbp1UykglYnZbmgp49LKGEkGt4k-xg1B1R09Usngtco8VwJMe2vioE8TLW70LOHiMzoM-hI8WXLg31zUsItaBizZnz7RAIOCeo6u7dKV5bFXGnbtaPSlAuGml4VcIti5MAO5daEAhxN1r2IC5ORsQmpOCxrrj3uCcpKTsoM2xoKniihBxz7TBQ/s4160/IMG_20220409_153142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizN5fItbp1UykglYnZbmgp49LKGEkGt4k-xg1B1R09Usngtco8VwJMe2vioE8TLW70LOHiMzoM-hI8WXLg31zUsItaBizZnz7RAIOCeo6u7dKV5bFXGnbtaPSlAuGml4VcIti5MAO5daEAhxN1r2IC5ORsQmpOCxrrj3uCcpKTsoM2xoKniihBxz7TBQ/w640-h308/IMG_20220409_153142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMEvn-_6moTfOyWZHp_c0DZ8fC4fzU_2jsVFhot3og09gZ9oLYql6UKZpUMSsxozg6FreMPmY2BaIIZcgvWp9Tsmp-ZSIU_tZ3ufmKNA0hO5MPcygexlwDsmNc6LKyHQX-ZKYUpIEbZFdQA66yaFu0AMDfWJYIoGCePVvkZy20ZJOUVRFvWpvCs3noQ/s4160/IMG_20220409_152809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMEvn-_6moTfOyWZHp_c0DZ8fC4fzU_2jsVFhot3og09gZ9oLYql6UKZpUMSsxozg6FreMPmY2BaIIZcgvWp9Tsmp-ZSIU_tZ3ufmKNA0hO5MPcygexlwDsmNc6LKyHQX-ZKYUpIEbZFdQA66yaFu0AMDfWJYIoGCePVvkZy20ZJOUVRFvWpvCs3noQ/w640-h308/IMG_20220409_152809.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oXoKI5SMXOWIAPQ6GBy_SeWHvLW-0v6P-slmtxitYI8WvW5Ls34KyKRvFIkF3SRbOJzMvEMaEd1PkrOtI4Sm2NXW-cHXpJN0AzK7aQ5cgcGMzvnMi8q44SpzUrDBCRBEq2aBcP-_0L5QTSovAgkNiy7hXGb40ZTbX5xJo2O9O_hpOb--glp6rLVDnQ/s4160/IMG_20220409_151336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oXoKI5SMXOWIAPQ6GBy_SeWHvLW-0v6P-slmtxitYI8WvW5Ls34KyKRvFIkF3SRbOJzMvEMaEd1PkrOtI4Sm2NXW-cHXpJN0AzK7aQ5cgcGMzvnMi8q44SpzUrDBCRBEq2aBcP-_0L5QTSovAgkNiy7hXGb40ZTbX5xJo2O9O_hpOb--glp6rLVDnQ/w640-h308/IMG_20220409_151336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIN7exW9renToC_JtIsb5PTa2WQxDUAlJn7AiuoAzGOdsfbs2aw2u8AFHBh-uz3_TZ22mWXio6_wWznTmizslsQjYO43Bcvylcb8z3FvM82OH81uYnqmQ4j11OLuxz3XmksYbznoNEQPshHCaOI9-fY27w7Ay-JxX9aSET_lwzQGP24k23G7hz9qh4g/s4160/IMG_20220409_140103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIN7exW9renToC_JtIsb5PTa2WQxDUAlJn7AiuoAzGOdsfbs2aw2u8AFHBh-uz3_TZ22mWXio6_wWznTmizslsQjYO43Bcvylcb8z3FvM82OH81uYnqmQ4j11OLuxz3XmksYbznoNEQPshHCaOI9-fY27w7Ay-JxX9aSET_lwzQGP24k23G7hz9qh4g/w640-h308/IMG_20220409_140103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPs30hNObj7J1N0RkEVTzDsbcf-AoOQvh7dU1f2z7tWw7wQHUBRX6bzcCr1SwNnW6P7B9gytTOR5wG2hCu5mP9XQPT9rkxP5GoLO69z4LAnngaSzgU2erPhYuF76chp5MiYuMOLO-j30RsJUArLgqjKEV8DFKOQX0ECvB5P5d-9nYVJcE1eM0PXsBpQw/s4160/IMG_20220409_132932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPs30hNObj7J1N0RkEVTzDsbcf-AoOQvh7dU1f2z7tWw7wQHUBRX6bzcCr1SwNnW6P7B9gytTOR5wG2hCu5mP9XQPT9rkxP5GoLO69z4LAnngaSzgU2erPhYuF76chp5MiYuMOLO-j30RsJUArLgqjKEV8DFKOQX0ECvB5P5d-9nYVJcE1eM0PXsBpQw/w640-h308/IMG_20220409_132932.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A short drive saw me reach Cloghane, where I checked into the hostel and collected the room key. I returned to the lagoon at the back of Fermoyle beach and dug lugworm for over an hour. Once I had sufficient, I drove the kilometre or so to the beach and readied myself for some beach fishing. I wasn't too hopeful given my recent rate of success, but it transpired to be a delightful session with plenty of small bass being caught and one fine specimen landed. The rod tips were hopping into the darkness and I was a happy chappie when I finally called time at nearly 22.30. It had been a simply great day.</p><p>Sunday April 10th;</p><p>I wasn't expecting this morning to be anything other than wet and windy, so it was actually quite pleasing to find that, while the sun was hidden behind a layer of cloud, there was no rain and it was only the highest tops that were veiled in mist. I decided that I would go for a straight up and down Mount Brandon and that it would be a bonus outing for the trip. I left the car where it was and walked up from the village. The first kilometre follows the Dingle Way and is a delight as it rises from the village through grassy paddocks and alongside a stream before then joining a narrow road that rises to the car park near the grotto. The views are lovely and the elegant triangle of Brandon Peak is the star of the show. I also looked across the bay and admired the peaks I had been on yesterday. The breeze was quite stiff and it promised to be windy on top, but the bulk of the route is fairly sheltered. After the grotto the trail rises fairly gently on the flanks of the spur that rises towards Benagh and the Faha Ridge. I would have liked to do the ridge, but with the wind as it was, it would have been too dangerous. At around the 600 metre contour the trail rounds the shoulder of the mountain and heads into the back of the savage ground below the north face of Mt Brandon. This is always a spectacular place to be and as I walked in I reminisced on the time I walked in here in the fierce winter of 2010, when I needed crampons from just above the car park.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBymsUM0EUkdXx6qTbMpnVXEqC0qbwa2N_CgwSoV0NucJi_Shj9nGtItpBYkFOsJ1ryLoBU6xR0ImO9XH10UsNUYWqXKHh5nSmE2LCEygRsoeE70ka5R8GdlR3a9E4mWyQs1nKCAvB6TES4lx_Wr6D0cfmOmkYU6GHKugAjARcT9G3HLo1RKQ52LA_qg/s4160/IMG_20220410_093247.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBymsUM0EUkdXx6qTbMpnVXEqC0qbwa2N_CgwSoV0NucJi_Shj9nGtItpBYkFOsJ1ryLoBU6xR0ImO9XH10UsNUYWqXKHh5nSmE2LCEygRsoeE70ka5R8GdlR3a9E4mWyQs1nKCAvB6TES4lx_Wr6D0cfmOmkYU6GHKugAjARcT9G3HLo1RKQ52LA_qg/w640-h308/IMG_20220410_093247.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPv9MiEtkAnxs20hrfeVyjEaQ2Q-q0bKS5Evj9ilB-iJOA1PaDc7EzKmQufFvmLB-LLPpIq9dreyP29Z4qtKk3CFPhZa7DqmEv-N1O01VGapitFlPFQFevNjDUWQLQXgD_jYHCVmwLfn0m1Fh3AlDDGWr5vJB7BeV7TKpC-ZwDiYiOCo0Fs2bejF-1Pg/s4160/IMG_20220410_091107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPv9MiEtkAnxs20hrfeVyjEaQ2Q-q0bKS5Evj9ilB-iJOA1PaDc7EzKmQufFvmLB-LLPpIq9dreyP29Z4qtKk3CFPhZa7DqmEv-N1O01VGapitFlPFQFevNjDUWQLQXgD_jYHCVmwLfn0m1Fh3AlDDGWr5vJB7BeV7TKpC-ZwDiYiOCo0Fs2bejF-1Pg/w640-h308/IMG_20220410_091107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Thnt-lf_GM0Ld-XVxagk4mJ6cDftm7dPb7fFQ_qkhZvTvFTqNijtln8YpsX9076b8FwEqOOctgHHXjDZCZzWQAicujSShwFUbIhJTYdLEnxREbOp-G7-xvZpIWgsyy1CtxaC2yEKdwMlJiRweIf_DDZXiXNHV3gm9vg8Q0V_RqY23C78k0L2M7Xn-g/s4160/IMG_20220410_091100.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Thnt-lf_GM0Ld-XVxagk4mJ6cDftm7dPb7fFQ_qkhZvTvFTqNijtln8YpsX9076b8FwEqOOctgHHXjDZCZzWQAicujSShwFUbIhJTYdLEnxREbOp-G7-xvZpIWgsyy1CtxaC2yEKdwMlJiRweIf_DDZXiXNHV3gm9vg8Q0V_RqY23C78k0L2M7Xn-g/w640-h308/IMG_20220410_091100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>After completing the steep 150 metre climb to surmount the back wall of the coum, all that was left it the easy pull to the summit of Mt Brandon itself. I was now in the mist but fleeting breaks in the fog gave misty views towards the wonderful coastline near Ballyferriter and Slea Head. The wind was buffeting but not too bad so I decided to continue along the ridge as far as Parias Mor and descend towards Teer before crossing back over the spur of Benagh and returning to the main trail once again. It was a lovely addition to the day and allowed me to enjoy the superb views of the huge coum that rests on the north side of the ridge. Some rough ground has to be crossed to treach the crest of the ridge again but thereafter the descent is easy. Today had been a short day but it still gave me a lot of satisfaction and ended the trip nicely. 15 kilometres in 3 hours 40 mins and over 1000 metres climbed...nice</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOYf-Xii7FPUmNdZJPRejFFUITqPKdQnXivz7yJU9mNvdia9lgUJeNOST4Zeprg_3p7TfkEKX8_AhPHT-dwkQi0MBboewMtAJB-JGVHiVGC3UTxIOkJ1QM9tmiD-XSafHpEDm9ZBO8wbAKEQVgfU7JrE8Qp84EKHc4-z6rucKK-jsXrgtlfuvgV_jCg/s4160/IMG_20220410_114140.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOYf-Xii7FPUmNdZJPRejFFUITqPKdQnXivz7yJU9mNvdia9lgUJeNOST4Zeprg_3p7TfkEKX8_AhPHT-dwkQi0MBboewMtAJB-JGVHiVGC3UTxIOkJ1QM9tmiD-XSafHpEDm9ZBO8wbAKEQVgfU7JrE8Qp84EKHc4-z6rucKK-jsXrgtlfuvgV_jCg/w640-h308/IMG_20220410_114140.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokTL5DpEwGsB7VqWr2ePA21JYa5szuNvAawQ2zJVt9lAd_f1zcUFrrVR4jz1Km_LUPJGsDUEIR4WS-ZqYLB3lRVSWBRZOBlWpfyhSnlU4SJ_1RpfZo2nQlAMP-eFfVoOGzKaXkcuyTkURH0FF9LYb3WmeKl7DxPdxvbY4gWh0SlOyE9jwcXEPLPQi5Q/s4160/IMG_20220410_111823.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokTL5DpEwGsB7VqWr2ePA21JYa5szuNvAawQ2zJVt9lAd_f1zcUFrrVR4jz1Km_LUPJGsDUEIR4WS-ZqYLB3lRVSWBRZOBlWpfyhSnlU4SJ_1RpfZo2nQlAMP-eFfVoOGzKaXkcuyTkURH0FF9LYb3WmeKl7DxPdxvbY4gWh0SlOyE9jwcXEPLPQi5Q/w640-h308/IMG_20220410_111823.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_00T6E8SLJmAiOWbrc_VahZ_5ZEwhYp5w3mCYPI_8eZBa2zceQFz2k1dpp7uIYpQ3Tv73sW0NJkq7woopmzvqElNYd0i4U3t0l1jJjAAvEfdWIAQpmRivSRIHuSiDDbinKFJgHzglFqHCraFNE4INrqf5IoW0SHoO5HpJXBs5Eqc_gDWxr7vELOhxg/s4160/IMG_20220410_103532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_00T6E8SLJmAiOWbrc_VahZ_5ZEwhYp5w3mCYPI_8eZBa2zceQFz2k1dpp7uIYpQ3Tv73sW0NJkq7woopmzvqElNYd0i4U3t0l1jJjAAvEfdWIAQpmRivSRIHuSiDDbinKFJgHzglFqHCraFNE4INrqf5IoW0SHoO5HpJXBs5Eqc_gDWxr7vELOhxg/w640-h308/IMG_20220410_103532.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhp7sHY2jp-6AhKqjOa_vQgBO5nLy4h3Aoetfs_C2j4_95kK3qtnBE-Sh9jvwLhAoM2gbAjgjdSse03J200Q6NLJiIRuqFDdRJK-ecfQY4b6BSp3KRuOJYcBZ_BN604YdVo5j3645TdzPY5jv47t8P6NXuebO8tp-HgUgLMN18FB9QE2eftyfpOcX2Q/s4160/IMG_20220410_103527.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhp7sHY2jp-6AhKqjOa_vQgBO5nLy4h3Aoetfs_C2j4_95kK3qtnBE-Sh9jvwLhAoM2gbAjgjdSse03J200Q6NLJiIRuqFDdRJK-ecfQY4b6BSp3KRuOJYcBZ_BN604YdVo5j3645TdzPY5jv47t8P6NXuebO8tp-HgUgLMN18FB9QE2eftyfpOcX2Q/w640-h308/IMG_20220410_103527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO7hXGLHpUrIKvfmw0rPtoGCqSRJ2MiCuFZy_Wpj3EYIzLnBEGCzyBu09etBNUsQbTu3HfGV2i-YSf3B0tl5w71EZKdrsjvpc4jemSuO555mvwWv9G-YzYyPbEHiXv5LI3CPsA_r4-I3b1Q25vwxxrnRbVscTSsbf0Yx95h20gBeVkuheR_gF33L9aQ/s4160/IMG_20220410_101303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO7hXGLHpUrIKvfmw0rPtoGCqSRJ2MiCuFZy_Wpj3EYIzLnBEGCzyBu09etBNUsQbTu3HfGV2i-YSf3B0tl5w71EZKdrsjvpc4jemSuO555mvwWv9G-YzYyPbEHiXv5LI3CPsA_r4-I3b1Q25vwxxrnRbVscTSsbf0Yx95h20gBeVkuheR_gF33L9aQ/w640-h308/IMG_20220410_101303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-18863889985507629802022-04-02T09:32:00.000+01:002022-04-02T09:32:11.325+01:00Mangerton Knocknadobar and Coomasaharn<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcHawp9J-nDclJO9hflKi4bQLKwlM6g3u16vyWvK6-dR44leJGNvI1iNjTE7b3OQFy3LgFQjRxSbnXJCRfzQi6gF53dz27Z6-22mY9MRAvF10SswKNwuQWpGTI7phNpa_aC1WBYW50FQAL1o71Qo1Kd0U9FopYUhBLqxT1YGH3YAgLN4NhSwbTPw8cw/s4160/IMG_20220323_121605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcHawp9J-nDclJO9hflKi4bQLKwlM6g3u16vyWvK6-dR44leJGNvI1iNjTE7b3OQFy3LgFQjRxSbnXJCRfzQi6gF53dz27Z6-22mY9MRAvF10SswKNwuQWpGTI7phNpa_aC1WBYW50FQAL1o71Qo1Kd0U9FopYUhBLqxT1YGH3YAgLN4NhSwbTPw8cw/w640-h308/IMG_20220323_121605.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Last week I headed west for a few days camping, fishing, and hillwalking. Spring has well and truly sprung and the forecast promised blue skies each day. Normally I would have taken my bike as well but it was in for a service so that option was denied to me. <br /><p></p><p>Wednesday March 23rd;</p><p>I set off nice and early Wednesday morning and the weather was as promised. However, as I drove West I could see clouds still clung to the mountain tops. It was a little disappointing but I was still in good spirits as I left the car and headed for Mangerton. Low tide was about 14.00 and as I needed to dig some bait for fishing that evening I needed to be in Caherciveen by then. Since it was now just 9am I reckoned that I had time enough to include the Horses Glen in my hike. It had been a fair old while since I was last there so I was looking forward to rediscovering the area. As well as benign weather, I was also feeling really strong and I really enjoyed the walk across the rough ground before entering the Glen. Once at the shores of Lough Garagary the beauty of the entrance to the glen was revealed. Normally when I come in this way it is to avoid high winds and bad weather, so it was lovely to walk in on mostly dry ground and rock. I was simply loving being there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rNFVbCe3CiraNhZ4J_BKJ-We13old2mbq7irMbLr-Vas_2LR89AfBUQ_EfClXfNlR-DGY_gYrr6Mf2jndIvVXmKHsMss5q3JR9uHvftTTkPLOtK0XIynrT6k7wsbAaIfJDo2OFhcq8RcYDgkf4G0t0_FFtCvoJdJYu8dzAao3Vfp52bQrx_LyUqieA/s4160/IMG_20220323_110629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzs16FHa_H56GoYo9XjaoghROt7wp5xm1X69gJQ1RWkFiR3uYi07-Qr102cN-2aHLva-GZD5pGDE73Ni_MzB1LE1ig_T-u1UVWA7zGUNpxkQnXNlwcFD355tdqgQMg5-XLNKe9K2Y66jzcP5jNscrMYLb1BrJXCyK5a9DzUnLDzZLYhmdL_Iw0zOCxg/s4160/IMG_20220323_094600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzs16FHa_H56GoYo9XjaoghROt7wp5xm1X69gJQ1RWkFiR3uYi07-Qr102cN-2aHLva-GZD5pGDE73Ni_MzB1LE1ig_T-u1UVWA7zGUNpxkQnXNlwcFD355tdqgQMg5-XLNKe9K2Y66jzcP5jNscrMYLb1BrJXCyK5a9DzUnLDzZLYhmdL_Iw0zOCxg/w640-h308/IMG_20220323_094600.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wonderful entrance to the Horses Glen<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCiRRfEpKCsAOOkMMfO0AfDsz9yZAbWj10DFo0smjqiv-1b-8LuY5el1cFmPPG32-JBNogcjvC5GpAZYxVap7Ytm0pPv3vx1pk6gSC94V-OunaVLWXUWyAfXRHbLWRaEDI7XtMYlV23FIXG8Gt4Q4d1rWLqwgZzKZrqKdaya-G2xzbXfsl9P_grZV1w/s4160/IMG_20220323_101212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCiRRfEpKCsAOOkMMfO0AfDsz9yZAbWj10DFo0smjqiv-1b-8LuY5el1cFmPPG32-JBNogcjvC5GpAZYxVap7Ytm0pPv3vx1pk6gSC94V-OunaVLWXUWyAfXRHbLWRaEDI7XtMYlV23FIXG8Gt4Q4d1rWLqwgZzKZrqKdaya-G2xzbXfsl9P_grZV1w/w640-h308/IMG_20220323_101212.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steep ground leading the Mangerton North<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rNFVbCe3CiraNhZ4J_BKJ-We13old2mbq7irMbLr-Vas_2LR89AfBUQ_EfClXfNlR-DGY_gYrr6Mf2jndIvVXmKHsMss5q3JR9uHvftTTkPLOtK0XIynrT6k7wsbAaIfJDo2OFhcq8RcYDgkf4G0t0_FFtCvoJdJYu8dzAao3Vfp52bQrx_LyUqieA/w640-h308/IMG_20220323_110629.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down from the arret<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>The easy going ends when you reach the rocky ramp that climbs up into the inner part of the glen. Once above the ramp the glory of cliffs that form the northern face of the glen are fully revealed. It has a wild and remote feel. I turned right and faced into the near 400 metre climb to Mangerton North top. This is steep and unrelenting but it offers great views and allows height to be gained quickly. Some scrambling is also available early on if you wish. Once on the summit crest the wind was actually quite strong and definitely on the cold side of chilly but I was loving it. The cloud was doing it's best to clear and I was able to enjoy views down into the glen and away to the north the fertile lands of north Kerry stretched to the horizon. I wasted no time in heading across the arret and climbed the final pull of the day until I reached the spectacular ground of the summit plateau that rims the edge of both the Horses Glen and the bowl that holds the Devils Punchbowl.A little bit of mist still clung to the plateau but it was atmospheric and wonderful and the going was all now gently down hill. The remainder of the walk passed quickly and I was soon basking in warm sun and glorious views all the way down. I was back at the car just 3 hours 10 minutes after setting off. It had been a stunning start to the day and I was in great spirits as I headed west to Caherciveen. When I arrived there I went as far as the Kimego forest recreation area to check out what it would be like to pitch a tent there that night and I was pleased to find one spot that wasn't too rough where I could get the tent up. With that sorted I went and dug my bait and fished happily into the night.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT61MSvEEvySaQeeZ2g4Mw6evlMT2UzBvt9CbFjFrlJjc9HVqkkiaxjboCiSWixEUqH-i0CrrtApbAoVhCOOVGbG5ctx0PLjArXRBhxi1-_3Sor0gM0hIboEfKWmYX_j9eFvezpSjkYGdvGW7E_C5GKW_S5a4Qv7-RufdCCYiobFQugJzwhu41-Q5hw/s4160/IMG_20220323_113602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1NXb8f05iA_HVdCtq_qzgdrjNs39VaTaVX1aJxYczKX86JzzK6bc3MZG7Zw35gdoNtwfx4lvBTwtVvnE0vOVhpshJlDPU0wR2kQqELiwabOR-9asMBJsG3WxU0QQ0-vvy45QHdJ7sFs--RBCgltolQ5jRNJylLyG8WygMKsmlBXS_xfsqCw4xUsyBA/s4160/IMG_20220323_113146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1NXb8f05iA_HVdCtq_qzgdrjNs39VaTaVX1aJxYczKX86JzzK6bc3MZG7Zw35gdoNtwfx4lvBTwtVvnE0vOVhpshJlDPU0wR2kQqELiwabOR-9asMBJsG3WxU0QQ0-vvy45QHdJ7sFs--RBCgltolQ5jRNJylLyG8WygMKsmlBXS_xfsqCw4xUsyBA/w640-h308/IMG_20220323_113146.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Devils Punchbowl<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut5Mm2wJhGwWHqfegiags9VcJwX5nR04coMTMlkvT4cyThYH3pYdgaztxNdZxZR0ZlBFe-V6aTvXQbR5_6TNDtl5pmQrtaR8HKBrvMjivUrJnqJoXBUwr3w2YC6AqXXFP95n_LIY7hJySo68Mx405o2yB79QaIGEB45y3xze8WyRhIbqmKtq6xw8KXw/s4160/IMG_20220323_112057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut5Mm2wJhGwWHqfegiags9VcJwX5nR04coMTMlkvT4cyThYH3pYdgaztxNdZxZR0ZlBFe-V6aTvXQbR5_6TNDtl5pmQrtaR8HKBrvMjivUrJnqJoXBUwr3w2YC6AqXXFP95n_LIY7hJySo68Mx405o2yB79QaIGEB45y3xze8WyRhIbqmKtq6xw8KXw/w640-h308/IMG_20220323_112057.jpg" width="640" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT61MSvEEvySaQeeZ2g4Mw6evlMT2UzBvt9CbFjFrlJjc9HVqkkiaxjboCiSWixEUqH-i0CrrtApbAoVhCOOVGbG5ctx0PLjArXRBhxi1-_3Sor0gM0hIboEfKWmYX_j9eFvezpSjkYGdvGW7E_C5GKW_S5a4Qv7-RufdCCYiobFQugJzwhu41-Q5hw/w640-h308/IMG_20220323_113602.jpg" width="640" /></div><br /><p></p><p>Thursday March 24th;</p><p>The forecast for today was excellent so it was somewhat of a disappointment to emerge from the tent to a quite overcast morning. It was however dry and calm and that is acceptable any day. As I was again going to fish during the evening into darkness I had planned on doing a hillwalk once again this morning but there seemed little point if there would be no views. After breakfast I enjoyed a 40 minute walk around the Kimego Loop. At the start there is an old stone built tower that is all that remains of a peat briquette factory from the middle of the 19th century. It was something I had previously known nothing about and it was very interesting to learn about it. The walk was pleasant and passed a little time and afterwards I went to the nearby Cuascrom pier and wet a line for an hour or so. I then went into Caherciveen and got a bit of shopping before deciding to head to one of my favourite hills, Knocknadobar.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUbQH89CCCblxYPi5PdzL2ZeR8ftXXyELsQiJgsK3L8y0Y3CXNWq1QQu2bWYsK0DyZubPUeDuF3UhVtLuDKUgQo9z3dbBvNT5b7m18dSduqOY7Z_iHFxuXmGnnCln6TFgZ1M1Nqpw28xMStvSUceG9oF5HVDa-WCZUQw753MtcQd61dhWJAEpjhQZMA/s3743/IMG_20220324_094328%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3743" data-original-width="1799" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUbQH89CCCblxYPi5PdzL2ZeR8ftXXyELsQiJgsK3L8y0Y3CXNWq1QQu2bWYsK0DyZubPUeDuF3UhVtLuDKUgQo9z3dbBvNT5b7m18dSduqOY7Z_iHFxuXmGnnCln6TFgZ1M1Nqpw28xMStvSUceG9oF5HVDa-WCZUQw753MtcQd61dhWJAEpjhQZMA/w308-h640/IMG_20220324_094328%20(2).jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tower from the peat factory<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6alYmYxcg4yWW-XucA74Ufj-pnCyqS5BfazO5x8UC37coM0zPGZCSMZBMxWYfa1KWLQWxOUHdGHltsBfrmdRkI8NfTfMv-y48w0RbKApT3QptVIT7QSOwxrXNblfoilBzfmzwQ5DH9d3uOLcs-hq7rTKmYvQnL6htA9ShX_4EUPwg0MzHM_K6bynCbA/s4160/IMG_20220324_093842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6alYmYxcg4yWW-XucA74Ufj-pnCyqS5BfazO5x8UC37coM0zPGZCSMZBMxWYfa1KWLQWxOUHdGHltsBfrmdRkI8NfTfMv-y48w0RbKApT3QptVIT7QSOwxrXNblfoilBzfmzwQ5DH9d3uOLcs-hq7rTKmYvQnL6htA9ShX_4EUPwg0MzHM_K6bynCbA/w640-h308/IMG_20220324_093842.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disappointingly overcast but still a lovely view from the tent<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>The day had moved on nicely and it was just gone 1pm when I left the car. I had left the boots in the car and decided that today I would give running the pilgrim trail a go. It is a good well marked trail that is never steep and twists and turns it's way up the side of the mountain. I set a gentle pace and managed the first kilometre or so at a jog and for the rest of the way I ran when I could and walked when I had to. I didn't set any records but I was able to enjoy the experience and the views, which had thankfully started to really open up as the sun won the battle with the cloud. It was getting quite warm but I tried to drink enough water from the ladder in my running rucksack. Once on top I turned and ran the easy ground for the kilometre or so to the north top and then I turned and began the descent. I have to say that the views as you trundle down towards Coonanna harbour are simply world class. On a day like today with little breeze and now warm sunshine, a simply stunning vista is laid out before you. Blue sea, cliffs, wild hills and fairly easy ground underfoot make it a delightful descent. I took my time and trundle along and savoured the entire experience. Lower down I descended to the northern (seaward) side of the spur and returned to the road along the spectacular shoreline. It is then a simple matter of jogging back the final couple of kilometres on the pretty lane. I arrived back at the car just 1 hour 43 mins after setting off and I was delighted with my outing.</p><p>10 kilometres, 720mtrs ascent in 1hour 43 minutes.</p><p>A relaxing evening at Kells Bay followed and that night I camped near Rossbeigh beach.</p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqI1_a8AH2nVVqH8LPCbn449WTS0PyokIDI1IZ-uC1fJL2dFAwq-wTwaNoslUJJzTOWPOW6MniJsqalLie1car6HDt3MlwtrE0PcKyWJO_4WOWZAid7CTUNqIKqjV3Vpzn6DQdzo93_t9Ac_4LMI7CfLbAjUUN2qzOpOPtLfOYmgYWbbsvRg_tJmjJw/s3744/IMG_20220324_181730%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="3744" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqI1_a8AH2nVVqH8LPCbn449WTS0PyokIDI1IZ-uC1fJL2dFAwq-wTwaNoslUJJzTOWPOW6MniJsqalLie1car6HDt3MlwtrE0PcKyWJO_4WOWZAid7CTUNqIKqjV3Vpzn6DQdzo93_t9Ac_4LMI7CfLbAjUUN2qzOpOPtLfOYmgYWbbsvRg_tJmjJw/w640-h308/IMG_20220324_181730%20(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice view while fishing at Kells Bay<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNSjW3xUxA9tq-7AhD2Cv0dxIRgTQbBxHuP8MRZa9X9Jo9NkS8K1ZWU7m-N0HAicnxeqFBdQ1jA_mnj8fAyP3rOl8YeMy4Vy0GJfqeYicChWxrIUUMuikB9im346owWduXcE0aq9EX0o_04fPMl0PrQI1j_RsTaKZH7Mth4Z3qVODTIh4rqYBymWRpg/s4160/IMG_20220325_080802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNSjW3xUxA9tq-7AhD2Cv0dxIRgTQbBxHuP8MRZa9X9Jo9NkS8K1ZWU7m-N0HAicnxeqFBdQ1jA_mnj8fAyP3rOl8YeMy4Vy0GJfqeYicChWxrIUUMuikB9im346owWduXcE0aq9EX0o_04fPMl0PrQI1j_RsTaKZH7Mth4Z3qVODTIh4rqYBymWRpg/w640-h308/IMG_20220325_080802.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Friday March 25th;<p></p><p>This morning the forecast lived up to its promise and I emerged into a blue sky calm day. Today I was going to do a hillwalk around Coomasaharn or the Glenbeigh Horseshoe, a hike I hadn't done in a long time and I was really looking forward to it. I wasn't pushed for time so I enjoyed a nice leisurely morning before packing up and driving the short distance to the end of the lane near Coomasaharn Lake. It was almost 10am when I was starting my hike.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8I_A9HXAEByiYxDSN-R28y6n1xuSamzT44YBkjPCLBhAHCSJZqLA7gEylwZATirk8MWsJuWjF30g1m97azqpLJJo7ZyrBSxKUbmvGOwtnt71YDkFmvBLfwyf2o2QXbnn0yg1Cwn8hlbUqbAuCBVi5Bm8u-51dbVvEo1KzRwolVE7l0a_QbJD2gTMwA/s4160/IMG_20220325_101456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8I_A9HXAEByiYxDSN-R28y6n1xuSamzT44YBkjPCLBhAHCSJZqLA7gEylwZATirk8MWsJuWjF30g1m97azqpLJJo7ZyrBSxKUbmvGOwtnt71YDkFmvBLfwyf2o2QXbnn0yg1Cwn8hlbUqbAuCBVi5Bm8u-51dbVvEo1KzRwolVE7l0a_QbJD2gTMwA/w640-h308/IMG_20220325_101456.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a beautiful day in a beautiful place..Starting out.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>What a stunning morning it was. Not a cloud in the sky, no breeze and warm sunshine coupled with lots of birdsong made it idyllic. I set off back the lane for a couple of hundred metres until I reached a small plantation of forestry and a good track seemed to allow access to the expanse of bog beyond. Alas this didn't quite work out as I hoped and I had to do a bit of searching to find a spot where it was possible to cross the river without getting wet feet. I should have walked back a few hundred metres more and the lane would have crossed it. Anyway, I managed it and soon I was free of any obstacles and heading up across the gently sloping bog towards Beenreagh (495mtrs) from where I could attain the main ridge. What a morning to be out. Warm sun, skylarks singing and wonderful wild landscapes all around. The final 250mtrs to reach the multi topped crest of Beenreagh is a stiff pull and certainly got the heart pumping but what a view there is to reward the effort. From the Reeks across to the hills above Sneem the array of mountains is stunningly arrayed. Nearby the splay of coums with their cliffs swing round to Drung Hill and of course the sea competes for the eye. This area is proof positive that by the Reeks area you are losing nothing in the way of wonder and majesty.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASioutzI2fmMON9cW6Y0n5PqWc4-AxhCpWWctX-8k011sbyUM6io6tUtSS9uj1zWci7sn9wohJskUQF49CR-BcrH6X5easbaXKdkfEhuiJYEpMEf6BX9DZYMCK99i-jAxgma6FI9XoteNjRJ5xKkuIBlMkPARW8qB9Z8ngKccJmno1n_sShLh3GF43Q/s4160/IMG_20220325_125819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASioutzI2fmMON9cW6Y0n5PqWc4-AxhCpWWctX-8k011sbyUM6io6tUtSS9uj1zWci7sn9wohJskUQF49CR-BcrH6X5easbaXKdkfEhuiJYEpMEf6BX9DZYMCK99i-jAxgma6FI9XoteNjRJ5xKkuIBlMkPARW8qB9Z8ngKccJmno1n_sShLh3GF43Q/w640-h308/IMG_20220325_125819.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNn9I1Hvv5FqUsYX3rC-e01qLCW2-9kwT4u2Af-BC2zDZIS6ksC7lTsBgb-337Wdx3EslWU9JupyHqimda-SBK1EqD2GIgBBzF_QKKNc9FV4iNg-1ADrmuQiqrk4pxFdn2iLWFZ0MtB8YglH3Tz5YhYbhz2oulUV4H9tO8vzaRjG1bmvxVQDM7GPTk3g/s4160/IMG_20220325_114528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNn9I1Hvv5FqUsYX3rC-e01qLCW2-9kwT4u2Af-BC2zDZIS6ksC7lTsBgb-337Wdx3EslWU9JupyHqimda-SBK1EqD2GIgBBzF_QKKNc9FV4iNg-1ADrmuQiqrk4pxFdn2iLWFZ0MtB8YglH3Tz5YhYbhz2oulUV4H9tO8vzaRjG1bmvxVQDM7GPTk3g/w640-h308/IMG_20220325_114528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYDtxB9VZLxMG-2kKpp3vrwfMCz6-ePPJx_r1laIFz0PQYtsrWFYPdLmiikvFaqm2OZAJV-KTygnfVJY7HS2YYrXd8G4wbk4j2haFB4luAkE-zZtY1r-r29fWQx-2CTuhlD6UmnJvOEbdaS4ZeLIiAXXMRf_L9duWF6shxSi_LP5Z481mhXnQmfnmmw/s6080/IMG_20220325_114517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2944" data-original-width="6080" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYDtxB9VZLxMG-2kKpp3vrwfMCz6-ePPJx_r1laIFz0PQYtsrWFYPdLmiikvFaqm2OZAJV-KTygnfVJY7HS2YYrXd8G4wbk4j2haFB4luAkE-zZtY1r-r29fWQx-2CTuhlD6UmnJvOEbdaS4ZeLIiAXXMRf_L9duWF6shxSi_LP5Z481mhXnQmfnmmw/w640-h310/IMG_20220325_114517.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxWBk6cUPfBb9MENiDEoeJYVrlP3UB6grDEvVyxJf6V_T0vqVP2J9Mx-QhluUxRB2pqVdACBoRlQDV1jBDbPIIaY3s_qQpDtVYyRFrMCP7Z8cadepOayN_UKZuBpWj6CYzmncYk9qnZHSIopp_DiintfErzjL8oIpmeADEtr2yxe4ZufzMRzgo5fpww/s4160/IMG_20220325_110133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxWBk6cUPfBb9MENiDEoeJYVrlP3UB6grDEvVyxJf6V_T0vqVP2J9Mx-QhluUxRB2pqVdACBoRlQDV1jBDbPIIaY3s_qQpDtVYyRFrMCP7Z8cadepOayN_UKZuBpWj6CYzmncYk9qnZHSIopp_DiintfErzjL8oIpmeADEtr2yxe4ZufzMRzgo5fpww/w640-h308/IMG_20220325_110133.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I dropped easily to the saddle under Macklaun and was now faced with nearly 400 metres of a climb. I wasn't looking forward to it but the ground is firm for the most part and I progressed nicely until before I expected it I reached the broad summit dome. Those views again gave ample excuse for a rest before I turned and headed across the wide expanse of bog towards Meenteog whose summit was 3 kilometres away. With the bulk of the climbing now behind me I relished the remainder of the outing. A series of wide, almost plateau like tops follow, whose northeastern flanks drop dramatically into a spectacular series of coums at the base of which lakes glisten. The largest and most spectacular is Coomasaharn lake, which today was as blue as the sky. Meenteog at 715 metres came first before Coomacarrea at 775 metres and finally (on my round) Teermoyle at 760 metres. I had debated with myself whether to continue my outing as far as Drung Hill but the delightful descent along the spur that bounds the western shores of Coomasaharn Lake proved too tempting so I left Drung Hill for another day. I was delighted to be treated t the sight of a Peregrine Falcon standing on a rock a mere 30 metres from me before it opened its wings and dropped into the deep. The descent went well and before I knew it I was down in the valley and near the car. It felt really warm down here and the sting on my forehead was a reminder that for the next outing I really should remember to bring sunscreen. I arrived back at the car just over 5 hours after setting off and had covered 17 kilometres and climbed over 1100 metres. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zsHefWtNcUoYOwB0ugbpvDHEY_W1-VIB_T1JxMzwQ4-gzt3O2axtLnXplasazxtsfqPm1Y3I97LtnHPyEpZuRyTgHWsziAU6A7MoNAZ50VawYLMMd7rpQLy25orDm27lpVHjo0XyXIOdzQuXNjGRSgfM7-0z_TXIqKsD9ajktZJdqcpzH4E1dzIhiA/s4160/IMG_20220325_145018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zsHefWtNcUoYOwB0ugbpvDHEY_W1-VIB_T1JxMzwQ4-gzt3O2axtLnXplasazxtsfqPm1Y3I97LtnHPyEpZuRyTgHWsziAU6A7MoNAZ50VawYLMMd7rpQLy25orDm27lpVHjo0XyXIOdzQuXNjGRSgfM7-0z_TXIqKsD9ajktZJdqcpzH4E1dzIhiA/w640-h308/IMG_20220325_145018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Dkvxq-wUBZa9zLsu8FcHCedtBslCXERUechLh7ug2_xhLD3Xk0w2STND2_M_Stx2h01vZ1H-XYH9iIF_JSrd_HVmGzDnFjC2AsDWtEvr60lCAsCrWI_YldVcc1zAzQo8lXoMKe4ZNolyQYiXDUSx8wlT0CHx9lSeDhFqIN0OstbO_zV5C1XHwEAXug/s4160/IMG_20220325_142958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Dkvxq-wUBZa9zLsu8FcHCedtBslCXERUechLh7ug2_xhLD3Xk0w2STND2_M_Stx2h01vZ1H-XYH9iIF_JSrd_HVmGzDnFjC2AsDWtEvr60lCAsCrWI_YldVcc1zAzQo8lXoMKe4ZNolyQYiXDUSx8wlT0CHx9lSeDhFqIN0OstbO_zV5C1XHwEAXug/w640-h308/IMG_20220325_142958.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoui9oNRYzN0DJvLeH-atunyvU87L0UfoKk7gC0NTn5z3_FhNylQFn1DF6VDavKzvxUO5_sPMXciw-vdnASlkrXDT5hEflgOeYi3_QCF1Ip0iq-SvTj6HEL9W04L4DjvdlFGAMEx8oppcJuiEZfwdLzCcf9QCrerkVWBwRvCzqtTDmPRnqeNGthzimxg/s4160/IMG_20220325_135156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoui9oNRYzN0DJvLeH-atunyvU87L0UfoKk7gC0NTn5z3_FhNylQFn1DF6VDavKzvxUO5_sPMXciw-vdnASlkrXDT5hEflgOeYi3_QCF1Ip0iq-SvTj6HEL9W04L4DjvdlFGAMEx8oppcJuiEZfwdLzCcf9QCrerkVWBwRvCzqtTDmPRnqeNGthzimxg/w640-h308/IMG_20220325_135156.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-gbqG8CmmoX7kdWlLQ39pDivkZzOq8P-7ZRiyfUsX1_7fmO78M_JC-BHZQxVFp1kVuD0oeW115wt0gMVIRvxqQxlp4vDZYsHCucu2lGKUQAvIhxP4xaeade5EbqR3blvvFsct416gcc5z8oQYoFd9Hhztpe8FoZQ2fTz16dMFbC9f8dHDJAT52TC6A/s4160/IMG_20220325_132617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-gbqG8CmmoX7kdWlLQ39pDivkZzOq8P-7ZRiyfUsX1_7fmO78M_JC-BHZQxVFp1kVuD0oeW115wt0gMVIRvxqQxlp4vDZYsHCucu2lGKUQAvIhxP4xaeade5EbqR3blvvFsct416gcc5z8oQYoFd9Hhztpe8FoZQ2fTz16dMFbC9f8dHDJAT52TC6A/w640-h308/IMG_20220325_132617.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I drove back to Rossbeigh and wasn't surprised to find it was fairly busy with people out enjoying this harbinger of summer day. The sea itself was also nearly flat calm, which isn't the best thing for a storm beach, but I determined to fish that evening anyway. I decided to relax and while away a couple of hours before commencing fishing at around 6pm. By then most of the people had left and it proved to be a beautiful evening as I watched the sun set into the sea. The fishing proved as productive as I feared but I wasn't bothered and was well happy with my day when I retired to my tent that night. When the weather is a glorious as this there are few places to beat west Kerry. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPjggiaEx6fPSEwp0l6oE680jQs4ToJWcwJbj-KuNelBUL8DDbhOJh2bOm7BxorjngrpX2ZUocdIwm7pVfG3BXa23659hYca25WDEaQzpEGhbl_gOYrn5g9xVkNVV24ieoK4EPc63viA-yikjYBL1CYB14k9YsYC_u240EifUqJrb-F9ZPCvF4dcK_Q/s4160/IMG_20220325_165006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPjggiaEx6fPSEwp0l6oE680jQs4ToJWcwJbj-KuNelBUL8DDbhOJh2bOm7BxorjngrpX2ZUocdIwm7pVfG3BXa23659hYca25WDEaQzpEGhbl_gOYrn5g9xVkNVV24ieoK4EPc63viA-yikjYBL1CYB14k9YsYC_u240EifUqJrb-F9ZPCvF4dcK_Q/w640-h308/IMG_20220325_165006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-35529639347814336352022-03-08T14:46:00.001+00:002022-03-08T17:38:06.367+00:00A Quick (sort of) Round on The Knockmealdowns<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiapjDOiYG6yCcRyKaGySmsvOQZQYiCrH33RH4JPXfg_56c2A88oOVcqdWfdHfRxDaER8ZxJpqWJeJaw9LDhYXP21kZ-50-B9KSHlqUFPq8sB0RPb0OAjf5xRLiWhEzUA0TJEHN_jOtZUOHBZCzAhRC5xBEQPVOSE-Afulnt3jiWdm9PrXiBxIlSKFe3w=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiapjDOiYG6yCcRyKaGySmsvOQZQYiCrH33RH4JPXfg_56c2A88oOVcqdWfdHfRxDaER8ZxJpqWJeJaw9LDhYXP21kZ-50-B9KSHlqUFPq8sB0RPb0OAjf5xRLiWhEzUA0TJEHN_jOtZUOHBZCzAhRC5xBEQPVOSE-Afulnt3jiWdm9PrXiBxIlSKFe3w=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br />A frosty night and the promise of a blue sky day saw me head towards the Knockmealdowns for one of my infrequent visits. I took my boots and trail shoes with me and decided that I would decide exactly what to do when I arrived at the car park at The Vee. <p></p><p>There was a gentle but chill breeze at the car park and several groups were already getting ready to head for the hills. It was such a beautiful morning and I was really looking forward to getting out. I decided to try for a trail run so I put on my runners and left the boots in the car. I decided to run towards the Liam Lynch monument on the northern side of the range and I would decide en route how long an outing I would try for. It was such a beautiful and easy start. A gently downhill jog on the quiet road allowed me to enjoy the lovely views to the Galtees and Comeragh mountains. When I reached the point of the hairpin bend I joined the rough trail that heads down to the river in the glen below. This is at times steep and rocky so, being mindful of my fall on my last trail run on Bray Head, I took my time and was careful. When I crossed the river a nice trail headed up into the woods on the other side and on a whim I decided to take this. It rises gently until eventually you reach an exit gateway to the open hillside. Unfortunately this gate was decorated with a large sign that said no dogs and no walkers. Hmmm, what to do?. Of course I ignored it and crossed into the open ground beyond. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi15GQ0o09KVo_MYLNHPUTo9HxjmvDxt_2Fpn5hs3gI5VyKQsbb6KgJDZeJpfTjMfErapXsNa30HDESfrWoqDpBGKB15NN87cskdwzHhd4oKeeOb5XYUSERcv4cHVAPyT_pYfcCwXrB8WK4efHNTzRLL9x02anpnsZJzkZ5uFBEe0HbanwxzSUvxRtK0g=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi15GQ0o09KVo_MYLNHPUTo9HxjmvDxt_2Fpn5hs3gI5VyKQsbb6KgJDZeJpfTjMfErapXsNa30HDESfrWoqDpBGKB15NN87cskdwzHhd4oKeeOb5XYUSERcv4cHVAPyT_pYfcCwXrB8WK4efHNTzRLL9x02anpnsZJzkZ5uFBEe0HbanwxzSUvxRtK0g=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1xlAwswiFdsUe89f2S-7usCVH5qjRkT-d_bBlbKSXANlUDtO6Fbkw8xf7lDsEM8k4hiymH5VLF2yS_1K_VQhEBl0YrwmqVaZiHbCFbLhkgvgfkfSDGkeTugLJgN9f7dHOd2Rc-9Uk0tsMpDuopax8SqqqjAxZVG_0TGCy13ZurvW_xY1NX6H85cmQCw=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1xlAwswiFdsUe89f2S-7usCVH5qjRkT-d_bBlbKSXANlUDtO6Fbkw8xf7lDsEM8k4hiymH5VLF2yS_1K_VQhEBl0YrwmqVaZiHbCFbLhkgvgfkfSDGkeTugLJgN9f7dHOd2Rc-9Uk0tsMpDuopax8SqqqjAxZVG_0TGCy13ZurvW_xY1NX6H85cmQCw=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiC20KHv6J2EYC3SXoj2sdBMc-bcZTE5KuyD2UN3q67gzSbcd2AGRUfcK3Y9uTcjlpSkouIEzKQt4D3Lmb5Sd4keW8vtURj2mwsW1HS3Kj8jIO7FZRjtBrv3NrlPlgLKE8EHQmi7-vYfsqTgYU8iw7jKQnrJG5Tm6LWbPdkBEggo8eud5T6loZY4x2gbg=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiC20KHv6J2EYC3SXoj2sdBMc-bcZTE5KuyD2UN3q67gzSbcd2AGRUfcK3Y9uTcjlpSkouIEzKQt4D3Lmb5Sd4keW8vtURj2mwsW1HS3Kj8jIO7FZRjtBrv3NrlPlgLKE8EHQmi7-vYfsqTgYU8iw7jKQnrJG5Tm6LWbPdkBEggo8eud5T6loZY4x2gbg=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br />Now things got tougher. A steep climb up the heather strews slopes of the ridge ahead. I was heading to Knockmoylan, an outlier of Knockmealdown itself. It was a tough 300 metres ascent as I tried to keep up a reasonable pace but it was worth it whe I topped out on the broad crest and the wonderful views opened up.The strength of the breeze also open up and it was cold and biting, so I wasted no time as I headed for the main top. I was once again able to run on the easier ground and once over this top I trundled along all the way to the summit of Knockmealdown. Progress was made a little easier as the ground was frozen solid. An easy run followed to the saddle under Sugarloaf. The 100 metre pull soon passed and I briefly stopped to enjoy the view. My mind was drawn back to the last time I was up here almost three years earlier when we were in the middle of a heatwave. Then temperatures were nearly 30 degrees and the landscape was burnt to dusty brown. The descent from here to the car is short but steep and it would be an exaggeration to say I sped down here. I hopped and shuffled but made my way safely down. It had taken just 2 hours 20 mins to cover 13 kilometres with 850 metres of ascent. Nice.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNTxBrBxB5dLJOAWTNsVZ0JYVfsGvxLndUpGdL1ePsITq1OxxXow0mKpcM07TaXySBV4DUqgf0Qo6cPK5jXaNHjF9fdET7y1gmW1DfNmmrvPQ61S2MhddI4YP3446r-dLK4iQ2U_0GjPZx10snN8-_o1876L_bA6xJs5B3M-aj02qyyGR5sN7DYVQWKg=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNTxBrBxB5dLJOAWTNsVZ0JYVfsGvxLndUpGdL1ePsITq1OxxXow0mKpcM07TaXySBV4DUqgf0Qo6cPK5jXaNHjF9fdET7y1gmW1DfNmmrvPQ61S2MhddI4YP3446r-dLK4iQ2U_0GjPZx10snN8-_o1876L_bA6xJs5B3M-aj02qyyGR5sN7DYVQWKg=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX_V95U3Ld83ZH0tgoBZEsuU7mfzJHIvudTbP4Hs_H1PSi2yLvKZOBwNASpxHuHYfZlMV2oPBr7v22NuIIGQFyJcEostMFWJd6SxzHghhC4opYbDxfufeDD_2UvlBDOmQvzhPVDEkMDnwmiBw3GIOFD32MNOzbxsTom2WQqbkd5GJn1w2uuFflSVqhQg=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX_V95U3Ld83ZH0tgoBZEsuU7mfzJHIvudTbP4Hs_H1PSi2yLvKZOBwNASpxHuHYfZlMV2oPBr7v22NuIIGQFyJcEostMFWJd6SxzHghhC4opYbDxfufeDD_2UvlBDOmQvzhPVDEkMDnwmiBw3GIOFD32MNOzbxsTom2WQqbkd5GJn1w2uuFflSVqhQg=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA1JWg0sglrth8bAgsm2-lYGo6P4KVJhtwPjBveara6imucsIts_K2A5-1jVy8J-WUVrnZDDOYMD0mdT3zYp8xgjmL5jorDUgJW5UYqvIYzJK38rv7-zkB6X33XZeGNlNCpTUyeU6bp0Yuad5X2lrbUNwRUAl6pY3QiHv_epfK5sCJcNJ5KjVpHL4WUA=s4160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA1JWg0sglrth8bAgsm2-lYGo6P4KVJhtwPjBveara6imucsIts_K2A5-1jVy8J-WUVrnZDDOYMD0mdT3zYp8xgjmL5jorDUgJW5UYqvIYzJK38rv7-zkB6X33XZeGNlNCpTUyeU6bp0Yuad5X2lrbUNwRUAl6pY3QiHv_epfK5sCJcNJ5KjVpHL4WUA=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-39113409101450132192022-03-05T16:50:00.000+00:002022-03-05T16:50:06.027+00:00Baurtregaum and Caherconree. The first day of Spring. <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkk7nPsYsLgrmh6PxwEyyahwIOfELI1dWtKm7ydk2C3tnNai8GpUn2_eKuvnBuPZXP5o0LhETWpx7fRPQTdea1YgluCjxW15AO6xpb-719A6paCFARbsyqJuVvBAIAsHy53LAVtdoOptmsO-PnBhZ4bCPtmb2C61jyCAqfI1RxKlACjcX_C-NfQsET0Q=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkk7nPsYsLgrmh6PxwEyyahwIOfELI1dWtKm7ydk2C3tnNai8GpUn2_eKuvnBuPZXP5o0LhETWpx7fRPQTdea1YgluCjxW15AO6xpb-719A6paCFARbsyqJuVvBAIAsHy53LAVtdoOptmsO-PnBhZ4bCPtmb2C61jyCAqfI1RxKlACjcX_C-NfQsET0Q=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br />The forecast for today was stellar. A frosty morning was to be followed by a sunny day so I decided to make the most of it and head west once again. I left home on a beautiful frosty morning and head d for the Slieve Mish mountains. The plan for today was to enjoy a hillwalk in the morning before doing a spot of fishing in the afternoon. The less said about the fishing the better so I'll concentrate on the hike.<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfd0TXXDcvgPR0Pc1oa2jNN9G0MkYr0zmJVmkRgWWVj5A2GfxubonEbEzbtUwRoymCxYuDATjDGBSd_YoIeamyABLbTJmMZ4IDNjaWu4CiBVjDyhDecLFqRN1YMiTxtSlH8vBn02mHivNtbKLa-U6LsAcfVxvx9JAlVDQ9Nvx4lT8bmt5kI19pGRL3LQ=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfd0TXXDcvgPR0Pc1oa2jNN9G0MkYr0zmJVmkRgWWVj5A2GfxubonEbEzbtUwRoymCxYuDATjDGBSd_YoIeamyABLbTJmMZ4IDNjaWu4CiBVjDyhDecLFqRN1YMiTxtSlH8vBn02mHivNtbKLa-U6LsAcfVxvx9JAlVDQ9Nvx4lT8bmt5kI19pGRL3LQ=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up one side and down the other. A blue sky day<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghYqjS4XBZvB_ErUIbWlCeQB3spF5lOtPB6k0_72MKDQQcW0nQII7S5kh8fAkMw6Ogu-Avb5cXz5v8GWUOizAR6YAWRKJBLLuPyqzMeDaKNB2GaM90nhSzD9wuefaoFZSLgVktFDcRJkmekgr0l0eJIOCDjbrspuKoysedmNmwORHhbJdZMxK-ZujZNg=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghYqjS4XBZvB_ErUIbWlCeQB3spF5lOtPB6k0_72MKDQQcW0nQII7S5kh8fAkMw6Ogu-Avb5cXz5v8GWUOizAR6YAWRKJBLLuPyqzMeDaKNB2GaM90nhSzD9wuefaoFZSLgVktFDcRJkmekgr0l0eJIOCDjbrspuKoysedmNmwORHhbJdZMxK-ZujZNg=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGgayzIXbCZGOYp7C0x6kOeHxI61n6HpwRAp4EBVxc1dNC7ufLtSdDmCEqZc_qKBID5D-Y5EDfLiVHrN5dQp61UhCJb8Gv43KRUknNPMg-olTec0IYoDnxddlCbdbiVlIqqbDXfNlU5h7xBa0SrUr1myS5I1H1oBVlHjlIkOtrWUKHXnOqljungcBOVA=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGgayzIXbCZGOYp7C0x6kOeHxI61n6HpwRAp4EBVxc1dNC7ufLtSdDmCEqZc_qKBID5D-Y5EDfLiVHrN5dQp61UhCJb8Gv43KRUknNPMg-olTec0IYoDnxddlCbdbiVlIqqbDXfNlU5h7xBa0SrUr1myS5I1H1oBVlHjlIkOtrWUKHXnOqljungcBOVA=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easier climbing on the final section.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I parked at the end of the little lane near Derrymore and after considerately parking in in the limited space available I set off up the trail. The plan was to do the wonderful Baurtregaum Caherconree horseshoe. This gives a worthy outing with wonderful views as it crosses over the 13th and 20th highest mountains in the country. A few minutes on the trail and I reached the Dingle Way. I turned left and crossed the river and then headed directly towards the steep heather strewn slopes that rise unremittingly for several hundred metres that lead eventually to the summit of the east top of Baurtregaum. It is a tough grind but eventually at after 400 metres of slog the angle eases for a short while before another pull sees you arrive at easy ground at over 650 metres. The ground gets better here as well and so do the views. Not that they have been too bad so far. Early doors the views west to the end of the peninsula are great and as you get higher you get the fell of entering wild high mountain ground. The final slopes to the main ridge pass easily enough and suddenly up here the glories and wonders of Dingle Bay and the mountainous terrain of the Iveragh Peninsula stretch from east to west. <p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgmb8hnVB7blOGZZ3_f35x_8aQwThufHrTsbkSKNxG9_sO0j_gwDBz1n5IX4lpGOWxxgv7J2b3i85UEkVkSlD6H4EVPwmInT_ifIa2ANoRihdTYU-YrloyqcDew_wcRfQ-Dqa5-gO2iR4HXv1iVgKncmXIDs2XrgnDeMV84ON2Up2-_Ut9jcCnJRtC3g=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgmb8hnVB7blOGZZ3_f35x_8aQwThufHrTsbkSKNxG9_sO0j_gwDBz1n5IX4lpGOWxxgv7J2b3i85UEkVkSlD6H4EVPwmInT_ifIa2ANoRihdTYU-YrloyqcDew_wcRfQ-Dqa5-gO2iR4HXv1iVgKncmXIDs2XrgnDeMV84ON2Up2-_Ut9jcCnJRtC3g=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Reeks and more<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhElbcwy1VhdF9oLuUluqIQ4m0zdL_BVJk0eNoAG8LZiRxVCl4fL8Y1YGMBjSd6bZhLSUrhh1LJmFRUPlh9DZmS_mX3kqVfSo2j0qw3JjIcLzex_vFoTqMTIykot2P4RM3rw9z7GDxknch8ahw0r8raukAHg4ts_x_rlftJgMAkowv1uIZNfPXY3Re_lg=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhElbcwy1VhdF9oLuUluqIQ4m0zdL_BVJk0eNoAG8LZiRxVCl4fL8Y1YGMBjSd6bZhLSUrhh1LJmFRUPlh9DZmS_mX3kqVfSo2j0qw3JjIcLzex_vFoTqMTIykot2P4RM3rw9z7GDxknch8ahw0r8raukAHg4ts_x_rlftJgMAkowv1uIZNfPXY3Re_lg=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caherconree</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It would have been easy to stop for a while and soak in the majesty but the stiff breeze that took all the already scant heat from the sun made it a chilly place indeed. That said, I have been up here in horizontal hailstones and storm force winter winds so today was a real pleasure. The walking from the broad stony top of Baurtregaum to the col under Caherconree is easy. Once down it is a short easy climb, along an initially narrow(ish) ridge before the second summit of the day is reached. Caherconree is one of my favourite viewpoints in the country. As well as the wonders of the Iveragh Peninsula, the full glory of the Dingle Peninsula is laid out before you as it stretches away to the west. The ground sweeps sharply down towards Camp village and the juxtaposition of blue sea and mountains is a heady mix. I walked as far as the sheltering rocks atop of the nearby Gearhane, and here I enjoyed a bite to eat and revelled in the day. After lunch/brunch it is an easy descent along the broad ridge before a final drop down some steep heather covered ground see you return to the trail you started on. I arrived back at the car just 3 hours 20 minutes after starting. 11 kilomertres covered and almost 1000 metres ascent. What a beautiful start to the day.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifaLitvsF4uFDJ9cL7rUFF4HPr0HGS7FJjGqrIsTVVySvqdBFtfSmuX_-9AwAzlsqqIlnA5lcTWyQSGT05c82rOM1_i3e947dG8_QF2T720N1FbOSb2lQLIWyLOfDHFnT_WgH8Upb3FB3moRcXsvo-yqwHeMRhSHHFrCtspTJAPUFNzzH_9vkDGWEt9Q=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifaLitvsF4uFDJ9cL7rUFF4HPr0HGS7FJjGqrIsTVVySvqdBFtfSmuX_-9AwAzlsqqIlnA5lcTWyQSGT05c82rOM1_i3e947dG8_QF2T720N1FbOSb2lQLIWyLOfDHFnT_WgH8Upb3FB3moRcXsvo-yqwHeMRhSHHFrCtspTJAPUFNzzH_9vkDGWEt9Q=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Away to the wast<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc5APIB34DJcJOhD-OPwUm5c51u-fTzlAAf2GsaUl-l2mAyTjKIEPcGgjWdPDCGexiP4DYpsb6HS644ThngsqiAByVoThcg1L_g1EtaQWIfve54FVoYPfBXP-0pA5SYTZKICxLPqZuveTvbxkJ13E0X5HWG2-BypKxqPPVCoffAY57L1qhn038yak08w=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc5APIB34DJcJOhD-OPwUm5c51u-fTzlAAf2GsaUl-l2mAyTjKIEPcGgjWdPDCGexiP4DYpsb6HS644ThngsqiAByVoThcg1L_g1EtaQWIfve54FVoYPfBXP-0pA5SYTZKICxLPqZuveTvbxkJ13E0X5HWG2-BypKxqPPVCoffAY57L1qhn038yak08w=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a view.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-mcZiC3J59oIT7eHvQ3-66gXMnX-L6uNwrdznOl4LVWpYy8FttbjrvhiPmcsHUVNuaPdp1KHZTCUwf_WrzmNnISkOCMEQrPYtMr2YYKYsMtEfgfX18jGqeTrd2tBT-pWxGvUYRSr9TRf9ty9MnJaPCOvN-FXbNaUFR9UM3-1miYKFzRzUhNpMD6BIsQ=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-mcZiC3J59oIT7eHvQ3-66gXMnX-L6uNwrdznOl4LVWpYy8FttbjrvhiPmcsHUVNuaPdp1KHZTCUwf_WrzmNnISkOCMEQrPYtMr2YYKYsMtEfgfX18jGqeTrd2tBT-pWxGvUYRSr9TRf9ty9MnJaPCOvN-FXbNaUFR9UM3-1miYKFzRzUhNpMD6BIsQ=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't say that the fishing was all bad :)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-74998692677611864752022-02-27T17:37:00.003+00:002022-02-27T17:37:54.559+00:00Cnoc na Péiste North Ridge and Carrauntoohil. Another touch of Winter<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0EOy5dI7eIAdaOAg112uXq_7ffAdq_KjuiZFzBN24c01oO0Fk7WaNQ3xOQBFPc1aoN_EKS4rBSIxPJsjNQecgLG4iWgG3ZgTzAZrR-NdUyty1q_NmFMeWr5no6FB9Fn53aVgCCbY78MrZglFsWLBhfuMLXCmzLZlOSap_mUtVGEgOQhnRNJZVk6-9fA=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0EOy5dI7eIAdaOAg112uXq_7ffAdq_KjuiZFzBN24c01oO0Fk7WaNQ3xOQBFPc1aoN_EKS4rBSIxPJsjNQecgLG4iWgG3ZgTzAZrR-NdUyty1q_NmFMeWr5no6FB9Fn53aVgCCbY78MrZglFsWLBhfuMLXCmzLZlOSap_mUtVGEgOQhnRNJZVk6-9fA=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br />Last Thursday it was cold and wild, and snow fell right down to sea level. I thought that there would have been a serious dump of snow on The Reeks so I headed back first thing on Friday morning with real hope of a wintry outing.<p></p><p>When I say I headed back first thing I mean it. I got a last minute call to work in Cork overnight and I was on the road west at 06.30. A nice leisurely drive saw me arrive in Cronins Yard not long after 8am and once I was ready I set off into the Hags Glen once again. I must confess to having been disappointed once again at the amount of snow on show. I had expected the mountains to have been coated down to 500 metres at least but it was clear that this wasn't the case. Still it was enticing and beautiful and I was in good spirits as I started in. It was also clear that what snow that was there was probably soft so I left the crampons behind and took just one axe, just in case. Even from here it was clear that Curve Gully would have been, at best a slushy wallow, so I decided to head up towards the north ridge of Cnoc na Péiste and once on the main ridge I could then decide how far I wanted to go. I had brought my heavy winter boots and I must confess to being aware of the extra weight but I decided to just set a steady pace and take my time. Once I left the main track and headed up across the boggy slopes it was clear that the ground was very sodden. I eventually reached the steep ground that rises to the moody lake that nestles under the wonderful ridge that connects Cruach Mhór and Cnoc na Péiste and I went up this at an oblique angle until I reached the rocky start of the scrambly section of the ridge.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinbZdNdYaCmDO_NymghRUID3SYr7I3XZmTIgmu7pzReG8KRizLMf1YnKZL1iW03mKHBMrA706N8J4GgmXCza3T_ONVfs4BmsoCDFzV0cp9lEnMaqmc8SpSOK7ATfHp-ESBVbBOq9cXLgh_nXnr3BeTwFu2IE4cEUqA7reUfcAdkAOjrV7gcfP_hTBE5Q=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinbZdNdYaCmDO_NymghRUID3SYr7I3XZmTIgmu7pzReG8KRizLMf1YnKZL1iW03mKHBMrA706N8J4GgmXCza3T_ONVfs4BmsoCDFzV0cp9lEnMaqmc8SpSOK7ATfHp-ESBVbBOq9cXLgh_nXnr3BeTwFu2IE4cEUqA7reUfcAdkAOjrV7gcfP_hTBE5Q=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ4BRJR3Xnw1Zj7hcpHp3knGnfONIYjjVl3VZeJ50xs99dd6GGkSNCc0yjVqrS_J6ViBeA82GnXaBaZKNyCYv88w5TfR3qLYDAqFGo5YQ2M1teHuUblJpUW46iDM0ghGbXOyOzeSzNguB2-Jvr3Tkcir1spZMfLRTwEVtlNbo7L1YWqyoJgUJkfbhEtA=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ4BRJR3Xnw1Zj7hcpHp3knGnfONIYjjVl3VZeJ50xs99dd6GGkSNCc0yjVqrS_J6ViBeA82GnXaBaZKNyCYv88w5TfR3qLYDAqFGo5YQ2M1teHuUblJpUW46iDM0ghGbXOyOzeSzNguB2-Jvr3Tkcir1spZMfLRTwEVtlNbo7L1YWqyoJgUJkfbhEtA=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibSN933G6v-5fTV57S-YjtYfQy4XzycgpCFVIROAaTWay7sXR9Z4B8-6V835Zx_-MwToB7gumQzCt89Iyw-Pwrj_9Xycgu7o36pjjQhpqXGpvvdG7H83AktU0OYV3sNVb1RmLHPGY1_-_Naf99bTH8hfBsBOziYVE5sz0Dk_Yp34F4C3KjXe1lJ_zDmw=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibSN933G6v-5fTV57S-YjtYfQy4XzycgpCFVIROAaTWay7sXR9Z4B8-6V835Zx_-MwToB7gumQzCt89Iyw-Pwrj_9Xycgu7o36pjjQhpqXGpvvdG7H83AktU0OYV3sNVb1RmLHPGY1_-_Naf99bTH8hfBsBOziYVE5sz0Dk_Yp34F4C3KjXe1lJ_zDmw=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely fun scrambling on the ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The rocks were mostly snow free and entirely ice free so it was actually a really enjoyable scramble. The "fun stuff" lasts for about 150 metres and I enjoyed every bit of it. It offers enjoyable, never too difficult, but occasionally exposed scrambling until the angle eases about 40 metres below the summit. Some cloud clung to the top but this only added to the atmosphere of the climb. I topped out and enjoyed lovely views down to the Black Valley and the lakes of Killarney. Now comes a long section of heavenly walking. Over the next four kilometres there is not too much in the way of climbing so it is easy to amble along at mostly over 3000ft and enjoy that wonderful feeling of being in the heart of a wild and wonderful place. The early start and scant breakfast meant that lunch became brunch and I relaxed and had a bite to eat before I reached the Devils Ladder. I was feeling good and enjoying myself so I decided to climb Carrauntoohil and return and descend via the Heavenly Gates. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi45fB6U4mI4_kCSI6XRGAjsSgZi5oscNYTgODray0aB5WfdKN1EH5A3b54ZCOBoO1nBR_BZ9A4-MUmSJF37UPnmoqSpMBkB1VuZcsEuncQ21ZSIqhLRYwiS_ZIcMNAj1E9db_qogIpkcfGu0UVvO21LqZPrsBxsOsAxtIB_I3mHTciD_pM4StPM-p01Q=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi45fB6U4mI4_kCSI6XRGAjsSgZi5oscNYTgODray0aB5WfdKN1EH5A3b54ZCOBoO1nBR_BZ9A4-MUmSJF37UPnmoqSpMBkB1VuZcsEuncQ21ZSIqhLRYwiS_ZIcMNAj1E9db_qogIpkcfGu0UVvO21LqZPrsBxsOsAxtIB_I3mHTciD_pM4StPM-p01Q=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT4hGGxOWXxPRZlynmRIg9Vv9NvW3h_y7aU--AQ8cKVC4xttSp4O1_LVnoq6JRXZnhEbmsK4j_6oMQi4-3t5WJLdhuFUNf4IhCCso4-pUweceFlJPPcgyTaU9GcywPgLtE8bj8h7EPn4ucfvNsrvdXXtlCXtz70MkvY45PMH_1Jfr52k9bkBjHiUIXAg=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT4hGGxOWXxPRZlynmRIg9Vv9NvW3h_y7aU--AQ8cKVC4xttSp4O1_LVnoq6JRXZnhEbmsK4j_6oMQi4-3t5WJLdhuFUNf4IhCCso4-pUweceFlJPPcgyTaU9GcywPgLtE8bj8h7EPn4ucfvNsrvdXXtlCXtz70MkvY45PMH_1Jfr52k9bkBjHiUIXAg=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXqo6B94T_lATz20R8AVzuvSvCLdWuYm8UtizC4CI-K4lmHxPIn5uTAnb0oIN_1ZnxZt4_Lv6JvV54Xl6UvZQYSqsjbEjpkbkrNv_gxNzS_WEPNTEqkuhziwefb6UZ7YCchGbbpwu5b_7hmuROgVuHzFZOXZCgcwd963HbjgWzyQ-St3L3qr-FYp8UwQ=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXqo6B94T_lATz20R8AVzuvSvCLdWuYm8UtizC4CI-K4lmHxPIn5uTAnb0oIN_1ZnxZt4_Lv6JvV54Xl6UvZQYSqsjbEjpkbkrNv_gxNzS_WEPNTEqkuhziwefb6UZ7YCchGbbpwu5b_7hmuROgVuHzFZOXZCgcwd963HbjgWzyQ-St3L3qr-FYp8UwQ=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Brida Valley<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUz3Yalfe2s9Qtk1HDmkhFSVbfnO68TiZLTty4yi5d_HvPoYZHUt8rAs7OD3Nmcb5c73qtVTImuyCY_b7kXHomefSC8im0fwyaHKzJ2Hf93Skp2RNmEuDH4WKF0WejlLIhKU67uLcLWAatiW3J-E_mQpcPH7a1awZ4PwG1_93TUGYXsg-KdwFQesuLRA=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUz3Yalfe2s9Qtk1HDmkhFSVbfnO68TiZLTty4yi5d_HvPoYZHUt8rAs7OD3Nmcb5c73qtVTImuyCY_b7kXHomefSC8im0fwyaHKzJ2Hf93Skp2RNmEuDH4WKF0WejlLIhKU67uLcLWAatiW3J-E_mQpcPH7a1awZ4PwG1_93TUGYXsg-KdwFQesuLRA=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHfSHxPK7cqW_kA9Pys3WpRpSs-GHw2adH8ZDNAxUn4R5nfhuNpfi9h_htKg_1DPUOlR4yTghw0HiAxXD2mo-Yr7M1QNePDNUS3CveYPvVHDHJSa6AUhsD3wjs7S5vbJtGAoQ2Znv10FdHFQbUVzrTmFpanuWl1Ihj-RrOrr2m8mKxkxTW8ecUqWObxQ=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHfSHxPK7cqW_kA9Pys3WpRpSs-GHw2adH8ZDNAxUn4R5nfhuNpfi9h_htKg_1DPUOlR4yTghw0HiAxXD2mo-Yr7M1QNePDNUS3CveYPvVHDHJSa6AUhsD3wjs7S5vbJtGAoQ2Znv10FdHFQbUVzrTmFpanuWl1Ihj-RrOrr2m8mKxkxTW8ecUqWObxQ=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Heavenly Gates<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4HLHUMND6E5xoAkX0845ZLybWH6MJ5iNAJfCG51DVlTRpG8fJ29fShJ2A2FXAbktd8UoNh3iMGayTyoXBH3rLOB97Fy98OIpEAEUZ2GOC4bDrBMqsAVRVSUiBZdxpAYaKMNMrLpD6bpxPi82Pv2xLzw4XnHLg53PxqpEeemWveYcl_yCvR2_voZnY2Q=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4HLHUMND6E5xoAkX0845ZLybWH6MJ5iNAJfCG51DVlTRpG8fJ29fShJ2A2FXAbktd8UoNh3iMGayTyoXBH3rLOB97Fy98OIpEAEUZ2GOC4bDrBMqsAVRVSUiBZdxpAYaKMNMrLpD6bpxPi82Pv2xLzw4XnHLg53PxqpEeemWveYcl_yCvR2_voZnY2Q=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just beat the rain..for a change<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The climb from the ladder to the summit of Carrauntoohil really doesn't have a lot to recommend it but I kept putting one foot in front of the other and after 30 minutes I reached the roof of the country. As is usual I didn't have it to myself but I was surprised to see a young guy putting away his crampons. I asked him what route he had come up and he said The Lick for a while before breaking out to The Step. I saw that he was also sporting a fine pair of climbing axes. I can only imagine he left more scratches on rock than anything else as absolutely no ice was to be found anywhere. Ah well, god loves a trier. I about faced and descended the lovely route that is The Heavenly Gates. It offers a spectacular route through the most impressive side of the mountain and always inspires. I finally reached the car a little over 5 hours after setting off. It had been a delightful outing of almost 17 kilometres and nearly 1500 metres of ascent. Well worth missing some sleep for. The less said about the fishing that evening the better.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyilezjHBheqNwK9t59ZVe4z6DT5vgxmyaIZwxCikyHawYtERd8uHgMklXdcjjFGxB75q9iwuG5p_UpO-zVT-XtGhIo4omj6G6NSLhfR-s9P4MveL-aMrtg9ef1vJ52IXDDbXn_wOHV49GPJx85pNeaQZN8iVI4-uUdSEJWC5-XncJtDR8lKvh59IVSQ=s482" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="482" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyilezjHBheqNwK9t59ZVe4z6DT5vgxmyaIZwxCikyHawYtERd8uHgMklXdcjjFGxB75q9iwuG5p_UpO-zVT-XtGhIo4omj6G6NSLhfR-s9P4MveL-aMrtg9ef1vJ52IXDDbXn_wOHV49GPJx85pNeaQZN8iVI4-uUdSEJWC5-XncJtDR8lKvh59IVSQ=w640-h568" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-5625086920106739782022-02-13T16:20:00.000+00:002022-02-13T16:20:57.300+00:00A Wintry Magillycuddy Reeks. February 2022.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghUKbjgGya49ucPcTs4STPSHZ4jtebQiiCeXEAWHPJWc2Cl3H0nocMJlTypu-KUM9mofoUYq-QOlanMnwpkaQS5bX5nCFQnYDsB0q9382yYxpdCix_CLFEdsOl71RzRx1EvJg2iSh62J1dRbPPbDDEeXhMIQzfMUupzbRJl3j486GvkS2UeWbRvfs_Vw=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghUKbjgGya49ucPcTs4STPSHZ4jtebQiiCeXEAWHPJWc2Cl3H0nocMJlTypu-KUM9mofoUYq-QOlanMnwpkaQS5bX5nCFQnYDsB0q9382yYxpdCix_CLFEdsOl71RzRx1EvJg2iSh62J1dRbPPbDDEeXhMIQzfMUupzbRJl3j486GvkS2UeWbRvfs_Vw=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /> I finished nights on Thursday morning and, being determined to make the most of the few days available to me before I start seven 12 hour days, I forwent bed and loaded up the car with my hiking and fishing gear and headed west.<p></p><p>The forecast for the next couple of days was mixed. Today was to be breezy, cold and dry but tomorrow was to get quite windy and rain was due in by midday. As I was going to be passing close to The Reeks while on my way west I decided that a climb of Carrauntoohil would be just the ticket to rid myself of any sleep cobwebs. One thing that struck me as I drove back was the dusting of snow on the mountaintops. Hmmm, perhaps I should have brought an ice axe or crampons?. Ah well, it was too late now. I parked in Lisliebane and set off into the glen shortly after 10am. My oh my, what a glorious morning. Mostly clear skies allowed me to admire the beautiful snow capped peaks ahead. A stiff chilly breeze cleared the sinuses but it wasn't too bad and I was looking forward to the day ahead. As I walked in the track I briefly was temped to climb up The Bone first and then turn and head for Carrauntoohil. I decided against that route as I would be heading into the wind while on top. As I reckoned it would perhaps be a war of attrition on that direction I decided to climb in an anti clockwise direction instead. As I went further into the glen my eye was drawn towards the steep ground that rises directly to Knockbrinnea and on a whim I decided to climb up that way<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv2pr6OA6cYNVUSJgBckTwzIdnbzWxWOSzNiu07d5A5WhYkIic3pX_92RHKSzpHEaXwObekOtwMpEPrVL73_MB1mefc_vZ2L5gE41DFmfWxwFxk9JhZTEjvVs76QYblqWBa9bGREVpGPQzCpiOYWJJPJ1FzXs4aKXX2DyjiyDNSU5DuO5odXefbzDtJg=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv2pr6OA6cYNVUSJgBckTwzIdnbzWxWOSzNiu07d5A5WhYkIic3pX_92RHKSzpHEaXwObekOtwMpEPrVL73_MB1mefc_vZ2L5gE41DFmfWxwFxk9JhZTEjvVs76QYblqWBa9bGREVpGPQzCpiOYWJJPJ1FzXs4aKXX2DyjiyDNSU5DuO5odXefbzDtJg=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view to Beenkeragh and Carrauntoohil from Knockbrinnea<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>If I wasn't warm by now I soon would be as I started up the unrelenting steep 550mtr climb. On the previous Sunday I went to Dungarvan to run in the 10 mile race. It didn't go well and I suffered badly for most of the run. I was feeling quite sorry for myself for a few days after so a day on the mountains was just the tonic I needed to restore my confidence. On the climb I kept up a steady pace and I was able to gain height quite quickly. The views back down into the glen became more spectacular and the East Reeks and beyond were very special. As I passed above the "Hags Fingers" I was briefly enveloped in cloud and a light snow shower. It only added to the enjoyment of the day. As I had now reached the snow line I had to be a bit more careful as I climbed up the sometimes rocky slopes. The wind was getting stronger and it really felt quite wintry by now. I was loving it. The angle eases back as you near the summit of Knockbrinnea and now the views west towards Inch and Dingle can be enjoyed on top of the nearby glories. Next up comes Beenkeragh.The 200 metre climb passed easily enough but some care was required near the top as I climbed up the icy rocks. It promised to be interesting when I crossed the ridge towards Carrauntoohil.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3nWw61-D2bcK2L0Ljbm4IcRTc0ID0tpAU3fbwg88S8r4GMmpN5_CH9MLc-x0gpjdbD3l7Jap5Rx8x3V0Q7Jve9IW2J3pbeGah-Mm22uSbGnsE13BB7x7PEg-fTTbWxo6PxazZ3QzLHWwu9GhinrOYwzWwOJo82XPQuPXYGFNoiZthq3LESW1u3B-OeQ=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3nWw61-D2bcK2L0Ljbm4IcRTc0ID0tpAU3fbwg88S8r4GMmpN5_CH9MLc-x0gpjdbD3l7Jap5Rx8x3V0Q7Jve9IW2J3pbeGah-Mm22uSbGnsE13BB7x7PEg-fTTbWxo6PxazZ3QzLHWwu9GhinrOYwzWwOJo82XPQuPXYGFNoiZthq3LESW1u3B-OeQ=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrauntoohil from Beenkeragh<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjak22EBhBrJ-nMmY6jhPDtxPZQ4JHvcJeWEbzE0nt7i-LseAwsTJWgVGb-neWehl_6aj1e3TtPYAoZ5rHIr-62Z8Jyw4rCy5iD8v162evwOs-qRiyb_6DRGy7osn1BU3DSV7zuOsl023IPCwjVvvCOjAGE8ZvTL77CAXEjFE-TlI6HNxwZCYljlj7Euw=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjak22EBhBrJ-nMmY6jhPDtxPZQ4JHvcJeWEbzE0nt7i-LseAwsTJWgVGb-neWehl_6aj1e3TtPYAoZ5rHIr-62Z8Jyw4rCy5iD8v162evwOs-qRiyb_6DRGy7osn1BU3DSV7zuOsl023IPCwjVvvCOjAGE8ZvTL77CAXEjFE-TlI6HNxwZCYljlj7Euw=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caher</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8rKU69lbwzGSrXkf1G_2K9e11seoHAJNvkH2e-5vo6-aJpnjrANDZonUiWzml-a49dEJqfsn6k9-upTB6gRHs_1Gz6I1Y061FFUirstzxDJZSIUmvEeiCXrW1esHDjqHWpC0EYF6kQ_AppJA6Q5T7FXqJ5alltLPOlFHg7X5l9QbtHg97_Ucs1SlEcw=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8rKU69lbwzGSrXkf1G_2K9e11seoHAJNvkH2e-5vo6-aJpnjrANDZonUiWzml-a49dEJqfsn6k9-upTB6gRHs_1Gz6I1Y061FFUirstzxDJZSIUmvEeiCXrW1esHDjqHWpC0EYF6kQ_AppJA6Q5T7FXqJ5alltLPOlFHg7X5l9QbtHg97_Ucs1SlEcw=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West towards Coumasaharn<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>The frozen summit of Beenkeragh was no place to tarry in the biting wind so I wasted no time in setting off on the ridge. First up came the descent. This was straightforward enough once I took my time and made sure of each foot placement on the icy rocks. Once down, there follows a super enjoyable walk along the good track until you reach the narrow rocky crux of the ridge. I decided to stick to the crest on this section and it worked out well. Good care is needed here but there are ample placements for foot and hand and safe progress can be made. The drop towards the top of O'Sheas Gully is probably the trickiest section of the route in the conditions. Once at the top of the gully another climb is needed to reach the top of Carrauntoohil. Again, some care is needed to surmount the icy sections but soon enough I was on the icebound top. I briefly thought I had the summit to myself (a rare thing these days) but I spotted a few people sheltering from the wind at the stony shelter. I decided to head towards the ladder and have a spot of lunch nearer there. There were a few other climbers out but all in all the mountains were quiet and I had most of the route entirely to myself. After lunch I climbed Cnoc na Toinne, which is one of my favourite places on the ridge. Here you are literally in the heart of the range, and despite being at 840 metres the mountains either side look large and imposing. This spot is also the best (or worst) place to experience the fury of spindrift. Today was no exception and as I crossed the top I had to shelter my eyes from the probing shards of snow. It was invigorating.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc3M-0PXDXDnAO8iyInOmz4hbAziZFsw6x3jCiqZ4GhZryUc9xI6-WzapOHabFzJj3e3BjctA5YVH19-oYANKGWgctzgraRosqFFGlTdGU_pjz9itNg5HHRL2Oawhub_kocu37JcPlMDD5Aki8Vt0PysLMLjW_LYhg10cEe4QleZdRqyR_nQrrDc-O4w=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc3M-0PXDXDnAO8iyInOmz4hbAziZFsw6x3jCiqZ4GhZryUc9xI6-WzapOHabFzJj3e3BjctA5YVH19-oYANKGWgctzgraRosqFFGlTdGU_pjz9itNg5HHRL2Oawhub_kocu37JcPlMDD5Aki8Vt0PysLMLjW_LYhg10cEe4QleZdRqyR_nQrrDc-O4w=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The East Reeks<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1pMQs9L9mn9vGzdqX6r61NXhMuptlv6ye8TMyX21jpmwNPGeyNyOsbwGqaVDDHUFXHEkfdChglFNqyXK0RkY1qil6-CP1xjD5j6gQjibS-h9OvSFpaN0rCcxRM4CrrBFpwHNbRDnpL3YicZO6smUDC6qBEV96OKIU5bqAxONxlc8210afJQLscKhsQQ=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1pMQs9L9mn9vGzdqX6r61NXhMuptlv6ye8TMyX21jpmwNPGeyNyOsbwGqaVDDHUFXHEkfdChglFNqyXK0RkY1qil6-CP1xjD5j6gQjibS-h9OvSFpaN0rCcxRM4CrrBFpwHNbRDnpL3YicZO6smUDC6qBEV96OKIU5bqAxONxlc8210afJQLscKhsQQ=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards Kenmare Bay<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrys8Lnen8tteqcE8IzUm1Y_9sRixDBNrkDT3cSUKQwh3qUJrS0SumTpZ_32jIfkMEC0hw-kXX70G7Qzs8AFjWLARZ5rwwNq_-D05adKsPJDPE7rVg0mEv3c4sHvcOWErmOnhfiQGA3fyBg3kidLdstmc4FufoR-LLgbTFxzKt2q8KN9ANUm2SPgG-gg=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrys8Lnen8tteqcE8IzUm1Y_9sRixDBNrkDT3cSUKQwh3qUJrS0SumTpZ_32jIfkMEC0hw-kXX70G7Qzs8AFjWLARZ5rwwNq_-D05adKsPJDPE7rVg0mEv3c4sHvcOWErmOnhfiQGA3fyBg3kidLdstmc4FufoR-LLgbTFxzKt2q8KN9ANUm2SPgG-gg=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7-y24nVvdi902P-0WPOPQvADL_Qr5VqIjUBw5EVZWaxa7pXbREoWqSlKA_hTmmBpkWEsTe7M7fX6YJl2tg9qeywB70_-6bN9pW4v9cJ_FvMY-TuAsQN6v5lye3aZNW0SzCoJaqDtPPJItybEBQ0c0A2a6ZS5XPheKf7AhVDH5IGBiRW3unh4O0F3oNw=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7-y24nVvdi902P-0WPOPQvADL_Qr5VqIjUBw5EVZWaxa7pXbREoWqSlKA_hTmmBpkWEsTe7M7fX6YJl2tg9qeywB70_-6bN9pW4v9cJ_FvMY-TuAsQN6v5lye3aZNW0SzCoJaqDtPPJItybEBQ0c0A2a6ZS5XPheKf7AhVDH5IGBiRW3unh4O0F3oNw=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br />As I approached Cnoc an Cuillin I was again overtaken by a wintry squall that only added to the atmosphere of the day. It soon passed and by the time I was on the top the views were again extensive and wonderful. I continued easily on the ridge as far as Maolan Bui (The Bone) and descended easily from there all the way back to the glen floor. I arrived back at the car almost five and a half hours after setting off, tired for sure but also enthused and invigorated. About 14 kilometres covered but over 1500 metres climbing had made it a substantial outing. It had been a stunning day....and it wasn't over yet.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsY0jpUGOFo_NtSMzTLVrP9Zk2JBj_mQvmDzlOr85nN8638Nh5CPMGKwad66L4omwwPGBJM4Q1q3y54_Mcg8IH5W1sYvQCOvlHwrQNnery41A3yWkRRnumu5VTJqHxdxK7kNQN8vsgORF0n07KLx_AS4RGrI0oDC08OitS3s2CcTDdn4TS0zs6u-xmTA=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsY0jpUGOFo_NtSMzTLVrP9Zk2JBj_mQvmDzlOr85nN8638Nh5CPMGKwad66L4omwwPGBJM4Q1q3y54_Mcg8IH5W1sYvQCOvlHwrQNnery41A3yWkRRnumu5VTJqHxdxK7kNQN8vsgORF0n07KLx_AS4RGrI0oDC08OitS3s2CcTDdn4TS0zs6u-xmTA=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into the wonderful Brida Valley<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPtT2AWy739KfHv25honhTJ91FUNHGU5XpRdU93tNIvbOlfuEhAHq0EVmDlOA1D574QHbyspTssXna_ayxAb1l317dmBtGOytQwzn6ziNpNCAbzn44VP2ipmWJazAW3f_ss_pzq3euC8WO1qq0bq7OfBytcu2fEhpra_9Q2NKyTc5dRyMnexaH5lOfEQ=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPtT2AWy739KfHv25honhTJ91FUNHGU5XpRdU93tNIvbOlfuEhAHq0EVmDlOA1D574QHbyspTssXna_ayxAb1l317dmBtGOytQwzn6ziNpNCAbzn44VP2ipmWJazAW3f_ss_pzq3euC8WO1qq0bq7OfBytcu2fEhpra_9Q2NKyTc5dRyMnexaH5lOfEQ=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towards Mangerton and Killarney<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Next up came the drive as far as Rossbeigh beach, where after spending an hour digging for lugworm, I set up my rods and prepared for several hours of surf angling. The breeze was forecast to die as darkness arrived and so it came to pass. It made for a very enjoyable experience to relax and watch the rods into the night. It was all the more special as the bass were about and in the mood for food. First cast I brought in the first of several fish and of course no session would be complete without the inevitable losses. It proved to be great sport and before I knew it it was nearly 10pm.I returned to my car and drove the short distance to the back of the beach and soon I had my tent up and I was settled for the night. I have to add that strictly speaking camping is forbidden here, but I reckoned that in winter and it being from late at night to early morning I would be okay. So it proved to be. It had been an excellent tiring but fun filled day. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSLwH4B7luyJ8-XRMWzZavVxVMI8DhdklUOV72e_aujV7MqQC2wiYpdbg1z_Er-a-MUqeK4tNbSZg5z_iD2c0Ros2tncXo_t4rGAndlbPiumOQD2YX73vDh8UtygRrTNQGjjpfh_bZ5BZ0GLKGcR_Me7QAnT5ucN2lqR_ZMBIJvnNZjb7V1_FC47wDpw=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSLwH4B7luyJ8-XRMWzZavVxVMI8DhdklUOV72e_aujV7MqQC2wiYpdbg1z_Er-a-MUqeK4tNbSZg5z_iD2c0Ros2tncXo_t4rGAndlbPiumOQD2YX73vDh8UtygRrTNQGjjpfh_bZ5BZ0GLKGcR_Me7QAnT5ucN2lqR_ZMBIJvnNZjb7V1_FC47wDpw=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzDin6mYsWqSAjuMWdr-fWIV-02v1eGh4fuvgCoW3ciC-u7QJrtODBAyaZenwYrbROF-ewxvve2PEvdOEHrKiIDrVBCnwX3o4uQREfzsPYtC3LRkTdu-AvYh1ukui9QYZJXVXGyINsE-FSFiO-wLaEhZK1xtWtyCP-grbt9KBtFfesie_tTMQzhrD5lQ=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzDin6mYsWqSAjuMWdr-fWIV-02v1eGh4fuvgCoW3ciC-u7QJrtODBAyaZenwYrbROF-ewxvve2PEvdOEHrKiIDrVBCnwX3o4uQREfzsPYtC3LRkTdu-AvYh1ukui9QYZJXVXGyINsE-FSFiO-wLaEhZK1xtWtyCP-grbt9KBtFfesie_tTMQzhrD5lQ=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-1997578559227346522022-01-16T19:37:00.004+00:002022-01-16T19:37:46.462+00:00Stoompa to Mangerton Horseshoe.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoFt7ZjEA8YfuCnnRBayqt9OPshOv2OfgrSUV3RerPChz55O-S1m1TQ8UxWC4MhWTriIT4EFYVWKNypZbr5ZhVvE5-RMY-VUXt2oSZW7t9sF3lRDaL5Su09C__X1RnNMo2qqZVJolYsFMN-x3cGr59CVAl26ozuxFBODm0HAGc339Lsx95NlfdGwEJ3g=s2619" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="2619" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoFt7ZjEA8YfuCnnRBayqt9OPshOv2OfgrSUV3RerPChz55O-S1m1TQ8UxWC4MhWTriIT4EFYVWKNypZbr5ZhVvE5-RMY-VUXt2oSZW7t9sF3lRDaL5Su09C__X1RnNMo2qqZVJolYsFMN-x3cGr59CVAl26ozuxFBODm0HAGc339Lsx95NlfdGwEJ3g=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br />The weather has been really quite good for the time of year. It was an especially good forecast for today so I decided that it would be a shame not to have a day on the mountains. With that in mind I decided that Mangerton would make a nice outing. It was therefore something of a disappointment to emerge from the house to an overcast dreary morning and a steady drizzle falling. Ah well, I wasn't going to let a little drizzle stop me and perhaps things would be better further west. The precipitation stopped as I drove back but the cloud and mist was pervasive and obscured all views.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj42E4M2jVgNyJ3V-OSThYyMcxpOqg12ZNWnKOLyhyH7HRtz4iQF1aruW5lTnLyY8tEvemLu-ndjOSjsJsoUwMZBGL0uLH2261yFvf4YQF_FeHsXMO9bxHnEeqBiCnelYQiuT02z5xaF5nj1AxzFzakgVkUxDbTIISy5pRjBZh8tEOfNEfIF5NGTgyjZA=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj42E4M2jVgNyJ3V-OSThYyMcxpOqg12ZNWnKOLyhyH7HRtz4iQF1aruW5lTnLyY8tEvemLu-ndjOSjsJsoUwMZBGL0uLH2261yFvf4YQF_FeHsXMO9bxHnEeqBiCnelYQiuT02z5xaF5nj1AxzFzakgVkUxDbTIISy5pRjBZh8tEOfNEfIF5NGTgyjZA=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div>I arrived at the start just after 10am and after suiting up I set off in along the heavily eroded trail. I decided to go across the rough ground and go to the summit via the Horses Glen. There wasn't a puff of breeze and in the low misty cloud things were quite atmospheric and calming. When I reached in by the lake I had a change of heart and decided to climb Stoompa and do a high level circuit of the glen instead. I reasoned that it was seldom so calm and it would be very pleasant up high. The vie from the end of the lake to the rugged entrance to the glen is one of my favourites and I paused awhile to admire it before heading up the (initially easy) north northwestern spur of Stoompa. Once on the ridge I was again enveloped by the mist and no views were on offer for a long time after that. There was nothing for it but to put the head down and slog up to the summit. I must say I was feeling a bit less than energetic but I managed to keep going without pause. Once on the top there follows an easy walk around the elbow of the glen, high above the triumvirate of lakes nestled below. The cloud became wispier and occasional misty views into the glen lifted the spirits. After giving a guy (whose dog was off the lead and chasing some sheep) a good bollocking, I continued to the arete between Mangerton and Mangerton North, and here I paused for a bite to eat. It was a simple thing to cross over Mangerton North and as soon as I started to descend towards the main track the clouds cleared and I enjoyed great views for the rest of the descent. Seeing three young stags added even more to the outing and I really enjoyed the rest of the descent. I arrived back at the car 3 hours 50mins after setting out, so it had been a decent effort to cover the 14.5 kilometres with over 900 metres ascent. I am getting the urge to immerse myself in the mountains once again.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh24b9i6v7vKeoQ5bhXCvpbuZDuBdLybios18kIMHG4BOHAXh8H1XknoADoNynA8m5ngVESB_ythw-a94-q2z5KYe4LUkXJOXIhCAZlEEjGqGDFdE2UaKNB3JDLttgVZb5zeT8aChGUWwGTc8lPZzOORyMFfVdZknNtVnZgB7eedogr2mLnsL_m9qoPAA=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh24b9i6v7vKeoQ5bhXCvpbuZDuBdLybios18kIMHG4BOHAXh8H1XknoADoNynA8m5ngVESB_ythw-a94-q2z5KYe4LUkXJOXIhCAZlEEjGqGDFdE2UaKNB3JDLttgVZb5zeT8aChGUWwGTc8lPZzOORyMFfVdZknNtVnZgB7eedogr2mLnsL_m9qoPAA=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><p></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-51276318774376031892022-01-06T19:39:00.000+00:002022-01-06T19:39:10.439+00:002022 A New Year. Carrauntoohil<p> I have been neglecting the blog over the past 18 months. With Covid causing mayhem, I basically got out of the habit of updating the blog. Not that I have been idle. I have been doing more in the way of cycling, I am still running and while visiting Castletownbere in the autumn of 2020 I rediscovered my liking for sea fishing from the shore. This has without doubt eaten into my hillwalking time but I still get out and about regularly. </p><p>Just before Christmas I went for a couple of days fishing to west Kerry and while there I went for a quick hike up Cnoc na dTobar. Something of an outlier at the western end of the Iveragh, this mountain reaches 690 metres and offers some of the best views in Ireland. A good path leads to the summit and the magic juxtaposition of islands, sea and mountains is truly wonderful. A nice little horseshoe can be done and it makes for a very satisfying few hours. (The less said about the fishing the better)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUvJOIi5nb9cQazrbVV6X_07cV62Va-WALJreQdoCZ2EjD_Ky38u2Un7jvV_hC7I_7emDpPcNuuwFChaY4biFr4fx2JCWplQT2GuTXCPUiM1NTGUD-XGok1hTRDSCPQh-W2CoLt29YSRib0wes1U7z-bZCrzZi6u5iC50dF5IeqNY_gJA0JPuKnK1VWw=s4160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4160" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUvJOIi5nb9cQazrbVV6X_07cV62Va-WALJreQdoCZ2EjD_Ky38u2Un7jvV_hC7I_7emDpPcNuuwFChaY4biFr4fx2JCWplQT2GuTXCPUiM1NTGUD-XGok1hTRDSCPQh-W2CoLt29YSRib0wes1U7z-bZCrzZi6u5iC50dF5IeqNY_gJA0JPuKnK1VWw=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view towards Caherciveen and Valentia from 3/4 the way up Cnoc na dTobar<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>On December 26th I went as far as the Galtees for a bit of a burnout, in the hope of offsetting some of the excesses of the previous days. It was a decent weather forecast and promised to be mainly dry and with the possibility of some clear skies. I decided that a circuit from Kings Yard would fit the bill nicely. I set off at 10.40 and headed for Monabrack first. This gives a nice gentle intro to the hike and I was immediately enjoying my walk up the farm road I followed it around into the valley between Monabrack and the spur that rises to Galtymore. This valley has a nice remote mountain feel to it and it offers you that lovely feel of being enveloped by the mountains. The easy going is now over and I faced into the 350 metre steep pull to the 630 metre summit of Monabrack. The weather was playing ball and what cloud there was only clung to the top of the main ridge. A drop down to the col and another 250 metre more gradual pull to the broad crest of the main ridge follows. Views were now scarce so I wasted no time trying to photograph anything and followed the wall all the way to the final slopes that rise up to "Dawsons Table". I didn't see anyone until I was under the summit slopes and even the summit itself was sparsely populated. From the top I turned south and decided to follow the spur that leads directly back to Kings Yard. I must confess to feeling the effects of festive excess on the route but I really enjoyed my outing. It is always a bonus to arrive back to the car warm and dry. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOqOYvi4Ad7qlPsW66GVZV2Lwye7wMGJQBMLk9STWy_oRG91AvUO__dp__qcmAt_nu8ES5H9GuGCXlQIy1rsPnQpnVazjacFGlW4Gim5lwRp6JEeiU1rSapRon6DTSbK4dxW43aWhO4NzkD2lOTrlKXY4fAKl6YMZIRsoAQcrCs_1znyuJ9fBkt07i9w=s779" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="779" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOqOYvi4Ad7qlPsW66GVZV2Lwye7wMGJQBMLk9STWy_oRG91AvUO__dp__qcmAt_nu8ES5H9GuGCXlQIy1rsPnQpnVazjacFGlW4Gim5lwRp6JEeiU1rSapRon6DTSbK4dxW43aWhO4NzkD2lOTrlKXY4fAKl6YMZIRsoAQcrCs_1znyuJ9fBkt07i9w=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">14 kilometres...950mtrs ascent...3.5 hours...cobwebs gone<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>January 5th 2022</p><p><br />With a couple of frosty nights promised and the possibility of snow on the Magillycuddy Reeks I was looking forward to my first hill outing of the new year. Wednesday January 5th was promised to be sunny and cold so that would be my outing. The evening before I could see from home that the Galtees were white on the top few hundred metres so I made sure to carry my axe and crampons with me. I even hoped to get in a winter climb of Curve Gully or "The Grey Area".</p><p>I rose early and was on the road west at 7.40. I arrived at a calm, frosty, blue sky Lisliebane before nine am and quickly got ready for the off. Alas, even though it was reading -4 in the car on the way back, the hoped for blanket of snow was no where to be seen so it looked like a climb was off the table. Ever hopeful I left the hardware in the bag and set off into the Hags Glen. The encompassing array of 3000ft peaks is always an inspirations sight and this morning was no exception. I was feeling good and immediately enjoying my surrounding and looking forward to the challenge ahead. I decided to head up to Commeenoughter in the rugged heart of the Carrauntoohil-Beenkeragh side of the glen and hope against hope that Curve Gully held snow. When I eventually reached "level 3" it was very clear that there was none so I continued up O'Sheas Gully. This is a long hard slog that gets steeper near the top but the rewards of the views west and the nearby Caher is ample reward for the effort and gives one a good excuse to rest a while. It was a properly fantastic day. The ground was well frozen, the sky was clear and blue and there wasn't a puff of wind. Just about as good as it gets (except maybe a covering of snow). </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFtB-6lRbgcqtCrb3oHEVWIDbFVXmq2Hck6m4OYhgNCW9qpeUtax5NkauwXZyNKsuUwaPsK1aHV3lVu46FIfdMFeMW6nuKXbTSX8n8hwUMfNvj9CFf7TNci0eAUxnPkH_wBHCFRo9mcnr_ncyYK7wGjVqbcw6Nl4guKHhqUCH0uJ0pkxSPj7xQDa6mhQ=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFtB-6lRbgcqtCrb3oHEVWIDbFVXmq2Hck6m4OYhgNCW9qpeUtax5NkauwXZyNKsuUwaPsK1aHV3lVu46FIfdMFeMW6nuKXbTSX8n8hwUMfNvj9CFf7TNci0eAUxnPkH_wBHCFRo9mcnr_ncyYK7wGjVqbcw6Nl4guKHhqUCH0uJ0pkxSPj7xQDa6mhQ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a bad way to start the day<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi3Xs3rCyo8LE6PgH69L9GsymE69cBw_tIhG4qm0Gp-QcRScTp94CEDKr2JPfKYRhlnigspq3VnWRPkF0JGjGZu_Zo_1skSMEFkUfgR2cG8IR6B_WLvIzlayzClweYNce8l-ZfZrF0fg6h_mq43t1R_qGzRYaqMGd5xyyLqUb818Xy73Obmp2fvNXOZw=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi3Xs3rCyo8LE6PgH69L9GsymE69cBw_tIhG4qm0Gp-QcRScTp94CEDKr2JPfKYRhlnigspq3VnWRPkF0JGjGZu_Zo_1skSMEFkUfgR2cG8IR6B_WLvIzlayzClweYNce8l-ZfZrF0fg6h_mq43t1R_qGzRYaqMGd5xyyLqUb818Xy73Obmp2fvNXOZw=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out from "Level Two" in Commeenoughter<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwDoh0O3XHV4uLwqDCiP5bVKJgnHx51z7WXx7WOpdhYQR9EgYkK-LYtCOszBbkCwWXHOBHSu3sM_bBRPcV91__ZuwA9v-gfWyFZS5pjuNj1mAoWv8fK9hmJq-AwPmA3ObO1don-wlndNyo1t8X3CUY6V51FfOKs7ZN3f1JWtkXZb5Dg4DvhOZEZzZ75g=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwDoh0O3XHV4uLwqDCiP5bVKJgnHx51z7WXx7WOpdhYQR9EgYkK-LYtCOszBbkCwWXHOBHSu3sM_bBRPcV91__ZuwA9v-gfWyFZS5pjuNj1mAoWv8fK9hmJq-AwPmA3ObO1don-wlndNyo1t8X3CUY6V51FfOKs7ZN3f1JWtkXZb5Dg4DvhOZEZzZ75g=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up "O'Sheas"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi4SOg-eapxNYRsxjmP7IQsoJM5iINzot1goBFYCPn3MZdX8x-n8gtSLP9x1TlOFvasxwli5ewKuYdlkirupyP_345Aey-hbZ9WZzH7PG0u1vBAD5A3D9dvKCJP86JSe22szoA0YhMLDvPLB1IZjroaM7OgcS7pnJqdQAfxq-JmchhUztL4Ri-BgtOcQ=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi4SOg-eapxNYRsxjmP7IQsoJM5iINzot1goBFYCPn3MZdX8x-n8gtSLP9x1TlOFvasxwli5ewKuYdlkirupyP_345Aey-hbZ9WZzH7PG0u1vBAD5A3D9dvKCJP86JSe22szoA0YhMLDvPLB1IZjroaM7OgcS7pnJqdQAfxq-JmchhUztL4Ri-BgtOcQ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caher</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg52oTyl6hC6ZljpTqgHyVwyPi8FHz5t6Zc1CvTPRBApVUh7K6kYHc_8ZkxLsuHbKCZyd2WfpaocRYXXjmHEsxZ5eugZWoi1w84xzBc8MkCiym2i5ciu6Km_PzxSzSb6bVsfw6oEp2cGSkWgb9hC6fANPBDqGZGUHqhsRHrcOII3OuDM30gd1HIESA8mg=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg52oTyl6hC6ZljpTqgHyVwyPi8FHz5t6Zc1CvTPRBApVUh7K6kYHc_8ZkxLsuHbKCZyd2WfpaocRYXXjmHEsxZ5eugZWoi1w84xzBc8MkCiym2i5ciu6Km_PzxSzSb6bVsfw6oEp2cGSkWgb9hC6fANPBDqGZGUHqhsRHrcOII3OuDM30gd1HIESA8mg=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mountains near Glenbeigh<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>I was on the summit soon after and thankfully it wasn't too crowded and I relaxed and enjoyed a bite to eat. The East Reeks looked wonderful and I decided to continue my day and traverse the ridge as far as Maoláin Buí (The Bone). A wee bit of care on the descent the top of the ladder was required but it was hard not to keep looking up at the stunning panorama all around. Once at the top of the "Ladder the pull up to Cnoc na Toinne was easy on the frozen turf. Here is one of my favourite places to wander and soak in those views. You are in the heart of the range here and the 3000 foot mountains on either side look magnificent. It is hard to believe that you are still at a higher elevation than anywhere in Connaught and only Slieve Donard is higher in Ulster. A short descent leads you to the final climb of Cnoc an Chuillinn 958 metres. This is another of my favourite view points and it is made all the sweeter when the bulk of the climbing was now over. A wonderful airy walk follows on the ridge before a final 70mtr pull to the 970 metre summit of Maoláin Buí, my final top of the day. The descent is straightforward and went very well. I arrived back at the car before 14.00. Just 4 hours 45 mins to cover 14 kilometres and 1290 metres of ascent. I was well pleased.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHvVsyCJR2OparrpaP1e1WguTQHjkNKP_7D916ja_1SAYVsnvcOwQsyw4jUfEOLoBBeitKYeTM44moTCNzCqZcK2YMekLUTm7yfdxutsobLI79c62NsaE2hxfq2j6nWw_foT5qJneGpq7_jL0oJtkUpC5VtcEjMQBk4TC6SzaVKmzxM8fIXbd26jZDAw=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHvVsyCJR2OparrpaP1e1WguTQHjkNKP_7D916ja_1SAYVsnvcOwQsyw4jUfEOLoBBeitKYeTM44moTCNzCqZcK2YMekLUTm7yfdxutsobLI79c62NsaE2hxfq2j6nWw_foT5qJneGpq7_jL0oJtkUpC5VtcEjMQBk4TC6SzaVKmzxM8fIXbd26jZDAw=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrauntoohil</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj29ykhjkg-jUosqOJMooUyMmyhgJHkldXZ11xXzVWJfnaHScE40kU3XjqEhq01uTGnw0rCv1D4vzh2W2BKp8wmVZrEvG9iwN7vcQzZOArsPWtAcwctVrGz3ahvVbq1d67eGDMkqi-HQylSrbdAWNLE2SsRgN6k0nfN9Ks54MxTD9EaV5HbRlBIyF8x0Q=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj29ykhjkg-jUosqOJMooUyMmyhgJHkldXZ11xXzVWJfnaHScE40kU3XjqEhq01uTGnw0rCv1D4vzh2W2BKp8wmVZrEvG9iwN7vcQzZOArsPWtAcwctVrGz3ahvVbq1d67eGDMkqi-HQylSrbdAWNLE2SsRgN6k0nfN9Ks54MxTD9EaV5HbRlBIyF8x0Q=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDThtaTn48mvJZKNd295h-zvoJORR78vKGBCwHw3G0X3R2RGPEqA_7m9yGisXulBKbGnLLww2Uk-gxratkAuCjwIVDoceXPgNO0jn6Sv1VfySwn89wYSDOnEqiw8eK92tQXA3OKbaQwWigabRJ7Z0I66sKlsMnAW760ad4HZGjt5oDRvqYlXsCeNQ9pQ=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDThtaTn48mvJZKNd295h-zvoJORR78vKGBCwHw3G0X3R2RGPEqA_7m9yGisXulBKbGnLLww2Uk-gxratkAuCjwIVDoceXPgNO0jn6Sv1VfySwn89wYSDOnEqiw8eK92tQXA3OKbaQwWigabRJ7Z0I66sKlsMnAW760ad4HZGjt5oDRvqYlXsCeNQ9pQ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favourite strolls...Cnoc na Toinne<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL5eS5MrL139KAtiI3o3Ut6bODp_-LW7eqmSxVNkpvbQ-QBKiOt_hNi8Tl1_FipxEHriN-kf1Lo4yyl3y-IshG0u65XMQpb9bo4HpMV5p_rZKR-5OtjgGD_nBuT64pojluwZNX9Y00ySHz1w7cblEKRmHAGGy1dksdH2A5YUiQ7veyI6abnD9zz6DtTA=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL5eS5MrL139KAtiI3o3Ut6bODp_-LW7eqmSxVNkpvbQ-QBKiOt_hNi8Tl1_FipxEHriN-kf1Lo4yyl3y-IshG0u65XMQpb9bo4HpMV5p_rZKR-5OtjgGD_nBuT64pojluwZNX9Y00ySHz1w7cblEKRmHAGGy1dksdH2A5YUiQ7veyI6abnD9zz6DtTA=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back from "The Bone"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUiSryQkaVpQHATEPvhvuTn87_xNI_IDms0Fx4oqtjlfAYv2AlTCK2itgA3rMgLrZs1AedMFB1D4yC8ABqvhv09hTpAumGTOTtnCkeW_Ck0vCk-yO9CYuOD2DIgJbmadRBLyrzCnAF-tGB3tRCv_YMYCJKy9wx85XmtORb0EGQe6AzvQKJdtN1gK6luw=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUiSryQkaVpQHATEPvhvuTn87_xNI_IDms0Fx4oqtjlfAYv2AlTCK2itgA3rMgLrZs1AedMFB1D4yC8ABqvhv09hTpAumGTOTtnCkeW_Ck0vCk-yO9CYuOD2DIgJbmadRBLyrzCnAF-tGB3tRCv_YMYCJKy9wx85XmtORb0EGQe6AzvQKJdtN1gK6luw=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descent.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-49743901452997753452021-10-29T09:30:00.001+01:002021-10-29T09:30:18.775+01:00Cycling The Best of the Dingle Peninsula.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmdJhrS2pMIpZQ3JFUczzZSvZLmQy_Q6-0U3E0ga-19M-CsyGFklXWdUlp14AO1MDOMigCiu0T5naDpHCVz6eyRykmXASqtAKBqrVlekaljmlLqawg_4Cx5Zx5YkGNRa7Ye8gcf0QG--zdQWZnNSPoWUm4WJ9if02f35apRHiSi6CpsMxuzDMLQHSw9Q=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmdJhrS2pMIpZQ3JFUczzZSvZLmQy_Q6-0U3E0ga-19M-CsyGFklXWdUlp14AO1MDOMigCiu0T5naDpHCVz6eyRykmXASqtAKBqrVlekaljmlLqawg_4Cx5Zx5YkGNRa7Ye8gcf0QG--zdQWZnNSPoWUm4WJ9if02f35apRHiSi6CpsMxuzDMLQHSw9Q=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br />On Sunday October 24th I packed up my stuff after work and headed west to the stunningly beautiful Cloghane village, which nestles on the shore under the shadow of Mount Brandon. I had Monday and Tuesday to play with so I hoped to get some cycling, fishing and hiking done. Monday was forecast to be a good day but Tuesday looked less promising so I decided that I would try and pack as much into Monday as possible.<p></p><p>Cycling first. I stayed in the excellent Mount Brandon Hostel and after a good sleep and tasty breakfast I emerged into a beautiful clear morning. There was a little more in the way of a breeze than I would have preferred but it was mostly clear skies and dry. In October that passes for a great day. I left the village at 08.45 and headed along the shore towards Fermoyle. OMG, what a glorious sight the mountains made as they bathed in the reddish hues of the post dawn sun. Their gullies and cliffs were riven with shadows and light and it was wonderful to see. This moment alone made the trip worthwhile. I suppose I should have stopped and fished out my phone to take pictures but when I'm on the bike I prefer to keep going. The first six kilometres went quickly and soon I reached the road to Dingle. Next up comes the long climb to the Connor Pass. Now the mountains become even more of a joy as they seem to envelop you in an embrace as you begin to gradually rise towards the pass. To the left, Slieveanea soars and to the right the wonderful wall of mountain architecture that is the Mount Brandon massif takes the breath away. Not that I had much of it to spare, as I was finding the going quite tough at times as I pedaled a low gear up the slope. A brief shower of rain gave me a bit of a soaking but the stunning rainbow, framed under Brandon Peak, was ample compensation.</p><p>Eventually I crested the pass and now I had an easy 6 kilometre descent to look forward to and to hopefully recover. The road is good, and as I was into the breeze, I could just let the bike freewheel all the way to Dingle. After the bit of rain I found it chilly on the descent, but once down in the town I decided to cycle the bypass, so this meant a steep 40 metre climb as I skirted the town. This soon warmed me up, and by the time I turned right at the roundabout I was nice and comfortable again. I now that the justifiably famous cycle route, the Slea Head Cycle in store. I had decided to do the cycle in an anticlockwise direction as this would hopefully mean the breeze would be at my back for the latter stages and the return to Cloghane. This meant I was cycling inland on this stretch. It isn't too taxing for the first few kilometres and then a short easy hill is crested before you begin to head towards Brandon Creek. Now the wonderful coastline of this area is revealed. The Three Sisters, Smerwick Harbour, Ballydavid Head and more is a joy to behold and I was looking forward to seeing them all as I went along. I turned left and passed below Ballydavid Head and also turned into the breeze. I didn't mind though as it wasn't too strong and the scenery was wonderful. I cycled around the bay and through Ballyferriter and headed to the viewpoint near Clogher Head. The sea was quite rough and large waves could be seen crashing into the cliffs. You could taste the salty spray in the air.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_2d7ut11pAjui-zSwRI5-Id97mGKLfeWU_ZgTS1j1NKbfqO8T6_VpFSpA7J-5kn6-bwBS8-DLndMbfOVEQ1St9lGdnI_LmW_fbBb7szcUPrDXLtDVww_iP7Wf3VF-eRUMbYJs5jbl07VPP-3LLnoQ-E-b8O45aYc_Hl3mI8VrUPYiCmNhlWjgWkFTFQ=s2557" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_2d7ut11pAjui-zSwRI5-Id97mGKLfeWU_ZgTS1j1NKbfqO8T6_VpFSpA7J-5kn6-bwBS8-DLndMbfOVEQ1St9lGdnI_LmW_fbBb7szcUPrDXLtDVww_iP7Wf3VF-eRUMbYJs5jbl07VPP-3LLnoQ-E-b8O45aYc_Hl3mI8VrUPYiCmNhlWjgWkFTFQ=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0bRu3Rt1kArT56gq3sDpXxDMF9XdcHxb6y8xxQ93jiVxzflOkPZZ3mgCQAsRpOjYDQfup9iLPMFpiW5ckSUm2xq7uio6LvSZOqZdIYJkY0jQKmChXWpoj2HwTjyBMpXCFj4hc0anoxJ1E8ZJxemuWm0diWqXvAk-4cqfQT5Q8b3Yi3az7W3bpnFa8rQ=s2557" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0bRu3Rt1kArT56gq3sDpXxDMF9XdcHxb6y8xxQ93jiVxzflOkPZZ3mgCQAsRpOjYDQfup9iLPMFpiW5ckSUm2xq7uio6LvSZOqZdIYJkY0jQKmChXWpoj2HwTjyBMpXCFj4hc0anoxJ1E8ZJxemuWm0diWqXvAk-4cqfQT5Q8b3Yi3az7W3bpnFa8rQ=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkote6TF5I4pH1SWtodUmSQGwqbsvcyAd_or3VEsmCLOq-6jp_AAtpMZNHKqVMmb_DM6dCnNXfBoKCEYBeW7KPQCIFs5TYdqrJ31hoWD37eJqCVVji-X-SHILhjMv_KPMlTRgb1qPf6aSfpzux0FWW2ffkwyqVFWHfc8NC8u3q8VMYHauQNnvbECzYag=s2557" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkote6TF5I4pH1SWtodUmSQGwqbsvcyAd_or3VEsmCLOq-6jp_AAtpMZNHKqVMmb_DM6dCnNXfBoKCEYBeW7KPQCIFs5TYdqrJ31hoWD37eJqCVVji-X-SHILhjMv_KPMlTRgb1qPf6aSfpzux0FWW2ffkwyqVFWHfc8NC8u3q8VMYHauQNnvbECzYag=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><p>The next few kilometres are simply divine. Mountains rise to the left and the road cuts through bog and rock, at times high above the ocean. The Blasket Islands rise from the deep and further afield the glories of the Everagh Peninsula were softened by a few spots of misty rain. Once I was passed the narrow spectacular section near Dunquin I had the breeze to my back and things became easier. Through Ventry I went and soon I was back in Dingle. A steep climb up the bypass road I found tough on tiring legs and I was fearing the worst for the return climb to the Connor Pass. I kept it to a low gear (like I had a choice) all the way but I still struggled at times. The kilometres were slow in passing but I managed it. The 8 or so kilometres back to the hostel were almost all downhill and flew by. It was a relief to get off the bike and remove the sweaty layers. A long hot shower was a great luxury and went a long way to revive me. I was feeling tired but elated at having been immersed in such wonderful scenery. </p><p>It was a substantial outing for me....over 95 kilometres and over 1400mtrs of ascent in 4 hours 13 minutes. I hadn't set any records but I was very pleased with the day.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU8CpeULkADi5J-nOn47OPDD_B1ZzD1fxDGjB9g2ZHPMpz_72rhBZ4xJ25aeeS22W-47vH5UvvFUDbVZuY61n81SfArPDWXQHV04o2zO_SuVkEhSIdJCjfJ2zEKk3LWXWjy6sNDnYSSbgwh4mT60wGJSwgjhU_BNWhx-_U1zcoHP2VgCqCB5RD9c0KuQ=s1037" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="1037" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU8CpeULkADi5J-nOn47OPDD_B1ZzD1fxDGjB9g2ZHPMpz_72rhBZ4xJ25aeeS22W-47vH5UvvFUDbVZuY61n81SfArPDWXQHV04o2zO_SuVkEhSIdJCjfJ2zEKk3LWXWjy6sNDnYSSbgwh4mT60wGJSwgjhU_BNWhx-_U1zcoHP2VgCqCB5RD9c0KuQ=w640-h306" width="640" /></a></div><br /> I completed my day by fishing for bass at Fermoyle beach. After spending a long time digging bait I spent four hours fishing. I caught a small bass on my first cast and I was sure it would a great session. Alas it was to be my only fish of the day. I was a tired boy when I returned to my lodgings at 20.30. I slept well.<br /><p></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-46117807314373868682021-10-18T11:36:00.004+01:002021-10-23T10:41:19.969+01:00A Circuit Of The Gap of Dunloe<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL4PMUQmIQJX2DOi7uQXV6C1EXTCMZouAnDzR3OE7QjgtAMyrRRcwKGe0_7EXXwvZsWaXmlu0e1LzWEWcmugMwvh-I6QZayVmenzMmBuXswIujPIVyKB0VcqiCjoL1LNCIexYwVW_7vGeif707-hZP8K8QcynjJi-fnFnPvueHX6yRlN3xokGTQZqejg=s2557" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL4PMUQmIQJX2DOi7uQXV6C1EXTCMZouAnDzR3OE7QjgtAMyrRRcwKGe0_7EXXwvZsWaXmlu0e1LzWEWcmugMwvh-I6QZayVmenzMmBuXswIujPIVyKB0VcqiCjoL1LNCIexYwVW_7vGeif707-hZP8K8QcynjJi-fnFnPvueHX6yRlN3xokGTQZqejg=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br />It's been a while since I put anything new on my blog. It isn't that I haven't being doing anything, far from it, but I guess that there has been something of a seismic shift in peoples lives these days and habits changed. I have been doing less on the hills for sure. A new bike arrived last February and I have definitely been enjoying doing more cycling. I have also gotten into sea fishing again and this has also taken up a chunk of my time. I have of course been visiting the hills, but it has been more piecemeal in nature, as I have tried to fit other things into each trip I have done. Yesterday I decided to devote the day entirely to the mountains so I headed back to Kerry early doors.<p></p><p>The weather looked very promising. Clouds clung to the tops as I drove back but I was hopeful that things would clear as the sun gained strength. I intended to go to the Reeks and do a big old circuit. As I drove through Fossa my eyes were drawn to beautiful light glowing on the flanks of Tomies and on a sudden whim I decided to head to Kate Kearneys and climb Tomies and Purple mountain instead. I left the car at 09.35 and headed back the road until I reached the track that would lead to the gentle spur of Tomies north top. There was just a gentle breeze and the air was mild and with mostly blue skies to be seen. I was immediately in my element. It simply felt wonderful to be out. The spur allows you to gain height gently but eventually the 200 metre, hard pull to the broad top, has to be faced. As I gained height the breeze became a wind and suddenly I was left in no doubt that summer had well and truly left us. Being in just a baselayer I had a good incentive to keep moving. Across the yawning valley the shoulder of Strickeen formed the other side but once I was climbing the steeper ground I could suddenly see over it and the might Reeks looked majestic. I was momentarily regretting my decision to give them a miss but then I reckoned that if I had gone there I would have missed this view. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEp1IoW72i-adtcunknup5Es2ZUFzTQxH7NmmA_kU-Ds-7nNh64u-yE-5uvFkHhJZuZvTj9AKXvYQfB6ANXqTFJfiNXMmwCQuE814oiFLR37Oa6hE6wnoeN7L7e39_Zr5T3vzJUdbScbrCf_YMu6ARnEAF5tQ0p3ajrrfZJ6kbeIMPskMQxunsGycJrA=s2557" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEp1IoW72i-adtcunknup5Es2ZUFzTQxH7NmmA_kU-Ds-7nNh64u-yE-5uvFkHhJZuZvTj9AKXvYQfB6ANXqTFJfiNXMmwCQuE814oiFLR37Oa6hE6wnoeN7L7e39_Zr5T3vzJUdbScbrCf_YMu6ARnEAF5tQ0p3ajrrfZJ6kbeIMPskMQxunsGycJrA=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc4eVAQsN5whrBHe92vX96xYJaneCqeF10sCwaBytO51dAVXwA6SZhM1hIQFIm6uKBAqO6EaW9ku5AQ18rQoDToJXuJ7BLJQhG8KBPJEXd1n1akV732j0KFNVr-ictnO3IDjLXCUk-pCvOqjPCR_bg1G4qkTZY6PzCz7cqpForFHlXZpKM1n2bOqfzXw=s2557" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc4eVAQsN5whrBHe92vX96xYJaneCqeF10sCwaBytO51dAVXwA6SZhM1hIQFIm6uKBAqO6EaW9ku5AQ18rQoDToJXuJ7BLJQhG8KBPJEXd1n1akV732j0KFNVr-ictnO3IDjLXCUk-pCvOqjPCR_bg1G4qkTZY6PzCz7cqpForFHlXZpKM1n2bOqfzXw=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7-cbkDnmX0izlBDO__SzG1iQMWaaipWQHxxo8gRfvcI5bU_c0ma8grjEpHR61anjmQFVc8wK7ONaarWXcZdz5mdQ48Zy9BBVPGEzbMbOwBGFMycbcF6PBsC29za9OrSFgFHAyWB4G9L47TzHmP1Cn2WaHOeIes2Vn51v3um5bz99Hw1yHgkyStNs8PQ=s2557" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7-cbkDnmX0izlBDO__SzG1iQMWaaipWQHxxo8gRfvcI5bU_c0ma8grjEpHR61anjmQFVc8wK7ONaarWXcZdz5mdQ48Zy9BBVPGEzbMbOwBGFMycbcF6PBsC29za9OrSFgFHAyWB4G9L47TzHmP1Cn2WaHOeIes2Vn51v3um5bz99Hw1yHgkyStNs8PQ=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Once on the broad north top I was seriously tempted to stop and put on another layer but I reasoned that the steep 150 metre climb to Tomies would keep me warm enough. It didn't really, and when I reached the top I wasted no time in adding clothes. Next comes a delightful kilometre of easy walking with stunning views. The biggest danger here is tripping on a rock as you look around you. Cloud was skimming the ground ahead, and once I was heading towards Purple, it was a magical mix of hazy views and fogbows. I didn't delay on the summit and headed down on the long descent towards the head of the gap. Around half way down I stopped for a bite of lunch and enjoyed the wonderful views of the Black Valley, the Upper Lake and of course the soaring Reeks. One thing that was evident was how denuded the slopes of the mountain were of heather. Clearly this whole side of the mountain had been burned during the terrible wild fire earlier in the year. The remainder of the descent went well and as I was feeling good I decided to climb Drishana and completed the circuit via Cnoc na Bhraca and Strickeen. I won't lie to you, I found the 200 metre climb to Drishana quite tough but once that is done the remainder of the climbing isn't too steep. Cloud became more extensive as I approached Cnoc na dTarbh and I was enveloped in mist until I emerged into the sunshine again as I descended towards the long boggy spur that stretched to Strickeen. I was feeling great and I made good progress as I followed the fence across the bog. I enjoyed a brief rest on the excellent viewpoint that is Strickeen before descending the fine track back to the valley floor and my car. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8G4BNoLj8dUpbD6i0vWCByTj957JLW6McRGLMJcGH-x_gqv2U2qIdMCZcITUd0t2pXZaI0bb_cp_hkH2FRAVQXFDfOONDNEBa615xSivaBAulm2oZ6QYIoIxM2shORjALYyYK3CbKzJJ13ALH10hVb3QcRcml0fuTslkcGtcxWRtHvtqHY7KsdocVyA=s2557" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8G4BNoLj8dUpbD6i0vWCByTj957JLW6McRGLMJcGH-x_gqv2U2qIdMCZcITUd0t2pXZaI0bb_cp_hkH2FRAVQXFDfOONDNEBa615xSivaBAulm2oZ6QYIoIxM2shORjALYyYK3CbKzJJ13ALH10hVb3QcRcml0fuTslkcGtcxWRtHvtqHY7KsdocVyA=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXITX6sQZ-V96YSStLAyRcYh3bTHTOdrf7zNixWNY_9iqSUCUNnbgMBkmms8QyWKy_2L65Nmz9HNzXKn17vZPziV_v-0957IhmglTrbWXo0XZ5ytU4uopWJ8KUcu_Tw8YaelJPOb9wwexf3N29fv5c4pFPkC4VyyM90F3Amf8RUv_wYPMtJUGwlFJjpg=s2557" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXITX6sQZ-V96YSStLAyRcYh3bTHTOdrf7zNixWNY_9iqSUCUNnbgMBkmms8QyWKy_2L65Nmz9HNzXKn17vZPziV_v-0957IhmglTrbWXo0XZ5ytU4uopWJ8KUcu_Tw8YaelJPOb9wwexf3N29fv5c4pFPkC4VyyM90F3Amf8RUv_wYPMtJUGwlFJjpg=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhne0dfy01uhcRzC43-Zdj_22VowG5duNL-4gS8HQeRDIujZrsY6VJRf06mi3_jlgmuVRc_EucIYd9idnq5TtY_wpSKlyeJ11rYyQqtqeFF0GH5H3s7U0qJpMUSNSrSkRDuyqtaQ__W3LRutBHEpitr-IkS0OzGv5p0w2Q7A3J5wWAAPemPh7RadWnlGw=s2557" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhne0dfy01uhcRzC43-Zdj_22VowG5duNL-4gS8HQeRDIujZrsY6VJRf06mi3_jlgmuVRc_EucIYd9idnq5TtY_wpSKlyeJ11rYyQqtqeFF0GH5H3s7U0qJpMUSNSrSkRDuyqtaQ__W3LRutBHEpitr-IkS0OzGv5p0w2Q7A3J5wWAAPemPh7RadWnlGw=w640-h308" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQhFPETPyKnQ9wF9LK3PJMyHUGOB7W-WL-0so6cKpiwkMeUTDNxQBctBRYo5b970sybBXAnhgwWOVrJNOQD68lxQayRAiX6IfoQjy2BOqyy34LGeVNWhUaL9rk3BXM830Ixtx6RjbqaBqNJLtFyIsFSE_11_PB0RK-8w0hxGnnIB5Uk8rYt7yWc0RZvA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="2048" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQhFPETPyKnQ9wF9LK3PJMyHUGOB7W-WL-0so6cKpiwkMeUTDNxQBctBRYo5b970sybBXAnhgwWOVrJNOQD68lxQayRAiX6IfoQjy2BOqyy34LGeVNWhUaL9rk3BXM830Ixtx6RjbqaBqNJLtFyIsFSE_11_PB0RK-8w0hxGnnIB5Uk8rYt7yWc0RZvA=w640-h418" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It had been a superb outing. 19 kilometres, 1500 metres ascent in a blissful 5 hours 45mins.<br /></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-19682176229390822492021-08-02T11:10:00.004+01:002021-08-02T11:10:48.323+01:00Hot weather for a climb on the Galtees<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYQgekdn1Q1nc5BttW8qI8JdXBg_dFOPXb3E3h0PuaagbKRTQwzCJqHVwMrmg2C2rbxcd_Jaz0Ev9hzMN7DeFUh_FLN-uDi3y0w_OsU2koC0-j4Qifd6Oau6CLmCToCXVz2Lp1dkLRJiQ/s2577/IMG_20210718_124209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="2577" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYQgekdn1Q1nc5BttW8qI8JdXBg_dFOPXb3E3h0PuaagbKRTQwzCJqHVwMrmg2C2rbxcd_Jaz0Ev9hzMN7DeFUh_FLN-uDi3y0w_OsU2koC0-j4Qifd6Oau6CLmCToCXVz2Lp1dkLRJiQ/w640-h304/IMG_20210718_124209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Hot weather for several days, would have, I hoped, done its job and dried out the normally boggy Galtees. So, on July 18th, I set off on a beautiful sunny morning, full of anticipation, for Kings Yard.<p></p><p>The weather is so settled I didn't even bring rain gear or extra clothes. It was a pure, shorts and tee-shirt kinda day. I was also just using my trail runners but I was determined to enjoy a walk today and not break into a run. It was too hot. Leaving the car, I strode up along the lovely track until I reached the open mountainside. I was feeling energized and strong, so I was determined to do a substantial outing. I love walking into the valley on the east side of Monabrack. It's pleasant V shape, backed by the main Galtee ridge, added to the river (anemic today) flowing in the base, give a lovely somewhat remote feel. I crossed the little bridge and took a deep breath before starting up the 300 metre climb to the summit of Monabrack. This is a long, steep drag, but height is gained quickly. I was delighted with how strong my legs felt and I pushed out a good pace all the way up. Once I reached the broad summit I paused to enjoy a long drink and enjoy the great views. The Knockmealdowns rose across the wide agricultural valley to the south and further west, the Comeraghs stood proud. Of course, the big hulking mass of Galtymore looked great as did all the tops of the western half of the range.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjvK5lkGZKGkSwcYWKCS0RH4O0C5oKvo8uN_YoQ5lYOJ7TH8Mabpy8zxSPojLkuisbX9KOHEVB560GxEJE7DPS7X0zpYoF5j5QKLifpNh_Yzs_64bDAtQa0W6BWHWwKSMind4KGF51XHM/s2557/IMG_20210718_115829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjvK5lkGZKGkSwcYWKCS0RH4O0C5oKvo8uN_YoQ5lYOJ7TH8Mabpy8zxSPojLkuisbX9KOHEVB560GxEJE7DPS7X0zpYoF5j5QKLifpNh_Yzs_64bDAtQa0W6BWHWwKSMind4KGF51XHM/w640-h308/IMG_20210718_115829.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I had to resist the impulse to break into a run while I descended to the next valley under Knockaterriff. Once down in the bottom I was again faced with a long steep climb. Still feeling good, I pushed on and once I reached the broad summit, I was once again able to enjoy a delicious breeze, which was most welcome after the almost 400 metre climb. If felt simply wonderful to be out. I haven't been doing enough hill walking this year, and who wouldn't enjoy it on a day like today. I could have extended the day and crossed the boggy saddle to Templehill but I decided to leave it out and headed to Lyreacappul instead. Once I reached this delightful summit, I was on the main ridge and most of the climbing had been done for the day. A rest here and a bite to eat was just the ticket and then I was able to enjoy a lovely walk all the way to Galtymore. Where normally I would have to twist and turn to try and avoid boggy and wet areas, today I was able to walk straight on through. It was a delight. Galtymore was fairly busy but I didn't linger before I headed straight down to the delightful spot where three streams meet in the base of the valley. It was hot down below, and the absence of a breeze meant that the doctor flies were out in force. The streams were very low but there was still plenty of water in the pools below the cascades for me to enjoy a cooling dip. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZBPHhibuUglCB2wySKTBDWF39DBmd21FQ9do2dC0RTXQTFqrd31LHUCytfCIsPSc7bYqsuw9I8LcJacx8r7MMQ-rsm-cJxwYfMZ94m0Fmrj1gPsc3UhJ6RmWB5d6pA22_hCnPIJUc-fF/s2557/IMG_20210718_142046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZBPHhibuUglCB2wySKTBDWF39DBmd21FQ9do2dC0RTXQTFqrd31LHUCytfCIsPSc7bYqsuw9I8LcJacx8r7MMQ-rsm-cJxwYfMZ94m0Fmrj1gPsc3UhJ6RmWB5d6pA22_hCnPIJUc-fF/w640-h308/IMG_20210718_142046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxct6lpGjeC2SdjHnfZw8uzHW4pEL1vT3WtatDX4UVmR_qrJwmYBUB3nikjjJmM4ytudZMDDeo8zoAlynH_ir9eET7yErkCr1JK3Txhgf_niytuVdwM1r86bK1FygKq2-SKhS4W06fgTCp/s2557/IMG_20210718_142038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxct6lpGjeC2SdjHnfZw8uzHW4pEL1vT3WtatDX4UVmR_qrJwmYBUB3nikjjJmM4ytudZMDDeo8zoAlynH_ir9eET7yErkCr1JK3Txhgf_niytuVdwM1r86bK1FygKq2-SKhS4W06fgTCp/w640-h308/IMG_20210718_142038.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cG5nw3oKM0QpBJ0XtGSEUFAjZESLaSwtCOvpSi2AXrID9PSVXG_OysYbfuPmJpPefneRb3AHqGpaCCAVlJ5TknzO5t9ZeW1dpJBNtmrJJ0bykOAqOL1JlSRIr-7_-2GBKb4zw1GlM2ig/s2557/IMG_20210718_141840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cG5nw3oKM0QpBJ0XtGSEUFAjZESLaSwtCOvpSi2AXrID9PSVXG_OysYbfuPmJpPefneRb3AHqGpaCCAVlJ5TknzO5t9ZeW1dpJBNtmrJJ0bykOAqOL1JlSRIr-7_-2GBKb4zw1GlM2ig/w640-h308/IMG_20210718_141840.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6TPiGmYJXsPkRObD9YZaw6z891OECPGsiKqG5pDVV7QsojApRS8it02gYnwsysIFYWWzNup1B0k2LqWalP3JFstdqb2eniL6HohYBfuan3RuSz_M5dW5-J7lZMo0UKcPk3W-bfqJnTko/s2557/IMG_20210718_131530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6TPiGmYJXsPkRObD9YZaw6z891OECPGsiKqG5pDVV7QsojApRS8it02gYnwsysIFYWWzNup1B0k2LqWalP3JFstdqb2eniL6HohYBfuan3RuSz_M5dW5-J7lZMo0UKcPk3W-bfqJnTko/w640-h308/IMG_20210718_131530.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglugHa6DhHaZchBvQpcAFrzHNkTSDFCVW27DxFe2UXO2vaOVYrKVXGmyy4H7MuewB_eJTXozKcuYa6Sx-G2Z4ei6uLAf3npZ5FAy4HUj9jToa7e2hTSKfG9C6i0ztAXuwNKxU8lhHYGqqt/s2557/IMG_20210718_124230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglugHa6DhHaZchBvQpcAFrzHNkTSDFCVW27DxFe2UXO2vaOVYrKVXGmyy4H7MuewB_eJTXozKcuYa6Sx-G2Z4ei6uLAf3npZ5FAy4HUj9jToa7e2hTSKfG9C6i0ztAXuwNKxU8lhHYGqqt/w640-h308/IMG_20210718_124230.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It was just a few kilometres from there back to Kings Yard which soon passed. A long drink of water back at the car and soon I was heading for home. It had been a lovely outing. 16 kilometres, 1200 metres ascent in a little over 4 hours. Still got it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jUQmi7dq3JeYHZK7Sf2jtTuxg_Vrekoyg5i5dPbquafzG2XvmNMa9aMPYP70vRyQmIgKS0_7ccWaLHgIJD8Qmr4hFPjQVeBaZA6buy1Ld3nWMINxbilYyAxyzqV1Y5lYwFJyg6SdG8f6/s580/Screenshot+2021-08-02+at+10-06-24+A+glorious+gambol+on+the+Galtees+Hike+Strava.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="580" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jUQmi7dq3JeYHZK7Sf2jtTuxg_Vrekoyg5i5dPbquafzG2XvmNMa9aMPYP70vRyQmIgKS0_7ccWaLHgIJD8Qmr4hFPjQVeBaZA6buy1Ld3nWMINxbilYyAxyzqV1Y5lYwFJyg6SdG8f6/w640-h478/Screenshot+2021-08-02+at+10-06-24+A+glorious+gambol+on+the+Galtees+Hike+Strava.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-61943950686185650792021-06-03T23:29:00.003+01:002022-02-02T08:53:30.014+00:00Traversing the Dingle Peninsula...Cloghane to Tralee <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6MBpFyLIFY3CSO0Q7y0QL3DVAy8X7m7piCUFbPRsiOcR75UZJL5VPM_W0mVu3x2GcWKS0TxX8j2QOEUzIbfxJ1-DtDtHo1rSq3FkZqS__-P5WYXoWJP9qGy40WCbuNUl6KeqZi-s6Y8F/s5184/IMG_1802.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6MBpFyLIFY3CSO0Q7y0QL3DVAy8X7m7piCUFbPRsiOcR75UZJL5VPM_W0mVu3x2GcWKS0TxX8j2QOEUzIbfxJ1-DtDtHo1rSq3FkZqS__-P5WYXoWJP9qGy40WCbuNUl6KeqZi-s6Y8F/w640-h360/IMG_1802.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> I've been on my travels again. With the promise of a good weather window and with a bus traveling to Cloghane on Friday morning, I decided to do a traverse of the wonderful Dingle Peninsula over three days.<p></p><p>Friday May 28th; </p><p>After a train to Tralee, I got on the 9am bus which deposited me in a quiet,sunny and beautiful Cloghane at 09.50. So, backpack loaded with all the necessary equipment and food, I strode along quiet lanes until I reached the roads end at Brandon Point. Now, normally I'm not a great fan walking on the road, but with the hedgerows blooming, and the scenery so beautiful, it was easy to forgive the intrusion of the odd car. It took over an hour to reach the point, and since breakfast was back at 6am, I enjoyed a bite to eat at this wonderful vantage point. Blue sea, warm sun and no breeze made for a wonderful rest. I relaxed and watched the gannets flying below me and enjoyed the spectacle of them diving for fish. I had a long journey ahead of me, so I almost reluctantly left the spot, and began to climb towards An Sas.</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tTi2Kq6q3W0t46d70OT6uEMw2mF9lnF3rMwR9mA3V431jCymzjKRYMYk1EDa7Q_4O-Z0kiMeVB7_hjtZJhisqNPons_7dILNA3lcUn-p22gHrkgfQ5GAvLcG1IsFq2yU9Acfw8ydRjiz/s2557/IMG_20210528_123152.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tTi2Kq6q3W0t46d70OT6uEMw2mF9lnF3rMwR9mA3V431jCymzjKRYMYk1EDa7Q_4O-Z0kiMeVB7_hjtZJhisqNPons_7dILNA3lcUn-p22gHrkgfQ5GAvLcG1IsFq2yU9Acfw8ydRjiz/w640-h308/IMG_20210528_123152.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Sas and Masatiompán beyond<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4O-4ZXHiml4qVUegCjUT0uJnfPqGFzSGfKcBG7KS5cp3z07UPolxaB6ojDxcVmaBDWI2mxuYApBnK0laNqs6NiW5v4tTaW8evE99RvoyF1k_n2-yGAvAWisdGNnmWTaglc3mqYDhxTRs4/s2557/IMG_20210528_123158.