Maljasset

29 August 2015:  Many days of hiking in the Alps comprise two distinct parts:  One hikes from a valley up to a pass, and then one hikes down to a valley on the other side.  There are generally spectacular views along the way, especially at the pass, which reward the effort of climbing hundreds of vertical meters.  The hike down can be quite a strain on knees and ankles, but there's generally a refuge or gîte d'étape offering rest and refreshment at the end of the day's trail. 

Today's hike was a good example of this pattern:  We hiked up from Ceillac (1639 m.), passing the beautiful Lac des Près-Soubeyrand (2287 m.) and Lac Saint-Anne (2415 m.), to arrive at the Col Girardin (2700 m.).  What a view!

Then we hiked down to Maljasset (1910 m.).  That part of the hike took less than two hours, but it was very difficult, especially at the end, because the trail was steep and in poor condition (rocky, with crumbly shale and scree).  We were very pleased finally to reach the CAF refuge there, a comfortable place with a warm welcome and good food!

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Departure from Ceillac:  After a pleasant walk on a broad, grassy path beside the river, we climbed through the forest on a good, steep trail. 

Chloé refilled her water bag from the Cascade de la Pisse [sic].

We emerged from the forest at the Lac des Près-Soubeyrand, where we found a good place for lunch. 

This blue flower is quite rare and always a delight to encounter.  We do not know its name.  Perhaps some reader of this blog could tell us. 

After lunch, we climbed above the tree line to the Lac Sainte-Anne.  The turquoise of the water made a dazzling contrast with the austere surroundings.  We camped beside the lake in late September 1989, our highest campsite during that hike (2415 m.).  It was cold that night!

Chloé went for an invigorating swim in the lake!

Looking back at Lac Sainte-Anne as we hiked up to the Col Girardin:

Final approach to the Col Girardin:

Col Girardin, the boundary between the Departments of the Hautes-Alpes and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence:

The descent from the Col Girardin:

The trail here was very difficult.

The CAF Refuge in Maljasset: