Our hike began with an easy climb through a forest, traversing gradually across a steep slope. Then the trail descended sharply, twisting and turning amidst rocks and roots that were glistening with moisture. Each step had to be planned and executed with care. We were pleased finally to reach the bottom of that slope! We then walked for awhile on a dirt road beside a roaring stream that was swollen by the recent rains.
In the afternoon, we entered the Parc National de la Vanoise (France's first national park, established in 1963). We paused for coffee at the Refuge-Porte de Rosuel. There was a big festival of traditional mountain life under way nearby – an annual affair, every August 15 (Ascension). The rain did not appear to be dampening people's spirits – the weather is always bad on August 15, according to a boy who explained to us what was happening.
We hiked from the Porte de Rosuel (1556 m.) up to the Refuge d'Entre le Lac (2145 m.). The rain continued, but it was a good trail (albeit lacking water breaks, so the trail was often a stream bed) in a magnificent valley.
The Refuge d'Entre le Lac is a rustic place (looking around, Mary declared that it appeared to be run by bachelors), but dinner was good and we were able to dry our wet clothes. What more could we ask?
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The view from our hotel window this morning:
Getting started:
Some of last night's hail had not yet melted:
A tree that had recently fallen (during last night's storm?) obstructed our progress.
The long, delicate descent:
The rain filled the river.
The Refuge-Porte de Rosuel is a beautiful building, designed to withstand an avalanche. (We wonder whether it has ever been put to the test by an actual avalanche?) We spent the night here in September 1989. Today, we stopped for coffee & tea – plus a little treat for Carroll. It was pleasant to get out of the rain, next to a fire, for awhile.
We hiked for more than 3 hrs from Rosuel to the refuge. We'd like to repeat that hike some time in better weather!
Smile, Carroll! Remember when we were complaining about the blazing sunshine and temperatures around 40 degrees?
A welcome sight: the Refuge d'Entre le Lac.
Access to the refuge by a rickety bridge:
It's warm and dry in there!
I'm enjoying every day of this hike, thanks. Definitely something to write home about.
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