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4O-4ZXHiml4qVUegCjUT0uJnfPqGFzSGfKcBG7KS5cp3z07UPolxaB6ojDxcVmaBDWI2mxuYApBnK0laNqs6NiW5v4tTaW8evE99RvoyF1k_n2-yGAvAWisdGNnmWTaglc3mqYDhxTRs4/w640-h308/IMG_20210528_123158.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up at the main ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIpcSJXt1YfGhGjn8fq_wyZ3wgCdSQHAtoE80qIkyDv4lh1y_tPkvI92q3UhpnTSxq5q6byY0OCcAWSXqh5kgLvCCuyZ0HYCUg6xNgLaX4IB7J5IcunWgRLEz-OULU-MnYLKW1k8Evykq/s2557/IMG_20210528_143356.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIpcSJXt1YfGhGjn8fq_wyZ3wgCdSQHAtoE80qIkyDv4lh1y_tPkvI92q3UhpnTSxq5q6byY0OCcAWSXqh5kgLvCCuyZ0HYCUg6xNgLaX4IB7J5IcunWgRLEz-OULU-MnYLKW1k8Evykq/w640-h308/IMG_20210528_143356.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to Brandon Creek and the Three Sisters<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This section, in weather such as this, is simply divine. The views to the sea and back to Cloghane and beyond open up, and are wonderful, but the gnarly skyline of the main ridge of Mount Brandon is truly special. It thrills and excites, but first I had to get there. The glory of the spectacular sunken coum of An Sas is always special, but up next comes the near 500mtr climb to Masatiompán. It is a brute with the heavy bag, but it does pass. The rewards, in terms of views, are more than ample compensation. On top of all that, there before you, you now can gaze down to that majestic juxtaposition of hills, coastline and islands, that is famous the world over. Not that all the climbing is over. Far from it, but the worst bit is done. There follows several wonderful kilometres as you approach and pass Brandon itself. After the big pull up to Brandon Peak, I could begin to think about reaching Ballysitteragh, where I hoped to camp for the night. I filled my water bottles from a young watercource near the boggy flat below Gerhane. Now, laden with the extra few kilos, all that was left was the 200mtr climb to the broad summit. Once there, I found that right beside the cairn was perfect for camping. It was a delight to drop the bag and I wasted no time in setting up my home for the night. Dinner soon followed and a delightful evening was enjoyed. It had been a very worthy start to the trek. 25 kilometres covered, 1900mtrs of climbing in 8 hours. I slept well. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fo0dbi0dq66mFfhyphenhyphenD9g6ttV1S_cUycj1B_qF06xUvfJnyXWKsinwyYHPS8kVAfNhnBQuyvDDvHGuUvVzdwe88XqP6yqfGlpj6dFbdwjtDws6BDKw5p8GoZqS3GKSWrGJzzNrvNknnOBX/s5184/IMG_1814.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fo0dbi0dq66mFfhyphenhyphenD9g6ttV1S_cUycj1B_qF06xUvfJnyXWKsinwyYHPS8kVAfNhnBQuyvDDvHGuUvVzdwe88XqP6yqfGlpj6dFbdwjtDws6BDKw5p8GoZqS3GKSWrGJzzNrvNknnOBX/w640-h360/IMG_1814.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBbfd1P7CylD8s4MrFedG0ebUs8cBOW6CAgD6P3-eQQkVj8oDNUPhN4CQ0SiTeOQd4amOHUnY5IIRTXZGjJ6egs5ujpcIAWRRfuYSdfyLXtGIofPDtPBrxfztbvC4eZHiDn2ozxAuaZVS/s5184/IMG_1810.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBbfd1P7CylD8s4MrFedG0ebUs8cBOW6CAgD6P3-eQQkVj8oDNUPhN4CQ0SiTeOQd4amOHUnY5IIRTXZGjJ6egs5ujpcIAWRRfuYSdfyLXtGIofPDtPBrxfztbvC4eZHiDn2ozxAuaZVS/w640-h360/IMG_1810.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_31O6Qh5X20Dxyyb9up4n99kkI1g6X1SHIkUHeT_grUhcupflIygBY1WdFVn44nGpzuI7oNGVbmhJ1gUGrQIa46lBUhq4TN1NJ0-lxZ3ydOBtl-s1JhUYV3wmE0V2ZHJIPanJ55fGQwmg/s5184/IMG_1809.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_31O6Qh5X20Dxyyb9up4n99kkI1g6X1SHIkUHeT_grUhcupflIygBY1WdFVn44nGpzuI7oNGVbmhJ1gUGrQIa46lBUhq4TN1NJ0-lxZ3ydOBtl-s1JhUYV3wmE0V2ZHJIPanJ55fGQwmg/w640-h360/IMG_1809.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at Ballysitteragh and that final 200 metre pull to the top.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Zwvuj6kk40uZYYmM3umfjtGYl4jpJaKaa5oaOD3N4FyK3qIQkayRUw8QtW7NqK-58P_tHe-trhcrmecvBhbQ-geu0g4262fJngSRhIDus3HYRvBjK9M-CzdX56t4iDfEjCT7TflaJnVV/s5184/IMG_1807.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Zwvuj6kk40uZYYmM3umfjtGYl4jpJaKaa5oaOD3N4FyK3qIQkayRUw8QtW7NqK-58P_tHe-trhcrmecvBhbQ-geu0g4262fJngSRhIDus3HYRvBjK9M-CzdX56t4iDfEjCT7TflaJnVV/w640-h360/IMG_1807.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYWNFPCIUnX7MUABPvr9v4VH8-L8LVHZi9Tad82S1zcMqkvmzID8atgwYd8ktUcNK0rheO6Cb2qqKlBARMYIIlYwiSnU3fsT6qN3UfkOudE29XTIbXQGkiEClO1vS_6mHj2b4HAL5Hu_U/s5184/IMG_1802.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYWNFPCIUnX7MUABPvr9v4VH8-L8LVHZi9Tad82S1zcMqkvmzID8atgwYd8ktUcNK0rheO6Cb2qqKlBARMYIIlYwiSnU3fsT6qN3UfkOudE29XTIbXQGkiEClO1vS_6mHj2b4HAL5Hu_U/w640-h360/IMG_1802.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rough glory of the ridge as you approach Brandon<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Saturday May 29th;</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3JHAIwvjh2b83X_y_7_-o2l-KgbP0IMtw3j7kP3lKeiGeNRtUZCmcovj5Z2ib4jKSxLUeS1bgg38aI3fbK4GXjWA1ieI5w6knmo23SS-QD8kXPBM_HE_8k_R2n_j3KJ0a-jJCfYtuuSp/s5184/IMG_1819.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3JHAIwvjh2b83X_y_7_-o2l-KgbP0IMtw3j7kP3lKeiGeNRtUZCmcovj5Z2ib4jKSxLUeS1bgg38aI3fbK4GXjWA1ieI5w6knmo23SS-QD8kXPBM_HE_8k_R2n_j3KJ0a-jJCfYtuuSp/w640-h360/IMG_1819.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice view to wake up to.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was feeling tired this morning. It was an easy thing to snuggle in my warm sleeping bag and idle away some time. It was after 8am when I finally persuaded myself to get up. I emerged into another beautiful weather day. There was a little bit more cloud about and some extra breeze, but it was still near perfect. The plan for today was simple. Just head east. Once I passed the Conor Pass I had a choice to make. I could head for the line of hills that run on the southern edge of the broad bogland that stretches to Annascaul lake, or I could climb Slieveanea and Benoskee on the northern side. I chose the first option, as it gave, what seemed, the most logical and linear route. Neither option is easy. The southern option gives an easier route for the hills but entails a long, rising, semi circular traverse of trackless rough ground before you can continue over Dromavally Mountain. A good track rises from the Conor Pass and offers easy access to the first top of the line at Croaghskerda. This involves a short out and back but it is a superb viewpoint. Next comes An Cnapan Mor with its wonky summit cross. All nice and easy so far, but there is a considerable climb to reach Cnoc na Banoige. The final top of the ridge is Knockmulanane, after which a steep drop is needed to reach the aforementioned expanse of bog.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcuzfGAn38is0b3751eyrh0snhf8vu_CytcYyj96LybXvumUJbKYulQQHyilnPqhNUxDiFW5Dc1ayu9TYCh2qk-O1Y_kyXlLj0uec1KaAx8eWV6ba6H86cMO6OSna0RBIpTHBHQVnX1EI/s5184/IMG_1821.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcuzfGAn38is0b3751eyrh0snhf8vu_CytcYyj96LybXvumUJbKYulQQHyilnPqhNUxDiFW5Dc1ayu9TYCh2qk-O1Y_kyXlLj0uec1KaAx8eWV6ba6H86cMO6OSna0RBIpTHBHQVnX1EI/w640-h360/IMG_1821.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View as I near the Conor pass<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOJvEeQn7KKC1DKKwF12HbKlV8EOtsD5APDTCi1FoVqfm1uBa6EBr8INPg-yD1KCSmBkV1yll-kifq_2IXrmgW0jERvkf5uWyioUxYX0iKx5-7vpkyUwV2gtazHXiSvu_KjaNrBS-bPPz/s5184/IMG_1829.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOJvEeQn7KKC1DKKwF12HbKlV8EOtsD5APDTCi1FoVqfm1uBa6EBr8INPg-yD1KCSmBkV1yll-kifq_2IXrmgW0jERvkf5uWyioUxYX0iKx5-7vpkyUwV2gtazHXiSvu_KjaNrBS-bPPz/w640-h360/IMG_1829.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the ridge heading towards Anascaul<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p>There is no easy way to get across this, but perseverance eventually pays, and I started the gradual climb to Dromavally. My legs were tired starting out this morning and they really didn't improve. I persevered but it felt hard. Boggy ground really saps the energy so it was a relief to reach the crest where easier ground was to be found. The huge megalithic cairn and standing stones were a lovely reminder of the ancient history of the place. I enjoyed a brief rest on the summit before setting off on the next leg of the journey. Even though the next section is the lowest of the traverse, it certainly isn't the easiest. For the next several kilometres the ground is wet and constantly crossed with peat banks, and the inevitable sodden holes between. The time was shoving on and I began to look for somewhere to camp for the night. Eventually, after I passed Knockbeg, I spotted a likely gully where I dropped down and filled my water bottles again. Shortly thereafter, I spotted a dry grassy knoll and I headed for it. I once again had my home for the night. The evening wasn't as idyllic as last night, as just after dinner, the midges emerged in force, so I had to retreat into my tent. It had been another worthy effort with 28 kilometres covered, 1200 metres climbed in 8.5 hours. The rest was most welcome. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFn2RGRpB_PiIasdy5zPbV_nwXM96yD5g0OT6zQCd-I3mrsTHhHCe_KFqSDaVUddZvslPzBFSe4ngkHiX8S-bmrbxuNp6Cfs8-W7QqTYTPpNHpYKCND2a4HyD8Bb9m6eL7QBiQSFGemAb/s2557/IMG_20210529_125455.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFn2RGRpB_PiIasdy5zPbV_nwXM96yD5g0OT6zQCd-I3mrsTHhHCe_KFqSDaVUddZvslPzBFSe4ngkHiX8S-bmrbxuNp6Cfs8-W7QqTYTPpNHpYKCND2a4HyD8Bb9m6eL7QBiQSFGemAb/w640-h308/IMG_20210529_125455.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towards Benoskee. A big traverse of the bog needed to avoid the gap above Anascaul Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpYb75GNu1aMEOzj5Tsy5TiSLr3k3xJKLrPRCzW6obUQsgObMI-c81g0G21JWVEyS09YzxswJ_HrYlUx4y0zm54AuRcN2mdiv3kCRuDqBFS9sMPFpCAn2bU32PvQE2sZGYiu9_Z7NweX7/s5184/IMG_1834.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpYb75GNu1aMEOzj5Tsy5TiSLr3k3xJKLrPRCzW6obUQsgObMI-c81g0G21JWVEyS09YzxswJ_HrYlUx4y0zm54AuRcN2mdiv3kCRuDqBFS9sMPFpCAn2bU32PvQE2sZGYiu9_Z7NweX7/w640-h360/IMG_1834.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still a log way to reach Caherconree<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmNuhclXcgBzuozPF9dYCkQghPLx2auV4q_271ihqQN5ahUBRMSCa-9oMCDuxLRInZ9m6fb5Y7P56G751TycExJJPVgw_8bDmSIWiISCJHPtUZFpqX3UO49ScuFGafZFVX53js4IEv9uT/s5184/IMG_1833.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmNuhclXcgBzuozPF9dYCkQghPLx2auV4q_271ihqQN5ahUBRMSCa-9oMCDuxLRInZ9m6fb5Y7P56G751TycExJJPVgw_8bDmSIWiISCJHPtUZFpqX3UO49ScuFGafZFVX53js4IEv9uT/w640-h360/IMG_1833.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon being left behind.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6aUbQEauonILJshaN73DBasgXYZJpuCilMyO_eaKjKIp27NNnGZDuu4oDbyM7pOqMuvEaQE0YH1LXUba1QDnQKo6-fyOhjBVAh8bRvaFmdNUzVEkXQvWmTb2NFrId2gYz65ihmrtkhSI/s2557/IMG_20210529_144934.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6aUbQEauonILJshaN73DBasgXYZJpuCilMyO_eaKjKIp27NNnGZDuu4oDbyM7pOqMuvEaQE0YH1LXUba1QDnQKo6-fyOhjBVAh8bRvaFmdNUzVEkXQvWmTb2NFrId2gYz65ihmrtkhSI/w640-h308/IMG_20210529_144934.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient cairn and looking back the ridge I'd travelled<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfrs_J9pDDH9CinHlR2kJfbPtWB2SNW_T3v6rx40iMh2gBMWZY7J8wLMk2s_FIT0nDi5G9dA8oVa4LsRTRrMSb41N4ix50WHy1UODEHKw2FasNkNJLOL5tNlt8yoLCh-HITcVHT5if8lF/s2557/IMG_20210529_151253.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfrs_J9pDDH9CinHlR2kJfbPtWB2SNW_T3v6rx40iMh2gBMWZY7J8wLMk2s_FIT0nDi5G9dA8oVa4LsRTRrMSb41N4ix50WHy1UODEHKw2FasNkNJLOL5tNlt8yoLCh-HITcVHT5if8lF/w640-h308/IMG_20210529_151253.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next hills are lower but not any easier to cross. The Slieve Mish beyond<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgxSTiOLpCDodAQ7iR20rjsiNMHL4cVjFD0dTtqsgQ_-sRRFGcl89OmkPcACjdv_NkeB1fDh6BfXNTEWet7i949Yr7pHcjGWpVEjKssfvZsS9zIwenHrwPaVfOTJommRODeAW0Vii5Fal/s2557/IMG_20210529_203836.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgxSTiOLpCDodAQ7iR20rjsiNMHL4cVjFD0dTtqsgQ_-sRRFGcl89OmkPcACjdv_NkeB1fDh6BfXNTEWet7i949Yr7pHcjGWpVEjKssfvZsS9zIwenHrwPaVfOTJommRODeAW0Vii5Fal/w640-h308/IMG_20210529_203836.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbTXxegpJ7vQqKqzKide8YS_WixGBya-MxRMTLG4e1-ErAlu-knm-Kuf0ZR8OH12mPGti2buHUHU_R2M9hlwIF4pAOD3S9IvXsj_8A_UY6hOqZGQxBrE43lYLwU_FJ0ptGwoQdMXgnIpp/s1080/1622904819197_strava6364207978399041483.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbTXxegpJ7vQqKqzKide8YS_WixGBya-MxRMTLG4e1-ErAlu-knm-Kuf0ZR8OH12mPGti2buHUHU_R2M9hlwIF4pAOD3S9IvXsj_8A_UY6hOqZGQxBrE43lYLwU_FJ0ptGwoQdMXgnIpp/w640-h640/1622904819197_strava6364207978399041483.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1 map</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8a1eX7wT7gEoF6pd2W2pJrtU_e2Uy8WufLg9PmWb0CygKlXZXesgp9kFYCOP3JP_WNgprwfvYtW5faMQfMijMqO8FQVO9jUTnTT-L7SX-s2HL8StiKiXza0ZCBl81vvcOOmyLhXop_Ix/s1080/strava6716118448718197323.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8a1eX7wT7gEoF6pd2W2pJrtU_e2Uy8WufLg9PmWb0CygKlXZXesgp9kFYCOP3JP_WNgprwfvYtW5faMQfMijMqO8FQVO9jUTnTT-L7SX-s2HL8StiKiXza0ZCBl81vvcOOmyLhXop_Ix/w640-h640/strava6716118448718197323.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2 map</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Sunday May 30th;<p></p><p>I didn't sleep as well last night but, strangely, I felt better rested. I got up at 6am so as to ensure sufficient time for the walk to Tralee. It was yet another wonderful morning. A nice breeze ensured that the beasties allowed me to breakfast in peace, and I felt in great form as I set off on the final leg of this trip at 7am. The couple of kilometres to the crossing point of the busy Dingle road soon passed, and after another easy couple of kilometres on a quiet lanes and forest track, I reached the first climb of the day. Nothing too desperate, but the 150mtr pull got the blood pumping, before a rough boggy descent saw me reach the road under Caherconree. This beautiful mountain looks its best from here. It rises impressively to the ridge high above, before rising to the lovely viewpoint and ringfort not far below the summit. There were several cars at the trailhead and I could see a couple of groups up ahead. I wasn't really looking forward to the 600 metre climb, but I consoled myself with the knowledge that after it was done, so was most of the climbing for the day.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj47LbuRTvuJ9MzdQz4FQmC498WpdGn6jyZkFQThcBnMsOgZV4ceShbHULWMs8S3GlFUo63MTlrcbi8rDq0tT7ApVpflQA4QLLqLehK49RCfinmGCqMASXl4_SsJx-1BKU5i29T1KhfaVj/s5184/IMG_1847.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj47LbuRTvuJ9MzdQz4FQmC498WpdGn6jyZkFQThcBnMsOgZV4ceShbHULWMs8S3GlFUo63MTlrcbi8rDq0tT7ApVpflQA4QLLqLehK49RCfinmGCqMASXl4_SsJx-1BKU5i29T1KhfaVj/w640-h360/IMG_1847.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the first climb of the day<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjka67oilW92jgh78ZxQZgij7bFL6t2_62-jwbKAL_-NIbZ1t3IFJKJ1RIMCWI4b9PwbEhX4jMk92cxvOYujodys1jgpgWunfIMUxHTmPBOCHlEqzM3omk6qUDZHuBoG1wlZ95huGuZIJ/s2557/IMG_20210530_083054.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjka67oilW92jgh78ZxQZgij7bFL6t2_62-jwbKAL_-NIbZ1t3IFJKJ1RIMCWI4b9PwbEhX4jMk92cxvOYujodys1jgpgWunfIMUxHTmPBOCHlEqzM3omk6qUDZHuBoG1wlZ95huGuZIJ/w640-h308/IMG_20210530_083054.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caherconree nearing and looking great<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As is often the way, once you manage to keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep plodding along, ground is steadily gained, and I soon passed the groups when they stopped for a rest. One group, Indonesian or some such, actually had one person carrying a music player, so that for some time before and after I passed I had to endure its intrusion. I left them in no doubt about my displeasure. Anyway, to better things. As I got higher things only got more spectacular. The glories of the Iveragh Peninsula become more apparent and of course the immediate surroundings aren't bad either. Once I reached the remains of the ring fort, high on the shoulder of the mountain, the wind became quite strong and when I shortly thereafter reached the summit, I had to put on my jacket against the chill. Next up came Baurtregaum, which at 851mtrs, would be the high point of the day. The 150 metre climb is gradual enough and soon passed and I stood on the broad stony summit. From there I headed for Glanbrack mountain where I rested and enjoyed a nice early lunch.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAakzSzxnang8zeotjiF93ga2G8_hLHi7Dyrk1Qgq-TTmA5KC3CQVV-iJ58p144ZusvN45l_QuZhQUVapO2rgU8Zl8VChwKA8tGUls-16n9yXaqwyywhyphenhyphen7f3P6O8RS_3c0w7wjF3gyuqM/s5184/IMG_1853.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAakzSzxnang8zeotjiF93ga2G8_hLHi7Dyrk1Qgq-TTmA5KC3CQVV-iJ58p144ZusvN45l_QuZhQUVapO2rgU8Zl8VChwKA8tGUls-16n9yXaqwyywhyphenhyphen7f3P6O8RS_3c0w7wjF3gyuqM/w640-h360/IMG_1853.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYum11CRgcB8Uu08gSUilk-DAVmO23TcAmET5sTvie4_JUUshZXEfleKWocNFWgqupqJKudLz_3UBMgmkfhM8SNZtJUVYy-px9JDC6Fc6PsaxX5-_FOvoRqMuyva1QUY4blXhsvfr1Mogo/s5184/IMG_1858.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYum11CRgcB8Uu08gSUilk-DAVmO23TcAmET5sTvie4_JUUshZXEfleKWocNFWgqupqJKudLz_3UBMgmkfhM8SNZtJUVYy-px9JDC6Fc6PsaxX5-_FOvoRqMuyva1QUY4blXhsvfr1Mogo/w640-h360/IMG_1858.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking way way back to the start.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisA3s38gEnPW8NSJRgBirbhZjkhDYcc0ucNa3VO8EV3SsiEJ1GpBojgTnRumgWeMr0OS6juAiwjXMbkmBIJfvMVWITBWcZb_hl1i46DQn8_3_js7dQJxL-6Kpyfiad8I-mh8jiRvUf8_tg/s5184/IMG_1864.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisA3s38gEnPW8NSJRgBirbhZjkhDYcc0ucNa3VO8EV3SsiEJ1GpBojgTnRumgWeMr0OS6juAiwjXMbkmBIJfvMVWITBWcZb_hl1i46DQn8_3_js7dQJxL-6Kpyfiad8I-mh8jiRvUf8_tg/w640-h360/IMG_1864.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next up Baurtregaum<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Being a couple of hundred metres lower than Baurtregaum, it was now less breezy and quite warm. The next few kilometres give easy walking, as you gently progress along the broad serpentine ridge. Since I had made good progress after the early start, I was confident that I would reach Tralee in good time for my train home. I could have descended towards Blennerville from several spots along the ridge, but I wanted to stay on the mountains for as long as possible. With that in mind I didn't turn from the ridge until after I reached the col beyond Baranageehy. The descent along the eastern side of the stream was initially pleasant enough, but the second half was a horrible, rough, super boggy, trackless mess, that had me regretting not choosing an earlier spur. Eventually I reached the Dingle Way trail and a blessedly easy descent followed to the road. Down here it was really warm, but the end was in sight and I was looking forward to coffee and cake in Tralee. A nasty kilometre on the busy main road soon passed, and then I was able to enjoy the remaining few kilometres into town alongside the canal. I reached the station at 14.45 so I had timed it pretty perfectly for the 15.10 train. It had been another substantial day. 28.5 kilometres covered, 1100 metres climbed in 7 hours 45 minutes. The coffee went down a treat.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKpuHlimEQ7ZPa6foaihvzFcqWxVWZpKj9ZM6kjhb1JcQw3eUYnL0R6jQzY3GvoWY-9_L-bm1LzG8R0dfE-5RDiz8atJacxxyBej7aAEm-46ROq1vZqzHw-EFn-bU2h74RL9c9EL6Z-oC/s5184/IMG_1866.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKpuHlimEQ7ZPa6foaihvzFcqWxVWZpKj9ZM6kjhb1JcQw3eUYnL0R6jQzY3GvoWY-9_L-bm1LzG8R0dfE-5RDiz8atJacxxyBej7aAEm-46ROq1vZqzHw-EFn-bU2h74RL9c9EL6Z-oC/w640-h360/IMG_1866.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy walking beyond Baurtregaum<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUwmzEdQnZ5NRwtGVp8smySeJ4ENYEp8g_OCBj16wGnUIbIMggzPjM2ZkMnmwuJuHIz4Egtb3TBWCgndLGHEfBb2-VLy3Iz7l7Y5o4vIeGMrD2RSZmH3rczRvUl0p7o-3EcvJqWal7M-G/s5184/IMG_1867.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUwmzEdQnZ5NRwtGVp8smySeJ4ENYEp8g_OCBj16wGnUIbIMggzPjM2ZkMnmwuJuHIz4Egtb3TBWCgndLGHEfBb2-VLy3Iz7l7Y5o4vIeGMrD2RSZmH3rczRvUl0p7o-3EcvJqWal7M-G/w640-h360/IMG_1867.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Killarney mountains ans the Reeks look great<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1MDdFKInXkj7Ishh3XfmJwadoK0fkq844xFath44X2bDoPDJ2SnNkYQJumF-jndQU2JNc0kppaD5-OhE-3y8s4Qj-PPVvgJytJa70JR6gyuNv5UxzyUjU8-S35HHVmQKIBoVNAq0VDfJ/s5184/IMG_1871.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1MDdFKInXkj7Ishh3XfmJwadoK0fkq844xFath44X2bDoPDJ2SnNkYQJumF-jndQU2JNc0kppaD5-OhE-3y8s4Qj-PPVvgJytJa70JR6gyuNv5UxzyUjU8-S35HHVmQKIBoVNAq0VDfJ/w640-h360/IMG_1871.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fair way to go but the end (Tralee) in sight<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6Q7PW1BYo_a6Yur9GpskcGTr_RLnMDrLBJULsqHL0uyFh3gj3gvcrgPvWhIdRbZxc-8WI2-QPjhRmloK3VVMNi54k_Sof6VBWJPB-PqvyehTwM8gZ8ZWZjVFCSh4mX0uVBzqZy9iqhD-/s5184/IMG_1874.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6Q7PW1BYo_a6Yur9GpskcGTr_RLnMDrLBJULsqHL0uyFh3gj3gvcrgPvWhIdRbZxc-8WI2-QPjhRmloK3VVMNi54k_Sof6VBWJPB-PqvyehTwM8gZ8ZWZjVFCSh4mX0uVBzqZy9iqhD-/w640-h360/IMG_1874.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Blennerville..Looking at the distant start<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Overall I had covered 82 kilometres with just over 4000 metres of ascent in the 3 days. Stunning weather surely helped to make it a memorable experience. The sound of the cuckoo and the ever present delight of the song of the skylark was wonderful. I had been tired at times but overall the body is still strong. When it was all over I certainly felt a good sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. And it was so nice to relax on the train. Perfect. <p></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXvBO9bqbKnupqDDIOEB3S213pnFl3ugtDsCU8SOPzWzfId3Qy_WxnRqcsuWmH7gWOZAeX7D_rAKPv1TIugq5QDjhb8MR8KV-wKqJq8o8Ab_KckGjcOjdBaVedK-593hSX7aWjpKOiuml/s1080/strava4898458618991018886.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXvBO9bqbKnupqDDIOEB3S213pnFl3ugtDsCU8SOPzWzfId3Qy_WxnRqcsuWmH7gWOZAeX7D_rAKPv1TIugq5QDjhb8MR8KV-wKqJq8o8Ab_KckGjcOjdBaVedK-593hSX7aWjpKOiuml/w640-h640/strava4898458618991018886.