Today's trail was one of the best that I've seen in the Alps, both climbing and descending: It was generally broad and smooth, with good switchbacks when traversing a steep slope.
Since descending from the Vanoise massif to Modane several days ago, we've noticed a change in the vegetation and terrain. It reminds us of the hills and mountains of California and Texas. Compared to Haute Savoie and Savoie, the soil here is drier and sandier, the pine forests are more open, and the beautiful, unique mélèze (larch), whose green needles turn yellow and then fall like leaves in the autumn, is now present in the forest.
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Morning at Les Granges de la Vallée Étroite: Le Grand Séru and Mont Thabor welcome the sun.
A group of adults and children arrived at the refuge last night. They are hiking with three llamas, each of which can carry a load up to 30 kg. I missed the chance to photograph their arrival, but found the llamas this morning as they awoke from their evening rest and had their breakfast.
Departure from Les Granges de la Vallée Étroite:
Around Lac des Thures:
I remember taking a picture of this cabin in 1989!
After Lac des Thures, I followed a variant trail, the GR5B. Later, I followed the GR57 down to Plampinet.
Mélèze forest:
After crossing a ridge, the descending trail traversed a very steep slope with many switchbacks.
The final section of the trail followed the valley bottom to Plampinet.
Auberge La Cleïda:
I've enjoyed traveling with Le Grand Séru to keep me company. Fantastic geology. Apparently that sort of formation in the Alps is the result of uplifted basement material from very deep down, making it very hard and dense (basalt?). Great panoramic views of the countryside.
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