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 3 map.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892833285946431240.post-75372632960687788152021-05-03T10:09:00.021+01:002024-01-06T08:17:42.325+00:00Millstreet to Castletownbere Hike. 5 Days Over The Mountains.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQmQ4Zudh1c-Z5YegS_9Wid6Lmcf-5DDuxscgp6Jz-55miM5yGUTCVWmszDaUSxHvp0Cd8SvbGzL01mhXRTwfKU2GcT3FPTQQ-2a6Fz9JCU4LhDy2QC8Yf00UJMppdK_FTMuKuu2SDtJd/s4033/IMG_1760+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2266" data-original-width="4033" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQmQ4Zudh1c-Z5YegS_9Wid6Lmcf-5DDuxscgp6Jz-55miM5yGUTCVWmszDaUSxHvp0Cd8SvbGzL01mhXRTwfKU2GcT3FPTQQ-2a6Fz9JCU4LhDy2QC8Yf00UJMppdK_FTMuKuu2SDtJd/w640-h360/IMG_1760+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Pandemic..Face-masks...Lockdown...Words a couple of years ago I would have never thought much about. Now, in the spring of 2021 they are on the tip of everyone's tongue, and included on everyone's conversation. After being in "lockdown" since the end of December last year, there was a recent easing of travel restrictions which allowed people to travel within their county. Needing to do something to break the monotony, I formulated a plan for a multi day hike. <p></p><p>I have often yearned to walk all the way from Claragh mountain in Millstreet, all the way to the sea at the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula. Indeed, a couple of years ago I managed most of the route, on a four day outing, when I almost reached Sneem. On several occasions, when standing on top of Caherbarna, I have looked across at Mullaghanish and observed that high, wild ground, continued away to the southwest. I reckoned that it would also be possible to link up a multi day trek, all the way to the tip of the Beara Peninsula. So now, with travel restricted to within your county, it seemed too good an opportunity to miss. So on Tuesday April 20th, Margaret dropped me back to Millstreet with my fully laden backpack and I commenced my hike.</p><p>Tuesday April 20th;</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiy9uSTv8WDMb70YIyXbqsqnlyUqYgqPVbaBSBvRJVVq7RltEFM6vp108YG0kzTO38DQvrD1k6Vtfxfbyyr_f4JuyKN0FqRb9_t1nUjSKk01OKMw1Wf5dL2S04lxnF53NtEE225v_v112R/s5184/IMG_1675.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiy9uSTv8WDMb70YIyXbqsqnlyUqYgqPVbaBSBvRJVVq7RltEFM6vp108YG0kzTO38DQvrD1k6Vtfxfbyyr_f4JuyKN0FqRb9_t1nUjSKk01OKMw1Wf5dL2S04lxnF53NtEE225v_v112R/w640-h360/IMG_1675.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice gentle start.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMl1mCqgsAzCe5Sczoq834i2p2DtNxmtFAn4ucQitLH071Anu8B1ug-1H2uyT3NgKRrML7VHcr2eddEaK_G9qOkUaHDX7hRYxLkaQUAJHJbrxJNYueJE4vMz5jp0uz4T4T7oHL8yKeIQw0/s5184/IMG_1677.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMl1mCqgsAzCe5Sczoq834i2p2DtNxmtFAn4ucQitLH071Anu8B1ug-1H2uyT3NgKRrML7VHcr2eddEaK_G9qOkUaHDX7hRYxLkaQUAJHJbrxJNYueJE4vMz5jp0uz4T4T7oHL8yKeIQw0/w640-h360/IMG_1677.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always a pleasure to climb Claragh<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was very familiar with the start of the route. I know Claragh mountain very well. It rises beside Millstreet town, and it is one of my favourite hill runs. It is also the start of a long contiguous stretch of mountain/high ground, that stretches all the way to the Atlantic ocean. Ireland had the potential to offer superb multi day wild hiking experiences that would entice the international hiker. The easiest and perhaps the most logical route would be to go over the mountains, along the Iveragh Peninsula, all the way to the coast at either Waterville or Caherciveen. My chosen route would be initially more problematical, as I was trying to forge a way through, what I suspect, would be some seldom trodden ground, before I could reach more natural hillwalking territory. I was quite excited as I started out on my journey. Old and almost forgotten feelings of anticipation and calm enveloped me as I started up the shady little lane that gives access to the mountain. It was a nice weather morning, cool and cloudy, but it promised to stay dry and the breeze was a light affair. Ideal walking conditions. The climb of Claragh is straightforward, and follows a well marked waymarked trail. I was soon struggling under the weight of the bag, and my hill fitness seemed a distant memory. That said, it felt great to be out. From the top I scanned the way ahead and looked forward to treading ground that was new to me.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAu3pq9U3AItiijh19kNhvFYnXRwFB82eYTDn8wKtI_tHedu-kWuec-MfqyiITjaguWXnNzyGTdTyMR9VBqqZDXRC0Q5kCPPMDqPQ99nUzG6Dsq_bqQrAFTAFfVcp9iSihqGcRH96XAUO/s2557/IMG_20210420_111547.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAu3pq9U3AItiijh19kNhvFYnXRwFB82eYTDn8wKtI_tHedu-kWuec-MfqyiITjaguWXnNzyGTdTyMR9VBqqZDXRC0Q5kCPPMDqPQ99nUzG6Dsq_bqQrAFTAFfVcp9iSihqGcRH96XAUO/w640-h308/IMG_20210420_111547.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards the way ahead. A distant Mullaghanish with its head in the cloud<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I continued west as far as the lane that crosses the pass and here I joined the Sli Mhuscrui. This is a route that stretches all the way as far as Kealkill near Bantry, and gives a low level alternative to some of the route I was trying to do. The route followed a forest road uphill and initially made for nice easy going. At a junction there was no marker, and of course I took the wrong option. I went downhill and reached a dead end. Rather than retrace my steps, I decided to climb steeply up through the woods and hopefully, it wouldn't bee too long before I reached the edge of the forestry. Then I could walk along the open bog towards the still distant Mullaghanish. As it happened, just before I reached the edge of the wood, I reached the correct track, and this I again followed. A lovely couple of kilometres followed as the trail crossed the open bog and headed towards the first wind farm of the trip. These behemoths were to be ever present over the first couple of days and I kinda developed a love/hate relationship with them. I was certainly glad to leave them behind on day three. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQan6BcyL5HYGD_OSHxJSrBmNHoMcoa7redgvbffe1DtbM1NLgG98pO3ZkMwgNmvMVZM1VdFlsIeFS728XmMH7C044yymUr7gZKGaIGosT3lexUtCx2PrrF8t9kxMPC7ny_LDcGixwjoFC/s5184/IMG_1682.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQan6BcyL5HYGD_OSHxJSrBmNHoMcoa7redgvbffe1DtbM1NLgG98pO3ZkMwgNmvMVZM1VdFlsIeFS728XmMH7C044yymUr7gZKGaIGosT3lexUtCx2PrrF8t9kxMPC7ny_LDcGixwjoFC/w640-h360/IMG_1682.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhqlW58p9_2xi4OKFHP8kAol-aKm5ShlsLzuZOC7dEDCUuYuL85JWftRJ3IXcdZkEdLWZdIZFqi_81Utpk1dOC5nlNHZAa06Miaqs1XGVRIhjQe6VZJrkCvz_4vhdsHSYjpwGtErJuh6g/s5184/IMG_1683.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhqlW58p9_2xi4OKFHP8kAol-aKm5ShlsLzuZOC7dEDCUuYuL85JWftRJ3IXcdZkEdLWZdIZFqi_81Utpk1dOC5nlNHZAa06Miaqs1XGVRIhjQe6VZJrkCvz_4vhdsHSYjpwGtErJuh6g/w640-h360/IMG_1683.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pretty impressive sight up close.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />When the trail headed towards Ballyvourney I left it behind, and headed towards Mullaghanish. This proved to be a tough drag, as the ground was rough and boggy. The weather though was getting better, and the cloud was lifting off the summit. The 700 foot TV mast that spears skyward from the summit got even more spectacular as I got nearer the mountain. Eventually the slog ended and I arrived at the broad summit, with its collection of buildings and of course the mast. A strange thing occurred at the top. I had climbed to the top in a curved route. With the grey hazy cloudy conditions, it wasn't immediately clear to me which direction I should take off the hill. I had been looking to my right, and it was in my head to head that way, but it felt wrong. I paused and got the map and compass out, and to my horror, I discovered that I was looking at possibly heading towards Caherbarna, which would have been almost like heading back the way I had come. It was a salutatory lesson on how easy it is to get disorientated when on unfamiliar ground. Feeling a little chastened and sheepish I set off on the correct bearing, and very shortly it became blindingly obvious where I should be heading. I dropped down a couple of hundred metres and reached another windfarm. Now, it was an easy thing to follow another forestry road that headed in the direction I wanted to go. I reached a pair of small lakes and I briefly thought of camping near one of them. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4-8C_1HKrNAKY_htA48p_J-CHqopOR8MqLB-zvgve9svp48cfk1iiDRZKkFQSWt0OU49W8obueu3mcNXX0W9Tqz2KO7e8AczGD-_THst_WP5tV0pGpXHeOD0RFH2ahRftzphCKZFjb81/s5184/IMG_1684.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4-8C_1HKrNAKY_htA48p_J-CHqopOR8MqLB-zvgve9svp48cfk1iiDRZKkFQSWt0OU49W8obueu3mcNXX0W9Tqz2KO7e8AczGD-_THst_WP5tV0pGpXHeOD0RFH2ahRftzphCKZFjb81/w640-h360/IMG_1684.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I had been on the move for five an a half hours by then, but I could see on the map that there was another smaller lake in the woods further on, so I decided to check that out instead. The roadway continued into the woods, but when I neared the lake, it was very obvious that the ground around it was far too rough to camp on, so I kept going. I now had to find a way out of the woods, so as to reach open ground, so I could stay on route. I found a firebreak in the woods and followed that, and thankfully I was soon clear of the trees. The ground however was horrible, and even when in the clear, I had another kilometre of wet awkward ground to climb to reach the top of Knockacommeen. I had now covered over 25 kilometres, and was really looking forward to finding somewhere to camp. I was nearing the main Cork to Killarney road. As the ground beyond was also covered in forestry I hoped to be sorted before I reached it. Shortly after leaving the top I saw a gently ridge, with green grassy patches, and the beginnings of a gully alongside it. I was really hopeful that I would find a water source near there. Alas it was not to be. The recent dry weather meant the gully was dry, and water didn't appear until I was down almost to the road. I filled my water bottles here and headed for the woods on the other side. I determined to pitch my tent at the first opportunity. I found a rather damp, but flat area, a kilometre beyond the road. My oh my, but it was a relief to drop the bag. I wasted no time in setting up my home for the night and cooking dinner. My unpracticed body need rest.<br /><p></p><p>It had been a long day. 28 kilometres..1000mtrs of ascent in just shy of 8 hours. </p><p> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/millstreet-to-castletownbere-hike-day-1-72365319</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIbDY_5QJsAquzdQyvdwNVnjc7mvsJe1tlWkdW_0FMZjSB9vdaUMAAOIAfHsuuuzHZKnZ4sG5S6HzfeyoitjE954Pjodx11uNDmfXqVTjjjR77XiPrHZHzVx2J-uOSxAf9UXBOp95xPUkFbJVwgSdDTaBOiEdfhja_ZEvZcoHbavIRA8sAET_IsbzodA=s809" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="809" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIbDY_5QJsAquzdQyvdwNVnjc7mvsJe1tlWkdW_0FMZjSB9vdaUMAAOIAfHsuuuzHZKnZ4sG5S6HzfeyoitjE954Pjodx11uNDmfXqVTjjjR77XiPrHZHzVx2J-uOSxAf9UXBOp95xPUkFbJVwgSdDTaBOiEdfhja_ZEvZcoHbavIRA8sAET_IsbzodA=w640-h452" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGUQ41f7g2B5GS2FMl0mbm06pMSHrARaesmAXc-ALIB7u_Qyn3wsED2WVBCqs6Z9sAM8pVh8Tqa6dYl-mCLFz6iC0Juqn7FDQJyA66cuk8gYtKfTeJMGQjD8ObNXkZ5kV3a3VsOqAFau6/s5184/IMG_1687.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGUQ41f7g2B5GS2FMl0mbm06pMSHrARaesmAXc-ALIB7u_Qyn3wsED2WVBCqs6Z9sAM8pVh8Tqa6dYl-mCLFz6iC0Juqn7FDQJyA66cuk8gYtKfTeJMGQjD8ObNXkZ5kV3a3VsOqAFau6/w640-h360/IMG_1687.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've stayed in prettier spots but it was welcome to find it.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Wednesday April 21th;<p></p><p>I wish I could say that I was fully recovered this morning, but I couldn't. Having said that, I wasn't too bad. It was a lovely morning. Clear skies to the east, allowed a warming sun bathe the tent, and the misty cloud that clung to the hills, promised to burn off. It was an easy start to the day, but I had the problem of how to exit the woods ahead of me. I went along the forestry road until I reached a steep windbreak that seemed to head for the wood's edge. I struggled up this, which brought me to another windbreak, and this thankfully did reach open bog. Once there, I climbed to the broad top of Knockbwee 461mtrs. It felt really good to reach here, and I could now better see the route ahead. I could see the high ground that stretched to Gougane Barra. I was also heading directly towards a series of windfarms. I used the roads of the first one to navigate my way towards more open ground, and then I was able to drop to, and cross, another quiet road beside, what claims to be, Ireland's highest pub. Beyond this there was a farm track that led most of the way to the crest of the next hill, and from here, it was open ground all the way to Gougane Barra. I had reached the Mweelin Ridge, which undulated it's way southwest. Another wind farm dominated the landscape all the way along the right hand side. Indeed when I paused to give them a quick count, I could see a total of 98 turbines from my vantage point. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU2HVqHaTwe1tdE1caiFPcMsiQs0xaKX3d_zW2hRc5-dCrcM1BP6k4bDiIGb0Xg-gVwEuwYOSxDJmHSu3XQamK8ecJqvMDfzhWJWdeKjThSzWP6tH3h5q2jFyiTNT_dMZbWCwBtx2WR0O/s5184/IMG_1689.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU2HVqHaTwe1tdE1caiFPcMsiQs0xaKX3d_zW2hRc5-dCrcM1BP6k4bDiIGb0Xg-gVwEuwYOSxDJmHSu3XQamK8ecJqvMDfzhWJWdeKjThSzWP6tH3h5q2jFyiTNT_dMZbWCwBtx2WR0O/w640-h360/IMG_1689.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful morning..but how to get out of thew woods?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieibm40nsN5NINbUMkDcvPC5V5yOASperO3mB_Wc8ocC41y2kLbGbgw8pNqHUuZxmiXFS2HZ5R7fAyCHskk_1VpcL6-uee9EfDeGQ-yyTdAxiY9RP7LIKyRV35_Wlaqgdg1Tj5Ibyzrxsz/s5184/IMG_1690.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieibm40nsN5NINbUMkDcvPC5V5yOASperO3mB_Wc8ocC41y2kLbGbgw8pNqHUuZxmiXFS2HZ5R7fAyCHskk_1VpcL6-uee9EfDeGQ-yyTdAxiY9RP7LIKyRV35_Wlaqgdg1Tj5Ibyzrxsz/w640-h360/IMG_1690.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great views looking towards Crohane and Mangerton<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpWv_jRTDTLS27LNQLmRYY8Fk97AvGi9AwjNP9XtdHX5m6PDCsbaoS1kumPUnq30odH_tOUY5cUtjKZo6fCVnftHzohsQy10WaCmm-6-9oH0CUZW95u3KngNYgpuqOGajwD9itsDkL_71/s5184/IMG_1691.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpWv_jRTDTLS27LNQLmRYY8Fk97AvGi9AwjNP9XtdHX5m6PDCsbaoS1kumPUnq30odH_tOUY5cUtjKZo6fCVnftHzohsQy10WaCmm-6-9oH0CUZW95u3KngNYgpuqOGajwD9itsDkL_71/w640-h360/IMG_1691.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way ahead..into the turbines<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31YPlG0svj3pezQmf5NN4HACu79uN9qKucWkGtMPqPEJRUevQVQBHVw8DBHkuwH2z0dBeOZk_zc_gA7w0Gv2E-IXSM60beSFaBN3wnPzLxxf1z-46FUeDM_144CkjFRKQCC9Htp376rDb/s5184/IMG_1692.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31YPlG0svj3pezQmf5NN4HACu79uN9qKucWkGtMPqPEJRUevQVQBHVw8DBHkuwH2z0dBeOZk_zc_gA7w0Gv2E-IXSM60beSFaBN3wnPzLxxf1z-46FUeDM_144CkjFRKQCC9Htp376rDb/w640-h360/IMG_1692.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Mullaghanish well behind.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was starting to suffer again. Each hill I came to was a challenge for the legs. I was able to keep plodding, but I was slow. By the time I reached Coomataggart, before Gougane Barra, I was contemplating stopping for the day. I had been on the go for 5 hours by then, and covered 18 kilometres, but it was only lunchtime, so I continued on. I crossed the wild, sometimes rugged ground that curves around the hidden from view Gougane Barra. I had originally thought I might get as far as Knockboy, but that was still a fair way off and I was frankly too tired to contemplate going that far. I reached the ridge that dropped to the pass before Knockboy and shortly afterwards I spied a superb place to camp. I headed for it without hesitation. Oh my lord what a relief to drop the bag. My sore shoulders seemed to expand involuntarily and I just sat and relaxed awhile before I did anything else. It was 15.30 and I had been on the go for almost 8 hours. Knockboy could wait til tomorrow. Next up was a brew, and then the tent. I had gotten my first proper sunburn of the year, and my forehead promised to be quite sore later. Once the tent was up, I retreated into it, and just crashed for over an hour. Once I felt a little recovered, I whiled away the evening by reading, eating and enjoying my lovely surroundings. I could see the silver reflection of the innermost reaches of Bantry Bay at the end of the valley, and I now knew that the glories of the Beara Peninsula stretched ahead. I was enthused and looking forward to the days ahead. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfiFLUyYR4v4kr4-9jt6CQtn4qqiXQ_M3BccRljccG8R10jBWH-tjKE7GWevyTaQDo8TolD7rJNncbdjQUVojIFdOXS7BebWjg0pPzeCItFCDcDJQW6ksMTUQvs_G6xVUX4ayx3g9MmzN/s5184/IMG_1696.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfiFLUyYR4v4kr4-9jt6CQtn4qqiXQ_M3BccRljccG8R10jBWH-tjKE7GWevyTaQDo8TolD7rJNncbdjQUVojIFdOXS7BebWjg0pPzeCItFCDcDJQW6ksMTUQvs_G6xVUX4ayx3g9MmzN/w640-h360/IMG_1696.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just some of the turbines.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xMEhzPsWLTQi_e6RtDvfX8NgAUMvOTroKkQ9yd__T10ENG86ertbOjn3U1p5xXLF8C_wPiFtPziO4vuBuXjCvlII2GMEs4TBsK8QHfOjeZQz3khSiGs44W5SzGsp22GRRqnedGXRKZG9/s2557/IMG_20210421_134335.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2557" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xMEhzPsWLTQi_e6RtDvfX8NgAUMvOTroKkQ9yd__T10ENG86ertbOjn3U1p5xXLF8C_wPiFtPziO4vuBuXjCvlII2GMEs4TBsK8QHfOjeZQz3khSiGs44W5SzGsp22GRRqnedGXRKZG9/w640-h308/IMG_20210421_134335.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Gougane Barra<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAIPMP2wEcXz7Gu2HLn5TpcrIGUqxfENCRghU7n3CX3dQh18gb3gmYBb4y56IsPboS4rwMrb_Kq2rMFbHY4SxWxvR_GIqJn53BF4LkNhRrQpuoIUqk38v4LSWwYxnu49xIl7JIZ7koTkF/s5184/IMG_1700.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAIPMP2wEcXz7Gu2HLn5TpcrIGUqxfENCRghU7n3CX3dQh18gb3gmYBb4y56IsPboS4rwMrb_Kq2rMFbHY4SxWxvR_GIqJn53BF4LkNhRrQpuoIUqk38v4LSWwYxnu49xIl7JIZ7koTkF/w640-h360/IMG_1700.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite No2<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA51c8_qZuZpVGiBB1cjSXhKiDaTR2qPo_I7-UEtiznG-boqsGlq1bCXbJevJomg7gZxIEXRety4nb1tOH1bUHCSmRtOt-X-UAeq_GWSIw7wgr0NwjUGAnXVWm8VWPlp9ha_2qPnAEgF86/s5184/IMG_1703.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA51c8_qZuZpVGiBB1cjSXhKiDaTR2qPo_I7-UEtiznG-boqsGlq1bCXbJevJomg7gZxIEXRety4nb1tOH1bUHCSmRtOt-X-UAeq_GWSIw7wgr0NwjUGAnXVWm8VWPlp9ha_2qPnAEgF86/w640-h360/IMG_1703.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful evening<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />24 kilometres..1000mtrs ascent...7 hours 50 mins.</p><p> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/millstreet-to-castletownbere-hike-day-2-72365921</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuR-EzO_e8lFjaVh1ykwB-YIqCaUn_et1TKSlOhLR7ODY1jWs1cg2bfgITpyzlGT7VNw9YA6yAQXulxYz5jWM5ZqC6JTooAG-3GmjKBysDgYtpWkViSDs80XC4C-Z2x9n6EjW9IIRibloNXMCvhswiNZ37XdOMLteRWuw9osxcR3RkFuYqF-9krw0g8A=s811" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="811" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuR-EzO_e8lFjaVh1ykwB-YIqCaUn_et1TKSlOhLR7ODY1jWs1cg2bfgITpyzlGT7VNw9YA6yAQXulxYz5jWM5ZqC6JTooAG-3GmjKBysDgYtpWkViSDs80XC4C-Z2x9n6EjW9IIRibloNXMCvhswiNZ37XdOMLteRWuw9osxcR3RkFuYqF-9krw0g8A=w640-h448" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p>Thursday April 22nd;</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qa8gj_fRlYI-_D_UoE0cIoka6uwhOfQlCpzhzJrkcSutw5qCXfh1QmathE6SFcoxHSQ9CugiMjPfHguv4pvhprS0Mw_5zRCwX5D6s2G5JzaFy7v3I7zqvjafcDimncpCVznmziJvG1F9/s5184/IMG_1705.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qa8gj_fRlYI-_D_UoE0cIoka6uwhOfQlCpzhzJrkcSutw5qCXfh1QmathE6SFcoxHSQ9CugiMjPfHguv4pvhprS0Mw_5zRCwX5D6s2G5JzaFy7v3I7zqvjafcDimncpCVznmziJvG1F9/w640-h360/IMG_1705.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving camp.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I had slept very well, and as I lay, snug in my sleeping bag, I felt quite relaxed and rested. After a little while I opened the door of the tent and had a peek outside. It was a calm morning and I was completely enveloped in mist. As it was so calm, I decided that the mist was probably fog, and that there was a chance that, as I climbed Knockboy, I might enjoy a temperature inversion. It only made me look forward to the day more. When I was all packed up, I took out the map and compass and took a bearing for the road and the pass. I reached the narrow road well before the pass, and I enjoyed a nice easy walk until I reached the highest point on the road. My hopes of a temperature inversion were dashed, as I discovered that I had been in cloud rather than fog when I emerged below it at the road. On the plus side, there were already some breaks in the cloud, and it seemed to be rising quite quickly, so I was hopeful that I would get views during the day. When I said that I was well rested this morning, well, I guess it is all relative. The steep initial climb from the gap was tough on the legs, but to be fair, I wasn't doing too badly. The gradient eased back a little and a lengthy slog followed, across rough ground, as I headed for Caoinkeen 692mtrs. The cloud lifted above the summits and I looked forward to great views for the remainder of the day. As I got higher, the cold wind strengthened, so by the time I reached the broad summit, I was being buffeted. I turned and crossed the wide expanse of bog that lay between me and Knockboy. This was on fairly easy ground, and allowed me some respite, before the steep pull to the top of the highest mountain in county Cork at 706mtrs.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQxXWNaCNIY2jqWuUKQ8rgnQtNQ-2BXIrNit01A8iJBgx1dtcYSrb_n6MPkAbaJ8HZhBbmPIuV5kNC1JRzRhtlTOSl5FDB5au_9D_qiph_XQmz5LBK3Fm5ZOEsoFUZz2lYwsrZ7KkUmc8/s5184/IMG_1708.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQxXWNaCNIY2jqWuUKQ8rgnQtNQ-2BXIrNit01A8iJBgx1dtcYSrb_n6MPkAbaJ8HZhBbmPIuV5kNC1JRzRhtlTOSl5FDB5au_9D_qiph_XQmz5LBK3Fm5ZOEsoFUZz2lYwsrZ7KkUmc8/w640-h360/IMG_1708.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Caoinkeen<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMve_KbolreetGuHD39zDYDc_8Djh5RZT7Mq9yfNf6FkDIwf8qWf2Us9NKOynbVYjJ-TEszLH0BnJ82ZKI_qxXup0sFXILt9SxvA-kNwadQ4yKb_NiGdDIQ7FEp5WqoyKPnpo3BVTvuZvC/s5184/IMG_1712.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMve_KbolreetGuHD39zDYDc_8Djh5RZT7Mq9yfNf6FkDIwf8qWf2Us9NKOynbVYjJ-TEszLH0BnJ82ZKI_qxXup0sFXILt9SxvA-kNwadQ4yKb_NiGdDIQ7FEp5WqoyKPnpo3BVTvuZvC/w640-h360/IMG_1712.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy ground towards Knockboy<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was hard to believe that this would be the highest point I would stand on on this trip, but what lay ahead, was undoubtedly wild. So far I had crossed three roads. Two of them were small little quiet lanes over passes, and the other a busy national route. Over the remainder of the trip I would cross three more, and these would offer good benchmarks of my progress. First up came "the priests leap", a steep narrow road that offers one of the toughest cycles in Ireland. This was just a few kilometres from Knockboy, and as it was mostly downhill, I soon reached it. This was a pleasant place to reach and I speculated about trying to cycle it later in the year...maybe. Onwards and upwards towards the next top. It was really a lovely day to be out on the mountains. The breeze was to my back, the ground was relatively dry and the views were wonderful. I was now in the middle of my third day and I had seen precisely no one, it was fabulous. I decided to head as far as the Caha Pass and try to find somewhere to camp near there. I had initially thought to go as far as the high ground several kilometres beyond the pass, but it was clear that it would be too windswept to camp up there. Over the next 9 kilometres there ensued a series of climbs and drops. Some of the drops crossed wild rough ground, but nothing too long or taxing. Each drop brought me slightly lower, until eventually I reached the pass which is just over 300 metres.As I neared here I was on the lookout for somewhere to set up my home for the night. I contemplated dropping all the way down to the woods near Glengarriff, but opted to try and stay high in the hills if I could. Crossing the pass is a slightly surreal affair as, you don't actually cross the road, but rather stay on the ridge as it crosses over the tunnel at the pass. It is actually quite a nice feeling and the road doesn't encroach on the hike at all. A steep 100 metre climb saw me reach the crest of the ridge on the far side, and from there I could see into the large coum ahead and below.I decided to head for it and hope to find a water source and flat spot to camp. I had to drop slightly lower than I would have liked but eventually, down at around 270mtrs I reached very nice ground, and I had my home for the night. My solitude and peace was only broken by the calling of lambs on the slopes nearby. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XhJ7pKF_hcHOg2D8or1102P-CjcxG5RNNpgwMxkBkHLf7miN8tNNOd0lCYsS385cafkwoVy6mfbqLmrGAfnyTiFL-dVOjtc9Me4wndDt7wFoOB_6MkrxFNNz6xmSM60D7QJlt0H89BjG/s5184/IMG_1719.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XhJ7pKF_hcHOg2D8or1102P-CjcxG5RNNpgwMxkBkHLf7miN8tNNOd0lCYsS385cafkwoVy6mfbqLmrGAfnyTiFL-dVOjtc9Me4wndDt7wFoOB_6MkrxFNNz6xmSM60D7QJlt0H89BjG/w640-h360/IMG_1719.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The priests leap road...looks easy?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyN6XtNa8CkrxIkP-47jzsTIlG80-p0WCVJn03KybAaClcQv-0JUy7z8XkkbjSP9ZsSMHk-Ca8Y3Bt-3OX9iE3GnsJaA0PvNsKFTFXBGRDt1xZ7NU75AhGkY1F6XJDbU7iGldk3yINONEH/s5184/IMG_1720.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyN6XtNa8CkrxIkP-47jzsTIlG80-p0WCVJn03KybAaClcQv-0JUy7z8XkkbjSP9ZsSMHk-Ca8Y3Bt-3OX9iE3GnsJaA0PvNsKFTFXBGRDt1xZ7NU75AhGkY1F6XJDbU7iGldk3yINONEH/w640-h360/IMG_1720.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glengarriff comes into view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDUU1bvFoIXrT9zOAsb2Qa-IFAFc9UEeeNom9DLbtdnFPGE8iVzOww3BjLBS3GLuOhTendvHd5wWxz8j4Jc_wQHi8y5bxWBic0nIePG6zIjzoOpNhW2mnIqZBjcyxlNnuDtrYG30cv2JF/s5184/IMG_1726.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDUU1bvFoIXrT9zOAsb2Qa-IFAFc9UEeeNom9DLbtdnFPGE8iVzOww3BjLBS3GLuOhTendvHd5wWxz8j4Jc_wQHi8y5bxWBic0nIePG6zIjzoOpNhW2mnIqZBjcyxlNnuDtrYG30cv2JF/w640-h360/IMG_1726.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearing the Caha pass<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rNui5hi1kO75wkZJp2-z6bHlfCJjCTrSyWcWrJZmpE1ZSiufsvZM_twvobJyrFtu_hE9tD_9zV5etsRJcAZVyJqVMHzwqS3_FPhOR2daZfn0nXSilMlfITDOTRvxfHo91XGuVU2p3N6T/s5184/IMG_1729.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rNui5hi1kO75wkZJp2-z6bHlfCJjCTrSyWcWrJZmpE1ZSiufsvZM_twvobJyrFtu_hE9tD_9zV5etsRJcAZVyJqVMHzwqS3_FPhOR2daZfn0nXSilMlfITDOTRvxfHo91XGuVU2p3N6T/w640-h360/IMG_1729.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home for night 3<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />It had been a worthy effort...24 kilometres...1500mtrs ascent..1700mtrs descent in 7 hours 45mins.</p><p> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/millstreet-to-castletownbere-hike-day-3-72367477</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhduIi1rkIR1IAIjfYJUB-FE1EUInOlLmr2auyJ8n6I7Yd02JmBHuTOJX7v8aZJ_nQgHNI7607DlabTde75MGjQlgGHpU8Y7pJbqu5mEIe1vPkpDC_uDWuuFoFuXu0r1p-uQvCBWaa_NqZyUE_yqiWWt6oWE2vp--FIxyhEHRyY7UGEkkbGv6an9BdBPg=s813" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="813" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhduIi1rkIR1IAIjfYJUB-FE1EUInOlLmr2auyJ8n6I7Yd02JmBHuTOJX7v8aZJ_nQgHNI7607DlabTde75MGjQlgGHpU8Y7pJbqu5mEIe1vPkpDC_uDWuuFoFuXu0r1p-uQvCBWaa_NqZyUE_yqiWWt6oWE2vp--FIxyhEHRyY7UGEkkbGv6an9BdBPg=w640-h448" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p>Friday April 23rd;</p><p>I had thought/hoped that the wind would have died down overnight but it seemed to have increased in strength by the time I reached the ridge line again. It was however, bright and sunny and promised to remain so for the day. The 250 metre pull to reach the ridge certainly got the heart pumping, but what made my heart soar, was the sight of a pair of sea eagles gliding effortlessly, just above me. This was the best view I have had of these magnificent birds in years. They hovered directly above me, and rode the wind. They seemed keen to take a good long look at me. I stood and stared enraptured for the precious time they remained near. It was a magnificent start to the day. When I resumed my journey, I followed the pleasant ridge, until I climbed to the higher ground at the end of the long remote valley. When I reached this high, wild place, I was very glad I had decided to forgo camping here. The wind was quite strong and even on a clear sunny day, it had a wild remote feel to it. I must confess to having been surprised by the scale of the area. I have chosen to think of it as the "Caha Wilderness". It is easy to now understand why sea eagles have picked this area, as one of the few places in the country, to breed. The boggy expanse holds several small lakes, and when the cloud lies low, I imagine the area would offer some good navigational challenges. Today, it was easy to simply follow the slightly higher ground, over Rams Hill, until I reached a rugged high pass, in which nestled the beautiful Lough Shanoge. A stiff 150 metre climb follows, and then an undulating curving section, of typical Beara ground ensues, as you head for Knockowen 658mtrs.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJPwTJOh6r8oraukBJoISPtk-F0AiwlUFyrBIKZO3U88RBeexPJqnn-EHMo136qm9JtQXAihNYa_LhiOODLrUwGlRPZZiQ5VRi6B90zRib4zf-OUXvJNyGJFIdHZ1t04Ck-SE8LcJQ0rd/s5184/IMG_1737.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJPwTJOh6r8oraukBJoISPtk-F0AiwlUFyrBIKZO3U88RBeexPJqnn-EHMo136qm9JtQXAihNYa_LhiOODLrUwGlRPZZiQ5VRi6B90zRib4zf-OUXvJNyGJFIdHZ1t04Ck-SE8LcJQ0rd/w640-h360/IMG_1737.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Caha Wilderness<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJG9IUvvZypTkPPkV8IvwyTJU6bmJzCAQzmECzfS1d_3jeHXLsE-zxL3CQumd0WVd5L5VmBmQQG4gXhxeQ0CAhdJzTWJ45yQWXmV2BtlPJO1Aaf9owwVudcPgym-xA_DbQeUvPGG1O591/s5184/IMG_1736.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJG9IUvvZypTkPPkV8IvwyTJU6bmJzCAQzmECzfS1d_3jeHXLsE-zxL3CQumd0WVd5L5VmBmQQG4gXhxeQ0CAhdJzTWJ45yQWXmV2BtlPJO1Aaf9owwVudcPgym-xA_DbQeUvPGG1O591/w640-h360/IMG_1736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwCrrcOoxz-Ct-oS0epSXcvIPwon6slfuGDj_rowvogJbSbgHK1VpBFu5LLsgcFGmNmPIzTwlhJ1ogyuEaISD7_Z0qiAc43gwc8HfCo-5jqHPSOvDflTwsIAL1G1fdYYsFp3toN1SW8yE/s5184/IMG_1735.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwCrrcOoxz-Ct-oS0epSXcvIPwon6slfuGDj_rowvogJbSbgHK1VpBFu5LLsgcFGmNmPIzTwlhJ1ogyuEaISD7_Z0qiAc43gwc8HfCo-5jqHPSOvDflTwsIAL1G1fdYYsFp3toN1SW8yE/w640-h360/IMG_1735.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmiXZ3tCSnjj4c3Zg7HOvdItyktw4GfmBY_JKrHMQp8BmzY5EEeBUDbHw0bLvEKf7PM3Kc8Xa_bnAQSSZPzVYx0yHMLoFWVIvq6zHuD_axe6hmTBoxsrS9ZZPjgGbY50Q8tkgLlb77MBs/s5184/IMG_1734.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmiXZ3tCSnjj4c3Zg7HOvdItyktw4GfmBY_JKrHMQp8BmzY5EEeBUDbHw0bLvEKf7PM3Kc8Xa_bnAQSSZPzVYx0yHMLoFWVIvq6zHuD_axe6hmTBoxsrS9ZZPjgGbY50Q8tkgLlb77MBs/w640-h360/IMG_1734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This section offers a great example of the difficulties you experience when hiking on the Beara Peninsula. The ground is mostly crossed with rock strata, that almost constantly makes you chicane around ridges of rock, and offers many mini climbs, of anything from a couple of metres to ten metres. This ground isn't represented on the maps, but it adds up to a lot of extra ascent in the course of the day. From Knockowen, I now had my sights set on the next road pass of the trip, the Healy Pass. Another road that offers one of the best cycles in the country, which I have "enjoyed" several times. It was a straightforward, three kilometre descent to the pass. Here, I saw my first people of the trip. It was still quite early when I arrived, so I simply crossed the narrow road and headed steeply up the far side, and headed for the wonderful Hungry Hill. The scenery all around is simply wonderful. The Beara Peninsula is truly one of the most beautiful areas in the country, and is without doubt, one of my favourite places to visit. I was emotionally torn as well. I knew I was nearing the end of this trek, and I was really pleased that it had gone so well. On the other hand, it was because it had gone so well, that I was sad that it was going to end. Because of the pandemic, the cable car to Dursey Island was closed. This was a real shame, as being able to go to Dursey Island would have added a couple of extra days to the journey. When I reached the final col before Hungry Hill, I was again getting tired. I wasn't really looking forward to the 250mtr climb to the summit. It went surprisingly well however, and once on the broad top I knew that all the climbing was done for the day. The wind up here was really strong, so I knew I would have to go lower to find somewhere to camp. From the top I turned due west and descended the steep ground towards the valley far below. Bands of steep rock criss-crossed the face of the hill and made it necessary to zig-zag a bit on the way down. Interspersed with the rock, were some level grassy sections, which on a calmer day, would offer great places to camp. Once I had dropped a couple of hundred metres, I became hopeful that I would find someplace out of the wind, that would offer sanctuary for the night. Finally, down at around the 300 metre contour, I came across a likely spot and headed for it. I dropped my bag in the warm sunshine and enjoyed the excellent views, out of the wind. Home. A very pleasant few hours passed and I chilled and fed myself in splendid solitude. Alas, for some reason, as the evening closed in, the wind managed to find my campsite and it buffeted the tent right through the night. I guess nothing is ever perfect.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRa5JgsXcbFK3jbMk5gX-A6d0DGcGTUYMsw7yJZVXu0WUniV6BQx4mKSUR5naJVEfvHF1j6vuq8XhoKQ4XJsn7_wLWlGbS8YXC61RRtNZcsqfW8w6VBmKM68P8EHomFvmwr9-9Z0dys6N/s5184/IMG_1743.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRa5JgsXcbFK3jbMk5gX-A6d0DGcGTUYMsw7yJZVXu0WUniV6BQx4mKSUR5naJVEfvHF1j6vuq8XhoKQ4XJsn7_wLWlGbS8YXC61RRtNZcsqfW8w6VBmKM68P8EHomFvmwr9-9Z0dys6N/w640-h360/IMG_1743.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjMD4sr7rHYuKUUozbEekj8ZkdYpqWCfjYIO2GsXbCz4GmTLuqwrRY2NEWmc-vKSmjtB-XqjFCWmENfAo6SABG8L6UkfHGlMWwfqah4NmDCxKR-nun2gZSM7ZUd9p3XKwfFypr3sYYD7z/s5184/IMG_1746.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjMD4sr7rHYuKUUozbEekj8ZkdYpqWCfjYIO2GsXbCz4GmTLuqwrRY2NEWmc-vKSmjtB-XqjFCWmENfAo6SABG8L6UkfHGlMWwfqah4NmDCxKR-nun2gZSM7ZUd9p3XKwfFypr3sYYD7z/w640-h360/IMG_1746.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearing the Healy Pass<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqodzONomishPKKt0qCFhHqVvSRjiKHpQI4wraSjElLM6F3_b_9JfHo_7Kln5dWIJICQ6-oyjT97iNOhRY1yTJvJ0pyWQfFQxIbmFhIZXTWTz4oE7vUClNKxRgu6Xp8caI5Jrt68A-Krp/s5184/IMG_1750.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqodzONomishPKKt0qCFhHqVvSRjiKHpQI4wraSjElLM6F3_b_9JfHo_7Kln5dWIJICQ6-oyjT97iNOhRY1yTJvJ0pyWQfFQxIbmFhIZXTWTz4oE7vUClNKxRgu6Xp8caI5Jrt68A-Krp/w640-h360/IMG_1750.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLF8uuxYs1HyVVaI39WVkQpObP1DAn-xTK9tm-wZC3rMXSHeFjVrTkkHJVI0iVtM2mY5lJpRrl_gDhgcAr5wyKfA6jkYFBmF6LOk3YSlDUAj1LxuYd2a6zj8CvCbWZUrt-0xqF_c6tieh/s5184/IMG_1753.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLF8uuxYs1HyVVaI39WVkQpObP1DAn-xTK9tm-wZC3rMXSHeFjVrTkkHJVI0iVtM2mY5lJpRrl_gDhgcAr5wyKfA6jkYFBmF6LOk3YSlDUAj1LxuYd2a6zj8CvCbWZUrt-0xqF_c6tieh/w640-h360/IMG_1753.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Hungry Hill<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUQeESjNweF96xU3Gp1uT6FGaCduA7Lg5LC3obo1ecahF8zG8qjcpb8Y80ZINjnEroDid1PgKRdQa1-ZvQgaZm8QPuiJJ-gxKVhcC4PPh5nX8NQsOZP3lbYoQVEzazRN1NmuKiNVisjJt/s5184/IMG_1758.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUQeESjNweF96xU3Gp1uT6FGaCduA7Lg5LC3obo1ecahF8zG8qjcpb8Y80ZINjnEroDid1PgKRdQa1-ZvQgaZm8QPuiJJ-gxKVhcC4PPh5nX8NQsOZP3lbYoQVEzazRN1NmuKiNVisjJt/w640-h360/IMG_1758.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home for night 4<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />Another substantial day...21 kilometres...1850mtrs ascent...7 hours 10 mins.</p><p> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/millstreet-to-castletownbere-day-4-72430521</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWbDezHgGe4muEB_vKAB3L1w465j-MOGikicuGEKzVt-UdU-BafAlyeUJx7iSI3e7fA0Qqwjqy4HIO5ymOZJUnLTYc_BvWtlj9cNG6-hJifIJKAc9YpSxEZKyMl_XMhczlHX-wWTkaIIxvbMunQa-1PIiztXcb5q4Zun3mBkj1bGCNitKdfV5dt-JVjA=s811" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="811" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWbDezHgGe4muEB_vKAB3L1w465j-MOGikicuGEKzVt-UdU-BafAlyeUJx7iSI3e7fA0Qqwjqy4HIO5ymOZJUnLTYc_BvWtlj9cNG6-hJifIJKAc9YpSxEZKyMl_XMhczlHX-wWTkaIIxvbMunQa-1PIiztXcb5q4Zun3mBkj1bGCNitKdfV5dt-JVjA=w640-h454" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p>Saturday April 24th;</p><p>Considering that I slept very little overnight, I felt surprisingly rested when I extricated myself from my warm sleeping bag this morning. It was still breezy, but the skies were clear, and once again it promised to stay dry for the day. It is very seldom that I have gone for a substantial hike and not needed to use my rain gear at any stage. Anyway, after breakfast I headed down to the low ground, where I could join the Beara way for a little while. The descent went well, with only a few rocky sections that were easily avoided. Soon I was down by the rather anemic river (the dry spell had taken it's toll) and I set off along the way. I had intended on following this until it crested the ridge ahead, and then following a bog road to the base of Knocknagree, but I found myself heading up slightly steeper ground, and I decided to continue in this way until I reached the wild ground, well before the final climb of Knocknagree. Once I reached the ridge, the wind was again quite strong, but this didn't detract from the wonderful views. The glory of the Iveragh Peninsula lay along the northern skyline. To the south the beautiful Sheeps Head peninsula lay across Bantry Bay and of course, you are in the heart of the Beara. It was sublime. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX7NcjOocIkbsSAxICfJCLrJY7fGihe3lXUWWm9FUSCYqm36CF3dVZn9y-tGfTbY6lvPtKN9PpBRb2rtHRGp5PSqDfammsAC2wzW_mq4E2DBEwzrD24ywxWsnqjFDIBnFsVuL6YnW5Lwb/s5184/IMG_1765.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX7NcjOocIkbsSAxICfJCLrJY7fGihe3lXUWWm9FUSCYqm36CF3dVZn9y-tGfTbY6lvPtKN9PpBRb2rtHRGp5PSqDfammsAC2wzW_mq4E2DBEwzrD24ywxWsnqjFDIBnFsVuL6YnW5Lwb/w640-h360/IMG_1765.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before Knocknagree<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9n4-IeYXQSfJcX8jsYgRqa4EIEYI3H7WovHJL3j6DJxTw6tC79NIisvCC9FPEnNebNe15vYqh3OL2fd6xvlNXKuwbG53x9K4Wf8rucltnG6X3PliJ-d4hP30K6Qn0H2FOO47xcCfOXKc/s5184/IMG_1775.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9n4-IeYXQSfJcX8jsYgRqa4EIEYI3H7WovHJL3j6DJxTw6tC79NIisvCC9FPEnNebNe15vYqh3OL2fd6xvlNXKuwbG53x9K4Wf8rucltnG6X3PliJ-d4hP30K6Qn0H2FOO47xcCfOXKc/w640-h360/IMG_1775.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards Allihies...future promise<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hO1y1l6EZ7fBUEZCS3zmAXBNI8pN-V-56JxF1D4pPDre6OaO1ynxKXcmVJYp3xY5wgTku738Uliy5FgF7y0cVyAAF7ZmZrhJ-MiBcS9xat5eU7Y6MkB1KhlJKRyJIOSfV85KowLCFc11/s4685/IMG_1776+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2631" data-original-width="4685" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hO1y1l6EZ7fBUEZCS3zmAXBNI8pN-V-56JxF1D4pPDre6OaO1ynxKXcmVJYp3xY5wgTku738Uliy5FgF7y0cVyAAF7ZmZrhJ-MiBcS9xat5eU7Y6MkB1KhlJKRyJIOSfV85KowLCFc11/w640-h360/IMG_1776+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Journeys end.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The final 150mtr climb to the rugged top passed quickly enough. I even enjoyed some scrambling by opting to climb some of the buttresses that are en route. With the wind being so strong, I didn't hang around too long on top before I headed to the boggy pass below Maulin. When I reached the pass I decided to include the north top in my trip. This only added a few extra metres to the climbing and not much more than a kilometre in distance. Finally I stood on the broad top of Maulin 621mtrs, and from here it was all downhill to the still distant Castletownbere. I could have gone down due south and rejoined the Beara Way that way, but I decided to follow the southwest ridge and join the way a little further on. If I was going to continue towards Allihies, then this would have been the route to take. As I went down I was constantly scanning the land beyond and trying to pick a possible future route. Eventually, I arrived at the flatter ground, and I began the final seven kilometres to the town. Wow, the difference in temperature down here was huge. On the tops, it was necessary to have hat coat and gloves on all the time. Now it was baselayer and sleeves rolled up for the remainder of the way. Eventually the open bog gave way to shady, country lanes, and these too had their charm. I arrived into the busy fishing port at 12.15, in loads of time to catch my bus back to Cork city where I could get a train home.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UnG2K9ZGEwFp8I7UVu65o-aRoJ_bVcVzPQPMZnqxbjBs1SwiOVN3ZW0D2XPzefCH87zhwmFickkPtpzqEmijwhVPDIwGY4TMkYaeR9HNrZZOmEmwmh1U-rHtL2HFyzlzn3bgW5euBmec/s2048/IMG_20210424_101308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UnG2K9ZGEwFp8I7UVu65o-aRoJ_bVcVzPQPMZnqxbjBs1SwiOVN3ZW0D2XPzefCH87zhwmFickkPtpzqEmijwhVPDIwGY4TMkYaeR9HNrZZOmEmwmh1U-rHtL2HFyzlzn3bgW5euBmec/w400-h300/IMG_20210424_101308.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br />It had been a relatively easy outing today..Just 15 kilometres covered...800 metres ascent...4 hours 45 mins.</p><p> https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/millstreet-to-castletownbere-day-5-72430730</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAnSHHwS8prq5J67ChW1cXJyxftwvUr5emFaFKvad15Ju6y7_738rgtgCpbtFV9RBogZ-Q1iPejnxSBQI1PYmgkCsWZt8SJFK1CpUVza8QJDTRKmT6R-NL7QfZZzgVz6oE1T3UTc8AFzkECF5zExlwpmebeowcl_FBW0R2f-CpR2Pfi3dbNJgLk4KUdQ=s816" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="816" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAnSHHwS8prq5J67ChW1cXJyxftwvUr5emFaFKvad15Ju6y7_738rgtgCpbtFV9RBogZ-Q1iPejnxSBQI1PYmgkCsWZt8SJFK1CpUVza8QJDTRKmT6R-NL7QfZZzgVz6oE1T3UTc8AFzkECF5zExlwpmebeowcl_FBW0R2f-CpR2Pfi3dbNJgLk4KUdQ=w640-h450" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p></p><p> I enjoyed a delicious roll and a couple of coffees and basked in the very pleasant warm sun. When the appointed time for the bus to arrive came, and passed, I found myself half hoping that it wouldn't arrive at all. I could return along the way and resume my journey to Allihies. I didn't get to dream for long however, as after a couple of minutes the bus arrived and I set off for home. The journey passed well, and the views, as we neared Adrigole, of the savage east face of Hungry Hill, were simply world class. I reminisced on the trip and basked in the glow of a hike well done. There is no doubt that I suffered at times, but I got stronger as the days passed, and of course I was really fortunate with the weather. Over the five days, I covered a total of 112 kilometres and climbed a total of 6200 metres. It felt like it had been as good a hike I had done anywhere. I am enthused about the rest of the year. Here's hoping there are more good trips like this too come.<br /></p><p><br /></p>Stephen McAuliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986541400713518034noreply@blogger.com9